A couple days ago, I posted the question: Do you know where your check-off dollars go? It's interesting, that such a simple question can result in such diverse feedback. I heard from organizations who were offended by my article and those who admired it and used it as a means to reach audiences they may... Read More
Category: Farm Management
If you're like most, the idea of filling out paperwork is rather low down on the "how I like to spend my free time" list. At the same time, the extra effort it takes to stay in the know and access government funding can be well worth it, as there are several options within Growing... Read More
It is amazing how fast things can change. With the corn markets fearing a very large US corn harvest some producers are starting to squirm about their profit margins a year from now. As I talk to corn growers many say, "the market will find a bottom and we will be fine" and some say,... Read More
Photo credit: Via Flickr, Paul Xymon Garcia, 2010 Thanks to automation and good management (and perhaps necessity), some producers can farm vast tracts of land themselves with minimal help. But not all farmers are so fortunate. Certain industries, fruit and vegetables for example, require an exceptional commitment to human resources – along with hard work... Read More
Hedging is a big scary word to many farmers. And it's understandable — it's an account that can flucuate significantly, making it seem like you've lost money. But, unlike speculators that never grow or store crops, farmers are in a unique position to use hedging as a low-risk price management tool. Why? Because as your... Read More
Good reasons exist to better understand what sustainability means on the farm – and a lot of them have to do with consumers. It’s vital for farmers themselves to know how to best care for the land, water and air in which they produce food. No smoke and mirrors. Unsustainable practices mean trouble in the... Read More
The crop is in and growing, the sprayer is running and farmers are keeping an eye on fungicide timing. Which probably means, of course, that it's time to think about what to sell off the combine. Those who are disciplined have likely already priced some crop, but many are just now getting comfortable with committing... Read More
Grain Farmers of Ontario has refreshed the Ontario Wheat Pool brand in an effort to introduce new and young farmers to this marketing tool for the 2013-14 crop year. The re-branding includes a new logo and a new online Wheat Marketing Tool for those unfamiliar with the wheat pool. The tool is intended to help... Read More
As farmers continue to look for ways to capitalize on the local food movement, some new hints were offered up earlier this week from researchers at the University of Florida. In the southeastern U.S., Florida is considered the state with the greatest diversity of what most people would typically call local food, particularly fruit and... Read More
What's your risk management plan for your cattle business? If you don't have one or would like to step up your understanding of price risk, managing returns and use of contracts, this free workshop may be for you. Beginning next week, Linus7, Agriculture Financial Services Corporation’s Cattle Price Insurance Program (CPIP) and RealAgriculture.com's cattle market... Read More