When it comes to inspecting your equipment’s vital parts, batteries “are” included. In fact, the battery is the single-most important part of all electrical components. These components include the starter, alternator and even precision farming systems and software.

Chances are good that if you have a question about anything, you instantly go to Google, type in your question and check out the top five results. The question we should all be asking is: “What are consumers finding when they ‘Google it’ about dairy?”

• Winners of the 2013 National Dairy Quality Awards Platinum Award, sponsored by Merial, are Randy and Kathy Bauer of Faribault, Minnesota; Donald Beattie of Holton, Michigan; Gordon Dick of McBain, Michigan; Duane and Janet Molhoek of Falmouth, Michigan; Sean Quinn and Melissa Murray of Greenwich, New York; and Dennis and Doris Tubergen of Ionia, Michigan.

As I write this, I am staying with my sixth farm family in Iceland while working on a book project about the island’s dairy farming. The people here have been overwhelmingly gracious. One of my biggest concerns before arriving was figuring out how to charm my way into the houses of people I didn’t know, particularly as a foreigner.

There has been a lot of talk about the “Dairy Farm Security Act.” I for one think it is about time we focus on security – because I’m missing a lot of tools.Your first question might be, “Tim, do you own a dog?” Yes, I own a dog, but right now he is not a suspect.

This column was originally planned as my second one from Walton, New York. I have been assigned here by NRCS and so there is a lot to write about. But I am taking a different path in this column. My ex-father-in-law, Mr. Donald E. Carter, died on October 27, 2013, at the age of 81. I write of him here.

Alltech would like to add to the agricultural dialogue as it challenges attendees to consider “What If?” during its first Farm Innovation Series meetings, March 7-21.

The American Angus Association (AAA) says it will make a move that uniifies the organization’s communications efforts and expands the marketing platform for the nation’s Angus cattlemen.

Brent Woodward Associate Vice President of Research Shawano, Wisconsin Cooperative Resources International

Walking down the aisle of a grocery store, chances are you will find an “excellent source of omega-3” on product labels from eggs to dog food. While consumers have some idea of the health benefits of essential fatty acids, they may not have an idea of the health implications for themselves and their animals.