Answer me this: Why at “retirement parties” do they give the retiree a new watch? At this point in their lives, do they really need a watch? If there were such a thing as a retirement party for a farmer, and he received a watch, chances are he would shoot the rooster the next day. The rooster didn’t retire, but the hand of the watch terminated his job.

After years of hard work, you’ve built the family business into a great success and you take pride in meeting the challenges that each day brings. At some point, though, the day arrives when it’s time to turn the reins over to the next generation.

Growing high-yielding, high-quality corn is half the challenge of successful silage production. The other half is timing harvest so that forage ferments, ensiles and is preserved for later feedout.

The editor of the Delmarva Farmer made the observation that Americans as a whole have reached the Age of Agricultural Ignorance. This stage in our civilization is a direct result of the lack of “kids growing up on the farm.”

Angie Garavet Professional Services Veterinarian AnimartDelafield, Wisconsin

The last time I wrote on this page, I challenged you to share with us a story about how something we’ve published has made a difference to you. I knew I could count on you to deliver.

I am by no means a farrier. But I do shoe several horses every year. Occasionally, I’ll shoe a horse for a neighbor, but for the most part, my clients reside at my house. They get my special family discount, and I get the special family bonus. I’m probably worth every cent they pay me.