OLD BRIDGE, NJ – While it wasn’t in his master plan to expand one aspect of his business, veteran Garden State vegetable and fruit farmer John Hauser said his egg sales business has evolved – profitably – since 1985, when he began raising layer hens in his backyard. Like a lot of farm stands, Hauser...

New York Farm Bureau hosts an annual call each January to go over its public policy priorities for the year. It appears as if 2021 will showcase a continuation of the topics concerning Empire State agriculture from last year. NYFB President David Fisher began the call by stating, “2020 was a challen...

Though snow may cover your cornfields, now is a good time to learn about the latest in corn diseases. Gary C. Bergstrom, professor at Cornell’s School of Integrative Plant Science Plant Pathology and Plant-Microbe Biology, presented “Corn Disease Updates: Identification and Management” at the recent...

“I wanted to share my husband’s work with you so that maybe you could share with others,” said the email from Richard Dyer’s wife, Marilyn. “I think he has an amazing talent. He’s artistic and challenges himself in his craft.” The couple live in Bath, NY. Richard Dyer has been farming since he was e...

The average age of farm operators in America is on the rise. A full third of all farmers in the U.S. are at least 65 years old. It is more important than ever for these farm owners to engage in long term planning to ensure they’ll be able to leave their farm holdings to their heirs. The American Far...

Farm properties often have an assortment of outbuildings, some old and some new, put to use for a variety of purposes including equipment storage. When a farm’s existing buildings are no longer sufficient to store existing equipment, or if new equipment requires more space than what it’s replacing, ...

by Chelsea Empet, Susquehanna County Dairy Ambassador It’s a new year, which means New Year’s resolutions. Many people make fitness goals in the new year and do so with the help of a Fitbit. Not only are Fitbits great for people, they’re great for cows too. Much like how a person wears a Fitbit to t...

The 58th annual New York State Dairy Princess Coronation is set for Tuesday, Feb. 16 at 6 p.m. The pageant will be broadcast virtually on American Dairy Association North East social media channels. “While we can’t gather in person to support our young dairy advocates this year, we encourage all dai...

The American farmer has for years been described as stoic and self-reliant. And while these traits can be thought of as virtues, they may also contribute to a dire mental health crisis. The American Farm Bureau Federation (AFBF) hosted an online workshop at its 2021 convention titled “Farm State of ...

According to a national phone survey, 400 U.S. agricultural producers think the new year will see a “modest improvement” for their operations. As you take a look at your own bottom line, you’ll have to be the judge of that. Based in the Midwest, the reputable Purdue University/CME Group Ag Economy B...

Dedicated readers of Country Folks are familiar with the work of Troy Bishopp, better known to some as “The Grass Whisperer.” He is a well-seasoned grass farmer, grasslands advocate and a vocal promoter of grass-fed livestock producers. The owner and manager of Bishopp Family Farm in Deansboro, NY (...

There’s nothing quite like face-to-face connection, and that’s what the 2021 Keystone Farm Show safely provided both vendors and attendees this January. “Farm shows are a vital part of our marketing and customer relations strategy here at Pik Rite,” said Randall Stratton, marketing coordinator for P...

A reader responded to our story “ Reincarnating reclaimed barn wood ” with a story of his own. Everett Bennett, who has served as a U.S. Army Air Defense captain, an agricultural engineer, an assistant professor in ag engineering at the University of Delaware and the Delaware State 4-H program direc...

The Keystone Farm Show, which took place Jan. 5-7 in York, PA, served as a reprieve from all the virtual farm shows that have been taking place over the past year. The largest commercial farm equipment and service provider trade show in Pennsylvania, the Keystone Farm Show allowed in-person attendee...

If you’ve watched any HGTV in the past few years, you know a hot trend in home decoration and renovation is reclaimed barn wood. Fortunately, there is a plentiful source of this must-have material in old buildings – many often unused – wherever old farms are found. But is it worth trying to save an ...