Summer and autumn bring livestock shows and fairs, a higher risk of disease transmission and more need for solid biosecurity. “Biosecurity is the set of steps to take to prevent or reduce the spread of disease,” said Abby Schuft, Ph.D., poultry Extension educator, University of Minnesota. “With fair...

Once upon a time, the phrase “shameless self-promotion” was seen only in a negative light. These days, talking about yourself – through the lens of your farming operation – may be the best way to promote your business and your way of life. Speaking candidly about their advocacy in action at the most...

A recent call among veterinarians and entomologists regarding the New World screwworm (NWS) delved deep into this potential agricultural threat. After a May shutdown of cattle movement, USDA announced a risk-based port reopening plan for July. It was short-lived when authorities discovered NWS was m...

The record wildfires of 2023 (compliments of our neighbor to the North) started gaining momentum in March of that year. Their intensity increased, starting in June, but Canada had been affected by an ongoing, record-setting series of wildfires. As the worst wildfire season in recorded Canadian and N...

Penn State attorney Brook Duer recently provided tips for employers concerned about an encounter with Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or the U.S. Citizenship & Immigration Service (USCIS). Duer stated that the information he provided should be considered guidance and not legal advice. “The two...

In theory, grazing your livestock should be the simplest part of your farming operation. Step 1: Put a fence around an area. Step 2: Put animals inside that fence. Step 3: Animals eat their sustenance inside the fenced-in area. Of course, we all know that proper grazing management involves much more...

The concept of soil health is all about enriching your soil. Jamie Garzon, the assistant Extension professor and forage educator at UMaine, defines soil health as “the soil’s continued capacity to function as a vital living ecosystem.” Maintaining healthy soil can lead to increased plant growth, qua...

Part 4: Personal stories Alpha-gal syndrome (AGS), often dubbed the “red meat allergy,” is a life-changing reaction to a particular sugar resulting from the bite of a lone star tick. Many farmers, including some who told their stories during a presentation on AGS, have been affected by this syndrome...

Regarding the “correct” seeding rate for sorghum and/or sudangrass, old-timers typically recommended 15 – 20 lbs. of seed/acre (or one bag for three acres). At this rate, seed drop/acre ran about 225,000. This means slightly less than one inch between plants on 30-inch rows. Advocates for this pract...