The Horses Of Erath County- This Texas County Ain't Horsin' Around

When Texas seceded from the Union at the beginning of the Civil War, the new Confederate government now faced the task of participating in the war while still defending the Texas frontier from Indian attacks.

The Confederates actually tried several methods for maintaining order on the frontier. Their final attempt to deal with the Indian menace was the Frontier Organization, established in 1864, a militia of able-bodied male citizens who lived in frontier counties and were not otherwise serving the Confederate cause. The militia was purely defensive and had neither the manpower nor the leadership to mount offensives against marauding Indians. By 1864, the Indians were conducting large raids against forts and settlements all along the frontier.

The Ellison Springs Indian Fight was typical of frontier engagements during the Civil War. On August 8, 1864, a small force of about a dozen troopers intercepted about thirty Indians carrying blankets and bridles for the horses they were planning to steal from the whites. The Indians easily repelled the soldiers, killing three of them, and went on to steal fifty horses near, where else... Stephenville!

When Texas seceded from the Union at the beginning of the Civil War, the new Confederate government now faced the task of participating in the war while still defending the Texas frontier from Indian attacks.

The Confederates actually tried several methods for maintaining order on the frontier. Their final attempt to deal with the Indian menace was the Frontier Organization, established in 1864, a militia of able-bodied male citizens who lived in frontier counties and were not otherwise serving the Confederate cause. The militia was purely defensive and had neither the manpower nor the leadership to mount offensives against marauding Indians. By 1864, the Indians were conducting large raids against forts and settlements all along the frontier.

The Ellison Springs Indian Fight was typical of frontier engagements during the Civil War. On August 8, 1864, a small force of about a dozen troopers intercepted about thirty Indians carrying blankets and bridles for the horses they were planning to steal from the whites. The Indians easily repelled the soldiers, killing three of them, and went on to steal fifty horses near, where else... Stephenville!

Chemical Industry - The Backbone of Agricultural Development

Over long time, human food and clothing depended mainly on agriculture. While ever since the ancient time, agriculture had always relied on a lot of human labor, which was subject to various kinds of natural conditions. So the development of agriculture was very slow. During the 19th century, the use of agricultural machinery gradually improved the working conditions. However, in agricultural production, it was the application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides that really increased the agricultural output in per unit area.

Practice shows that, among all the measures to increase the agricultural production, the role played by chemical fertilizers is 40% to 65%. On the basis of the booming in the petrochemical industry, synthetic ammonia and urea have realized large-scale production, which makes the output of chemical fertilizer occupy a large proportion in the chemical products. In 1985, the total output of chemical fertilizer in the world amounted to approximately 140 million ton, which made it become one of the bulk chemical products. In recent years, the development of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer and trace elements fertilizer has further meet the demands of different soil structures and different crops.

Over long time, human food and clothing depended mainly on agriculture. While ever since the ancient time, agriculture had always relied on a lot of human labor, which was subject to various kinds of natural conditions. So the development of agriculture was very slow. During the 19th century, the use of agricultural machinery gradually improved the working conditions. However, in agricultural production, it was the application of chemical fertilizers and pesticides that really increased the agricultural output in per unit area.

Practice shows that, among all the measures to increase the agricultural production, the role played by chemical fertilizers is 40% to 65%. On the basis of the booming in the petrochemical industry, synthetic ammonia and urea have realized large-scale production, which makes the output of chemical fertilizer occupy a large proportion in the chemical products. In 1985, the total output of chemical fertilizer in the world amounted to approximately 140 million ton, which made it become one of the bulk chemical products. In recent years, the development of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer and trace elements fertilizer has further meet the demands of different soil structures and different crops.

Government Farm Grants - Improving Agriculture

Farming has always been a vital aspect of the American way of living. It provides food and jobs to millions of people. In the modern times of big businesses, economic difficulties, and oversea outsourcing and importing, keeping a farm running has become very hard to do. Financial struggles make a farm hard to maintain and family members who used to work on farms leave home in search of better opportunities. As a means of making things easier for farmers the government has set up a number of grants intended to help farmers get back on their feet.

Farming has always been a vital aspect of the American way of living. It provides food and jobs to millions of people. In the modern times of big businesses, economic difficulties, and oversea outsourcing and importing, keeping a farm running has become very hard to do. Financial struggles make a farm hard to maintain and family members who used to work on farms leave home in search of better opportunities. As a means of making things easier for farmers the government has set up a number of grants intended to help farmers get back on their feet.

USDA's Anti-Aging Research & ROS Study

According to agricultural research carried out by the United States Department of Agriculture, high ORAC foods reduce the aging process. These findings suggest that eating plenty of high-ORAC fruits and vegetables may help slow the processes associated with aging in both the body and the brain.

According to United States Department of Agriculture Administrator Floyd P. Horn, "If these findings are borne out in further research, young and middle-aged people may be able to reduce risk of diseases of aging, including senility simply by adding high-ORAC foods to their diets".

According to the United States Department of Agriculture's Active Research Services's Studies, eating plenty of high-ORAC foods raised the antioxidant power of human blood by 10 to 25 percent. In a controlled scientific study on rats they discovered the following. High ORAC foods prevented some loss of long-term memory and learning ability in middle-aged rats. They maintained the ability of brain cells in middle-aged rats to respond to a chemical stimulus, a function that normally decreases with age. Finally high ORAC foods also protected the rats' tiny blood vessel capillaries against oxygen damage.

Proleva is made solely from highly concentrated antioxidant rich foods. It simplies nutrient intake and you can add it or substitute it at times with your daily antioxidant intake.

ROS Study: Report - Inhibition of ROS formation by Proleva Objective: To evaluate whether the reportedly high ORAC value of this product translates into a physiological effect in a cell-based assay.

Background for this study: Oxidative stress is a condition in cells which is characterized by an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS). An excess of these molecules leads to oxidative damage which plays a role in many disease processes. Many products are marketed to help combat oxidative damage, often relying on a standardized ORAC value for marketing claims. The ORAC test is a chemical assay that measures the capacity for neutralization of oxygen radicals.

Assay principle: Based on standard immunological assays, we have modified an existing method for measurement of ROS production to study natural products with respect to their ability to inhibit ROS formation in a cell-based assay. This method may supplement a standard ORAC test by documenting an anti-inflammatory effect in a cellular system. The method is based on challenging human cells with an inflammatory stimuli to produce damaging reactive oxygen radicals. Changes in the oxidative stress level in each cell is monitored by a ROS-sensitive dye, DCF-DA. The colorless precursor to this dye is able to penetrate cells, and only after exposure to free oxygen radicals is it transformed to a fluorescent molecule that is retained inside the cells. The amount of fluorescence inside a given cell is proportionate to the amount of oxygen radicals produced inside the cell after the cell has encountered an inflammatory stimulus. A reduction in fluorescence in cells pre-loaded with a natural product is an indication of a protective effect of the natural product against reactive oxygen species.

Method: Freshly purified human neutrophils were preincubated with a botanical extract over a wide range of dilutions, loaded with DCF-DA, and then challenged with a high dose of hydrogen peroxide to induce severe oxidative stress. Intracellular levels of DFC-DA fluorescence intensity in untreated versus challenged cells, in the presence versus absence of the test product, were analyzed by flow cytometry. A standard curve of DCF-DA fluorescence intensity as a result of treatment with known amounts of hydrogen peroxide was used to produce an estimation of the effectiveness of a given natural product in terms of quenched hydrogen peroxide molecules.

An extract of the test product was prepared by adding 0.5g of the test product to a 5 mL of phosphate buffered saline. This mixture was vortexed repeatedly and allowed to sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Prior to use, undissolved particles were removed by centrifugation and subsequent filtration. This liquid was used to prepare a series of 100 fold dilutions of the test product. Aliquots of these dilutions were applied to the neutrophils, and then incubated at 37oC for 90 minutes. Following a wash to remove botanicals and other compounds that interfere with the oxidation marker, cells were loaded with 10 mM DC-FDA (Molecular Probes, Eugene OR) for 1 hour at 37oC. All samples, except for the untreated control samples, were then exposed to 167 mM H2O2 for a period of 45 minutes to induce severe oxidative stress. Samples were washed to remove the peroxide, and transferred to cold RPMI, and stored on ice in preparation for immediate analysis by flow cytometry.

Data was collected in triplicate for controls, and duplicate for each sample concentration. Results are expressed as a percent of the average, background corrected, response for that particular assay. Dose levels are reported in volumetric parts per billion. Statistical significance was determined using Student's test.

ROS Study Conclusion

Proleva demonstrated an unexpectedly extreme inhibitory effect on the ROS formation in human neutrophil cells. Testing a very wide serial dilution range of Proleva showed a steady increase in ROS inhibitory effect at lower doses. At no point did ROS formation reach the baseline levels of neutrophil cells challenged in the absence of antioxidant extracts. At a dose of 0.001 parts per quadrillion, Proleva showed a dramatic inhibition of the oxidative stress caused by the peroxide challenge.

According to agricultural research carried out by the United States Department of Agriculture, high ORAC foods reduce the aging process. These findings suggest that eating plenty of high-ORAC fruits and vegetables may help slow the processes associated with aging in both the body and the brain.

According to United States Department of Agriculture Administrator Floyd P. Horn, "If these findings are borne out in further research, young and middle-aged people may be able to reduce risk of diseases of aging, including senility simply by adding high-ORAC foods to their diets".

According to the United States Department of Agriculture's Active Research Services's Studies, eating plenty of high-ORAC foods raised the antioxidant power of human blood by 10 to 25 percent. In a controlled scientific study on rats they discovered the following. High ORAC foods prevented some loss of long-term memory and learning ability in middle-aged rats. They maintained the ability of brain cells in middle-aged rats to respond to a chemical stimulus, a function that normally decreases with age. Finally high ORAC foods also protected the rats' tiny blood vessel capillaries against oxygen damage.

Proleva is made solely from highly concentrated antioxidant rich foods. It simplies nutrient intake and you can add it or substitute it at times with your daily antioxidant intake.

ROS Study: Report - Inhibition of ROS formation by Proleva Objective: To evaluate whether the reportedly high ORAC value of this product translates into a physiological effect in a cell-based assay.

Background for this study: Oxidative stress is a condition in cells which is characterized by an excess of reactive oxygen species (ROS). An excess of these molecules leads to oxidative damage which plays a role in many disease processes. Many products are marketed to help combat oxidative damage, often relying on a standardized ORAC value for marketing claims. The ORAC test is a chemical assay that measures the capacity for neutralization of oxygen radicals.

Assay principle: Based on standard immunological assays, we have modified an existing method for measurement of ROS production to study natural products with respect to their ability to inhibit ROS formation in a cell-based assay. This method may supplement a standard ORAC test by documenting an anti-inflammatory effect in a cellular system. The method is based on challenging human cells with an inflammatory stimuli to produce damaging reactive oxygen radicals. Changes in the oxidative stress level in each cell is monitored by a ROS-sensitive dye, DCF-DA. The colorless precursor to this dye is able to penetrate cells, and only after exposure to free oxygen radicals is it transformed to a fluorescent molecule that is retained inside the cells. The amount of fluorescence inside a given cell is proportionate to the amount of oxygen radicals produced inside the cell after the cell has encountered an inflammatory stimulus. A reduction in fluorescence in cells pre-loaded with a natural product is an indication of a protective effect of the natural product against reactive oxygen species.

Method: Freshly purified human neutrophils were preincubated with a botanical extract over a wide range of dilutions, loaded with DCF-DA, and then challenged with a high dose of hydrogen peroxide to induce severe oxidative stress. Intracellular levels of DFC-DA fluorescence intensity in untreated versus challenged cells, in the presence versus absence of the test product, were analyzed by flow cytometry. A standard curve of DCF-DA fluorescence intensity as a result of treatment with known amounts of hydrogen peroxide was used to produce an estimation of the effectiveness of a given natural product in terms of quenched hydrogen peroxide molecules.

An extract of the test product was prepared by adding 0.5g of the test product to a 5 mL of phosphate buffered saline. This mixture was vortexed repeatedly and allowed to sit at room temperature for 1 hour. Prior to use, undissolved particles were removed by centrifugation and subsequent filtration. This liquid was used to prepare a series of 100 fold dilutions of the test product. Aliquots of these dilutions were applied to the neutrophils, and then incubated at 37oC for 90 minutes. Following a wash to remove botanicals and other compounds that interfere with the oxidation marker, cells were loaded with 10 mM DC-FDA (Molecular Probes, Eugene OR) for 1 hour at 37oC. All samples, except for the untreated control samples, were then exposed to 167 mM H2O2 for a period of 45 minutes to induce severe oxidative stress. Samples were washed to remove the peroxide, and transferred to cold RPMI, and stored on ice in preparation for immediate analysis by flow cytometry.

Data was collected in triplicate for controls, and duplicate for each sample concentration. Results are expressed as a percent of the average, background corrected, response for that particular assay. Dose levels are reported in volumetric parts per billion. Statistical significance was determined using Student's test.

ROS Study Conclusion

Proleva demonstrated an unexpectedly extreme inhibitory effect on the ROS formation in human neutrophil cells. Testing a very wide serial dilution range of Proleva showed a steady increase in ROS inhibitory effect at lower doses. At no point did ROS formation reach the baseline levels of neutrophil cells challenged in the absence of antioxidant extracts. At a dose of 0.001 parts per quadrillion, Proleva showed a dramatic inhibition of the oxidative stress caused by the peroxide challenge.

What Is a CSA Or Community Supported Agriculture?

Over the past 3 years, my family has slowly increased our levels of good nutritious foods and reduced our bad foods dramatically. Actually reading what is in the packaging has been commonplace for me, my wife and children. Every time we purchase something we flip it around and read the nutritional facts.

More recently, since my son has been diagnosed with sensitivity to gluten, dairy and eggs, we are more cautious in reviewing the ingredients on packaged foods. So we've been actually cooking more and going out less, because we don't know how careful restaurants can be in preparing the foods that we order and eat. We love going to WholeFoods on Saturdays knowing they have plenty of good food. A note of caution, not everything in WholeFoods is good for you, but definitely good for the soul. So eat in moderation, like anything else

With all this cooking at home, my friend suggested that we join a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture. Basically a CSA provides a great way for local growers and farmers a different outlet for its produce versus the traditional grocery store. When you purchase a share, subscription or membership you receive a box of seasonal vegetables. Some have shares of fruits. Most important, the produce is super fresh, and there for are full of flavor and vitamins. In addition, most farms are Organic. Also, you get to try vegetables that you normally won't eat. So exposure to variety is the spice to life.

My favorite so far is the heirloom tomatoes. Their funky shapes and sometimes colors might be unappealing at first, but when you bite into one, the tomato flavor is so electrifyingly delicious.

At the beginning of the season, my wife and I were unhappy with the quantity items in the box, but a couple of weeks later, I don't think we could have eaten all of the bounty. It's really worth the money for a family of 5.

There are thousands of farms that offer CSA. And here is a site that lists some of them at localharvest.org. Treat your family to the freshest foods with a Community Supported Agriculture.

Noah Lam has a son who has been diagnosed with sensitivity to Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, and Nuts. This prompted him to completely modify the family's diet. He created MyAllergyFriendlyFoods.com to share his findings and resources as he explores Allergy Friendly Foods to his family. Please visit www.myallergyfriendlyfoods.com for the latest in Food Allergy Information.

Over the past 3 years, my family has slowly increased our levels of good nutritious foods and reduced our bad foods dramatically. Actually reading what is in the packaging has been commonplace for me, my wife and children. Every time we purchase something we flip it around and read the nutritional facts.

More recently, since my son has been diagnosed with sensitivity to gluten, dairy and eggs, we are more cautious in reviewing the ingredients on packaged foods. So we've been actually cooking more and going out less, because we don't know how careful restaurants can be in preparing the foods that we order and eat. We love going to WholeFoods on Saturdays knowing they have plenty of good food. A note of caution, not everything in WholeFoods is good for you, but definitely good for the soul. So eat in moderation, like anything else

With all this cooking at home, my friend suggested that we join a CSA or Community Supported Agriculture. Basically a CSA provides a great way for local growers and farmers a different outlet for its produce versus the traditional grocery store. When you purchase a share, subscription or membership you receive a box of seasonal vegetables. Some have shares of fruits. Most important, the produce is super fresh, and there for are full of flavor and vitamins. In addition, most farms are Organic. Also, you get to try vegetables that you normally won't eat. So exposure to variety is the spice to life.

My favorite so far is the heirloom tomatoes. Their funky shapes and sometimes colors might be unappealing at first, but when you bite into one, the tomato flavor is so electrifyingly delicious.

At the beginning of the season, my wife and I were unhappy with the quantity items in the box, but a couple of weeks later, I don't think we could have eaten all of the bounty. It's really worth the money for a family of 5.

There are thousands of farms that offer CSA. And here is a site that lists some of them at localharvest.org. Treat your family to the freshest foods with a Community Supported Agriculture.

