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 organization is based in Lyons, Nebraska, a town of 900.

"We don't just talk about rural issues. We live these issues," he said.
Hassebrook, who is also in his second elected term as a member of the University of Nebraska Board of Regents, said that in spite of technology that has brought many benefits to agricultural production, there is a sense of unease in rural America about declining rural population as farms grow ever larger.

Numerous studies by sociologists have shown that small towns surrounded by only a few very large farms tend to have a wealthy elite and no middle class.

"That, my friends, is not progress. It's social decay," Hassebrook said.
Hassebrook mentioned the public's support for locally grown food, more access to nature and "a yearning for greater authenticity and genuineness in America." All of these trends have contributed to the growth in demand for the organic foods grown by some in the MOSES audience. Yet, he said, he s not certain how much public sentiment alone will do to keep family farms in business.
"At the end of the day, it is up to us to take responsibility for our own destiny and to take control of our future," he said.
Hassebrook offered 5 ways to do that:

1. "We need to protect our authenticity," he said. Consumers may not know when they pay double the normal price for natural beef that it comes from a 50,000-head feedlot, he said. And he praised the work of activists who ve pressured USDA to enforce organic standards that require dairy cows to have access to pasture. Besides organic standards, "I think we need to build a family farm standard," he said. A family farm ought to mean that one that owns the means of production, makes management decisions and provides most of the labor, he said.

2. "We need to be entrepreneurial," he said, adding that small towns aren't going to be saved by recruiting large companies to locate there. Economic development in rural America has to be home-grown. And the organic and sustainable agriculture community needs good business models. "There's a lot of failures," he said, but two success stories are Organic Valley, the farmer-owned dairy foods co-op based in La Farge, Wisconsin, and Niman Ranch Pork, managed out of Thornton, Iowa.

3. "We all need to contribute to our community. Our farms have a symbiotic relationship to our community," he said. In Lyons, Nebraska, Hassebrook has worked to get buildings on its main street in the National Register of Historic Places, for example.

4. "We need to protect access to good germplasm," Hassebrook said. That means more than organic farmers having access to elite seed varieties that aren't genetically mondified, he said. It means more competition in the seed industry for conventional farmers. He said that he opposed the University of Nebraska's licensing of dicamba-resistant soybeans to Monsanto but was unable to stop it.

5. The bias toward large farms in federal farm policy needs to be reversed, he said. "We need to simply stop subsidizing the megafarms that are driving [family farms] out of business," he said. The Obama administration could have done that with a tighter USDA standard that requires active management of a farm to qualify for commodity program payments.
"It's very disappointing that the Obama administration that made this the centerpiece of farm policy in Iowa (before Iowa's presidential caucuses), they ve abandoned that," Hassebrook said.

Hassebrook said that the Center for Rural Affairs has begun a web-based campaign to urge the President and Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack to keep that campaign promise to have tougher farm program payment limits. Click here for more information.

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 let them wander about the farmyard. Much more effective than a dog at making a noise
• Think about the possibility of a motorised gate to deter potential thieves. Not a cheap option, though the Agriwheel allows you to motorise an existing gate.
• Look at driveway alarm options. These can work on PIR detectors, rubber hose alarms across the road or even vibration sensing wires buried alongside tracks. All are now available as wireless options, so no need to dig lots of trenches. For security options for your home and farm buildings, check Home Security Bargains. You will find a large selections of motion lights, alarms, and many other security options to keep your family and property safe.
• Be extra careful about leaving tractors in fields overnight. It's tempting if the field is a long way from base but if you do, make sure it's as hidden as possible.

Secure your shed

Hiding tractors away in closed shed might be a nice idea, but many machinery sheds have open bays that are visible to all. Even if you do put them away in a closed building, repeatedly opening and closing traditional manual sliding doors gets tedious.
A more realistic option may be security lights that are motion sensitive or an alarm that is triggered in the same way. Usually the noise and/or lights will scare all but the most determined thief. For a little more you can install a more sophisticated alarm system. Visit Home Security Bargains to learn more about home security and explore the many options available.

