Editor’s note: This blog is reprinted with permission from Krista Stauffer, a farmer in Washington. This blog has been viewed more than 30,000 times since she posted it on September 26, 2013.

• Rodrigo Bicalho, DVM, assistant professor of dairy production medicine at Cornell University, is the recipient of the 2013 Cattle Call grant from Zoetis.

The Vikings, besides being fierce raiders and conquerors, knew how to settle a land. In addition to the livestock they brought – sheep, horses and cattle that have now evolved to unique breeds only found on the island – they are believed to have kidnapped the best-looking women they could find in Ireland and Scotland, taking them to the new land as brides.

For several years, my phone conversations with George have been depressing. Sometimes when we discuss rain, he’s never had enough on Spud Mountain. He seems to live in the endless drought conditions … until it rains and washes out his water gaps, tanks and roads. It’s tough on his cows. Thank goodness, he has a job at the bank.

Product development firm Cambridge Consultants is using its expertise to design innovative, low-cost solutions for the farming industry. Its latest device draws on its background in advanced radar technology for a detection system to help agricultural vehicles avoid collisions.

On Nov. 15, the EPA proposed to lower the total 2014 Renewable Fuel Standard (RFS) volumetric requirement from the 18.15 billion gallons specified by the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007 to 15.21 billion gallons.

As I am writing this, Halloween candy is quickly being pulled from shelves to make room for Christmas candy, lights, ornaments, decorations, gift wrap, cards, etc. – a clear sign the holidays are approaching. It is a joyous time to cap off the end of another year.