Noah Lam has a son who has been diagnosed with sensitivity to Gluten, Dairy, Eggs, and Nuts. This prompted him to completely modify the family's diet. He created MyAllergyFriendlyFoods.com to share his findings and resources as he explores Allergy Friendly Foods to his family. Please visit www.myallergyfriendlyfoods.com for the latest in Food Allergy Information.

Agricultural Equipment and Machinery Accessory Dealers

One of the most important elements among all agricultural equipment and machinery is a tractor. If your farm is large enough, you will need a suitable tractor to aid you when it comes to tilling the land. However, new tractors are some of the most expensive pieces of agricultural machinery any accessory dealer can sell you. This means that you may have to consider the option of buying a used tractor if you want to save money. Usually, used tractors will have prices that are generally lower than the retail prices for new models.

In case you are looking for tractors for sale, you may lack the knowledge and time for shopping around to get the best price ranges. First of all, you may be plagued by ignorance on the usual prices of these kinds of used agricultural equipment. You may also be unaware of the various brands and makes of tractors on the market. This means that even as you shop, you will not be that certain about exactly what you are looking for. In fact, you may even not know where to look for the best kinds of used tractors.

Still, you can be certain that most dealers in agricultural accessories such as machinery and equipment will normally list their products on the internet. This means that you only need to have a computer that has access to the internet for you to reach these dealers.

The internet lists a thousand and one different types of used agricultural machines. The machines also come with a very wide range of different prices. The implication here is that it is relatively easy to track down the tractor that meets your specifications just adequately.

Therefore, in case you need a used tractor, you will only have to access the internet and type in some relevant keywords. You can be certain that you will locate the exact machine you want. Of course, you will have to review the products being offered by different accessory dealers and their particular specifications. For instance, you will look at the make, the year of manufacture, how long it has been in use, the condition it is in at that moment and, most importantly, the pricing.

The other aspect you need to look out for in used tractors is whether your agricultural equipment dealer will offer you some added services. A tractor for sale which is getting serviced by the seller may cost you more than one which is not. Still, you can be certain that the former will be a better option and even cheaper in the long run. You will only need to drive it right into your farm and put it into the necessary use immediately without having to take time off your busy schedule to get it serviced.

To conclude, as you go about looking for agricultural equipment and machinery- accessory dealers will offer them on the internet- such as used tractors for sale, you can be certain that you will get exactly what you desire. However, you will need to review different tractors from various dealers in order to locate the best for your farm.

Robert Tate - Region Sales Manager of Mascus UK. Mascus is an electronic marketplace for tractors for sale, used tractors and used trucks. Mascus makes trading in used machines and trucks quicker and more efficient by collecting all information about supply and demand in one place. All dealers, producers and end users are welcome to offer their used machines and trucks for sale via the marketplace.

One of the most important elements among all agricultural equipment and machinery is a tractor. If your farm is large enough, you will need a suitable tractor to aid you when it comes to tilling the land. However, new tractors are some of the most expensive pieces of agricultural machinery any accessory dealer can sell you. This means that you may have to consider the option of buying a used tractor if you want to save money. Usually, used tractors will have prices that are generally lower than the retail prices for new models.

In case you are looking for tractors for sale, you may lack the knowledge and time for shopping around to get the best price ranges. First of all, you may be plagued by ignorance on the usual prices of these kinds of used agricultural equipment. You may also be unaware of the various brands and makes of tractors on the market. This means that even as you shop, you will not be that certain about exactly what you are looking for. In fact, you may even not know where to look for the best kinds of used tractors.

Still, you can be certain that most dealers in agricultural accessories such as machinery and equipment will normally list their products on the internet. This means that you only need to have a computer that has access to the internet for you to reach these dealers.

The internet lists a thousand and one different types of used agricultural machines. The machines also come with a very wide range of different prices. The implication here is that it is relatively easy to track down the tractor that meets your specifications just adequately.

Therefore, in case you need a used tractor, you will only have to access the internet and type in some relevant keywords. You can be certain that you will locate the exact machine you want. Of course, you will have to review the products being offered by different accessory dealers and their particular specifications. For instance, you will look at the make, the year of manufacture, how long it has been in use, the condition it is in at that moment and, most importantly, the pricing.

The other aspect you need to look out for in used tractors is whether your agricultural equipment dealer will offer you some added services. A tractor for sale which is getting serviced by the seller may cost you more than one which is not. Still, you can be certain that the former will be a better option and even cheaper in the long run. You will only need to drive it right into your farm and put it into the necessary use immediately without having to take time off your busy schedule to get it serviced.

To conclude, as you go about looking for agricultural equipment and machinery- accessory dealers will offer them on the internet- such as used tractors for sale, you can be certain that you will get exactly what you desire. However, you will need to review different tractors from various dealers in order to locate the best for your farm.

Robert Tate - Region Sales Manager of Mascus UK. Mascus is an electronic marketplace for tractors for sale, used tractors and used trucks. Mascus makes trading in used machines and trucks quicker and more efficient by collecting all information about supply and demand in one place. All dealers, producers and end users are welcome to offer their used machines and trucks for sale via the marketplace.

Farm Machinery - Maintenance Checklist For Your Fencing Machines

Farming is always full of jobs that you can feel you didn't "sign up for" including the seemingly constant turnover of purchasing new machinery and tools to keep your farm ticking over and functioning smoothly. However, taking time to first purchase quality tools and equipment and then take care of them, including regular maintenance checks will help ease that particular burden off your shoulders.

If you want to check your fencing machines for wear and tear, there are several different things you should check. If these show significant disintegration, new parts or a new model should be purchased.

- Check over all the couplings and clamps to ensure they fit firmly and are undamaged. If they are worn they will need to be replaced.

- If any of the wires are frayed, broken or damaged they will need to be replaced. Sometimes the wire begins to be stretched a little and needs to be readjusted. It is good to lubricate the wire and retest it.

- Examine the farm machinery carefully for any hairline fractures or stress breaks. These can cause a dramatic problem if not attended to, including full breakdown and potential injury to the user. It is best to contact your supplier about resolving these with either a mend or full replacement.

- Check all moving parts are well lubricated, particularly the hammer slide and mast to ensure it works smoothly and safely. Also pay attention to any pivot pins. If you have mended any areas in the past with welding, carefully check over your welding to ensure it is still holding.

- Any pulleys on the machine need to be free spinning and working smoothly. If it's sticking at all or feels a little rough it's advisable to replace these parts.

- Check the bolts to ensure they are all firm. Make sure they are all there and replace any you find are missing.

- Check for leaks in the hydraulic hoses and couplings. If you find leaks, these need to be replaced.

- If the safety features of the equipment look in anyway worn, it is essential you replace these immediately to ensure your continued safety in using the product.

Even the very best of machines will need good maintenance and eventual replacement. By looking after your farm machinery you will get the very best return for your investment.

Fairbrother Industries Ltd - Farm Machinery and Farm Fencing Equipment is a privately owned New Zealand company that was established in 1977.

Over the years the personality and reputation of the company has established is quite unique. It has developed along with the growth of the company and the brand name 'Kinghitter' and reflects the visibility and accessibility of the owner. His infectious personality can be found guiding dealers and prospective customers through the Kinghitter fencing process at many agricultural shows in most countries around the world.

What makes the Kinghitter Post Driver special, different and superior to the competition is the company's strong commitment to after sales service. The Kinghitter owner is made to feel part of the Fairbrother family.

Farming is always full of jobs that you can feel you didn't "sign up for" including the seemingly constant turnover of purchasing new machinery and tools to keep your farm ticking over and functioning smoothly. However, taking time to first purchase quality tools and equipment and then take care of them, including regular maintenance checks will help ease that particular burden off your shoulders.

If you want to check your fencing machines for wear and tear, there are several different things you should check. If these show significant disintegration, new parts or a new model should be purchased.

- Check over all the couplings and clamps to ensure they fit firmly and are undamaged. If they are worn they will need to be replaced.

- If any of the wires are frayed, broken or damaged they will need to be replaced. Sometimes the wire begins to be stretched a little and needs to be readjusted. It is good to lubricate the wire and retest it.

- Examine the farm machinery carefully for any hairline fractures or stress breaks. These can cause a dramatic problem if not attended to, including full breakdown and potential injury to the user. It is best to contact your supplier about resolving these with either a mend or full replacement.

- Check all moving parts are well lubricated, particularly the hammer slide and mast to ensure it works smoothly and safely. Also pay attention to any pivot pins. If you have mended any areas in the past with welding, carefully check over your welding to ensure it is still holding.

- Any pulleys on the machine need to be free spinning and working smoothly. If it's sticking at all or feels a little rough it's advisable to replace these parts.

- Check the bolts to ensure they are all firm. Make sure they are all there and replace any you find are missing.

- Check for leaks in the hydraulic hoses and couplings. If you find leaks, these need to be replaced.

- If the safety features of the equipment look in anyway worn, it is essential you replace these immediately to ensure your continued safety in using the product.

Even the very best of machines will need good maintenance and eventual replacement. By looking after your farm machinery you will get the very best return for your investment.

Fairbrother Industries Ltd - Farm Machinery and Farm Fencing Equipment is a privately owned New Zealand company that was established in 1977.

Over the years the personality and reputation of the company has established is quite unique. It has developed along with the growth of the company and the brand name 'Kinghitter' and reflects the visibility and accessibility of the owner. His infectious personality can be found guiding dealers and prospective customers through the Kinghitter fencing process at many agricultural shows in most countries around the world.

What makes the Kinghitter Post Driver special, different and superior to the competition is the company's strong commitment to after sales service. The Kinghitter owner is made to feel part of the Fairbrother family.

The Importance of Sustainable Agriculture

The act of a farmer working the land to produce food consistently without causing or creating irreversible damage to the well-being of our ecosystem is called sustainable agriculture. Farming in this method has three main goals:

1. Environmental stability
2. Farm profitability
3. Prosperous farming communities

These sets of practices have been identified by a variety of regulations by both the farmer and the consumer. For a farmer to excel at sustainable agriculture there are two main issues for the farmer to understand .

1. The long-term effects of various farming methods, such as harrowing or crop rotation, to ensure rich soil properties. Rotating the crop helps keep the soil from depletion of its nutrients by adding livestock manure or by growing alfalfa and adding it to the soil, it is high in nitrogen. Clover works also. In order for sustainable agriculture to work it depends on the farmer to replace nutrients back into the soil.

2. The long term ability of a farmer to gather information and manage resources like farm labourers is socio-economic.

Methods of working the field are partially understood. Excessive tilling with no proper irrigation could create field erosion or a high salt content in the soil. Experience will provide the best knowledge on what is better for soil properties while managing sustainable agriculture farms.

With sustainable agriculture being the leading growing method, a healthier environment would be ensured.

With the environmental crisis we are facing, sustainable agriculture is helping the environment . While we look for better alternatives we have found that growing organically using sustainable agriculture fits the world in our times. To eat healthy anyone could grow a sustainable vegetable garden on their property.

The act of a farmer working the land to produce food consistently without causing or creating irreversible damage to the well-being of our ecosystem is called sustainable agriculture. Farming in this method has three main goals:

1. Environmental stability
2. Farm profitability
3. Prosperous farming communities

These sets of practices have been identified by a variety of regulations by both the farmer and the consumer. For a farmer to excel at sustainable agriculture there are two main issues for the farmer to understand .

1. The long-term effects of various farming methods, such as harrowing or crop rotation, to ensure rich soil properties. Rotating the crop helps keep the soil from depletion of its nutrients by adding livestock manure or by growing alfalfa and adding it to the soil, it is high in nitrogen. Clover works also. In order for sustainable agriculture to work it depends on the farmer to replace nutrients back into the soil.

2. The long term ability of a farmer to gather information and manage resources like farm labourers is socio-economic.

Methods of working the field are partially understood. Excessive tilling with no proper irrigation could create field erosion or a high salt content in the soil. Experience will provide the best knowledge on what is better for soil properties while managing sustainable agriculture farms.

With sustainable agriculture being the leading growing method, a healthier environment would be ensured.

With the environmental crisis we are facing, sustainable agriculture is helping the environment . While we look for better alternatives we have found that growing organically using sustainable agriculture fits the world in our times. To eat healthy anyone could grow a sustainable vegetable garden on their property.

Sustainable Agriculture - Is it in Your Future?

With the current buzz about sustainability, here's the big question: Sustainable agriculture -- Is it in your future?

These are tumultuous times. Global warming and environmental degradation are serious threats to the future of our world. The current economic situation is somewhat bleak and recovery is slow. Fear of the future is ever present in many minds. The problem is that even if we acknowledge the environmental seriousness, the financial considerations and the reservation we feel hold us back from making significant movement toward positive change. On the other hand, to do nothing spells certain disaster in our future.

Sustainability has many definitions depending upon who is defining it! I define it as agricultural practices which consider, address, and improve the environmental, social, and economic aspects of the operation. It's like a three legged stool. There must be three legs of the same length and in some reasonable configuration in order to have balance and stability. To neglect one leg or to put it in the wrong place means the business is likely to collapse.

Keeping that balance has many benefits. If anyone should be an environmentalist, it should be the farmer. If farmers use the land and water without regard to the consequences of management, it means that those resources will likely become degraded and/or depleted. It's like using a car to get to work, but never checking the tires, changing the oil nor putting gas in it. It won't be long before you're looking at alternative transportation. On the other hand, being proactive, considering the consequences, monitoring, and planning ahead will get you there more quickly and with reliability!

Here are ten basic steps to incorporate sustainability into your farm operation:

1. Assess your current situation
2. Define specifically what it is that you are managing
3. Determine what resources you have available
4. Write down what you wish to achieve -- getting to your core principles
5. Plan your strategy to address the environment, finances, and social aspects
6. Test your decisions and actions
7. Monitor your progress -- consider that you could have been wrong
8. Get back on track if you are off course
9. Completely re-plan when necessary
10. Revisit your goal and your plan

The clock is ticking, but there is still time to make a difference. Every epic journey starts with one small step,and then another. Agriculture is the foundation of civilizations. If agriculture fails, so does everything else. What are some steps you can take to move toward more sustainable agriculture? Is it in your future?

Looking for some innovative resources? See how some farmers, ranchers, and others can help you to create sustainable agriculture in your future with a holistic approach to management.

With the current buzz about sustainability, here's the big question: Sustainable agriculture -- Is it in your future?

These are tumultuous times. Global warming and environmental degradation are serious threats to the future of our world. The current economic situation is somewhat bleak and recovery is slow. Fear of the future is ever present in many minds. The problem is that even if we acknowledge the environmental seriousness, the financial considerations and the reservation we feel hold us back from making significant movement toward positive change. On the other hand, to do nothing spells certain disaster in our future.

Sustainability has many definitions depending upon who is defining it! I define it as agricultural practices which consider, address, and improve the environmental, social, and economic aspects of the operation. It's like a three legged stool. There must be three legs of the same length and in some reasonable configuration in order to have balance and stability. To neglect one leg or to put it in the wrong place means the business is likely to collapse.

Keeping that balance has many benefits. If anyone should be an environmentalist, it should be the farmer. If farmers use the land and water without regard to the consequences of management, it means that those resources will likely become degraded and/or depleted. It's like using a car to get to work, but never checking the tires, changing the oil nor putting gas in it. It won't be long before you're looking at alternative transportation. On the other hand, being proactive, considering the consequences, monitoring, and planning ahead will get you there more quickly and with reliability!

Here are ten basic steps to incorporate sustainability into your farm operation:

1. Assess your current situation
2. Define specifically what it is that you are managing
3. Determine what resources you have available
4. Write down what you wish to achieve -- getting to your core principles
5. Plan your strategy to address the environment, finances, and social aspects
6. Test your decisions and actions
7. Monitor your progress -- consider that you could have been wrong
8. Get back on track if you are off course
9. Completely re-plan when necessary
10. Revisit your goal and your plan

The clock is ticking, but there is still time to make a difference. Every epic journey starts with one small step,and then another. Agriculture is the foundation of civilizations. If agriculture fails, so does everything else. What are some steps you can take to move toward more sustainable agriculture? Is it in your future?

Looking for some innovative resources? See how some farmers, ranchers, and others can help you to create sustainable agriculture in your future with a holistic approach to management.

Foreign Education for Advance Agricultural Science, Biotechnology

With globalisation becoming the prime aspect in education, overseas education stands as a good choice for students. It allows them to enter into a newer and different world helping them learn about research in a better prospect. Of all the research fields, Biotechnology has come out as a promising option for students in India as well as across the globe.

Biotechnology research pertains to incorporating technology along with biology. This knowledge and research based industry includes agriculture research, environmental research along with the researches carried out on medicine, genetics, and industrial growth. The foreign education for the same includes teaching students about the applications of biotechnology as a science in bettering the resistance against diseases for animals as well as plants, enzymes, the biological system, as well as increasing the manufacturing of certain products.

