Since dairy farmers can’t always predict future dairy trends and milk prices, Mary Ledman, global dairy strategist , relies on more than 30 years of industry experience to explain what’s ahead. Ledman focuses on the key export regions around the world that account for over 80% of global dairy export...

In November, U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action (USFRA) and the Council for Agricultural Science & Technology (CAST) released a full report titled “Potential for U.S. Agriculture to Be Greenhouse Gas Negative.” Through multiple webinars, the lead scientists and writers spoke about the inspiration to ...

Most who have raised sheep or goats are quick to say these animals look for ways to die. Newborns are especially prone to succumbing to what seems like no reason, but veterinarian Dr. Rosie Busch said many causes of early neonatal death are preventable. “Up to 50% of pre-weaned lamb and kid mortalit...

Growing cover crops is not a passive practice. That was the message that Dr. Marcelo Wallau, forage Extension specialist with the University of Florida’s Institute of Food & Agricultural Sciences, aimed to drive home during his presentation at the 2024 American Forage & Grassland Council’s annual co...

One of the most frightening experiences for anyone is learning that a friend or family member is considering ending their life. The impact of suicide in farming communities is unique. In rural communities with smaller populations, many people know “everyone” and there’s a familiarity among individua...

When Laura Paletta, outreach specialist with the University of Wisconsin, talks about manure, she emphasizes the importance of knowing when nutrient losses occur. This knowledge helps farm managers develop best management practices for the operation. March is the month most runoff occurs, primarily ...

Feed is commonly the largest expense on a livestock farm, and the quality of the feed can make or break the herd. At the first Maine Forage Conference in November, Nicholas Richardson, the sales manager at Kent Nutrition Group’s Blue Seal Retail Stores Division, explained the importance of testing y...

One of the most significant forest and landscape trees, the American beech, is in trouble. Dr. Andrew Loyd, plant pathologist in the research lab of Bartlett Tree Experts , is determined to keep the species healthy and thriving. “Beech are an important species,” said Loyd. “They are found around the...

Sulfur (S) assists crops in forming beneficial amino acids, proteins and oils. It’s also needed to produce chlorophyll. In the past, crops were able to utilize atmospheric S. An unintended effect of anti-pollution efforts is the reduction of levels of atmospheric S. Consequently, crops now often nee...

Because beef cattle aren’t typically handled daily, it’s important to establish a clear plan prior to working a group of cattle to avoid stress and injury to humans and animals. Handling begins at the chute area before cattle arrive. Prior to gathering cattle, be sure the approach area, holding pens...

Building soil organic matter and protecting soil from erosion are two well-known benefits of cover crops. Cover crops are also a common weed control tool. According to Extension specialist Mark VanGessel of the University of Delaware, what is often overlooked, however, is the impact of herbicide car...

Part 3: Achieving reductions without breaking the bank When it comes to what happens in just about every economic sector, including agriculture, keep in mind that “As goes California, so goes the nation.” It may take a while, but the Golden State is often the harbinger of what will happen in the res...

Lee Turkey Farm in East Windsor, NJ, spans seven generations. The sixth generation, at the helm, is Ronny and Janet Lee. The farm was bought in 1868 by the Updike family. The Updikes’ only daughter, Lamatie Updike, married Ronny’s great-grandfather, Charles Lee. From the 1860s to the 1900s, it was a...

MOUNT JOY, PA – Messick’s Equipment in Mount Joy is excited to announce the opening of their Christmas light show for its 12th year. The show is free and open to the public. We invite the community to either drive up and watch the show from their car or park and watch the show from the bleachers. En...

Farmers often reminisce about the days when they could easily fix their own car, truck or tractor. For many, it was an opportunity to share mechanical skills with the next generation. While advanced technology led to major improvements in farm equipment, it also placed equipment repair beyond the sc...