News
Posted on December 11, 2024
Sulfur (S) assists crops in forming beneficial amino acids, proteins and oils. It’s also needed to produce chlorophyll. In the past, crops were able to utilize atmospheric S. An unintended effect of anti-pollution efforts is the reduction of levels of atmospheric S. Consequently, crops now often nee...
Crop Comments
jkarkwren 
Posted on December 11, 2024
According to the Albany Times-Union, a tiny hamlet in Lewis County just north of Tug Hill State Forest had the distinction on Nov. 30 of having one of the highest snow readings in New York – officially 45 inches of the white stuff. This pre-winter “bonus” arrived as lake effect snow pushed across La...
News
Sally Colby 
Posted on December 4, 2024
Because beef cattle aren’t typically handled daily, it’s important to establish a clear plan prior to working a group of cattle to avoid stress and injury to humans and animals. Handling begins at the chute area before cattle arrive. Prior to gathering cattle, be sure the approach area, holding pens...
News
Sonja Heyck-Merlin 
Posted on December 4, 2024
Building soil organic matter and protecting soil from erosion are two well-known benefits of cover crops. Cover crops are also a common weed control tool. According to Extension specialist Mark VanGessel of the University of Delaware, what is often overlooked, however, is the impact of herbicide car...
News
Sally Colby 
Posted on December 4, 2024
Part 3: Achieving reductions without breaking the bank When it comes to what happens in just about every economic sector, including agriculture, keep in mind that “As goes California, so goes the nation.” It may take a while, but the Golden State is often the harbinger of what will happen in the res...
Crop Comments
jkarkwren 
Posted on December 4, 2024
I’m writing this column three days before Thanksgiving, so here’s background on the holiday, I believe, is relevant, in appreciating the Native Americans who helped make the celebration a reality. In researching such events, we learn about the farming practices that empowered these indigenous people...
News
jkarkwren 
Posted on November 27, 2024
MOUNT JOY, PA – Messick’s Equipment in Mount Joy is excited to announce the opening of their Christmas light show for its 12th year. The show is free and open to the public. We invite the community to either drive up and watch the show from their car or park and watch the show from the bleachers. En...
News
Sally Colby 
Posted on November 27, 2024
Farmers often reminisce about the days when they could easily fix their own car, truck or tractor. For many, it was an opportunity to share mechanical skills with the next generation. While advanced technology led to major improvements in farm equipment, it also placed equipment repair beyond the sc...
News
Sonja Heyck-Merlin 
Posted on November 27, 2024
One of Monte Bottens’s favorite quotes is “The electric light did not come from the continuous improvement of candles,” courtesy of Oren Harari, a business professor and author of several management books. The quote suggests that innovation is the result of ongoing improvement. Looking at Harari’s q...
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Gardening Farming, Lifestyle
Laura Rodley 
September 23, 2025
Hiking, hunting, harvesting? Going for a walk in the woods? Riding your horse? Mowing your lawn? Picking apples? Beware of yellowjackets. “Historicall...
Events, Lifestyle
January 22, 2025
Salt prematurely ages roads and bridges and degrades freshwater lakes, streams and drinking water. Just a teaspoon of salt permanently pollutes five g...
Lifestyle
February 5, 2025
Efforts to revive small business sectors have helped countless communities regain their prosperity and sense of community pride. Those efforts have be...
Gardening Farming
February 3, 2025
The middle of winter, with snow covering brick-hard, frozen ground may seem like an odd time to plan a new garden bed, but it’s the best time. If you ...