Top 10 Articles of 2019
In celebration of the past decade, we’re looking back at our top ten blogs from this past year.
This decade has been a formative one for agriculture. The industry has witnessed major changes including the passing of the 2018 Farm Bill, as well as two presidential elections. This year, we received the highly anticipated 2017 Census of Agriculture which introduced new data and better representation of farm workers, including the hardworking women in ag.
Join us as we celebrate the coming New Year and the American Farmer by taking a look back at our most-read blog articles from 2019:
1. Profitable Cash Crops Create Financial Opportunities for U.S. Farmers
More than a century ago, cash cropping was introduced into agricultural communities for the sole purpose of generating additional income. When farmers began planting for upcoming seasons, they would add extra rows of certain crops with the intent of selling the surplus to generate additional income that could be used to support their families or to make payments on farm debt. The financial flexibility that cash crops afforded farmers led to higher profitability and commodity diversity within the marketplace. Keep reading to learn how cash cropping reshaped ag and evolved into modern-day farming.
2. Climate Change: Pros and Cons in Agriculture
It’s no secret that many scientists believe our planet’s climate is changing at a rapid rate, pointing to evidence such as the amount of spring snow cover in the Northern Hemisphere decreasing and melting more quickly. In this article, we’ll explore both sides—the pros and the cons of climate change in the agriculture sector—and take a look at how the changing climate is impacting agricultural production across the nation.
3. What’s Ahead in the Agriculture Industry for 2019
This past year, the agriculture industry was affected by significant changes that occurred in government such as, the United States (U.S.) entering into a trade war with China, Mexico, and Canada–placing tariffs on various exports–and the Farm Bill expiring on September 30, 2018. As 2019 crops up, let’s reflect on the past year in agriculture and what is to come in 2019.
4. The Beef Industry’s Major Contribution to the U.S. Economy
As a final send-off for National Beef Month, we’re exploring recent shifts within the beef industry and taking a deeper look at the economic impact of beef production. Here are key highlights from the 2017 Census of Agriculture for the beef industry.
5. Top Farming Equipment and Tools to Embrace in 2019
The start of a new year is the perfect time to consider the sector’s newest tools and equipment, many of which use the latest technology and are designed to make your operation more efficient, increasing productivity and profitability. Read on for more information about the top five ag tools to keep an eye on in 2019 and how they might enhance your operation.
6. Florida Strawberries Dominate the U.S. Marketplace in the Winter
According to the Florida Strawberry Growers Association, Florida lays claim to approximately 8,000 acres of strawberries. In this article, we’ll dive deeper into what makes Florida a top spot for strawberry production and take a look at what’s on the horizon for the state and its strawberry farmers.
7. Farm Harvest Preparation
As summer gradually draws to an end, farmers across the nation are gearing up for one of the busiest farming seasons, fall harvest. In this article, we’ll discuss five key measures to take when preparing for the harvest season.
8. Decrease Your Farm Production Costs by Fixing These 5 Common Mistakes
Running a farm can be a costly endeavor, especially when there are uncontrollable factors that affect the profitability of a farm—weather disturbances and commodity prices, for example. However, there are plenty of elements within a farmer’s control that can decrease farm production costs. Check out these easy-to-implement tips for reducing the cost of farm production and improving profit margins.
9. Celebrating the Rich Heritage of Hispanics and U.S. Agriculture
The United States’ agriculture industry is more diverse than most people realize. American agriculture has been greatly enriched by the contributions of many cultures and nationalities. In honor of Hispanic Heritage Month, we’re reflecting on the many contributions made by farmers of Hispanic heritage, which have shaped today’s agriculture.
10. Best Practices for Summer Farming
With June 21 marking the official first day of summer, now is the perfect time to discuss summer farming, which for many farmers (especially those in production agriculture) is the busiest season of the year. In this article, we’ll discuss summer farming techniques to enhance your ag operation and best practices for remaining safe on the farm during the season.
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