Once, not that long ago, a farmer was simply a farmer. They planted seeds, grew crops, raised livestock and then sold it, sometimes without ever having to speak to a member of the public. These days, however, consumers want to know where their food is coming from and they want to connect with farm o...

The first time Dr. Ashley Kennedy saw the term “insect apocalypse” in print was in the New York Times in November 2018. “It was a report about a meta-analysis of 73 independent reports of insect declines all over the world,” she said. Kennedy pointed out that while this is good news for human leisur...

For several years now, I have subscribed to the online Argus North American Fertilizer (ANAF) newsletter. It’s a semi-monthly publication, the most recent one being Sept. 29. ANAF writers stated that U.S. negotiators have convinced railroad brass and union leaders to agree, tentatively, on a new lab...

“Swift” normally wouldn’t be an adjective to describe New York State’s bureaucracy. However, as several state legislators called for the elimination of the NYS Farm Laborers Wage Board and rejection of their recommendation to lower the overtime threshold to 40 hours, Labor Commissioner Roberta Reard...

CANASTOTA, NY – It’s fitting that the Northeast Highland Cattle Association came together at Matt and Wendi Campbell’s Ridgeville Farm for their annual meeting because of their 24-year Highland cattle love affair that started with a trip for ice cream. Matt recalled the family going out for an eveni...

Farmers install anaerobic digesters for a variety of reasons, including manure management, odor reduction and revenue potential. Anaerobic digestion involves the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Anaerobic digesters work best with a steady diet of slurry or semi-solid manure. Man...

Yield monitors have helped farmers track crop performance for years. But to maximize profit, the data have to be taken a step further, according to Dr. Terry Griffin, an associate professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University. Griffin spoke with Country Folks about how farmers can b...

It’s harvest time. A mother prepares to go to the field by downloading movies on a phone or tablet to keep her toddler quiet in the tractor; another carefully lines a laundry basket with a fluffy blanket for her infant. Both moms add drinks and snacks and they’re ready to go. Later that day, the sam...

The rise in popularity in “local grains” prompted further research in organic growing practices for Ellen Mallory, Extension professor and Cooperative Extension agent with the School of Food and Agriculture at the University of Maine. Mallory presented “Organic Grain Research Mashup” earlier this ye...

Many rural and suburban youth experience their first paid employment on a farm. Attorney Michael Harrington, Ford Harrison Law, said hiring factors vary by state and depend on age, whether school is in session and what kind of work teens are allowed to do. There are federal restrictions on certain a...

The 142nd Grahamsville “Little World’s Fair” took place Aug. 19 – 21. The “Little World’s Fair” is the longest-running independent fair in New York State. Hosted by the Neversink Agricultural Society, it is also the official Sullivan County Fair. We decided to head over to see the fair on Friday, wh...

Just after dark on March 19 of this year, lightning flashed south of our home in central Otsego County. This electrical storm was caused by the northward aggression of the southern branch of the planet’s northern jet stream. This allowed a southern moisture-laden air mass to slam into a drier cold a...

Heavy equipment of any kind, new or used, is a major investment. Taking care of equipment results in fewer breakdowns during essential work, longer useful life and contributes to worker safety. Whether the equipment is a farm tractor, skid steer or more specialized equipment such as a wood chipper, ...

Why isn’t hemp in animal feed? That’s the question the National Industrial Hemp Council of America (NIHCA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) discussed in a recent virtual meeting regarding overcoming challenges and gaining approval for the potential feed option. Dr. Mass...

WASHINGTON, D.C. – Playing in the climate-smart sandbox has made for some strange bedfellows. What brought 70 projects and their “non-partisan,” happy grant writers together for a carbon-neutral future? $2.8 billion (yep, with a B). Guess that’s enough cash to bring about partnerships from Cargill t...