Students looking forward to pursue biotechnology research as the prime subject through overseas education, you have the options of some of the best universities in the world. Some of the prominent ones include the University of Pennsylvania, University of Connecticut, Manhattan College, Howard University, and University of Wisconsin, along with University College London. Students need to take the TOEFL, IELTS or the similar ones that would enable them to enter the foreign universities dealing with biotechnology research. It should be kept in mind that foreign education takes M.Sc. as M.S., which means that every university will have its own set of grant research scholarships and programs.

It would be a better approach to go through the admission procedures pertaining to each university in order to under how much emphasis they lay on biotechnology research as well as agriculture research. Entering into any such university would require a good entrance score, which would validate your ability to continue with the research work in the university. Furthermore, your scholarship also depends on the scores that you get.

Most of the research institutes and universities dealing with agriculture research as well as biotechnology offer profound facilities such as that of genetic laboratories, DNA fingerprinting, along with other facilities that could alter the current food scenario in the world. Furthermore, biotechnology includes diagnosis of diseases and their cures, modifying the genome of plants and animals to use them in a better context. Research is just the beginning stage in this vast field.

If you are looking forward to continue with research work through overseas education, it will be better to understand how the foreign universities work on this field. Biotechnology is a fast-paced field expanding its foray into various fields. Choosing the best university for your research would be helpful in setting forth a better career prospect for you.

This is Sonam Verma belong to New Delhi, India writing articles, blog and exploring on new interesting topics such as property, job, education, health, food etc. You can find more details about biotechnology research and overseas education.

With globalisation becoming the prime aspect in education, overseas education stands as a good choice for students. It allows them to enter into a newer and different world helping them learn about research in a better prospect. Of all the research fields, Biotechnology has come out as a promising option for students in India as well as across the globe.

Biotechnology research pertains to incorporating technology along with biology. This knowledge and research based industry includes agriculture research, environmental research along with the researches carried out on medicine, genetics, and industrial growth. The foreign education for the same includes teaching students about the applications of biotechnology as a science in bettering the resistance against diseases for animals as well as plants, enzymes, the biological system, as well as increasing the manufacturing of certain products.

Students looking forward to pursue biotechnology research as the prime subject through overseas education, you have the options of some of the best universities in the world. Some of the prominent ones include the University of Pennsylvania, University of Connecticut, Manhattan College, Howard University, and University of Wisconsin, along with University College London. Students need to take the TOEFL, IELTS or the similar ones that would enable them to enter the foreign universities dealing with biotechnology research. It should be kept in mind that foreign education takes M.Sc. as M.S., which means that every university will have its own set of grant research scholarships and programs.

It would be a better approach to go through the admission procedures pertaining to each university in order to under how much emphasis they lay on biotechnology research as well as agriculture research. Entering into any such university would require a good entrance score, which would validate your ability to continue with the research work in the university. Furthermore, your scholarship also depends on the scores that you get.

Most of the research institutes and universities dealing with agriculture research as well as biotechnology offer profound facilities such as that of genetic laboratories, DNA fingerprinting, along with other facilities that could alter the current food scenario in the world. Furthermore, biotechnology includes diagnosis of diseases and their cures, modifying the genome of plants and animals to use them in a better context. Research is just the beginning stage in this vast field.

If you are looking forward to continue with research work through overseas education, it will be better to understand how the foreign universities work on this field. Biotechnology is a fast-paced field expanding its foray into various fields. Choosing the best university for your research would be helpful in setting forth a better career prospect for you.

This is Sonam Verma belong to New Delhi, India writing articles, blog and exploring on new interesting topics such as property, job, education, health, food etc. You can find more details about biotechnology research and overseas education.

Foreign Education for Advance Agricultural Science, Biotechnology

With globalisation becoming the prime aspect in education, overseas education stands as a good choice for students. It allows them to enter into a newer and different world helping them learn about research in a better prospect. Of all the research fields, Biotechnology has come out as a promising option for students in India as well as across the globe.

Biotechnology research pertains to incorporating technology along with biology. This knowledge and research based industry includes agriculture research, environmental research along with the researches carried out on medicine, genetics, and industrial growth. The foreign education for the same includes teaching students about the applications of biotechnology as a science in bettering the resistance against diseases for animals as well as plants, enzymes, the biological system, as well as increasing the manufacturing of certain products.

Students looking forward to pursue biotechnology research as the prime subject through overseas education, you have the options of some of the best universities in the world. Some of the prominent ones include the University of Pennsylvania, University of Connecticut, Manhattan College, Howard University, and University of Wisconsin, along with University College London. Students need to take the TOEFL, IELTS or the similar ones that would enable them to enter the foreign universities dealing with biotechnology research. It should be kept in mind that foreign education takes M.Sc. as M.S., which means that every university will have its own set of grant research scholarships and programs.

It would be a better approach to go through the admission procedures pertaining to each university in order to under how much emphasis they lay on biotechnology research as well as agriculture research. Entering into any such university would require a good entrance score, which would validate your ability to continue with the research work in the university. Furthermore, your scholarship also depends on the scores that you get.

Most of the research institutes and universities dealing with agriculture research as well as biotechnology offer profound facilities such as that of genetic laboratories, DNA fingerprinting, along with other facilities that could alter the current food scenario in the world. Furthermore, biotechnology includes diagnosis of diseases and their cures, modifying the genome of plants and animals to use them in a better context. Research is just the beginning stage in this vast field.

If you are looking forward to continue with research work through overseas education, it will be better to understand how the foreign universities work on this field. Biotechnology is a fast-paced field expanding its foray into various fields. Choosing the best university for your research would be helpful in setting forth a better career prospect for you.

With globalisation becoming the prime aspect in education, overseas education stands as a good choice for students. It allows them to enter into a newer and different world helping them learn about research in a better prospect. Of all the research fields, Biotechnology has come out as a promising option for students in India as well as across the globe.

Biotechnology research pertains to incorporating technology along with biology. This knowledge and research based industry includes agriculture research, environmental research along with the researches carried out on medicine, genetics, and industrial growth. The foreign education for the same includes teaching students about the applications of biotechnology as a science in bettering the resistance against diseases for animals as well as plants, enzymes, the biological system, as well as increasing the manufacturing of certain products.

Students looking forward to pursue biotechnology research as the prime subject through overseas education, you have the options of some of the best universities in the world. Some of the prominent ones include the University of Pennsylvania, University of Connecticut, Manhattan College, Howard University, and University of Wisconsin, along with University College London. Students need to take the TOEFL, IELTS or the similar ones that would enable them to enter the foreign universities dealing with biotechnology research. It should be kept in mind that foreign education takes M.Sc. as M.S., which means that every university will have its own set of grant research scholarships and programs.

It would be a better approach to go through the admission procedures pertaining to each university in order to under how much emphasis they lay on biotechnology research as well as agriculture research. Entering into any such university would require a good entrance score, which would validate your ability to continue with the research work in the university. Furthermore, your scholarship also depends on the scores that you get.

Most of the research institutes and universities dealing with agriculture research as well as biotechnology offer profound facilities such as that of genetic laboratories, DNA fingerprinting, along with other facilities that could alter the current food scenario in the world. Furthermore, biotechnology includes diagnosis of diseases and their cures, modifying the genome of plants and animals to use them in a better context. Research is just the beginning stage in this vast field.

If you are looking forward to continue with research work through overseas education, it will be better to understand how the foreign universities work on this field. Biotechnology is a fast-paced field expanding its foray into various fields. Choosing the best university for your research would be helpful in setting forth a better career prospect for you.

Online Agriculture Studies

Today a large amount of economic trade between countries is the exchange of agricultural goods. This market of the economy deals with more than just the actual exchange of goods. There are a wide range of responsibilities within the industry that individuals can learn through online education. Many accredited online schools offer degree distinctions in every facet of the agricultural industry. Prospective students interested in this field of study will be able to earn their education solely through online agriculture studies.

In its most basic definition agriculture is the production of food and products through some form of farming. Study in this area can have students learning about a wide range of disciplines through online agriculture schools and colleges. Students can earn an education online from an associate's degree to a PhD in the field. The options for a concentration are vast, which allows students to earn an education in a specific part of the industry they are most interested in. Specific concentrations include:

    * Wildlife
    * Agricultural
    * Engineering
    * Agricultural Economics
    * Environmental Sustainability
    * Management

...and more. Education requirements will vary depending on the college selected and what degree a student is trying to obtain.

An associate's degree or bachelor's degree will give students a foundation of principles and procedures to build upon whether they enter the professional work place or gain more education. Most degree programs at this level could take two to four years for a student to complete. Concepts and topics covered in undergraduate study include agricultural research, basic methods of production of products, farm life in connection with how livestock and plants are grown, how to take soil samples, and much more.

Students who continue education and obtain a master's or a PhD could be studying agriculture for another three to six years depending on the concentration the student has selected. A master's degree program will give students knowledge directly related to one area. Many programs focus on a specific area and enable students with the techniques to successfully manage agricultural procedures for the area they are studying. Skills that could be learned include how to run a ranch, analyze crops, and how to use certain equipment for job related tasks. Upon completion students will be able to enter higher education at the PhD level or transition into the industry in pursuit of their career.

Gaining a PhD in the field will greatly benefit a student who wants to enter the top levels of work within the industry. As a result the schooling process is not a super fast one but an in depth study into the specific area of agriculture a student is going into. Study at this level not only requires more knowledge but it tests the student's knowledge. PhD programs will have students immersed in high-level courses and seminars. Doctoral students are required at the end of coursework to present a dissertation proposal, conduct research, and finally present and defend their dissertation. PhD options in the field are wide and students can choose from concentrations that include horticulture, soil science, forestry, agronomy, and more.

Don't let your passion of agriculture pass you by. Start on your career path today by enrolling in an accredited degree program. The Distance Education and Training Council ( http://www.detc.org/ ) approved programs for full accreditation in order to prove that they can offer a quality educational experience. Search out online agriculture colleges that offer degree programs and concentrations that fit your career goals and schedule.

Today a large amount of economic trade between countries is the exchange of agricultural goods. This market of the economy deals with more than just the actual exchange of goods. There are a wide range of responsibilities within the industry that individuals can learn through online education. Many accredited online schools offer degree distinctions in every facet of the agricultural industry. Prospective students interested in this field of study will be able to earn their education solely through online agriculture studies.

In its most basic definition agriculture is the production of food and products through some form of farming. Study in this area can have students learning about a wide range of disciplines through online agriculture schools and colleges. Students can earn an education online from an associate's degree to a PhD in the field. The options for a concentration are vast, which allows students to earn an education in a specific part of the industry they are most interested in. Specific concentrations include:

    * Wildlife
    * Agricultural
    * Engineering
    * Agricultural Economics
    * Environmental Sustainability
    * Management

...and more. Education requirements will vary depending on the college selected and what degree a student is trying to obtain.

An associate's degree or bachelor's degree will give students a foundation of principles and procedures to build upon whether they enter the professional work place or gain more education. Most degree programs at this level could take two to four years for a student to complete. Concepts and topics covered in undergraduate study include agricultural research, basic methods of production of products, farm life in connection with how livestock and plants are grown, how to take soil samples, and much more.

Students who continue education and obtain a master's or a PhD could be studying agriculture for another three to six years depending on the concentration the student has selected. A master's degree program will give students knowledge directly related to one area. Many programs focus on a specific area and enable students with the techniques to successfully manage agricultural procedures for the area they are studying. Skills that could be learned include how to run a ranch, analyze crops, and how to use certain equipment for job related tasks. Upon completion students will be able to enter higher education at the PhD level or transition into the industry in pursuit of their career.

Gaining a PhD in the field will greatly benefit a student who wants to enter the top levels of work within the industry. As a result the schooling process is not a super fast one but an in depth study into the specific area of agriculture a student is going into. Study at this level not only requires more knowledge but it tests the student's knowledge. PhD programs will have students immersed in high-level courses and seminars. Doctoral students are required at the end of coursework to present a dissertation proposal, conduct research, and finally present and defend their dissertation. PhD options in the field are wide and students can choose from concentrations that include horticulture, soil science, forestry, agronomy, and more.

Don't let your passion of agriculture pass you by. Start on your career path today by enrolling in an accredited degree program. The Distance Education and Training Council ( http://www.detc.org/ ) approved programs for full accreditation in order to prove that they can offer a quality educational experience. Search out online agriculture colleges that offer degree programs and concentrations that fit your career goals and schedule.

Sustainable Agriculture and Organic Farming in Northern Thailand, Mae Tha, Chiang Mai

Sustainable agricultural and organic farming is an alternative way to live life, preserve a culture, and protect nature in Northern Thailand.

Ek-ii-aek-aekkk...the Thai language call of the roosters aroused me from my warm, comfortable mattress. I can glimpse the sun beams seeping through the walls and under the wooden door. I can sense chilly, white fog of the Thailand highlands morning while walking downstairs to help my host mother prepare vegetables to sell at market.

"You seem sleepy. Why don't you go back to your bed and sleep longer?", Mae Ratri asked gently. Mae in this instance means 'mother' and is the way to address ones host mother; for about 2 weeks I was very blessed to have Mae Ratri Kruengngern's as my surrogate mother. Mae Ratri and her family are a rural farming family in Mae Tha, an idyllic green village in Northern Thailand. I was part of a group of university students studying sustainable agriculture and as inviting as the offer of extra sleep sounded, I was much more excited to continue with another day of learning.

Mae Tha is a small community of Mae-On sub-district in Chiang Mai, located amidst the mountains on the boundary of Lamphun province. Most of the population speaks the "Yong" dialect or the Thai language.

Mae Tha villagers earn a living by farming rice and cultivating indigenous vegetables using organic and sustainable practices.

Mr. Phat or Por Phat, dressed in his pale blue cotton shirt, traditional style pants and wearing flip-flops, is a leader of the village who firstly introduced organic farming and sustainable way of living to people in Mae Tha.

The transition process to change the farms in Mae Tha from chemical to organic ran effectively since there was a good cooperation from villagers in the community.

"I dare say it is because our families have a long and dear relationship. Our past generations live here. We are all related and that support is the community's strength" Por Phat said proudly. Most mornings people will venture out to their own farms but if there is a time of harvesting they will willingly go to help others from farm to farm.

The most impressive thing about farming and living in Mae Tha is learning how to give and receive. You will always get assistance whenever you need and the state of giving perpetuates when you feel that you could help others. That is the beautiful and endless circle of support that people in Mae Tha adopted from their ancestors and pass on through the generations. Every Wednesday and Sunday Mae Ratri and a group of villagers will wake up around 2-3 am to prepare all the green, fresh, and chemical-free vegetables to sell in the organic food spots in Chiang Mai - JJ market and Nhong Hoi market.

The organic food selling areas are established by Institute for Sustainable Agricultural Communities or ISAC, an organization that aims to build and support sustainable agriculture communities in Chiang Mai. The sun shines more brightly as it is time for a big truck to come and pick up both the produce and the sellers for the trip to the market.

Mr. Weerapon Thamkhun, one of the ISAC's committee members said "giving high priority on home consumption is our first concern." He added "the goal of Organic Market is to promote the products from natural processes with not using chemical fertilizers or pesticides, including processing and marketing." The number of organic food consumers is increasing due to the increasing attention to health concerns and agricultural sustainability.

The smiling faces of the people who come and buy organic vegetables at the market marks the appreciation of receiving healthy, safe foods and reasonable price. The increasing demand and appreciation for quality is the challenge that the organic and sustainable farming community readily accepts. Mrs. Wannapa Tachai, a fan of organic food said "organic farming is the greatest idea for both consumers and farmers. We both have a clean and safe food for our health."

Mae Ratri turned her face to Mrs. Wannapa and gave her a nod. "And it seems we, both farmers and consumers, are friends. They will pay a reasonable price for the good quality of fresh vegetables, while we can also provide them healthy food." Mae Ratri added that she felt like it is a kind of making merit. Since she and people in the village produce the safe organic food for consumers, not introducing potentially harmful chemicals.

The sunlight gets stronger and moves its position to the top of our head showing that it is time to have lunch and go back home. We all gathered around and had lunch together. Sharing food is a common thing to Mae Ratri and her friends because it shows the easy and close relationship of people in Mae Tha. After the meal, the people were ready to go back home and prepare for working in their farms. We planted, plugged, watered, pulled weeds, and hand dug the soil. The work was exhausting but every single drop of sweat will in turn be reward when the vegetables are grown.

Since it is during winter time, broccoli, cauliflowers, and many kinds of winter green vegetables can be grown. So we grab a hoe and started plowing new plots for them. The sun still shines brightly bringing hotness and humidity but the cool breeze helps ease the heat. So, we keep working the farm.

Time passed by, the sound of birds flying back to their nests was a sign that it was time to finish work. We went back home and cleaned ourselves. I found that although working in the farm was tiring and made my two palms rough and bruised, it brought freshness and delight to me.

