by Sally Colby
Through his work as an ag engineer at Penn State, Dan McFarland visits numerous dairy farms. On most farms, the owner knows how many cows are in a given group or area, but not in relation to the number of stalls or feeding space. (more…)
by Sally Colby
Veterinarian Dr. Adrian Barragan, Penn State Extension, wants dairy farmers to understand that spending money on special cows is worth the investment. But which cows are special, and how should they be housed? (more…)
by Sally Colby
Like many farms, Gro-Lan Farms had a simple start, but the Grove family continually sought improvements that would increase efficiency and cow comfort.
“It was a homestead started by my grandfather in 1918,” said Jay Grove, who has been farming in Shippensburg, PA, for many years with his brother Jeff. “There was a log house and a barn, and a mud hole of a pond in between.” (more…)
by Karl H. Kazaks
ROXBORO, NC – Johnny Rogers walked through a field of warm-season annual forages, checking on a group of his registered Red Angus cattle.
To inspect the cowpeas and daikon radish and brassica growing at ground level – the field was planted with Ray’s Crazy Summer Mix – Rogers pushed aside long stalks of sorghum sudangrass and sunflower. (more…)
by Enrico Villamaino
“Waste not, want not.” It’s a well-known proverb. Although the origins of this expression date back to the late 18th century, it became far more popular and saw more everyday use after being a featured line in the hit 1930s film “Topper Takes a Trip.” (more…)
by Sally Colby
Alternative energy projects are popping up across the country, often the result of a power company approaching a landowner to obtain land for solar or wind projects. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Is your farm on Twitter? Michele Walfred, communications specialist with University of Delaware Extension, believes more farms should embrace this social media platform. She presented “Yes, It’s Time for Twitter. Really.” as a recent webinar hosted by University of Maryland Extension and MidAtlantic Women in Agriculture. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
If you sell directly to consumers, your farm’s website represents a critical piece of your marketing strategy. Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT) offered “How to Create a Farm Website That Sells” as a recent webinar presented by Charlotte Smith, owner of 3 Cow Marketing. Larissa McKenna, human farming Program director for FACT, moderated. FACT is a non-profit advocacy organization promoting safe, humane production of meat, milk and eggs. (more…)
by Tamara Scully
Tall grass grazing relies on the relationship between the pasture plants and the soil microbial organisms. This relationship, based on nutrient cycling, is the key to growing nutritious and plentiful pasture. Whether growing warm or cool season grasses – or both, depending on your growing region – tall grass grazing eliminates fertilizer applications while keeping animals healthy and productive. (more…)
by Sally Colby
Hemp has faded in and out of history, and its contributions have been easily forgotten. But efforts by citizens, researchers and lawmakers led to hemp’s removal from the Schedule I Drugs list in January 2019. (more…)
by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant
Many businesses use social media as part of their marketing strategy. Charlotte Smith, owner of 3 Cow Marketing, believes farmers shouldn’t be an exception. She presented “How to Find & Engage with Customers on Social Media” as a recent webinar hosted by Food Animal Concerns Trust (FACT). (more…)
by Sally Colby
For farmers grazing cattle in an organic system, winter housing is an important consideration. Many farmers are choosing to outwinter cattle, an old system that’s getting new attention. (more…)