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 tires has a MSRP of $18,650) both feature the same powerful yet fuel-efficient and well-proven Daedong Diesel engine with the injection pump tweaked for different power levels. Both tractors include standard features like a rear 540 rpm PTO (33.4 PTO horsepower DS4110 and 37.6 PTO horsepower DS4510) and a constant mesh shuttle transmission with eight forward and eight reverse gears. Both tractors are also equipped with four-wheel drive, power steering, wet disc brakes, and rear differential lock, a comfortable and adjustable seat, foldable ROPS, seat belt and a choice of Ag,

Turf or Industrial tires. Both also come with KIOTI's four-year, full fleet warranty.
"We have positioned this line between the so-called economy tractors offered by other OEMs and our premium line, which is highly regarded in this marketplace,” says Ron Parrish, Marketing Development Manager at KIOTI. “We believe we have an extremely competitive product here at an extremely competitive price point.”

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John Deere 5410 Tractor 80 HP Diesel 4WD Loader

US $18,900.00

28d 19h 40m

Satoh 550G Tractor 19HP Excellent Condition

US $1,500.00

19d 11h 38m

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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 niche markets for everything from goat cheese to fresh flowers and heirloom tomatoes. Maybe your favorite restaurant is importing specialty herbs that YOU could raise and sell. Or maybe your town has a farmers market where you could set up a booth on weekends.

And don’t forget that organic products grown close to home are increasingly popular in the Garden State. Health-conscious consumers are seeking out foods grown without pesticides or fertilizers, and many New Jersey residents are looking to buy local.
“Exploring The Small Farm Dream” is NOFA-NJ’s four-week class designed to help answer the question, “Is starting an agricultural business right for me?” If you have ever thought about using your green thumb to earn some greenbacks, this course may be the perfect starting point. You will learn about small-scale farming opportunities, how to assess personal and financial resources, conduct market research and develop a business plan.

If the seeds of an agricultural business have already been planted in your mind, check out NOFA-NJ’s more comprehensive course titled, “Tilling the Soil of Opportunity.” This course is geared toward farmers looking for innovative ideas and enhanced marketing opportunities. Topics include equipment, legal issues, management and communication, risk management, marketing, budgeting and accounting, financing, succession planning, and how to evaluate resources, among others.

Both classes begin in mid-February and will be held at Duke Farms in Hillsborough.

You can register for either course by calling (908) 722-3700 any day between 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. For more information contact NOFA-NJ at (908) 371-1111 or download a brochure under the ‘Events’ link at www.nofanj.org.

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 sites, farm cooperative publications and old-fashioned word-of-mouth are all good places to start when looking for previously owned tractors.

By maintaining their used farm tractors, farmers are keeping this equipment from entering the junkyard. Because equipment is older, it is far more affordable for the small farmer who has decided to make the economic and philosophical change toward a more sustainable type of agriculture. Used farm tractors can serve as a solid economic incentive to the small farmer.

Obtaining used farm tractors can also be a learning experience for the entire farm family. Working on and maintaining equipment can be a great way for a farm family to learn mechanics together. Retrofitting used farm equipment for a more environmentally friendly use is another step in this learning process.

Many small farm families are moving toward sustainability. Every year, more consumers are becoming increasingly conscientious about purchasing more local, more organic food. In order to fill this need and to be able to compete with factory farms, the small family farmer is turning toward the environmentally friendly sustainable agriculture model. They can find their niche and strive for economic viability. Used farm tractors are one step in this process.

Used farm tractors are a positive step toward sustainable agriculture for the small family farmer. The farm family can move forward without the added worry of expensive, new equipment. Re-purposing older machines is an essential component to this greener future.
Finding a good deal can be difficult, check out my website Used Farm Tractors for more information and great deals. Also if you are looking for farm tractors for sale click here.

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 perfect combination of maneuverability and power. And, unlike other utility tractors, all major HD Series components are steel, to deliver the durability and performance expected from a Massey Ferguson.

"This is a classic, hardworking utility tractor that gets back to basics, yet incorporates innovations and upgrades for great performance, durability, convenience and comfort," says Rene Boivin, product marketing manager, utility, specialty and mid-range tractors. "The HD Series is built with a new level of heavy-duty toughness plus the traditional reliability and practicality which has made Massey Ferguson a leading name in utility tractors for more than 40 years."

Low-profile for high performance

All four HD Series models also are available in low-profile versions for orchard work, vineyards, livestock operations and other settings where overhead clearance, size and versatility are key. With powerful hydraulics and a fold-down ROPS, clamshell rear fenders and a fender-mounted guardrail to lessen the height over the rear tires, the specialty versions of the HD Series work hard in small spaces.

