by Sally Colby
Savvy farmers in early civilizations managed cropland drainage for higher yields. Over the years, farmers experimented with a variety of drainage methods, including clay pipes that were widely used until the 1970s. But no matter what the year or design, the goal was the same: to keep excess water away from roots. (more…)
by Courtney Llewellyn
The annual Ag Outlook Forum is promoted as a first chance to get a comprehensive preview of what lies ahead from leading experts in agriculture. Presented by the Agricultural Business Council of Kansas City, this year’s hybrid event featured lectures and discussions from such varied sectors as animal health, sustainability, livestock, soybeans and economics, as well as an address from the U.S. Secretary of Agriculture. (more…)
by Sally Colby
Paul Bleiberg, senior vice president for government affairs with NMPF, provided an overview of the new Pandemic Market Volatility Assistance Program during a recent call with the Center for Dairy Excellence. (more…)
by Enrico Villamaino
Farmers across America are set to receive $464 million from the USDA. In a press conference on Sept. 9, U.S. Ag Secretary Tom Vilsack outlined how the funds will be administered.
The monies will be distributed via two existing USDA programs. (more…)
by Troy Bishopp
GROTON, NY – If ever there was a time to improve a cow lane out to the pasture, it would be now. With recent rains improving forage quality and growth, dairy cows and livestock are poised to optimize performance. That’s if they can get to the pasture in an efficient and safe manner. (more…)
by Sally Colby
At harvest time, equipment operators have a responsibility to ensure safety for themselves and others who are using the roads. There’s a good chance many motorists who encounter tractors, trucks and harvest equipment don’t understand what it’s like behind the wheel of a tractor or other farm vehicle. Those farming in or passing through heavily populated areas should be aware that some motorists may not have driven around farm equipment and are unsure what to do. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
When COVID-19 shut down the world, many businesses selling directly to customers, including those in agriculture, pivoted to selling online, even those that had not done so before. Many businesses have continued online sales in addition to those at their reopened brick-and-mortar salespoints. To help businesses offer better copy on their websites, Amanda Basse presented “How to Write Product Descriptions that Convert” as a recent webinar hosted by the Rhode Island Small Business Development Center. (more…)
by Sally Colby
Farmers are tasked with ensuring the health and well-being of their animals, and that sometimes involves the use of antibiotics. But farmers are also aware of growing concerns around antibiotic use. (more…)
by Sally Colby
Visitors to Slayton’s BearDance, owned by Paul and Bette Slayton, are impressed by the Hereford cattle grazing on the rolling hills. But it isn’t just about cattle – Paul said being in the cattle business means being in the people business. (more…)
It’s been a busy summer, and weather-wise not the best. We had lots of hot, humid weather followed by what was considered the rainiest July ever – at least that’s what my hay supplier stated when he brought the last of our winter’s supply of hay and finished filling the barn over the weekend. We’re usually finished filling our barn much earlier in the summer but with all the rain it’s made making good hay very difficult. (more…)
by Enrico Villamaino
As a co-owner of a family farm operating in Illinois for nearly 150 years, Martha King is very aware of how profound technological advancements can change farm operations. “Obviously,” she said, “our farm has seen extraordinary changes over the past century and a half.” (more…)
by Sally Colby
When it comes to policy making in Washington, D.C., farmers are grateful to have someone on their side. Congressman Glenn “GT” Thompson, U.S. Representative for Pennsylvania’s 15th District and Republican leader of the House Committee on Agriculture, discussed current ag issues recently at Ag Progress Days. (more…)
