Author: staff

If we allow internal divisions to persist, the only outcome is an erosion of trust — from within and from the public. The agriculture industry is a diverse and essential part of our society, feeding millions and contributing to local and global economies. Within this vast sector, there are countless ways to approach farming — from small, family-run operations to expansive commercial farms — each with its unique strengths and challenges. Yet, an unsettling trend has emerged where different segments within agriculture turn against one another, spreading misinformation and eroding trust in the industry as a whole. This in-fighting not…

By Ryan Hanrahan As Americans head to the polls today for election day, “one-fourth of the members of the House Agriculture Committee are in tight re-election races, according to political handicappers, a factor in the likely upheaval of the committee roster in 2025,” Successful Farming’s Chuck Abbott reports. “Turnover is a fact of life on the committee — only half of its current members served on the panel two years ago.” “While most Americans live in town, rural districts are expected to play a prominent role in deciding whether Republicans will continue to control the House or if Democrats will…

Nothing helps shake the cold of late winter like leafing through colorful garden catalogs, dreaming of beautiful flower beds and produce-filled vegetable gardens. This is the time of year to dream, to plan, and to start shopping! Paper catalogs are still wonderful for making wish lists, but the most well-known growers also offer their products online, and most have websites that will find items for you based on your preferences, soil, sunlight and growing zone. Choosing seeds or plants that fit your location helps ensure they will perform well and be less susceptible to pests and disease. One of the…

Looking to get some summer trimming and around-the-home maintenance done? Look no further than these hacks submitted by Successful Farming and Living the Country Life readers. Country Drive Living the Country Life If you are fortunate enough to have a country driveway, plant a seed mixture of alsike clover and rye along the shoulders. The local wildlife will love this treat, and you won’t have to mow as often. For additional beauty, add some native wildflower seeds to the mix.  – M.W., Wisconsin Mower Deck Blower Amazon Instead of using a water hose to clean your mower deck after use,…

Trying to keep wildlife and other pests away from your farmland and your animals this summer? Successful Farming and All Around The Homestead have seven homemade hacks that are ready to try. Fence Fasteners Illustrations by Lant Elrod I have to fence in my gardens to keep deer, rabbits, porcupines, and other animals from grazing. To keep the fence tight at the bottom, I make stakes from metal hangers. –L.M., Maine No Wasps All Around The Homestead To keep wasps and bees from building nests in the electrical boxes on your farm, put one livestock fly ear tag in each…

Tractor Supply has announced the launch of the 2024 FFA Future Leaders Scholarship fundraising drive. The money raised will fund scholarships for FFA students pursuing a skilled trade or majoring in an agriculture-related field. The Tractor Supply Foundation established the FFA Future Leaders fund in 2022 with a $5 million commitment over five years, making it the largest agriculture scholarship of its kind. Extending to November 10, customers can donate at checkout in Tractor Supply stores or online at TractorSupply.com to support the company’s goal of raising $1 million. The funds will be used to support $5,000 scholarships for students…

With planting season underway in some parts of the country and gardens around the country beginning to take shape, Successful Farming and Living the Country Life has 9 reader suggestions for homemade garden hacks you might find useful. Garden Trellis Living the Country Life Need more garden space? Try trellising more of your fruits and vegetables. Build the trellis at least 5 feet high and wide. Nail strong wire or fencing to posts that are placed firmly in the ground. Be sure not to block sunlight to other plants. – K.W, Illinois Grown-up Swing Set Living the Country Life Do…

Today, the National Wheat Yield Contest announced the 26 national and 94 state winners for 2024-the ninth year of the contest. This year’s contest had 516 entries, the most ever. Among the list of winners, two new names joined title-winners, including Phillip Gross of Warden, Washington, earning Bin Buster honors with irrigated hard red winter wheat yielding 223.08 bushels per acre.  In the dryland category, the Bin Buster was Steve VanGrunsven from Forest Grove, Oregon, growing the Limagrain Cereal Se variety Shine with a 170.63 bpa. Jess Blatchford of Baker City, Oregon, was named Bin Buster for the first time…

Today the USDA released the 32nd Crop Progress report of the 2024 growing season. Corn Crop Progress According to the report, as of Nov. 3, 91% of the 2024 corn crop in the top 18 corn-growing states was harvested. This was up from 81% a week prior and ahead of the five-year average of 75%. Soybean Crop Progress The USDA said as of Nov. 3, 94% of the soybean crop in the top 18 growing states was harvested. This was up from 89% the week prior and ahead of the five-year average of 85%. Winter Wheat Progress According to the report,…

Allison Bullock’s journey with Holler Back Farm in Maryland dates back to when she was a young girl with a growing curiosity for animal care, especially for goats. Now, at just 16, Bullock has made a name for herself in her community and the world of livestock and dairy goat farming thanks to years of dedication, skill-building, and persistence. Her passion has evolved into a small business, transforming her farm into a thriving venture that combines education, competition, and community outreach. Bullock’s story starts with two pet goats her family kept as “weed eaters.” But these two goats sparked something…