"I feel happy because I know that I have spent my sweat for growing healthy and safe foods for the goodness of my customers", Mae Ratri's words have repeated several times in my mind. Organic farming is not only bringing her family safe food for healthy life, but also widens the view to perceive the rule of nature. The more they protect nature by farm with natural methods, the longer nature stays with them.

"We have only one chance to live our lives. Being healthy and to live happily in sufficiency are much more important than earning a sum of money and being wealthy by trickery and take-advantage doings", Mae Ratri remarked. I think these are strong words of wisdom learned from generations of people living close to the land and respecting strong community values.

Sustainable agricultural and organic farming is an alternative way to live life, preserve a culture, and protect nature in Northern Thailand.

Ek-ii-aek-aekkk...the Thai language call of the roosters aroused me from my warm, comfortable mattress. I can glimpse the sun beams seeping through the walls and under the wooden door. I can sense chilly, white fog of the Thailand highlands morning while walking downstairs to help my host mother prepare vegetables to sell at market.

"You seem sleepy. Why don't you go back to your bed and sleep longer?", Mae Ratri asked gently. Mae in this instance means 'mother' and is the way to address ones host mother; for about 2 weeks I was very blessed to have Mae Ratri Kruengngern's as my surrogate mother. Mae Ratri and her family are a rural farming family in Mae Tha, an idyllic green village in Northern Thailand. I was part of a group of university students studying sustainable agriculture and as inviting as the offer of extra sleep sounded, I was much more excited to continue with another day of learning.

Mae Tha is a small community of Mae-On sub-district in Chiang Mai, located amidst the mountains on the boundary of Lamphun province. Most of the population speaks the "Yong" dialect or the Thai language.

Mae Tha villagers earn a living by farming rice and cultivating indigenous vegetables using organic and sustainable practices.

Mr. Phat or Por Phat, dressed in his pale blue cotton shirt, traditional style pants and wearing flip-flops, is a leader of the village who firstly introduced organic farming and sustainable way of living to people in Mae Tha.

The transition process to change the farms in Mae Tha from chemical to organic ran effectively since there was a good cooperation from villagers in the community.

"I dare say it is because our families have a long and dear relationship. Our past generations live here. We are all related and that support is the community's strength" Por Phat said proudly. Most mornings people will venture out to their own farms but if there is a time of harvesting they will willingly go to help others from farm to farm.

The most impressive thing about farming and living in Mae Tha is learning how to give and receive. You will always get assistance whenever you need and the state of giving perpetuates when you feel that you could help others. That is the beautiful and endless circle of support that people in Mae Tha adopted from their ancestors and pass on through the generations. Every Wednesday and Sunday Mae Ratri and a group of villagers will wake up around 2-3 am to prepare all the green, fresh, and chemical-free vegetables to sell in the organic food spots in Chiang Mai - JJ market and Nhong Hoi market.

The organic food selling areas are established by Institute for Sustainable Agricultural Communities or ISAC, an organization that aims to build and support sustainable agriculture communities in Chiang Mai. The sun shines more brightly as it is time for a big truck to come and pick up both the produce and the sellers for the trip to the market.

Mr. Weerapon Thamkhun, one of the ISAC's committee members said "giving high priority on home consumption is our first concern." He added "the goal of Organic Market is to promote the products from natural processes with not using chemical fertilizers or pesticides, including processing and marketing." The number of organic food consumers is increasing due to the increasing attention to health concerns and agricultural sustainability.

The smiling faces of the people who come and buy organic vegetables at the market marks the appreciation of receiving healthy, safe foods and reasonable price. The increasing demand and appreciation for quality is the challenge that the organic and sustainable farming community readily accepts. Mrs. Wannapa Tachai, a fan of organic food said "organic farming is the greatest idea for both consumers and farmers. We both have a clean and safe food for our health."

Mae Ratri turned her face to Mrs. Wannapa and gave her a nod. "And it seems we, both farmers and consumers, are friends. They will pay a reasonable price for the good quality of fresh vegetables, while we can also provide them healthy food." Mae Ratri added that she felt like it is a kind of making merit. Since she and people in the village produce the safe organic food for consumers, not introducing potentially harmful chemicals.

The sunlight gets stronger and moves its position to the top of our head showing that it is time to have lunch and go back home. We all gathered around and had lunch together. Sharing food is a common thing to Mae Ratri and her friends because it shows the easy and close relationship of people in Mae Tha. After the meal, the people were ready to go back home and prepare for working in their farms. We planted, plugged, watered, pulled weeds, and hand dug the soil. The work was exhausting but every single drop of sweat will in turn be reward when the vegetables are grown.

Since it is during winter time, broccoli, cauliflowers, and many kinds of winter green vegetables can be grown. So we grab a hoe and started plowing new plots for them. The sun still shines brightly bringing hotness and humidity but the cool breeze helps ease the heat. So, we keep working the farm.

Time passed by, the sound of birds flying back to their nests was a sign that it was time to finish work. We went back home and cleaned ourselves. I found that although working in the farm was tiring and made my two palms rough and bruised, it brought freshness and delight to me.

"I feel happy because I know that I have spent my sweat for growing healthy and safe foods for the goodness of my customers", Mae Ratri's words have repeated several times in my mind. Organic farming is not only bringing her family safe food for healthy life, but also widens the view to perceive the rule of nature. The more they protect nature by farm with natural methods, the longer nature stays with them.

"We have only one chance to live our lives. Being healthy and to live happily in sufficiency are much more important than earning a sum of money and being wealthy by trickery and take-advantage doings", Mae Ratri remarked. I think these are strong words of wisdom learned from generations of people living close to the land and respecting strong community values.

Importance of Global Trade Data in Export Import Business

There are a variety of international trade businesses. If you intend exporting or importing designer clothes or apparels, the market for the same is large. You may want to import goods for designing the apparels in your country and then export it back. The main motive behind global trade and business is to achieve connectivity between the importer and exporter, in order to increase business. Global trade aims at achieving this objective.

However, businesses require data for doing successful business. Unless and you have the requisite data, things cannot happen in a planned manner. Irrespective of whether you are an importer or exporter, you require relevant and authentic business data. An importer would require contacts and details of suppliers and an exporter would require contacts and details of purchasers or buyers.

The best way of obtaining business data is to check out in trade directories. Business listings will help you get the right contacts. You may check out on the internet and check out search engines for getting the right data. Search engines make the job of identifying data simpler. If you are looking out for agricultural implements, you will have to search for quality tools without having to pay a hefty price. One can order in bulk or wholesale as it will bring down per piece cost. Bulk discounts are an attraction when you buy in bulk.

Trade portals also help in targeting business data and this is the quickest and the fastest way. These portals help the customers and suppliers to connect to each other globally. The portals do the job of researching on varied businesses and help the importer and export track the right business partner, discover new markets, evaluation of volume and price trends, helps save customs duty. All these help in giving the business a competitive edge over their rivals or competitors.

For any individual to become a successful entrepreneur one needs to have a desire and passion to sell, should be an enthusiast and dynamic leader and should have an eye for detail. If you are able to identify new market opportunities in different countries, it will help you become a successful exporter. To start with, one must first get acclimatised with the business by working for a sound export firm and understanding the nuances of the business. This way you will get enough experience and a sound background for starting your own import export business. One needs to have new ideas and a knack of making the right decisions.

Check out for new markets to sell your products or create a market so as to attract global customers only to your business. It is very important to identify your target customer as one needs to know about the product so that it can be accordingly designed.

There are a variety of international trade businesses. If you intend exporting or importing designer clothes or apparels, the market for the same is large. You may want to import goods for designing the apparels in your country and then export it back. The main motive behind global trade and business is to achieve connectivity between the importer and exporter, in order to increase business. Global trade aims at achieving this objective.

However, businesses require data for doing successful business. Unless and you have the requisite data, things cannot happen in a planned manner. Irrespective of whether you are an importer or exporter, you require relevant and authentic business data. An importer would require contacts and details of suppliers and an exporter would require contacts and details of purchasers or buyers.

The best way of obtaining business data is to check out in trade directories. Business listings will help you get the right contacts. You may check out on the internet and check out search engines for getting the right data. Search engines make the job of identifying data simpler. If you are looking out for agricultural implements, you will have to search for quality tools without having to pay a hefty price. One can order in bulk or wholesale as it will bring down per piece cost. Bulk discounts are an attraction when you buy in bulk.

Trade portals also help in targeting business data and this is the quickest and the fastest way. These portals help the customers and suppliers to connect to each other globally. The portals do the job of researching on varied businesses and help the importer and export track the right business partner, discover new markets, evaluation of volume and price trends, helps save customs duty. All these help in giving the business a competitive edge over their rivals or competitors.

For any individual to become a successful entrepreneur one needs to have a desire and passion to sell, should be an enthusiast and dynamic leader and should have an eye for detail. If you are able to identify new market opportunities in different countries, it will help you become a successful exporter. To start with, one must first get acclimatised with the business by working for a sound export firm and understanding the nuances of the business. This way you will get enough experience and a sound background for starting your own import export business. One needs to have new ideas and a knack of making the right decisions.

Check out for new markets to sell your products or create a market so as to attract global customers only to your business. It is very important to identify your target customer as one needs to know about the product so that it can be accordingly designed.

Finding Spare Parts For Agricultural Equipment

If you own a small, medium or large farm, you need to know where to find agricultural equipment and machinery. Farm land has certain equipment and machinery that will be needed in order for you to properly take care of the land. Knowing where to find new or used equipment is essential. During the course of this article, you will find ideas of where to locate the equipment and machinery you will need to maintain your farm land.

New and used tractors can be found in new tractor supply stores. Supply stores will have top of the line tractors for you to choose from. Describe the type of land you have with the salesperson. From there the salesperson will be able to direct you to the right equipment for the type of land you have. The salesperson may ask you what you plan to use your farm land for. This will help them to figure out the type of tractors and attachments you will need to work your farm land properly.

Bulletin boards are another source to help find equipment and machinery. However when looking through the ads, you will need to know exactly what you are looking for. If you do not know you could end up purchasing a piece of equipment or machinery that will be of no use for your farm land.

Local newspapers are another great source for farm equipment. Just be careful when searching through here too. Many people will equipment and machinery because it has stopped working or not working as it should. When this is the case look for things you know could be wrong with the equipment. If you are insure of what to look for, take someone who has knowledge in this field with you and have them look for potential problems.

Check out local feed stores for farm animals. Sometimes people will tell the local feed store about equipment and machinery such as tractors for sale. Regular customers that come into feed stores are usually pretty honest because most are local farmers who have been living and farming the land in that area for most of their lives. When this is the case, most of the time you will find an older person that is getting out of farming and wanting to sell off his equipment and machinery.

Farm auctions are a great source to find tractors for sale and major agricultural equipment. Many times farmers will lose their land and have to auction off their farming equipment and supplies. At auctions they will show the agricultural equipment and machinery that is for sell. During some auctions they may start the equipment and show how it works by attaching the implements that attaches to tractors. The tractor implements that are auctioned off could include, post hole diggers, yard rakes, seeders and spreaders. Other implements you could find are, plows, lift booms, tillers and box blades.

A 3-point hitch is used to attach compact tractor implements. Farmers use compact tractor implements on a daily basis to keep their farm running smoothly.

About the Author

Robert Tate - Region Sales Manager of Mascus UK. Mascus is an electronic marketplace for trucks, trailers and tractors for sale. Mascus makes trading in agricultural machinery more efficiently by collecting all information about supply and demand in one place. All dealers, producers and end users are welcome to offer their used machines and trucks for sale via the marketplace.

If you own a small, medium or large farm, you need to know where to find agricultural equipment and machinery. Farm land has certain equipment and machinery that will be needed in order for you to properly take care of the land. Knowing where to find new or used equipment is essential. During the course of this article, you will find ideas of where to locate the equipment and machinery you will need to maintain your farm land.

New and used tractors can be found in new tractor supply stores. Supply stores will have top of the line tractors for you to choose from. Describe the type of land you have with the salesperson. From there the salesperson will be able to direct you to the right equipment for the type of land you have. The salesperson may ask you what you plan to use your farm land for. This will help them to figure out the type of tractors and attachments you will need to work your farm land properly.

Bulletin boards are another source to help find equipment and machinery. However when looking through the ads, you will need to know exactly what you are looking for. If you do not know you could end up purchasing a piece of equipment or machinery that will be of no use for your farm land.

Local newspapers are another great source for farm equipment. Just be careful when searching through here too. Many people will equipment and machinery because it has stopped working or not working as it should. When this is the case look for things you know could be wrong with the equipment. If you are insure of what to look for, take someone who has knowledge in this field with you and have them look for potential problems.

Check out local feed stores for farm animals. Sometimes people will tell the local feed store about equipment and machinery such as tractors for sale. Regular customers that come into feed stores are usually pretty honest because most are local farmers who have been living and farming the land in that area for most of their lives. When this is the case, most of the time you will find an older person that is getting out of farming and wanting to sell off his equipment and machinery.

Farm auctions are a great source to find tractors for sale and major agricultural equipment. Many times farmers will lose their land and have to auction off their farming equipment and supplies. At auctions they will show the agricultural equipment and machinery that is for sell. During some auctions they may start the equipment and show how it works by attaching the implements that attaches to tractors. The tractor implements that are auctioned off could include, post hole diggers, yard rakes, seeders and spreaders. Other implements you could find are, plows, lift booms, tillers and box blades.

A 3-point hitch is used to attach compact tractor implements. Farmers use compact tractor implements on a daily basis to keep their farm running smoothly.

About the Author

Robert Tate - Region Sales Manager of Mascus UK. Mascus is an electronic marketplace for trucks, trailers and tractors for sale. Mascus makes trading in agricultural machinery more efficiently by collecting all information about supply and demand in one place. All dealers, producers and end users are welcome to offer their used machines and trucks for sale via the marketplace.

Global Online Marketing Profile 2010 Forecast - India

Market Opportunity

India is the second largest country behind China, with an estimated population at more than 1.14 billion. Ranked by the exchange rate of the United States Dollar, the Indian economy is the twelfth largest in the world. India's vast and growing market presents itself as a huge competitor in the global market.

During one of the greatest recessions this world has experienced, India is weathering the economic storm to post robust growth numbers in all sectors leading to impressive growth in its GDP. According to the CIA Factbook, India had a GDP of US $1.237 trillion in 2008, achieving 6.6% GDP growth. The per capita income of India is 4,542 US Dollars in the context of Purchasing Power Parity. Data from the Ministry of Finance shows Indian exports grew by 7.3% in dollar terms during April-February 2008-09 while its imports increased by 19.1% in April-February 2008-09. Unemployment rate currently stands at 6.8% from 7.2% in 2007 with an inflation rate of 7.8%.

The Indian economy has been stable and reliable in recent times, while in the last few years it's experienced a positive upward growth trend. It has consistently produced 8-9% annual growth rate which is supported by a huge inflow of foreign funds, growing reserves in the foreign exchange sector, both an IT and real estate boom, and a thriving capital market.

Based on statistics from the Department of State, there is a large and growing middle class of more than 50 million Indians with disposable income ranging from 200,000 to 1,000,000 rupees per year (4166-20,833 USD). Because of the weakening of the US dollar for the last two years, Indian Rupee has steadily appreciated vis-à-vis US dollar with 0.020837 USD equal to 1 Indian Rupee (x-rates.com).

Best Industry Segments

The economy of India is as diverse as it is large, with a number of major sectors including manufacturing industries, agriculture, textiles and handicrafts, and services. Data shows from economywatch.com that agriculture is a major component of the Indian economy, as over 66% of the Indian population earns its livelihood from this area. As reported by CIA Factbook, major imports are textiles and ready-made garments, Internet-enabled services, agricultural and related products, gems and jewelry, leather products, and chemicals.

Furthermore, the Indian speaking population in India is growing by the day, which means that India has become the center of outsourcing activities for some of the major economies of the world including the United Kingdom and the United States. Outsourcing to India has been primarily in the areas of technical support and customer services.

Regulatory and Tariff Landscape

Tariff spikes in sensitive categories, including agriculture, and incremental progress on economic reforms still hinder foreign access to India's vast and growing market. According to export.gov, on April 1, 2007, India lowered the tariff applied to most non-agricultural goods from 12.5 to 10 percent. It also lowered the tariff on medical equipment from 12.5 to 7.5 percent. Since India's economy thrives on agriculture, there are many laws that govern the food processing sector. The food laws in India are enforced by the Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India (GOI). The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA), 1954 focuses primarily on the establishment of regulatory standards for primary food products.

Online Marketing

Signaling a gradual growth, the total Internet population of India for the year 2008 stands strongly at 81 million Internet users estimates internetworldstats.com, placing 4th place globally after the United States, China, and Japan. Over the span of the past 8 years (2000-2008), India has experienced a 1,520% growth rate. Yet, the penetration of Internet is only 7.1%, notably lower compared to the other top twenty countries.

Many of India's biggest companies are flourishing in the global IT market, and its executives are becoming increasingly influential. India, it would seem, is well placed to become a major force in the online world. Still, as reported by BBC News, compared to the mobile phone market, where some 350 million people are using wireless handsets, and it is clear that the online market has a long way to go before it reaches saturation.

