Upcoming antibiotic rule change
The rumors are true. As of June 11, 2023, farmers will no longer be able to purchase antibiotics over the counter or through mail order without a veterinarian’s prescription. (more…)
Sharing is caring with farm equipment
In the 1990s, Sweden began to see the establishment of equipment sharing groups or “machine rings.” Today there are 20 local associations with about 5,000 members – approximately 6% of all (more…)
Regenerative practices as a draw for farm visitors
Agritourism operators are in a unique position to add regenerative practices to their enterprises, according to Nicole Vaugeois, associate vice president of research at Vancouver Island University (more…)
Nitrogenous Nuisance
Last Saturday my friend Brian called me with a feeding management question. He manages a small biodynamic dairy (more…)
Observing cow behavior to make improvements
Dan McFarland, Penn State ag engineer, said time-lapse photography is valuable for troubleshooting barn issues and improving facility management, but to get the best use from this (more…)
Financial tips for farmers heading into the new year
As farmers reflect on a demanding 2022 season they simultaneously start planning for the challenges the 2023 season will present. Careful planning can greatly increase a producer’s chances (more…)
Put online reviews into play
Alison Lane, business advisor with the Maine Small Business Development Center (MSBDC), has a confession: “Up until a year ago, we only had a couple reviews on the MSBDC Bangor Office (more…)
Cultured livestock and poultry cells
When you think of U.S. animal agriculture, I bet “cultured” livestock cells didn’t pop into your mind, but it may be getting closer to a grocer near you. (more…)
Late Fall Sublimation
At dawn this Dec. 13, the remote-sensing thermometer showed an outdoor reading of 8.5º F. (more…)
Google can boost passive lead generation
Although some farms have websites, many do not optimize them to attract more customers and clients, according to Jo Cook, founder of Sun & Soil Website Design and a small farm in Michigan. (more…)
Pig psychology in Panton
Earlier this year, during the International Workshop on Agritourism in Vermont, attendees were invited to visit different farms in the Burlington area to see how they incorporated agritourism (more…)
Beyond Lyme disease: Learning from Australia – Managing Theileriosis in cattle
Australian veterinary parasitologist Dr. Matthew Playford is sharing with U.S. cattle producers what his country has done to raise awareness of potential, serious infection transmitted by (more…)
Fertilizer supply/demand update
Logically, any discussion of fertilizer costs should be relegated to the back burner this time of year, even at most Northeast locations. (more…)
What to check for winter equipment hibernation
While many farmers are diligent in keeping up with proper maintenance of their farm equipment throughout their working season, care must be taken in equal measure during the colder off season. (more…)
Manure and disease transmission
Manure applicators face a variety of potential health issues from both direct and indirect exposure to livestock manure.
There are risks all along the manure pathway, starting with animals (more…)
