Horses are large and powerful animals, and even the most calm, gentle, well-trained mount can react with lightning speed and cause injury to an unsuspecting person who is unfamiliar with what a horse might be trying to communicate. Recently I was reminded that many of the things we as horse keepers ...

Some farms benefit from offering internships, but such arrangements require understanding and commitment from both the farm owner and the intern. It’s important for farmers to understand the differences between unpaid internships and paid employment. Attorney Michael Harrington, Ford Harrison Law, s...

The Illinois Sustainable Ag Partnership’s (ISAP) risk management webinar “Myth ­– Tile and Conservation Don’t Mix” presented reasons why farmers’ reluctance in transitioning to a conservation cropping system can be against their interests. Dr. Ehsan Ghane, an assistant professor specializing in agri...

“Farmers have been using solar energy as long as there have been farmers,” said ag professor Daniel Ciolkosz. Referencing a photo of corn that he took near State College, PA, he said, “These are the original solar collectors.” Solar panels, which he said are cropping up from place to place, are sola...

As the war in Ukraine continues to play havoc with global markets, staples like wheat are experiencing a spike in both price and demand. In response, President Joe Biden has asked American growers to double crop – to plant a second crop in the field after the first one has been harvested. The goals ...

Peace of mind is a critical aspect of farming – knowing who is next in line for the farm is a critical aspect of mental health. Veronica McClendon, principal attorney with McClendon Law and Consulting, said physical health is often addressed but mental health is also an integral part of overall well...

The USDA Value-Added Producer Grant (VAPG) program was created to help ag producers enter value-added activities to generate new products, create and expand marketing opportunities, and increase producer income. In selecting awardees, the USDA focuses on beginning and/or socially-disadvantaged farme...

As it becomes an ever more integrated part of our everyday lives, social media – and social media influencers – hold more sway. This is especially true of “agvocates,” those either directly involved in agriculture or speaking out about its benefits and importance. These social media presences often ...

Ann Miller, Extension educator withPenn StateExtension’s Energy, Business and Community Vitality Unit, said input costs have gone up for everyone and consumers are behaving differently. “If there was a weakness in your business, there’s a good chance it was brought to the forefront,” said Miller. “E...