Online Language Preferences

Although there are fifteen official languages in India, Hindi is the most widely spoken and primary tongue of 41% of the population. Hindustani is a popular variant of Hindi/Urdu spoken widely throughout northern India but is not an official language. English is used extensively in business and administration and holds the status of a subsidiary official language; those able to speak English usually received higher education.

JuxtConsult reports users of vernacular language websites have increase to 34% from last year's 12%. English is the most preferred language of reading for only 28% of Internet users, which indicates the potential for vernacular language content. With English rapidly gaining popularity in India, we can expect to see an increase usage of English-based websites by the Indian population.

Search Engine Profile

Data from a recent comScore release shows Google India (Google.co.in) reigns as the top search engine among online Indians. Google follows at second spot with Yahoo, Ask.com, and Rediff ranked 3rd, 4th, and 5th.

Summary

One of the major challenges before the Indian economy is to remove the economic inequalities. Although poverty still poses an issue, these levels have dropped considerably in recent years. However, with growth and advances in its economy, services, and technology, India is gradually emerging as a world leader. All of these positive changes have resulted in establishing the Indian economy as one of the largest and fastest growing in the world.Based on the current and future potential of the market, Princeton Consulting International ranks India as a Tier I market for global online market opportunity.

Ana Lam is a Global Markets Research Analyst at Global eMarketer (GeM). GeM is an international business development and marketing consulting firm that helps business expand globally from preparation, to implementation through global online campaign management.

Market Opportunity

India is the second largest country behind China, with an estimated population at more than 1.14 billion. Ranked by the exchange rate of the United States Dollar, the Indian economy is the twelfth largest in the world. India's vast and growing market presents itself as a huge competitor in the global market.

During one of the greatest recessions this world has experienced, India is weathering the economic storm to post robust growth numbers in all sectors leading to impressive growth in its GDP. According to the CIA Factbook, India had a GDP of US $1.237 trillion in 2008, achieving 6.6% GDP growth. The per capita income of India is 4,542 US Dollars in the context of Purchasing Power Parity. Data from the Ministry of Finance shows Indian exports grew by 7.3% in dollar terms during April-February 2008-09 while its imports increased by 19.1% in April-February 2008-09. Unemployment rate currently stands at 6.8% from 7.2% in 2007 with an inflation rate of 7.8%.

The Indian economy has been stable and reliable in recent times, while in the last few years it's experienced a positive upward growth trend. It has consistently produced 8-9% annual growth rate which is supported by a huge inflow of foreign funds, growing reserves in the foreign exchange sector, both an IT and real estate boom, and a thriving capital market.

Based on statistics from the Department of State, there is a large and growing middle class of more than 50 million Indians with disposable income ranging from 200,000 to 1,000,000 rupees per year (4166-20,833 USD). Because of the weakening of the US dollar for the last two years, Indian Rupee has steadily appreciated vis-à-vis US dollar with 0.020837 USD equal to 1 Indian Rupee (x-rates.com).

Best Industry Segments

The economy of India is as diverse as it is large, with a number of major sectors including manufacturing industries, agriculture, textiles and handicrafts, and services. Data shows from economywatch.com that agriculture is a major component of the Indian economy, as over 66% of the Indian population earns its livelihood from this area. As reported by CIA Factbook, major imports are textiles and ready-made garments, Internet-enabled services, agricultural and related products, gems and jewelry, leather products, and chemicals.

Furthermore, the Indian speaking population in India is growing by the day, which means that India has become the center of outsourcing activities for some of the major economies of the world including the United Kingdom and the United States. Outsourcing to India has been primarily in the areas of technical support and customer services.

Regulatory and Tariff Landscape

Tariff spikes in sensitive categories, including agriculture, and incremental progress on economic reforms still hinder foreign access to India's vast and growing market. According to export.gov, on April 1, 2007, India lowered the tariff applied to most non-agricultural goods from 12.5 to 10 percent. It also lowered the tariff on medical equipment from 12.5 to 7.5 percent. Since India's economy thrives on agriculture, there are many laws that govern the food processing sector. The food laws in India are enforced by the Director General of Health Services, Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India (GOI). The Prevention of Food Adulteration Act (PFA), 1954 focuses primarily on the establishment of regulatory standards for primary food products.

Online Marketing

Signaling a gradual growth, the total Internet population of India for the year 2008 stands strongly at 81 million Internet users estimates internetworldstats.com, placing 4th place globally after the United States, China, and Japan. Over the span of the past 8 years (2000-2008), India has experienced a 1,520% growth rate. Yet, the penetration of Internet is only 7.1%, notably lower compared to the other top twenty countries.

Many of India's biggest companies are flourishing in the global IT market, and its executives are becoming increasingly influential. India, it would seem, is well placed to become a major force in the online world. Still, as reported by BBC News, compared to the mobile phone market, where some 350 million people are using wireless handsets, and it is clear that the online market has a long way to go before it reaches saturation.

Online Language Preferences

Although there are fifteen official languages in India, Hindi is the most widely spoken and primary tongue of 41% of the population. Hindustani is a popular variant of Hindi/Urdu spoken widely throughout northern India but is not an official language. English is used extensively in business and administration and holds the status of a subsidiary official language; those able to speak English usually received higher education.

JuxtConsult reports users of vernacular language websites have increase to 34% from last year's 12%. English is the most preferred language of reading for only 28% of Internet users, which indicates the potential for vernacular language content. With English rapidly gaining popularity in India, we can expect to see an increase usage of English-based websites by the Indian population.

Search Engine Profile

Data from a recent comScore release shows Google India (Google.co.in) reigns as the top search engine among online Indians. Google follows at second spot with Yahoo, Ask.com, and Rediff ranked 3rd, 4th, and 5th.

Summary

One of the major challenges before the Indian economy is to remove the economic inequalities. Although poverty still poses an issue, these levels have dropped considerably in recent years. However, with growth and advances in its economy, services, and technology, India is gradually emerging as a world leader. All of these positive changes have resulted in establishing the Indian economy as one of the largest and fastest growing in the world.Based on the current and future potential of the market, Princeton Consulting International ranks India as a Tier I market for global online market opportunity.

Ana Lam is a Global Markets Research Analyst at Global eMarketer (GeM). GeM is an international business development and marketing consulting firm that helps business expand globally from preparation, to implementation through global online campaign management.

An Agricultural Service Business You Can Start - Tractor and Farm Implement Cleaning and Coating

Looking for a new agricultural based business to start? Why not start an agriculture equipment and tractor cleaning business using a trailer or truck mounted steam cleaner or hot water pressure washer? With such a unit you can also clean concrete, construction equipment, and fleets of trucks. Other services you can provide include fence cleaning, dairy equipment steam cleaning, and even power washing stables, and chicken coops (just watch the smell).

Okay so, I am glad I didn't frighten you away. Now then, you are probably wondering what this might cost, and how to go about setting up all the equipment right? Well, you'll first need a large water tank, and I recommend a polypropylene plastic tank, unless you have something else lying around there. Perhaps, a 500-gallon tank makes the most sense if it is going to be on a trailer. If you are going to mount it in a truck no more than 250-gallons, unless it is a 2-ton truck.

Some operators will mount the equipment in the truck and the water tank on a trailer. I don't recommend this because gravity feed is best and if the machine is higher than the trailer, you could have suction problems. So, it's better to keep the whole system together and on one platform. For the pressure water, you definitely need a hot water unit and I recommend a skid unit by Hotsy, Landa, or a comparable type unit.

The marketing of such services is not hard, just talk it up around the community, and offer your services for a fair price. Perhaps, do a little bartering also - that always works nice. Anyway, this is an easy business to get into and something you can do part time as it grows. I hope this idea has helped you, or leads you to think of maybe a different type of agricultural service business that is easy to start. Please be thinking here.

Looking for a new agricultural based business to start? Why not start an agriculture equipment and tractor cleaning business using a trailer or truck mounted steam cleaner or hot water pressure washer? With such a unit you can also clean concrete, construction equipment, and fleets of trucks. Other services you can provide include fence cleaning, dairy equipment steam cleaning, and even power washing stables, and chicken coops (just watch the smell).

Okay so, I am glad I didn't frighten you away. Now then, you are probably wondering what this might cost, and how to go about setting up all the equipment right? Well, you'll first need a large water tank, and I recommend a polypropylene plastic tank, unless you have something else lying around there. Perhaps, a 500-gallon tank makes the most sense if it is going to be on a trailer. If you are going to mount it in a truck no more than 250-gallons, unless it is a 2-ton truck.

Some operators will mount the equipment in the truck and the water tank on a trailer. I don't recommend this because gravity feed is best and if the machine is higher than the trailer, you could have suction problems. So, it's better to keep the whole system together and on one platform. For the pressure water, you definitely need a hot water unit and I recommend a skid unit by Hotsy, Landa, or a comparable type unit.

The marketing of such services is not hard, just talk it up around the community, and offer your services for a fair price. Perhaps, do a little bartering also - that always works nice. Anyway, this is an easy business to get into and something you can do part time as it grows. I hope this idea has helped you, or leads you to think of maybe a different type of agricultural service business that is easy to start. Please be thinking here.

Companies to Evaluate Agricultural Equipment

The market of evaluation companies for agricultural machinery is spread worldwide. New machinery, used machinery, rentals and lease options are offered to you. John Deere, Kubota, Caterpillar are well know tractor manufactures sold by agricultural equipment dealers.

Tractors are the work horse of ranching community; choose one that fits your needs. Shop around, go around to different dealers with questions about their equipment products. This is an investment, get all information possible. Price is a good place to start; limited funds may lead you to the used tractors department. Ask questions about the horse power difference in the tractors that are being looked at. More horse power means higher work efficiency. The hydraulic system is very important part of a tractor. You need to know about any failures in the system and how the have been resolved, if any had existed. kick the tires, find out how many plies they have, are they steel belted or cord type. Remember you are out in the field; you don't want a flat tire. What attachments are included in the offer, you don't want to pay extra for accessories.

In general new tractors or used tractors are sold on the bases of how many hours it has been run. This is a big determinating factor on the life of a tractor, price is effected, as well as the wear and tear on the rest of the systems on the tractor. Before buying a tractor, especially one that is used, have the sales person show you invoices of repairs that have been done. A reputable dealer won't have a problem with this. A maintenance schedule from the previous owner will help in making a decision. To insure that you are dealing with a company that you can depend on, check with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB can tell give you information on a company history. Length of time they have been in business, any complaints against them and a overview of how they stand in the community. When you prepare to buy a tractor or anything else, you need to know if the company will be there when you need them. Here today, gone tomorrow is not what you want to hear when your machinery needs repairs.

Keep in mind the relationship you build with equipment dealer is profitable for both you and them.

Getting quality equipment, machinery and service is what you are looking for. Gather all the information on a company that you can. Be sure the companies you look at are in the field of agriculture. Tractors for sale can be misleading, a company selling road construction equipment such as backhoes, graters, etc., may not have a lot of knowledge about tractors. The first impression you get from the sales person will let you know, what he or she knows. Inform the sales person of what you are looking for and let them offer details on what they have for sale, that will meet your needs. The sales person is looking out for their company, you look out for yourself.

Robert Tate - Region Sales Manager of Mascus UK. Mascus is an electronic marketplace for tractors, trailers and tractors for sale. Mascus makes trading in agricultural machinery more efficient by collecting all information about supply and demand in one place. All dealers, producers and end users are welcome to offer their used machines and trucks for sale via the marketplace.

The market of evaluation companies for agricultural machinery is spread worldwide. New machinery, used machinery, rentals and lease options are offered to you. John Deere, Kubota, Caterpillar are well know tractor manufactures sold by agricultural equipment dealers.

Tractors are the work horse of ranching community; choose one that fits your needs. Shop around, go around to different dealers with questions about their equipment products. This is an investment, get all information possible. Price is a good place to start; limited funds may lead you to the used tractors department. Ask questions about the horse power difference in the tractors that are being looked at. More horse power means higher work efficiency. The hydraulic system is very important part of a tractor. You need to know about any failures in the system and how the have been resolved, if any had existed. kick the tires, find out how many plies they have, are they steel belted or cord type. Remember you are out in the field; you don't want a flat tire. What attachments are included in the offer, you don't want to pay extra for accessories.

In general new tractors or used tractors are sold on the bases of how many hours it has been run. This is a big determinating factor on the life of a tractor, price is effected, as well as the wear and tear on the rest of the systems on the tractor. Before buying a tractor, especially one that is used, have the sales person show you invoices of repairs that have been done. A reputable dealer won't have a problem with this. A maintenance schedule from the previous owner will help in making a decision. To insure that you are dealing with a company that you can depend on, check with the Better Business Bureau. The BBB can tell give you information on a company history. Length of time they have been in business, any complaints against them and a overview of how they stand in the community. When you prepare to buy a tractor or anything else, you need to know if the company will be there when you need them. Here today, gone tomorrow is not what you want to hear when your machinery needs repairs.

Keep in mind the relationship you build with equipment dealer is profitable for both you and them.

Getting quality equipment, machinery and service is what you are looking for. Gather all the information on a company that you can. Be sure the companies you look at are in the field of agriculture. Tractors for sale can be misleading, a company selling road construction equipment such as backhoes, graters, etc., may not have a lot of knowledge about tractors. The first impression you get from the sales person will let you know, what he or she knows. Inform the sales person of what you are looking for and let them offer details on what they have for sale, that will meet your needs. The sales person is looking out for their company, you look out for yourself.

Robert Tate - Region Sales Manager of Mascus UK. Mascus is an electronic marketplace for tractors, trailers and tractors for sale. Mascus makes trading in agricultural machinery more efficient by collecting all information about supply and demand in one place. All dealers, producers and end users are welcome to offer their used machines and trucks for sale via the marketplace.

Agricultural Equipment - A Proper Method To Maintain Your Equipment And Infrastructure

Many people who are just starting to jump into the agriculture business don't really put much attention on the cleanliness factor of the entire equipment and infrastructure they are using. Most of them only care about the financial situation of their business and seems like to ignore anything else as long as they keep making profit. In this article, I will show you why it is important to clean all the equipment and infrastructure that you're going to use. Next, some rental advantages for cleaning equipment will be explained. Finally, the possibility of using infrared thermal imaging will be briefly introduced. After you've gained some information from this short article, you are expected to put more emphasis on how to correctly clean your agriculture equipment and infrastructure.

First, let's discuss why it's very important to wash your agricultural industry tools frequently. Grain dust is the dust produced during harvesting, drying, handling, storage or processing of cereal crops and it is one of the main reasons for this. You need to clean it periodically because not only it can cause asthma if inhaled but it is also highly explosive and considered fire hazard. The other reason is because equipment such as combine harvester requires a steady maintenance to operate properly. When you clean heavy equipment like a combine, your cleaning process should include all of its basic parts like the cab, gauges, control panel, seat and windows. You should also try to protect the paint and inhibit rust of all your equipment which coated with metal material. You can do this by applying polymer wax on a regular basis.

Next, let's talk about several advantages of renting over owning agricultural equipment. The obvious reason is you can gain financial benefits by renting equipment especially in uncertain economic times which happen quite often lately. The renting cost is definitely much lower than the cost of buying them and you also won't have to worry when you no longer need them. In fact because of its low cost, more often than not the actual renting cost can be considered as a day-to-day maintenance expenses. Since you spend a few amount of money for renting purposes, you can now focus more on training your own staff at the factory to improve their productivity and to educate them on how to operate new machinery. By doing this, you also eliminate the need to hire expert crews for handling delicate equipment.

Finally, let's consider about the possibility of using infrared thermal imaging to maintain the condition of your infrastructure such as tanks and silos. Instrumentation which usually used for locating levels in tanks and silos is often unreliable. You can't really tell whether any waste materials have been properly cleaned or not. That's why by using infrared thermal imaging you can detect the presence of certain materials, because all materials whether they're solids, liquids, or gases have different thermal characteristics. This tool will also provide and verify information about the condition inside the silo, which in turn can be used to make the right decision on how to properly clean and maintain the silo infrastructure.

Maintaining agricultural equipment and infrastructure is no easy task to accomplish. Sometimes it can be quite expensive, and that's the reason why you don't necessarily need to own any equipment if you have the option to rent it. Using infrared thermal imaging can be very effective if you have tanks and/or silos to maintain. With this infrared tool you can have information about their condition and determine a correct method to properly maintain and clean them.

Many people who are just starting to jump into the agriculture business don't really put much attention on the cleanliness factor of the entire equipment and infrastructure they are using. Most of them only care about the financial situation of their business and seems like to ignore anything else as long as they keep making profit. In this article, I will show you why it is important to clean all the equipment and infrastructure that you're going to use. Next, some rental advantages for cleaning equipment will be explained. Finally, the possibility of using infrared thermal imaging will be briefly introduced. After you've gained some information from this short article, you are expected to put more emphasis on how to correctly clean your agriculture equipment and infrastructure.

