Once, not that long ago, a farmer was simply a farmer. They planted seeds, grew crops, raised livestock and then sold it, sometimes without ever having to speak to a member of the public. These days, however, consumers want to know where their food is coming from and they want to connect with farm o...

The first time Dr. Ashley Kennedy saw the term “insect apocalypse” in print was in the New York Times in November 2018. “It was a report about a meta-analysis of 73 independent reports of insect declines all over the world,” she said. Kennedy pointed out that while this is good news for human leisur...

CALLANDS, VA – “There’s no reason why I should be a farmer,” Robert Mills said. “It never should have happened.” Mills didn’t grow up on a farm. He grew up in a subdivision outside Danville, VA. But a dream grew within him – a dream that he would be a farmer. The dream came true. Today, Mills farms ...

Farmers install anaerobic digesters for a variety of reasons, including manure management, odor reduction and revenue potential. Anaerobic digestion involves the breakdown of organic matter in the absence of oxygen. Anaerobic digesters work best with a steady diet of slurry or semi-solid manure. Man...

Yield monitors have helped farmers track crop performance for years. But to maximize profit, the data have to be taken a step further, according to Dr. Terry Griffin, an associate professor of agricultural economics at Kansas State University. Griffin spoke with Country Folks about how farmers can b...

It’s harvest time. A mother prepares to go to the field by downloading movies on a phone or tablet to keep her toddler quiet in the tractor; another carefully lines a laundry basket with a fluffy blanket for her infant. Both moms add drinks and snacks and they’re ready to go. Later that day, the sam...

The rise in popularity in “local grains” prompted further research in organic growing practices for Ellen Mallory, Extension professor and Cooperative Extension agent with the School of Food and Agriculture at the University of Maine. Mallory presented “Organic Grain Research Mashup” earlier this ye...

Heavy equipment of any kind, new or used, is a major investment. Taking care of equipment results in fewer breakdowns during essential work, longer useful life and contributes to worker safety. Whether the equipment is a farm tractor, skid steer or more specialized equipment such as a wood chipper, ...

Why isn’t hemp in animal feed? That’s the question the National Industrial Hemp Council of America (NIHCA) and the Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO) discussed in a recent virtual meeting regarding overcoming challenges and gaining approval for the potential feed option. Dr. Mass...