Defined officially, a brand is “a product, service or concept that is publicly distinguished from other products, services or concepts so that it can be easily communicated and usually marketed.” Many farmers don’t devote much time to defining their brand, but maybe they should. “Brand Building Thro...

When it comes to any business, such as running a farm, finding cost-effective ways to reach production goals and standards is a key way for a successful market. Reusing materials not only can produce better results in product but also save the business money. In any type of livestock production, a l...

Central Virginia cattle producer Steve Hopkins and his two sons raise beef cattle on about 1,000 acres in Louisa, VA. “We have approximately 300 fall-calving commercial cows, separated in five groups on different farms, but all farms are within a 10-mile radius,” said Hopkins, explaining the sequenc...

Like so many older riders, I grew up in an era when riding helmets were basically non-existent – if you rode Western, you wore a Western cowboy hat that offered little protection, except from the bright sunshine. If you rode English or did any jumping or showing, you wore a little black hunt cap or ...

The Virginia Farm Show, which took place in mid-January at the Augusta Expo in Fishersville, VA, saw over 8,000 attendees looking for what is the latest and greatest in equipment and services. In addition to exhibits of all the major lines of equipment and services, there is a Skid Steer Rodeo for a...

In 1972, Congress attempted, through the Clean Water Act, to keep the waters of the United States clean and safe for consumption, travel and recreation. The Clean Water Act grants the EPA and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers the authority to decide whether individual bodies of water are subject to r...

It was recently announced that the Pennsylvania Dairy Promotion Program (PDPP) awarded scholarships to two Penn State students for their interest in dairy food product innovation and marketing. “These scholarships are an investment in the future of the dairy industry,” said PDPP Chair Jeff Raney, a ...

With the 2023 Farm Bill in the works, Glenn “GT” Thompson (R-PA), chair of the House Ag Committee, gathered eight members of the committee during the Pennsylvania Farm Show to hear the concerns of industry stakeholders. The event drew a standing room only crowd of primarily farmers. David Smith, Pen...

Changes in how antibiotics are sold are established and will take effect in about six months. Although some farmers will be impacted more than others, all farmers can prepare for the change ahead. The primary difference for farmers after the rule change will depend on how they’ve obtained antibiotic...