First, let's discuss why it's very important to wash your agricultural industry tools frequently. Grain dust is the dust produced during harvesting, drying, handling, storage or processing of cereal crops and it is one of the main reasons for this. You need to clean it periodically because not only it can cause asthma if inhaled but it is also highly explosive and considered fire hazard. The other reason is because equipment such as combine harvester requires a steady maintenance to operate properly. When you clean heavy equipment like a combine, your cleaning process should include all of its basic parts like the cab, gauges, control panel, seat and windows. You should also try to protect the paint and inhibit rust of all your equipment which coated with metal material. You can do this by applying polymer wax on a regular basis.

Next, let's talk about several advantages of renting over owning agricultural equipment. The obvious reason is you can gain financial benefits by renting equipment especially in uncertain economic times which happen quite often lately. The renting cost is definitely much lower than the cost of buying them and you also won't have to worry when you no longer need them. In fact because of its low cost, more often than not the actual renting cost can be considered as a day-to-day maintenance expenses. Since you spend a few amount of money for renting purposes, you can now focus more on training your own staff at the factory to improve their productivity and to educate them on how to operate new machinery. By doing this, you also eliminate the need to hire expert crews for handling delicate equipment.

Finally, let's consider about the possibility of using infrared thermal imaging to maintain the condition of your infrastructure such as tanks and silos. Instrumentation which usually used for locating levels in tanks and silos is often unreliable. You can't really tell whether any waste materials have been properly cleaned or not. That's why by using infrared thermal imaging you can detect the presence of certain materials, because all materials whether they're solids, liquids, or gases have different thermal characteristics. This tool will also provide and verify information about the condition inside the silo, which in turn can be used to make the right decision on how to properly clean and maintain the silo infrastructure.

Maintaining agricultural equipment and infrastructure is no easy task to accomplish. Sometimes it can be quite expensive, and that's the reason why you don't necessarily need to own any equipment if you have the option to rent it. Using infrared thermal imaging can be very effective if you have tanks and/or silos to maintain. With this infrared tool you can have information about their condition and determine a correct method to properly maintain and clean them.

Agricultural Cost Segregation Studies: Accelerated Depreciation for Tax Savings

Agricultural Cost Segregation Studies are a smart tax move for farmers and ranchers here in the Sacramento Valley, agricultural center of California. And it's about time: Although cost segregation studies have been available for decades, they've only recently hit the mainstream. Agriculture business folks in Northern California are realizing what a great benefit these studies can be to their bottom line.

The general concept of Cost Segregation Studies, in which personal property-such as removable flooring, plumbing and electrical components connected to personal property-are segregated from the real property of foundations, walls and other structural components, works well for properties such as office complexes, apartment buildings, single-family rental units, manufacturing plants or shopping malls.

Agricultural Cost Segregation Studies, though, need a broader view. When preparing a Cost Segregation Study for farmers and ranchers, we need to look at far more than constructed buildings; we must also consider the ranch and farm land itself and all the improvements made to the property for the purposes of farming or ranching.

Of course, the land itself cannot be depreciated. But certain site improvements to the land can be: road coverings, for instance, if they've been privately built; pumps and wells; fences and gates; irrigation installations; and electrical wiring. And, in some cases, dams, ponds, and terraces. Most of the agricultural cost segregation study possibilities are spelled out clearly in IRS Publication 225, Farmer's Tax Guide, which devotes nearly 3 full pages to Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization.

The section "What Property Can Be Depreciated?" answers itself with 3 sub-heads:

    * Property You Own
    * Property Used in Your Business or Income-Producing Activity
    * Property Having a Determinable Useful Life

That last, the Determinable Useful Life, is where a recent Cost Segregation Study for a Yuba City rice farm got interesting. As anyone who owns a rice farm, works on a rice farm, has visited or even driven by a rice farm knows, a great deal of rice farming includes earthen dams and terraces. Sure would be nice if they could be depreciated, wouldn't it? Here's what the IRS says about such structures:

    Dams, ponds, and terraces. In general, you cannot depreciate earthen dams, ponds, and terraces unless the structures have a determined useful life.

Well, when I see the phrase "in general, you cannot" that just makes me wonder when specifically you can. So I rolled up my sleeves and dug into the IRS publications pertaining to agricultural depreciation. Turns out that 26 CFR 1.175-2, Code of Federal Regulations - Title 26: Internal Revenue Service, which defines soil and water conservation expenditures, provides guidance for such depreciation:

    More specifically, a farmer may deduct expenditures made for these purposes [soil and water conservation in respect of land used in farming, or for the prevention of erosion of land used in farming, but only if such expenditures are made in the furtherance of the business of farming] which are for (i) the treatment or moving of earth, (ii) the construction, control, and protection of diversion channels, drainage ditches, irrigation ditches, earthen dams, watercourses, outlets, and ponds, (iii) the eradication of brush, and (iv) the planting of windbreaks. Expenditures for the treatment or moving of earth include but are not limited to expenditures for leveling, conditioning, grading, terracing, contour furrowing, and restoration of soil fertility.

That's the kind of information an agricultural cost segregation study specialist-especially one in the Sacramento Valley!-likes to uncover. With these specifics, we can help our rice farming cost segregation study client realize an increased tax savings by putting together a Quality Cost Segregation Study that includes accelerated depreciation not only for his office buildings, machinery facilities and storage silos, roads, pumps and wells, fences and gates, and electrical wiring, but also "diversion channels, drainage ditches, irrigation ditches, earthen dams, watercourses, outlets, and ponds."

Agricultural Cost Segregation Studies are a smart tax move for farmers and ranchers here in the Sacramento Valley, agricultural center of California. And it's about time: Although cost segregation studies have been available for decades, they've only recently hit the mainstream. Agriculture business folks in Northern California are realizing what a great benefit these studies can be to their bottom line.

The general concept of Cost Segregation Studies, in which personal property-such as removable flooring, plumbing and electrical components connected to personal property-are segregated from the real property of foundations, walls and other structural components, works well for properties such as office complexes, apartment buildings, single-family rental units, manufacturing plants or shopping malls.

Agricultural Cost Segregation Studies, though, need a broader view. When preparing a Cost Segregation Study for farmers and ranchers, we need to look at far more than constructed buildings; we must also consider the ranch and farm land itself and all the improvements made to the property for the purposes of farming or ranching.

Of course, the land itself cannot be depreciated. But certain site improvements to the land can be: road coverings, for instance, if they've been privately built; pumps and wells; fences and gates; irrigation installations; and electrical wiring. And, in some cases, dams, ponds, and terraces. Most of the agricultural cost segregation study possibilities are spelled out clearly in IRS Publication 225, Farmer's Tax Guide, which devotes nearly 3 full pages to Depreciation, Depletion, and Amortization.

The section "What Property Can Be Depreciated?" answers itself with 3 sub-heads:

    * Property You Own
    * Property Used in Your Business or Income-Producing Activity
    * Property Having a Determinable Useful Life

That last, the Determinable Useful Life, is where a recent Cost Segregation Study for a Yuba City rice farm got interesting. As anyone who owns a rice farm, works on a rice farm, has visited or even driven by a rice farm knows, a great deal of rice farming includes earthen dams and terraces. Sure would be nice if they could be depreciated, wouldn't it? Here's what the IRS says about such structures:

    Dams, ponds, and terraces. In general, you cannot depreciate earthen dams, ponds, and terraces unless the structures have a determined useful life.

Well, when I see the phrase "in general, you cannot" that just makes me wonder when specifically you can. So I rolled up my sleeves and dug into the IRS publications pertaining to agricultural depreciation. Turns out that 26 CFR 1.175-2, Code of Federal Regulations - Title 26: Internal Revenue Service, which defines soil and water conservation expenditures, provides guidance for such depreciation:

    More specifically, a farmer may deduct expenditures made for these purposes [soil and water conservation in respect of land used in farming, or for the prevention of erosion of land used in farming, but only if such expenditures are made in the furtherance of the business of farming] which are for (i) the treatment or moving of earth, (ii) the construction, control, and protection of diversion channels, drainage ditches, irrigation ditches, earthen dams, watercourses, outlets, and ponds, (iii) the eradication of brush, and (iv) the planting of windbreaks. Expenditures for the treatment or moving of earth include but are not limited to expenditures for leveling, conditioning, grading, terracing, contour furrowing, and restoration of soil fertility.

That's the kind of information an agricultural cost segregation study specialist-especially one in the Sacramento Valley!-likes to uncover. With these specifics, we can help our rice farming cost segregation study client realize an increased tax savings by putting together a Quality Cost Segregation Study that includes accelerated depreciation not only for his office buildings, machinery facilities and storage silos, roads, pumps and wells, fences and gates, and electrical wiring, but also "diversion channels, drainage ditches, irrigation ditches, earthen dams, watercourses, outlets, and ponds."

Developing HR in Agriculture and How it Can Be Beneficial

HR development is a key factor in improving the overall functions and efficiency involved in monitoring, implementation, evaluation, extension programs, and even evaluation. One of the biggest components to HR in agriculture is simply training. Making sure you utilize training, planning, and managing your HR department, you will better be able to improve the way your agriculture business is ran. The training program has been created to meet agriculture requirements and be fitting for men, women and children on the farm.

Farm owners should have help when it comes to evaluating and analyzing job opportunities that are nonfarm related. They should also have the resources available to tell them about loan opportunities and education goals for children on farms. The benefits of implementing Human Resources can increase the incomes for farming and nonfarm families. Human Resources is responsible for recruiting and training new employees, motivating them and most importantly, educating them about what is important to and for the agriculture company. Of those duties, the most important would have to be the recruiting and training. The managers in Human Resources have specific strategies and plans to ensure they hire the right kind of people. They are actually the people who design the employee criteria for each specific job description in the agriculture field.

You may be more familiar with Human Resources as the people who handle disputes in the work place, which is also true. Whatever the issue is, the HR department acts as a mediator or even a counselor to help try and resolve the issue at hand. Even though the agriculture world isn't known for its disputes, they can still occur like any other work place. One of the biggest benefits that implementing HR in agriculture is the public relations it can bring. HR will organize meetings, events and other official gatherings for, or on behalf, the company. This will allow the company to meet and make friends with other people in the agriculture field. An agriculture human resource department can also be responsible for preparing the marketing and business plans as well.

Any company, especially in agriculture, that doesn't have a human resource management department is inevitably going to run into some problems when managing any business activities. Because there is so much into creating a workable HR department, many people are opted to go without the department instead. It can be a lot of stress and if you are not good at it, it could prove to be even more challenging. What you should remember is that every single organization should have some type of human resources department on hand. It can make handling disputes, hiring or firing, and business events so much easier than without one. While you might say that an HR department is too formal for the agriculture business, it can actually gain you more business in this troubling farming economy. Make a difference in how to world sees home grown products again and get your HR department up and running for an efficient business plan. For more information on the benefits on HR departments, check us out online.

HR development is a key factor in improving the overall functions and efficiency involved in monitoring, implementation, evaluation, extension programs, and even evaluation. One of the biggest components to HR in agriculture is simply training. Making sure you utilize training, planning, and managing your HR department, you will better be able to improve the way your agriculture business is ran. The training program has been created to meet agriculture requirements and be fitting for men, women and children on the farm.

Farm owners should have help when it comes to evaluating and analyzing job opportunities that are nonfarm related. They should also have the resources available to tell them about loan opportunities and education goals for children on farms. The benefits of implementing Human Resources can increase the incomes for farming and nonfarm families. Human Resources is responsible for recruiting and training new employees, motivating them and most importantly, educating them about what is important to and for the agriculture company. Of those duties, the most important would have to be the recruiting and training. The managers in Human Resources have specific strategies and plans to ensure they hire the right kind of people. They are actually the people who design the employee criteria for each specific job description in the agriculture field.

You may be more familiar with Human Resources as the people who handle disputes in the work place, which is also true. Whatever the issue is, the HR department acts as a mediator or even a counselor to help try and resolve the issue at hand. Even though the agriculture world isn't known for its disputes, they can still occur like any other work place. One of the biggest benefits that implementing HR in agriculture is the public relations it can bring. HR will organize meetings, events and other official gatherings for, or on behalf, the company. This will allow the company to meet and make friends with other people in the agriculture field. An agriculture human resource department can also be responsible for preparing the marketing and business plans as well.

Any company, especially in agriculture, that doesn't have a human resource management department is inevitably going to run into some problems when managing any business activities. Because there is so much into creating a workable HR department, many people are opted to go without the department instead. It can be a lot of stress and if you are not good at it, it could prove to be even more challenging. What you should remember is that every single organization should have some type of human resources department on hand. It can make handling disputes, hiring or firing, and business events so much easier than without one. While you might say that an HR department is too formal for the agriculture business, it can actually gain you more business in this troubling farming economy. Make a difference in how to world sees home grown products again and get your HR department up and running for an efficient business plan. For more information on the benefits on HR departments, check us out online.

Agritourism Ventures, Agritainment Activities and Liability Insurance Coverage

Agritourism and Agritainment - What is it?

Those of you who may ask what exactly an agritourism or agritainment venture is, it is simply using existing resources such as farm land or other natural resources to increase the profitability of a farm or ranch operation. For example, the farmer who owns 2,200 acres decides to advertise guided hunting on his land for a per-gun or per-day fee. Many landowners in rural America have prime hunting habitat in the canyons and hills surrounding their fields, and allowing hunters to "pay to play" can be an added source of income for these farmers and ranchers. Other examples of agritourism activities include bed and breakfasts, a day on the farm, pumpkin patches, hayrack rides, horseback riding, cabin rentals, native trail walks, bird watching, vineyard tours and more.

Liability Insurance is Essential

In my experience with farm and agricultural-related insurance coverages, I have had the privilege of working with a premier agritourism marketing company. This company provides not only an online marketplace for agritourism and agritainment activities, but also analyzes the probability of success of a new venture and makes recommendations to help ensure a successful venture.

With all the planning and preparation that goes into starting an agritourism business, one of the most important pieces of the puzzle is the liability insurance coverage for these activities. Many people assume they will have coverage under their current farm or ranch policy. The problem with this assumption is that they probably have very limited if ANY liability insurance coverage with an unendorsed farm policy. Some companies do offer hunting and/or fishing endorsements to their policies, but these endorsements were not intended, nor do they provide any coverage, for the commercial agritourism business.

Your Current Coverage may not be Adequate

The standard farm/ranch insurance policy is intended to cover risks associated with normal "everyday" farming exposures. This includes things like driving your implement down the highway or protecting your new pivot system from toppling in the wind. Farm policies are not a replacement for commercial insurance coverage, and this is where the potential for a devastating loss occurs.

When the farmowner or ranchowner enters a commercial venture that is outside normal farming operations, the farm policy is not designed to cover the additional exposures. Specialized commercial coverage must be purchased that in many cases can only be secured in the excess and surplus (E&S) lines market since most admitted farm insurers do not provide the endorsements required to adequately provide coverage on the farm policy. The benefit of using a specialized carrier is the coverages may be specifically tailored for your specific activity and underwriters and loss control will be experienced and knowledgeable. The drawback is the higher cost of surplus lines coverage. There is generally a higher minimum premium associated with surplus lines policies as well as specialized taxes on surplus lines policies in some states.

Conclusion

Agritourism and agritainment activities are a great way to showcase the resources in many rural areas. Insurance coverage is a necessity to protect the assets of the landowner because as the saying goes, 'A day in court can cost you a lifetime of work'. Coverage is available for many activities, but your local insurance agent may not be the best source of information concerning these specialized coverages. Don't assume you have coverage and don't let your local agent misinterpret policy endorsements. If you have questions about your current policy coverages, contact your insurance company directly and ask specific questions about your coverages.

Agritourism and Agritainment - What is it?

Those of you who may ask what exactly an agritourism or agritainment venture is, it is simply using existing resources such as farm land or other natural resources to increase the profitability of a farm or ranch operation. For example, the farmer who owns 2,200 acres decides to advertise guided hunting on his land for a per-gun or per-day fee. Many landowners in rural America have prime hunting habitat in the canyons and hills surrounding their fields, and allowing hunters to "pay to play" can be an added source of income for these farmers and ranchers. Other examples of agritourism activities include bed and breakfasts, a day on the farm, pumpkin patches, hayrack rides, horseback riding, cabin rentals, native trail walks, bird watching, vineyard tours and more.

Liability Insurance is Essential

In my experience with farm and agricultural-related insurance coverages, I have had the privilege of working with a premier agritourism marketing company. This company provides not only an online marketplace for agritourism and agritainment activities, but also analyzes the probability of success of a new venture and makes recommendations to help ensure a successful venture.

With all the planning and preparation that goes into starting an agritourism business, one of the most important pieces of the puzzle is the liability insurance coverage for these activities. Many people assume they will have coverage under their current farm or ranch policy. The problem with this assumption is that they probably have very limited if ANY liability insurance coverage with an unendorsed farm policy. Some companies do offer hunting and/or fishing endorsements to their policies, but these endorsements were not intended, nor do they provide any coverage, for the commercial agritourism business.

