Almost all farmers farm some rented ground. This may be a long-term relationship with a relative, a new opportunity or a one-year handshake deal. Implementing conservation practices on that ground requires an agreement between renter and owner, and starting that conversation can be the hardest part.

The purchase or replacement of a piece of machinery for your farm business is a major decision point and goes beyond the availability of cash to pay for it. It goes without saying that new machinery and equipment, particularly self-propelled machinery with ever-evolving technological features and options, is very expensive.

How would you answer this question: “Which equipment returns more profit on your farm – your tractors or your sprinklers?”

Soybeans can be harvested as a hay or silage crop. Soybean forage, similar to most legumes, tends to be high in protein and low in fiber (relative to grasses), making soybeans an excellent forage if harvested properly.

Forage quality is of paramount importance to modern dairy operations where efficient production of home-grown forages drives profitability. With the price of alfalfa hay on the rise, and availability decreasing, a focus on producing and feeding quality over quantity has been a primary factor for producers looking to make milk versus “buying it.”

Antibiotic resistance has become a nightmare situation that requires urgent attention; according to the Centers for Disease Control, nearly 3 million cases of antibiotic-resistant pathogens are reported each year, leading to 35,000 deaths in the U.S.