John Lawrence, director of the Iowa Beef Center and economist with Iowa State University (ISU) Extension, said farmers often grow a little at a time without taking into consideration all of the animal, environmental and financial factors. Read more about Want to Start or Expand a Feedlot Operation? Consider these Factors First
As a grower marketing directly to consumers, you need to make a good impression that will translate into a lasting positive image for your business. If possible, choose a bustling, centrally-located market that is populated by serious vendors. Proximity to your farm is a factor, but consider whether the extra sales made at a busier market will justify your time and additional expenses. Whichever market you choose, be familiar with the rules, keep the market manager happy and have a presence there every week, preferably in the same slot. Customers appreciate consistency. Read more about Techniques to Improve Your Success at Farmers' Market
Snow removal on an acreage lane can be challenging, particularly during and after a big winter storm. Unless your pickup truck has a blade, most equipment is tractor-mounted. Choosing equipment that’s most effective for snow removal often depends on the size and type of tractor, or other unit powering the equipment. Other things being equal, the reduced mechanical complexity of a blade is less costly than a blower. Blades are typically associated with units larger than a lawn mower-type tractor. Front end loader equipment costs may be in between those of blades and blowers although the cost of a loader is often shared by other uses. Read more about Blade? Loader? Blower? What's the Best Option for Acreage Snow Removal?
Spring or early summer is one of the best times of year to test your well. Iowa gets most of its rainfall April through June. During this wet period excess water picks up bacteria, nitrate and recently-applied lawn and crop chemicals as it percolates through the soil. If the upper part of your well is leaky, this contaminated water may enter your well through these defects, bringing contaminants with it. Read more about Spring is a Good Time to Test Well Water