Your Current Coverage may not be Adequate

The standard farm/ranch insurance policy is intended to cover risks associated with normal "everyday" farming exposures. This includes things like driving your implement down the highway or protecting your new pivot system from toppling in the wind. Farm policies are not a replacement for commercial insurance coverage, and this is where the potential for a devastating loss occurs.

When the farmowner or ranchowner enters a commercial venture that is outside normal farming operations, the farm policy is not designed to cover the additional exposures. Specialized commercial coverage must be purchased that in many cases can only be secured in the excess and surplus (E&S) lines market since most admitted farm insurers do not provide the endorsements required to adequately provide coverage on the farm policy. The benefit of using a specialized carrier is the coverages may be specifically tailored for your specific activity and underwriters and loss control will be experienced and knowledgeable. The drawback is the higher cost of surplus lines coverage. There is generally a higher minimum premium associated with surplus lines policies as well as specialized taxes on surplus lines policies in some states.

Conclusion

Agritourism and agritainment activities are a great way to showcase the resources in many rural areas. Insurance coverage is a necessity to protect the assets of the landowner because as the saying goes, 'A day in court can cost you a lifetime of work'. Coverage is available for many activities, but your local insurance agent may not be the best source of information concerning these specialized coverages. Don't assume you have coverage and don't let your local agent misinterpret policy endorsements. If you have questions about your current policy coverages, contact your insurance company directly and ask specific questions about your coverages.

Properly Insuring Your Farm Vehicles

Historically, vehicles strictly allocated for the farm could be classified as farm use vehicles and did not need to be insured. They were covered under the farm's liability policy. The past few years have brought changes in a lot of state's laws and now in many states, if farmers want their vehicles insured, they have to take out separate policies. Many states now require insurance to be purchased if the farm vehicle will be used on a public road at any time. These policies can be purchased online at low cost car insurance websites, on the phone, or in person at your agent's office.

Farm-use vehicles are vehicles that are strictly used for running the farm. They can be driven for a certain amount of miles one way to reach other areas of a farm, to pick up grain or food, drop off produce, livestock or machinery for repair, and taken in for maintenance or service. Each state sets their own mileage limits. These limits vary greatly between states. No registration or license plate is required for farm-use vehicles and no fees are imposed.

F-tags can be bought at half price for a vehicle over 7500 lbs and is used for farm operations. F-tagged vehicles have less restrictions than farm-use vehicles. They can be utilized for taking the family to church, medical appointments or buying home supplies. The registration costs are usually only half the price of normal tags. Most states require insurance for F-tagged vehicles. This is a cost effective way to get the most out of your farm vehicle with minimal out of pocket expenses. Car insurance quotes and low car insurance rates are available for F-tagged cars and trucks.

Even though a state may not require insurance on farm-use vehicles, it is still a good idea to insure them. Farm vehicles are just as much as a hazard as passenger vehicles, and sometimes more so. Many farm vehicles have much higher values than passenger vehicles. A loss of one of these vehicles, without proper insurance to offset the cost of buying a new one, could be devastating to an agricultural business.

Projectiles from a farm-use truck bed or other agricultural vehicle can inadvertently do damage to other motorist's cars. Your insurance will cover these damages. Impatient drivers can cause crashes that involve your mobile equipment. These people are in such a hurry that they don't pay attention to what they are doing. They may not even be aware they caused a crash. Insurance covers these incidences also. Obtaining low rate car insurance is the responsible route. It will protect others and yourself in case of an unfortunate mishap. Online companies can assist you in buying the proper policy for your farm vehicle.

Historically, vehicles strictly allocated for the farm could be classified as farm use vehicles and did not need to be insured. They were covered under the farm's liability policy. The past few years have brought changes in a lot of state's laws and now in many states, if farmers want their vehicles insured, they have to take out separate policies. Many states now require insurance to be purchased if the farm vehicle will be used on a public road at any time. These policies can be purchased online at low cost car insurance websites, on the phone, or in person at your agent's office.

Farm-use vehicles are vehicles that are strictly used for running the farm. They can be driven for a certain amount of miles one way to reach other areas of a farm, to pick up grain or food, drop off produce, livestock or machinery for repair, and taken in for maintenance or service. Each state sets their own mileage limits. These limits vary greatly between states. No registration or license plate is required for farm-use vehicles and no fees are imposed.

F-tags can be bought at half price for a vehicle over 7500 lbs and is used for farm operations. F-tagged vehicles have less restrictions than farm-use vehicles. They can be utilized for taking the family to church, medical appointments or buying home supplies. The registration costs are usually only half the price of normal tags. Most states require insurance for F-tagged vehicles. This is a cost effective way to get the most out of your farm vehicle with minimal out of pocket expenses. Car insurance quotes and low car insurance rates are available for F-tagged cars and trucks.

Even though a state may not require insurance on farm-use vehicles, it is still a good idea to insure them. Farm vehicles are just as much as a hazard as passenger vehicles, and sometimes more so. Many farm vehicles have much higher values than passenger vehicles. A loss of one of these vehicles, without proper insurance to offset the cost of buying a new one, could be devastating to an agricultural business.

Projectiles from a farm-use truck bed or other agricultural vehicle can inadvertently do damage to other motorist's cars. Your insurance will cover these damages. Impatient drivers can cause crashes that involve your mobile equipment. These people are in such a hurry that they don't pay attention to what they are doing. They may not even be aware they caused a crash. Insurance covers these incidences also. Obtaining low rate car insurance is the responsible route. It will protect others and yourself in case of an unfortunate mishap. Online companies can assist you in buying the proper policy for your farm vehicle.

Online Agriculture Career Preparation and Training Options

When looking to pursue the education needed for a career in agriculture, there are a number of options for students to choose from. Training can be completed through various online schools and colleges, allowing students to gain the necessary skills without leaving the comforts of home. Online agriculture degree programs are available at several levels of education, and coursework will prepare students to enter into the workforce. Pursuing an agricultural education can teach students to carry out a number of tasks related to their specific career. Students can start the path by researching their options prior to enrollment in an educational training program online.

1. Training for a career in agriculture can be done through online programs that allow students to study at their own leisure from just about anywhere. Educational options can include earning a variety of degrees at the graduate and undergraduate level. Students will need to decide if they would like to earn an associate, bachelor, or master level degree prior to enrollment. Training can last anywhere from two to six years based on the individual students career goals. When looking to pursue a career related to agriculture students should make sure they enroll in the program that will provide them with the coursework needed to gain the skills to succeed.

2. Specific areas of study will vary based on the level of education the students chooses to obtain and the online school or college of enrollment. Coursework may consist of learning subjects like marketing, animal biology, plant science, economics, hydroponics, agricultural engineering, and more. Students can also choose to specialize in certain areas which will allow them to learn poultry science, global agricultural trade, animal husbandry, and many other relevant studies. By gaining an online education in these subjects, students will be prepared to seek employment in a number of exciting areas, and pursue the career of their dreams.

3. When looking to pursue a career in agriculture students can look forward to a number of exciting professions in this field. Studies will allow students to enter into careers working as agricultural professors, agribusiness managers, animal farmers, greenhouse managers, vegetable farmers, and many other related professions. With a degree in this field students can enter into careers in animal and food science, agricultural operations, commodities brokering, and much more. Students can seek out the program that will best prepare them to meet their career and educational goals as agriculture professionals.

Completing educational training programs will allow students to enter into the workforce ready for their careers. Some programs carry full accreditation, which provides schools and colleges with proof that they offer a quality education to students. There are agencies like the DETC ( http://www.detc.org/ ) that are able to fully accredit online learning programs. Students should look into the accredited online agriculture career preparation and training options prior to enrollment in order to gain the best education available to them.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

When looking to pursue the education needed for a career in agriculture, there are a number of options for students to choose from. Training can be completed through various online schools and colleges, allowing students to gain the necessary skills without leaving the comforts of home. Online agriculture degree programs are available at several levels of education, and coursework will prepare students to enter into the workforce. Pursuing an agricultural education can teach students to carry out a number of tasks related to their specific career. Students can start the path by researching their options prior to enrollment in an educational training program online.

1. Training for a career in agriculture can be done through online programs that allow students to study at their own leisure from just about anywhere. Educational options can include earning a variety of degrees at the graduate and undergraduate level. Students will need to decide if they would like to earn an associate, bachelor, or master level degree prior to enrollment. Training can last anywhere from two to six years based on the individual students career goals. When looking to pursue a career related to agriculture students should make sure they enroll in the program that will provide them with the coursework needed to gain the skills to succeed.

2. Specific areas of study will vary based on the level of education the students chooses to obtain and the online school or college of enrollment. Coursework may consist of learning subjects like marketing, animal biology, plant science, economics, hydroponics, agricultural engineering, and more. Students can also choose to specialize in certain areas which will allow them to learn poultry science, global agricultural trade, animal husbandry, and many other relevant studies. By gaining an online education in these subjects, students will be prepared to seek employment in a number of exciting areas, and pursue the career of their dreams.

3. When looking to pursue a career in agriculture students can look forward to a number of exciting professions in this field. Studies will allow students to enter into careers working as agricultural professors, agribusiness managers, animal farmers, greenhouse managers, vegetable farmers, and many other related professions. With a degree in this field students can enter into careers in animal and food science, agricultural operations, commodities brokering, and much more. Students can seek out the program that will best prepare them to meet their career and educational goals as agriculture professionals.

Completing educational training programs will allow students to enter into the workforce ready for their careers. Some programs carry full accreditation, which provides schools and colleges with proof that they offer a quality education to students. There are agencies like the DETC ( http://www.detc.org/ ) that are able to fully accredit online learning programs. Students should look into the accredited online agriculture career preparation and training options prior to enrollment in order to gain the best education available to them.

DISCLAIMER: Above is a GENERIC OUTLINE and may or may not depict precise methods, courses and/or focuses related to ANY ONE specific school(s) that may or may not be advertised at PETAP.org.

A DIY Sales Lead Guide For Farmers

As a farmer you are like a small business professional. You need to sell your agricultural products - crops, soil, livestock, cattle, cows, pigs, dairy, farm machinery and equipment. You need agriculture leads so that you can sell and make a living.

The good news is that it is quite easy to generate agriculture leads via the internet. The number of farms that have their own website is still relatively quite low. If you create a website for your farm you would be a technological leader in the industry. You could get the majority of web searchers that are looking for your products.

Not only could you receive organic search visitors to your site but to receive more sales leads, you could advertise in the sponsored results of search engines. The way it works is that you purchase whatever keywords you want (for example, beef, pork, wheat, cattle, crops, soil, farm equipment, farm machinery) and whenever someone searches those keywords and clicks on your link they are taken to your website and you receive the agriculture leads.

You can hire a website designer to create a professional looking website these days for under $100. To purchase ads on internet search engines is so easy that you can do it yourself (DIY). All the main search engines allow you to purchase ads, including Google, Yahoo, MSN, and Ask.com. And, it is so inexpensive that it would cost you a mere pennies each time someone clicks on your ad.

The internet is a great source for sales leads, even agriculture leads.

As a farmer you are like a small business professional. You need to sell your agricultural products - crops, soil, livestock, cattle, cows, pigs, dairy, farm machinery and equipment. You need agriculture leads so that you can sell and make a living.

The good news is that it is quite easy to generate agriculture leads via the internet. The number of farms that have their own website is still relatively quite low. If you create a website for your farm you would be a technological leader in the industry. You could get the majority of web searchers that are looking for your products.

Not only could you receive organic search visitors to your site but to receive more sales leads, you could advertise in the sponsored results of search engines. The way it works is that you purchase whatever keywords you want (for example, beef, pork, wheat, cattle, crops, soil, farm equipment, farm machinery) and whenever someone searches those keywords and clicks on your link they are taken to your website and you receive the agriculture leads.

You can hire a website designer to create a professional looking website these days for under $100. To purchase ads on internet search engines is so easy that you can do it yourself (DIY). All the main search engines allow you to purchase ads, including Google, Yahoo, MSN, and Ask.com. And, it is so inexpensive that it would cost you a mere pennies each time someone clicks on your ad.

The internet is a great source for sales leads, even agriculture leads.

What is an Agricultural Inspector?

People who find satisfaction and pleasure in dealing with nature particularly animals, livestock and the like would definitely discover that being an agricultural inspector is a career suited for them. This is generally considered a green job because of its direct interaction and care for animals, plants and other forms of natural resources. Most important and relevant in agricultural countries or states, this job is definitely something that requires a lot of dedication, knowledge and passion for this particular craft.

The career outlook for an agricultural inspector should be plentiful. They make on average $31-$49 thousand a year.

What is an agricultural inspector?

This job is potentially endorsed and provided mainly by the Department of Agriculture as part of the agency's advocacy for health and proper stewardship of the natural resources. In line with the nature of their work, inspectors are responsible for making sure that agri-businesses and companies strictly comply with the different regulations and laws provided by the state and federal government. These would generally be covering the safety of meat and its processes, poultry, egg, vegetable and fruits productions must likewise follow and adhere with certain standards before they would be marketed to the general public or consumers. In short agricultural inspectors are the main figures that protect the public's welfare and health from any food-related illnesses and diseases.

Depending on the level of the inspector, there job description would differently vary from mere inspection, testing and sampling of the different agricultural products to giving of necessary supervision, training and guidance which are often delegated to senior inspectors or high level agricultural inspectors. Some of the manual works that these professionals may also do are lifting of different weights up to 100 pounds which they need to perform their tasks and obligations.

For senior agricultural inspectors, they are obliged to ensure that businesses are complying with the standards set by the department thus regular visitation and inspections must be done on these companies in an actual or ocular basis. One concrete example is when inspector would go to the actual plant where livestock products are processed and get samples for testing and quality assurance. This likewise applies to the grains and vegetable products which are also tested for quality and chemical levels.

What are the requirements for the job?

Several of the positions required for this job would look for bachelor's degrees from accredited colleges mostly leaning towards biology or agricultural science. Depending on the type of job, some are requiring four-year courses while others do not necessarily need graduates with these credentials to qualify. Furthermore, potential inspectors must undergo intensive trainings and skill development to improve their craft and knowledge about their work. This would not only include sufficient knowledge on the biological and agricultural area but also with laws and regulations regarding agriculture. Most importantly, candidates must have actual field experiences in order to support their other credentials thus working on a meat-processing plant or farm would be great additional incentives in order to get a slot in the agricultural inspection industry.

Green jobs are indeed timely and noble careers that are potentially growing in demand and are now widely recognized. Being an agricultural inspector is one remarkable career that encompasses every passion and care for nature and protection to the consuming public.

People who find satisfaction and pleasure in dealing with nature particularly animals, livestock and the like would definitely discover that being an agricultural inspector is a career suited for them. This is generally considered a green job because of its direct interaction and care for animals, plants and other forms of natural resources. Most important and relevant in agricultural countries or states, this job is definitely something that requires a lot of dedication, knowledge and passion for this particular craft.

The career outlook for an agricultural inspector should be plentiful. They make on average $31-$49 thousand a year.

What is an agricultural inspector?

This job is potentially endorsed and provided mainly by the Department of Agriculture as part of the agency's advocacy for health and proper stewardship of the natural resources. In line with the nature of their work, inspectors are responsible for making sure that agri-businesses and companies strictly comply with the different regulations and laws provided by the state and federal government. These would generally be covering the safety of meat and its processes, poultry, egg, vegetable and fruits productions must likewise follow and adhere with certain standards before they would be marketed to the general public or consumers. In short agricultural inspectors are the main figures that protect the public's welfare and health from any food-related illnesses and diseases.

Depending on the level of the inspector, there job description would differently vary from mere inspection, testing and sampling of the different agricultural products to giving of necessary supervision, training and guidance which are often delegated to senior inspectors or high level agricultural inspectors. Some of the manual works that these professionals may also do are lifting of different weights up to 100 pounds which they need to perform their tasks and obligations.

For senior agricultural inspectors, they are obliged to ensure that businesses are complying with the standards set by the department thus regular visitation and inspections must be done on these companies in an actual or ocular basis. One concrete example is when inspector would go to the actual plant where livestock products are processed and get samples for testing and quality assurance. This likewise applies to the grains and vegetable products which are also tested for quality and chemical levels.

What are the requirements for the job?

Several of the positions required for this job would look for bachelor's degrees from accredited colleges mostly leaning towards biology or agricultural science. Depending on the type of job, some are requiring four-year courses while others do not necessarily need graduates with these credentials to qualify. Furthermore, potential inspectors must undergo intensive trainings and skill development to improve their craft and knowledge about their work. This would not only include sufficient knowledge on the biological and agricultural area but also with laws and regulations regarding agriculture. Most importantly, candidates must have actual field experiences in order to support their other credentials thus working on a meat-processing plant or farm would be great additional incentives in order to get a slot in the agricultural inspection industry.

