You may have heard the grim statistics. Family firms comprise 80 percent to 90 percent of all business enterprises. More than 30 percent of these family-owned businesses survive into the second generation. Twelve percent will still be viable into the third generation, with 3 percent of all family businesses operating at the fourth-generation level and beyond.

Think about your last check-up at the doctor’s office. What questions did your doctor ask you? How did he or she determine you’re healthy or uncover any potential risks or problems? Now it’s time for you to be the doctor for your farm’s finances. Pull out your balance sheet and cash-flow records. Take a look at the following 12 ratios to determine your financial health.

Not only do farm accidents have a direct impact in the physical and emotional toll on the individuals involved but also an indirect effect in a loss of profits for the farm business. Mary Bauer, a compliance assistance specialist for the Occupational Safety and Health Association (OSHA), posed the question, “Do you have a good safety program or are you just lucky?”

Values are our cherished beliefs and have a huge impact on our behavior. If your life activity is aligned with your values, then you likely look forward to how 2015 plays out. If you aren’t getting what you need and cherish, then you are likely highly frustrated.

Seldom does a week go by without the dairyman receiving at least one dairy-related magazine covering nutrition, and more specifically, amino acid (AA) nutrition in the dairy cow. Countless articles and papers have been written the last few years discussing research and practice and the evolving understanding that is updated almost daily.

New York’s Quality Milk Production Services (QMPS), operated by Cornell University’s College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Health Diagnostic Center, provides producers with education and research on mastitis control. Four regional locations offer farmers field and laboratory culturing and diagnostic services. They serve all of New York and offer services in other states.