Saving the Family Farm
Written by admin on March 6, 2010 – 2:25 am -Dan Looker, Successful Farming magazine Business Editor Politicians from rural states often extol the virtues of the family farm. But what is it? And what can be done to save what sometimes seems like another endangered species? Chuck Hassebrook, the executive director of the Center for Rural Affairs laid out a five-step plan for doing both when he delivered a keynote speech Friday at the MOSES conference in La Crosse, Wisconsin. MOSES, or Midwest Organic and Sustainable Education Service, drew some 2,800 farmers and supporters of organic agriculture to its annual meeting to hear Hassebrook and attend 60 workshops on February 25 through February 27. Hassebrook, who grew up on a hog and grain farm near Platte Center, Nebraska, said his nonprofit... more
Tags: family farm, Farm Economy, farm subsidies
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Keep your tractor safe and your home secure
Written by admin on March 5, 2010 – 6:22 pm -A really determined and clever criminal will get past most obstacles. Like driving into the farmyard and dragging the tractor on to a low-loader with an ultra-powerful winch. Then using a scanner to detect any tracking devices and jumping on them But not all thieves are that good and there is a lot you can do to make it difficult for them. For instance: • Don't leave the keys in the ignition and lock cabs at night • Put the tractor or handler out of sight in a locked barn when it's not being used • Be wary of storing important kit in barns near a footpath • Chain kit to stanchions in the barn or another implement (but don't forget to remove the chain when you come to get in the tractor the next morning) • Buy half a dozen geese and... more
Tags: farm security, home security
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KIOTI Introduces New Value-Priced Tractors
Written by admin on February 13, 2010 – 10:09 pm -With timing that’s perfect for these economic times, KIOTI Tractor has just announced two new mid-sized tractors designed and built for folks living in the country that don’t want or need to spend the money on all the bells and whistles that can be found on much more expensive machines. Don’t get me wrong, these new tractors are fully capable and heavy-duty machines. They just rely on well-proven and re-proven technology whose development has long been paid for. And the best part is that the company is passing the cost savings on to consumers. Based on the same field-proven chassis as the premium KIOTI line, the new DS4110 (41 horsepower; tractor only with ag tires has a MSRP of $17,750) and DS4510 (45 horsepower; tractor only, with ag... more
Tags: kioti tractors, Tractors, Used Tractors
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Farm Out Your Financial Woes?
Written by admin on February 10, 2010 – 1:13 am -by Michele S. Byers, Executive Director, New Jersey Conservation Foundation While some may say the recession is over, jobs are still scarce and many still feel the pinch. If you’re looking for extra income, an interesting hobby or a new business, why not try farming? The New Jersey Chapter of the Northeast Organic Farming Association (NOFA-NJ) can help. They are holding two new classes this month on how to start up or expand agricultural businesses. “Farming” often brings to mind images of fields spreading out far and wide, cavernous barns full of cows, and tractors with giant tires. But farming is actually quite diverse. Even small properties can support a surprising array of agricultural products. As NOFA-NJ points out, there are... more
Tags: Farm Economy
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Used Farm Tractors Aid Sustainability
Written by admin on February 10, 2010 – 12:20 am -By Drew Davidson Many small farmers are moving toward a more environmentally conscious model of agriculture. For the small farmer, this move comes with economic risks. By purchasing, fixing and maintaining used farm tractors, the farmer can mitigate his economic risk while creating a new way of sustainable agriculture on his own farm. Most small family farmers are self-taught experts in many fields. They have to be. For them, maintaining and fixing their own equipment is imperative to their economic survival. Therefore, most used farm tractors are in good shape or in easily fixable shape. As their needs change, farmers frequently sell their used equipment. Finding these tractors and other equipment is easy. Most farm bureaus, online farm community... more
Tags: buying tractors online, Farm Economy, Used Tractors
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Massey Ferguson Introduces HD Series 2600 Utility Tractor
Written by admin on February 9, 2010 – 8:09 pm -Massey Ferguson introduces the HD Series 2600 utility tractor, delivering classic reliability plus 21st century ergonomics and styling in the heaviest heavy-duty tractor in this class. The handy, agile yet tough HD series offers up to 25 percent more usable standard weight than comparable tractors and has the push, pull, shove and lift needed to easily polish off any job around the dairy, feedlot, acreage or farm. The HD Series includes four models from 74 to 97 gross engine horsepower (62-83 PTO HP) available in 2- or 4-wheel drive with independent PTO and a choice of two transmissions. All models are available in platform, cab or low-profile styles. In addition, the new series provides the highest weight-to-horsepower ratio in class for the... more
Tags: Massey Ferguson Tractors, Used Tractors
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10 Tips for designing your dream farm shop
Written by admin on January 21, 2010 – 7:05 pm -Video:10 Tips for designing your dream farm shop Machinery editor of Agriculture Online, Dave Mowitz, shares his list of the 10 tips for designing your dream farm shop. Recorded live at AG CONNECT 2010 in Orlando, Florida on January 15, 2010 Click the following link to view the video presentation: 10 Tips for designing your dream farm shop Download the slides from this speech If you need tools to upgrate your shop check out Power Tool Bargains for the best selection and lowest prices available anywhere. If you don't yet have a shop and plan to build one or want to expand the size of your shop visit Pre-fab Building Bargains for great prices and selection on pre-fab buildings. Read More →
Tags: farm buildings, Farm Shop, power tools
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40th Annual Power Show Ohio
Written by admin on January 19, 2010 – 1:49 pm -40th Annual Power Show Ohio January 29, 30 & 31, 2010 Ohio Expo Center Columbus, Ohio “40 Shows and Still Going Strong” Power Show Ohio has solutions on display. When it comes to new technology, the greening of the power equipment industry and safety, Power Show Ohio will draw together the innovators and products that will inspire customers. Showcasing a wide variety of power equipment, Power Show Ohio will be a perfect opportunity for full-time farmers, part-time farmers, landscapers, contractors, commercial cutters, municipalities and all equipment users to see and learn just about everything there is to know about power equipment. Power Show Ohio has become an event not to miss for all types of users of all kinds of power equipment.... more
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Live from AG Connect Expo 2010
Written by admin on January 14, 2010 – 8:17 pm -Follow along as Agriculture.com and Successful Farming editors take you to the 2010 AG CONNECT Expo, a showcase of the latest technologies and innovations benefitting producers and the entire agricultural community, January 13-15 in Orlando, Florida. Read More →
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2010 To Be a Good Year for Ag Industrial Equipment
Written by admin on January 12, 2010 – 7:00 pm -A trifecta of above-trend GDP growth, greater-than-expected inflation and domestic farmers’ strong financial standing should make 2010 a promising year for agricultural industrial equipment manufacturers, as prices for storable commodities stay strong and farmers have the extra cash to update equipment. “Curves for corn and soybeans, which are two important domestic crops, are still in contango, which means as a farmer, you can still sell forward at pretty attractive relative-to-historical prices to lock in good prices for next year,” said Paul Mammola, an analyst with Sidoti & Company, LLC. “I think that although farmers have spent quite a bit over the past couple of years, the continued trend in strong commodity prices still leads... more
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