Green jobs are indeed timely and noble careers that are potentially growing in demand and are now widely recognized. Being an agricultural inspector is one remarkable career that encompasses every passion and care for nature and protection to the consuming public.

NE Gov Tells HSUS To Stay Out

Nebraska governor on HSUS: ‘We’re going to beat them’


December 9, 2010 by Ken Anderson
BrownfieldAgNews.com

The governor of Nebraska is sending a strong message to the Humane Society of the United States—if the animal rights group goes after the state’s livestock industry, it’s in for a fight.

“The Humane Society of the United States is anti-agriculture and they’re out to destroy animal agriculture—and if they want to come to Nebraska, we’re going to fight them and we’re going to beat them,” Heineman says. “Agriculture is the number one industry in this state. It’s what makes our economy so strong. I’m going to stand tall and this is a fight we won’t shy away from.”

In an interview with Brownfield after his speech to the Nebraska Cattlemen’s group in Kearney, Heineman made it clear that compromise is not an option.

“In Nebraska, no deal, no compromise—we’re going to stand up, we’re going to beat them,” he says. “They’d be better off going somewhere else because they’re going to lose if they stay in Nebraska.”

HSUS has recently become more active in Nebraska, hiring a state director and holding a town hall meeting in Lincoln.     Link

It’s great to see our elected leaders stand up for their constituents against the lying bully that is the HSUS.  Their efforts to eliminate animal agriculture are more apparent than ever and it’s being noticed.  I would think it must be getting tougher for Pacelle to continue trying to sell his group as just an animal welfare group.  You don’t see politicians coming out against worthy charities, just the fraudulent ones. 

Nebraska governor on HSUS: ‘We’re going to beat them’


December 9, 2010 by Ken Anderson
BrownfieldAgNews.com

The governor of Nebraska is sending a strong message to the Humane Society of the United States—if the animal rights group goes after the state’s livestock industry, it’s in for a fight.

“The Humane Society of the United States is anti-agriculture and they’re out to destroy animal agriculture—and if they want to come to Nebraska, we’re going to fight them and we’re going to beat them,” Heineman says. “Agriculture is the number one industry in this state. It’s what makes our economy so strong. I’m going to stand tall and this is a fight we won’t shy away from.”

In an interview with Brownfield after his speech to the Nebraska Cattlemen’s group in Kearney, Heineman made it clear that compromise is not an option.

“In Nebraska, no deal, no compromise—we’re going to stand up, we’re going to beat them,” he says. “They’d be better off going somewhere else because they’re going to lose if they stay in Nebraska.”

HSUS has recently become more active in Nebraska, hiring a state director and holding a town hall meeting in Lincoln.     Link

It’s great to see our elected leaders stand up for their constituents against the lying bully that is the HSUS.  Their efforts to eliminate animal agriculture are more apparent than ever and it’s being noticed.  I would think it must be getting tougher for Pacelle to continue trying to sell his group as just an animal welfare group.  You don’t see politicians coming out against worthy charities, just the fraudulent ones. 

Beat Stress, Eat a Steak!

Feeling stressed? Grill a steak, study suggests

BY PHILIP BRASHER & DAN PILLER • BUSINESS@DMREG.COM • DECEMBER 12, 2010
Des Moines Register

Red meat's image has tended to emphasize stereotypically aggressive male behavior, ranging from ancient barbarians to modern tailgaters.

But McGill University in Canada says its studies suggest otherwise: Meat has a calming effect on men.

Maybe men know what is best for them when they gravitate to the backyard grill.

"It wouldn't be advantageous to be aggressive anymore, because you would've already used your aggression to acquire the meat, and furthermore, you'd be surrounded by people who share ... your DNA," lead researcher Frank Kachanoff told the Montreal Gazette. "One of the basic principles in evolution is to want to preserve not only your DNA but also that of your next of kin."

How well the beef-is-calming notion takes hold remains to be seen. U.S. per capita consumption has dropped by about 25 percent in the last half-century.    Link

It’s hard to be stressed when you are about to enjoy a great steak!  Meat is an essential part of the balanced diet that we should all have.  Eliminating food groups from your diet is never a good idea and the science continues to suggest it.   

Feeling stressed? Grill a steak, study suggests

BY PHILIP BRASHER & DAN PILLER • BUSINESS@DMREG.COM • DECEMBER 12, 2010
Des Moines Register

Red meat's image has tended to emphasize stereotypically aggressive male behavior, ranging from ancient barbarians to modern tailgaters.

But McGill University in Canada says its studies suggest otherwise: Meat has a calming effect on men.

Maybe men know what is best for them when they gravitate to the backyard grill.

"It wouldn't be advantageous to be aggressive anymore, because you would've already used your aggression to acquire the meat, and furthermore, you'd be surrounded by people who share ... your DNA," lead researcher Frank Kachanoff told the Montreal Gazette. "One of the basic principles in evolution is to want to preserve not only your DNA but also that of your next of kin."

How well the beef-is-calming notion takes hold remains to be seen. U.S. per capita consumption has dropped by about 25 percent in the last half-century.    Link

It’s hard to be stressed when you are about to enjoy a great steak!  Meat is an essential part of the balanced diet that we should all have.  Eliminating food groups from your diet is never a good idea and the science continues to suggest it.   

Ag is the Foundation of our Society

Ag aiding economy


By: Jerry Hagstrom, Special to Agweek

WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, in a Dec. 1 news conference, highlighted recently released trade and income statistics showing agriculture leading the country out of the recession.

Vilsack said USDA forecasts that U.S. farm exports in fiscal year 2011 will set a record high $126.5 billion, exceeding the fiscal year 2008, formerly the highest level on record at $114.9 billion.

Agriculture continues to be one of the only major sectors of the American economy with a trade surplus — which is expected to be $41 billion in this fiscal year, Vilsack noted. He said the forecast “demonstrates that the demand for U.S. food and agriculture around the world is stronger than ever,” with sales surging in China, Southeast Asia, North America and the Middle East.    Read More

Agriculture truly is the foundation for our society, and that includes our economy.  All wealth comes from the ground which is why a domestically raised food supply is so critical.  The instant we start relying on someone else to grow our food our country will be in grave danger. 

Ag aiding economy


By: Jerry Hagstrom, Special to Agweek

WASHINGTON — Agriculture Secretary Tom Vilsack, in a Dec. 1 news conference, highlighted recently released trade and income statistics showing agriculture leading the country out of the recession.

Vilsack said USDA forecasts that U.S. farm exports in fiscal year 2011 will set a record high $126.5 billion, exceeding the fiscal year 2008, formerly the highest level on record at $114.9 billion.

Agriculture continues to be one of the only major sectors of the American economy with a trade surplus — which is expected to be $41 billion in this fiscal year, Vilsack noted. He said the forecast “demonstrates that the demand for U.S. food and agriculture around the world is stronger than ever,” with sales surging in China, Southeast Asia, North America and the Middle East.    Read More

Agriculture truly is the foundation for our society, and that includes our economy.  All wealth comes from the ground which is why a domestically raised food supply is so critical.  The instant we start relying on someone else to grow our food our country will be in grave danger. 

Truth About HSUS Revealed Again

The Humane Society of the United States is not what you think


By: Ron Arnold 12/02/10 8:05 PM
Wahington Examiner
OpEd Contributor

If you donate to the Humane Society of the United States for supporting the homeless doggies and kitties in your local animal shelter, you've likely been suckered by one of Big Green's most notorious propaganda mills.

HSUS is a radical no-meat, anti-hunting, anti-gun octopus that spends millions swallowing other animal groups whole, but habitually gives less than 1 percent of its annual revenue to a few selected local shelters. It's not that they can't afford it -- they raked in $101.6 million last year alone.

HSUS got so big because of CEO Wayne Pacelle's takeovers of the extremist Fund for Animals and the respectable Doris Day Animal League, in what he calls "corporate combinations."

That, and his ability to create high-profile projects like disaster relief crews that swoop stranded cats and dogs from flooded housetops while the TV cameras watch -- then quietly dump them on nearby shelters without so much as a dime's worth of support.

Pacelle gets the credit, the grunts get the critters.    Read More

There are more people every day that are learning the truth about the HSUS.  While they continue to claim that they aren’t anti-meat or anti-ag, one only has to look at their suggested recipes to see what their true goals are.  That’s where the rubber meats the road.  But while we have made great strides in exposing this group we must continue to do more.  There are still too many people that think this group actually cares for pets.  Nothing could be further from the truth. 

The Humane Society of the United States is not what you think


By: Ron Arnold 12/02/10 8:05 PM
Wahington Examiner
OpEd Contributor

If you donate to the Humane Society of the United States for supporting the homeless doggies and kitties in your local animal shelter, you've likely been suckered by one of Big Green's most notorious propaganda mills.

HSUS is a radical no-meat, anti-hunting, anti-gun octopus that spends millions swallowing other animal groups whole, but habitually gives less than 1 percent of its annual revenue to a few selected local shelters. It's not that they can't afford it -- they raked in $101.6 million last year alone.

HSUS got so big because of CEO Wayne Pacelle's takeovers of the extremist Fund for Animals and the respectable Doris Day Animal League, in what he calls "corporate combinations."

That, and his ability to create high-profile projects like disaster relief crews that swoop stranded cats and dogs from flooded housetops while the TV cameras watch -- then quietly dump them on nearby shelters without so much as a dime's worth of support.

Pacelle gets the credit, the grunts get the critters.    Read More

There are more people every day that are learning the truth about the HSUS.  While they continue to claim that they aren’t anti-meat or anti-ag, one only has to look at their suggested recipes to see what their true goals are.  That’s where the rubber meats the road.  But while we have made great strides in exposing this group we must continue to do more.  There are still too many people that think this group actually cares for pets.  Nothing could be further from the truth. 

More Farm American Coverage

I have really appreciated all of the media coverage of the Farm American project.  A big thank you to Vicki Myers from Progressive Farmer/DTN for this article. 

Ag Warrior


Cowboys, Farmers, Furniture and NASCAR

Victoria G. Myers Progressive Farmer Senior Editor

Mon Nov 29, 2010 08:31 AM CST

Troy Hadrick is looking for $22 million. That's what it will cost to build a campaign to promote America's farmers and ranchers on NASCAR's pit row. And when you hear Hadrick talk about the program, $22 million begins to sound like a deal.

The no-nonsense rancher from Faulkton, S.D., has a face you might remember. He countered a contribution Yellow Tail wine made to The Humane Society with a YouTube video that went viral. It was a simple, straightforward image of the young rancher pouring a bottle of the wine out on the ground, with cattle in the background. The reaction had Yellow Tail backpedaling on its donation soon after the video was posted.

Since then, Hadrick and his wife, Stacy, have become well-known advocates of the American farmer and rancher. They travel and speak across the country with one goal: letting average consumers get to know a real rancher. It's a rewarding pursuit.

"It's amazing to watch it happen, when consumers meet a farmer or rancher. It's like the lightbulb goes on and they see we are human and that we do care," says Hadrick.

The rancher says for too long media and organizations he considers anti-agriculture have worked to fear monger and dehumanize people who produce America's food. He points to terms like "factory farm" or "big ag," which he says have a goal of "making us faceless and cold."    Read More

I have really appreciated all of the media coverage of the Farm American project.  A big thank you to Vicki Myers from Progressive Farmer/DTN for this article. 

Ag Warrior


Cowboys, Farmers, Furniture and NASCAR

Victoria G. Myers Progressive Farmer Senior Editor

Mon Nov 29, 2010 08:31 AM CST

Troy Hadrick is looking for $22 million. That's what it will cost to build a campaign to promote America's farmers and ranchers on NASCAR's pit row. And when you hear Hadrick talk about the program, $22 million begins to sound like a deal.

The no-nonsense rancher from Faulkton, S.D., has a face you might remember. He countered a contribution Yellow Tail wine made to The Humane Society with a YouTube video that went viral. It was a simple, straightforward image of the young rancher pouring a bottle of the wine out on the ground, with cattle in the background. The reaction had Yellow Tail backpedaling on its donation soon after the video was posted.

Since then, Hadrick and his wife, Stacy, have become well-known advocates of the American farmer and rancher. They travel and speak across the country with one goal: letting average consumers get to know a real rancher. It's a rewarding pursuit.

"It's amazing to watch it happen, when consumers meet a farmer or rancher. It's like the lightbulb goes on and they see we are human and that we do care," says Hadrick.

The rancher says for too long media and organizations he considers anti-agriculture have worked to fear monger and dehumanize people who produce America's food. He points to terms like "factory farm" or "big ag," which he says have a goal of "making us faceless and cold."    Read More

A Film About Beef

Here's another great video by a student filmmaker talking about the beef industry and sharing what she learned.

A Film by Katie Griffith from ExploreBeef on Vimeo.

Here's another great video by a student filmmaker talking about the beef industry and sharing what she learned.

A Film by Katie Griffith from ExploreBeef on Vimeo.

SD Cattlemen's Association

Today we are at the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association annual meeting in Aberdeen.  There are lots of great speakers here including Gregg Doud, chief economist from NCBA, Randy McKee, one of the best estate planners in the country, and Amanda Nolz who will be talking about social media. 

Being involved in your industry organizations is extremely important and it's why we are involved in several. 

Have a great day!

Today we are at the South Dakota Cattlemen's Association annual meeting in Aberdeen.  There are lots of great speakers here including Gregg Doud, chief economist from NCBA, Randy McKee, one of the best estate planners in the country, and Amanda Nolz who will be talking about social media. 

Being involved in your industry organizations is extremely important and it's why we are involved in several. 

Have a great day!

1.Rising commodity prices, global food security concerns drive increased investment in African farming

2.Afreximbank increases lending to African firms involved in agriculture

3.Agriculture, farmland in Africa attracting "impact investors"

4.Zimbabwe's tobacco exports to Europe surge

5.Singapore-based firm in $1.3 billion fertilizer investment in Gabon

6."Fertilizer tree" triples Malawi, Zambia maize yields

7.South Korean government firm to farm Tanzania site in early 2011

8.Egypt eyes Sudan for land to grow wheat

9.Why Ghana gave in to the cocoa baron

10.Cocoa genome 'will save chocolate industry'

11.The desperate plight of Africa's cotton farmers

12.Uproar over sale of South African seed company

13.South Africa harvests biggest maize crop in 30 years

14.AGRA, partners commit $42m to link African farmers to markets

15.Ghanaian concern that Gates Foundation-funded AGRA may lead to introduction of GM crops

16.UN map lays out Africa's water resources challenges

17.Scientists create world's first all-black petunia

18.South Africa-Congo land deal possible by end November

19.Germany's High Court preserves restrictions on GM crops

20.EU urged to allow trace GM in food imports

21.Indian agro-investor in Ethiopia looks to East African market

22.Organic farming questioned as food challenges mount

23.Mixed reactions as Indian company becomes major agro-investor in Ethiopia

24.Alternative energy firm secures UK patent on jatropha for feed

25.Uganda coffee exports dip in October

26.Dry season sees drop in Rwandan tea output

27.Farming of dhal increasingly replacing cotton in Tanzanian region

28.Kenya cashew nut farmers brace for losses amid export ban

29.Coffee export sacks in short supply in Ethiopia

30.South African mining company partners in farming, agriprocessing

1.Rising commodity prices, global food security concerns drive increased investment in African farming

2.Afreximbank increases lending to African firms involved in agriculture

3.Agriculture, farmland in Africa attracting "impact investors"

4.Zimbabwe's tobacco exports to Europe surge

5.Singapore-based firm in $1.3 billion fertilizer investment in Gabon

6."Fertilizer tree" triples Malawi, Zambia maize yields

7.South Korean government firm to farm Tanzania site in early 2011

8.Egypt eyes Sudan for land to grow wheat

9.Why Ghana gave in to the cocoa baron

10.Cocoa genome 'will save chocolate industry'

11.The desperate plight of Africa's cotton farmers

12.Uproar over sale of South African seed company

13.South Africa harvests biggest maize crop in 30 years

14.AGRA, partners commit $42m to link African farmers to markets

15.Ghanaian concern that Gates Foundation-funded AGRA may lead to introduction of GM crops

16.UN map lays out Africa's water resources challenges

17.Scientists create world's first all-black petunia

18.South Africa-Congo land deal possible by end November

19.Germany's High Court preserves restrictions on GM crops

20.EU urged to allow trace GM in food imports

21.Indian agro-investor in Ethiopia looks to East African market

22.Organic farming questioned as food challenges mount

23.Mixed reactions as Indian company becomes major agro-investor in Ethiopia

24.Alternative energy firm secures UK patent on jatropha for feed

25.Uganda coffee exports dip in October

26.Dry season sees drop in Rwandan tea output

27.Farming of dhal increasingly replacing cotton in Tanzanian region

28.Kenya cashew nut farmers brace for losses amid export ban

29.Coffee export sacks in short supply in Ethiopia

30.South African mining company partners in farming, agriprocessing