Discussions about class and class divisions are familiar fodder for debate during election years. The issue of class division amongst farmers, however, is a much less discussed development. A film premiere was recently held in New York City to highlight this issue. “Forgotten Farms,” a documentary p...

Anyone who raises livestock knows the importance of water. Water intake and water quality affect feed intake, the absorption of nutrients and productivity aspects such as overall health, the ability to gain weight, milk production and fertility. Leah Clark, livestock specialist at the Saskatchewan M...

Three hundred to 500% increase in sales is a clear indication that beef is still “What’s for Dinner.” “In times of stress, it’s encouraging to know our customers seek out nutritious, domestically raised beef to feed their families,” said Tommell Cattle Company’s Nick Tommell of Berne, NY. It’s a sen...

SOUDERTON, PA – Officials, livestock marketing hubs, truckers and beef and dairy producers are holding their proverbial breath as news came down March 30 that Souderton’s JBS USA beef processing plant will reduce production for about two weeks after several staff members exhibited “flu-like symptoms...

Offering some good news as the end of winter slowly nears, the National Dairy Herd Information Association (DHIA)’s Scholarship Committee awarded $1,000 scholarships to 14 students across the nation. Judges evaluated applicants on scholastic achievements, leadership in school and community activitie...

This guidance is provided for animal agriculture workers to include those employed in veterinary health; manufacturing and distribution of animal medical materials and supplies, animal vaccines, animal drugs, feed, and bedding, etc.; raising of animals; animal production operations; transportation o...

In the several decades since the introduction of antibiotics, the livestock industry has enjoyed a period during which animal losses due to susceptible diseases was greatly reduced. In addition to the treatment of active diseases, it was found that the addition of certain antibiotics to cattle diets...

Solar power is one of the fastest-growing segments of renewable energy – it’s hard to find an area that hasn’t had some degree of solar development. While interest in solar is growing, there’s limited space for roof-mounted solar systems. Such systems provide ample kW production for one farm, but th...

COOPERSTOWN, NY – On March 10, dairy farmers gathered to learn the latest trends in the industry. The annual Central New York Dairy Day conference and trade show are sponsored by Cornell Cooperative Extension. This year’s conference showed that with current market increases in the price of butterfat...

For more than a decade states with strong agricultural bases have put in place laws intended to protect animal owners from groups whose primary focus is the “wellbeing” of animals. Oftentimes these groups have no interest in the overall management of the farms whose level of animal care does not mee...

The original version of Dutch Hollow Farm was much like other New York dairy farms, with 55 cows and one family to support. Since then, the Schodack Landing farm has undergone numerous changes, but the Chittenden family’s commitment to maintaining an excellent purebred herd has not. “My grandfather ...

Walking the fields to look for issues with weeds, pests or disease can take inordinate amounts of time. Using technology to make this task easier can save farmers a lot of effort. That’s why Jarrod O. Miller, Extension agronomist, University of Delaware, recently presented “Drones as a Scouting Tool...

Because of our dedication to our customers and readers, Country Folks will continue to be delivered weekly during this time of uncertainty. Providing you with news to help you make educated decisions that can affect your farms, agricultural associations and businesses is our top priority. As the U.S...

Committing to what’s already there Dairy farmers who want to increase herd size or make barn improvements have several choices: grow the herd and construct new buildings, or maintain the same herd numbers and refurbish an existing barn. Those who have tie stall barns may have penciled in a plan to c...

Outbreaks of new and emerging diseases are forever lurking in the shadows. The target of the ongoing viral disease caused by a coronavirus is the human population. Members of this family of viruses have been around a long time and in recent years have created headlines that most of us will recall. T...