While visiting the Cornell Valatie (Field Crops) Research Farm (Columbia County, NY), during late July 2012, I learned something interesting about alfalfa ( Medicago sativa ). Namely that some of the higher protein test values in early cut — properly managed — M. sativa hay crops fell in the categor...

Recently, Rutgers University Equine Science Center presented its first Virtual Summer Showcase. Although similar in content to Summer Showcase events in the past, by taking place online, participants needed only to log on to participate. The event was free of charge, and the program was open to anyo...

Female farmers face unique production challenges – one of which is that tools aren’t designed for their bodies. During a recent webinar, University of New Hampshire Cooperative Extension Field Specialists Elaina Enzien and Kelly Mcadam offered tips to help women protect their most important tools – ...

The first few hours of a calf’s life are critical. Calves are essentially born without immune systems. They rely on antibodies from colostrum to provide protection from bacteria and other pathogens. Colostrum, provided through the mother’s milk, jumpstarts the calf’s immune system through a process ...

Farming has been a generational vocation for the Flinchbaugh family in York, PA. Dustin Flinchbaugh said his grandfather purchased a farm to raise chickens, and in addition to using an existing a barn for housing them, he constructed two more buildings. When Dustin and his wife Jessica moved to the ...

Clean pastured pigs might be an oxymoron, but Dr. Elizabeth Hines, Penn State Extension swine specialist, said cleanliness is the first biosecurity step in raising pasture-based pigs. “Biosecurity is about keeping animals healthy,” said Hines. “We don’t want disease to spread to get other animals si...

Layne Klein’s father left Minnesota during the dust bowl years and headed for Pennsylvania. That was in autumn 1935, when many farms were for sale. “This farm was originally 58 acres and cost $5,800,” said Layne, describing the family farm in Easton, PA. Over the last 50 years, the Klein family has ...

Zoonotic diseases are those which can pass from animals to humans. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), 75% of emerging diseases that threaten human health originate in animals. What common diseases can farm livestock carry that might cause concern to farm families, farm workers and v...

TAYLORSVILLE, NC – Over the years, registered Jersey dairyman Coy Reese has sold bred heifers to producers from around the globe, including Ecuador, Puerto Rico, Mexico, Turkey, Chile, Trinidad and across the U.S. Reese’s next sale is going to be one of his last and likely his most significant, as h...