A heart and soul of steel

Powered by the Perkins 1104-44T 4-cylinder turbo-charged diesel engine, the HD Series delivers Perkins' renowned fuel efficiency, quick starting, excellent torque backup and raw lugging power plus Tier III emissions compliance. The extremely reliable engines are matched with the choice of two transmissions. The SynchroShuttle 8x8 is great for loader work, offering on-the-roll shifting that improves cycle times and walks through more work each day. The synchronized 12x4 transmission offers ideal speed selections for hay making, mowing or tillage and a straight, in-line shift pattern from 1st to reverse.

Heavy duty castings, axles, gears, bearings and final drive components give the HD Series added stability and rugged performance under the roughest conditions. An outboard planetary final drive provides speed reduction at the tire and wheel, reducing the torque loads in the drive train. And the rear axle differential can lock the back tires in tandem for added traction to move right through mud or soft spots. The MF2650 and MF2660 models offer 540 rpm independent power-take off, while the MF2670 and MF2680 provide 540/1000 rpm independent power take-off as a standard feature. Three-point mounted ground-engaging tools can now be more accurately controlled as a result of handy positioning and draft levers on the redesigned console.

Rather than cutting corners, the tractors are built with an all-steel hood instead of plastic for increased strength, durability and long-term value. Quick access to key service points combined with a gas-lift-assist cylinder to raise the one-piece EZlift hood can lead to more consistent maintenance and longer tractor life.

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Massey Ferguson 1528 Tractor with 1520 Loader

US $11,995.00

28d 12h 32m

2004 MASSEY FERGUSON 1445 TRACTOR

US $14,500.00

24d 13h 49m

Massey Ferguson Tractor 492 w Loader Bale Buster 596

US $39,900.00

21d 2h 43m

1978 MASSEY FERGUSON 245

US $5,500.00

25d 12h 33m

1215 Massey Ferguson Tractor

0 Bid

US $4,000.00

13h 14m

2005 Massey Ferguson 5455

US $22,500.00

12d 10h 45m

massey Ferguson GC2300 4x4 tractor with loader weight

0 Bid

US $9,500.00

16h 25m

massey ferguson 202 with loader

5 Bids

US $2,275.00

18h 24m

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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.

“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. January 29, 30 and 31, thousands of visitors will explore the more than 600 brands of equipment. This annual show displays the newest and best in tractors, skid steer loaders, commercial mowing equipment, all terrain vehicles, grain handling, computer software, fence building, hay equipment, buildings, backhoes, logging equipment, compact tractors, livestock equipment and a number of exhibits from colleges and universities. Special daily educational seminars, door prizes, cooking demonstrations and the National Kiddie Tractor Pull are also featured.

Power Show Ohio will span three days and fully fill four buildings on the grounds of the Ohio Expo Center. A scene that could be described as a “power equipment extravaganza.”
Given its staging at a time of year when buyers are ready to buy and manufacturers have their newest product introductions in place, the show garners the spotlight in the equipment industry.
From its humble beginning in 1971, Power Show Ohio has grown to nearly six times its original size. The first Power Show Ohio had 51 exhibitors and covered 54,000 square feet. The 2010 show will encompass 300,000 square feet with nearly 250 exhibitors.
Power Show Ohio is held at the Ohio Expo Center just off Interstate 71 at Exit 111 in Columbus, Ohio. Admission is $5 per person, with children ages 12 and under admitted free. For a full schedule events, hours and ticket information visit Power Show Ohio online at www.omeda.org/powershow.

Now, as the 40th annual show draws near, Power Show Ohio continues to represents the complete power equipment industry the way no other show does.

“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 to equipment purchases over the next couple of years.”
With 72 equipment stores across the Corn Belt, Titan Machinery, with a focus on high-horsepower tractors and carbines, will be a likely beneficiary of this trend toward increased farmer spending.

Mammola also points out that government stimulus dollars may play a role in accentuating industry growth in 2010, as more allocations are rolled out for road and public structure construction.

“It does sound like stimulus dollars are making their way to the companies as we speak. So water is certainly a very interesting industrial theme right now,” said Mammola, citing Crane Co. as one company that will receive bids for shovel-ready projects. “You have to break away from value investing to play with some of them given the multiples, but I think that’s going to be warranted over the next 12 months.”