Farmstead and artisan cheese operations can allow farm families to become price-makers instead of price takers for their milk. A hands-on workshop in Ohio can show you how.

“Thinking outside of the box.” We use the phrase to refer to a nontraditional idea. Perhaps the exact definition isn’t so important, but we should never underestimate the value of such logic.
Maybe the following 4-H dairy program is an example of an idea created outside of the normal parameters. Dairy “COW”reers Day will be […]

The cost of production number, combined with the four key numbers outlined in this article, will help each dairy farm define the point where the business is unlikely to be able to bounce back.

Have you thought about developing a public relations plan for your farm? As we look at the challenges facing agriculture, topping the list today is the Humane Society of the US (HSUS) and their attempt to place an issue on the November 2010 ballot.
It will take the help of all farmers to help spread […]

While recently catching up on some reading, I saw an article that caught my interest. It was titled “Is your child ready for farm chores?”

Since I work with dairy youth programs, this topic captured my curiosity. However, as a parent who had regularly enforced chores upon our sons, I had not posed such a question […]

As the age of farm operators increases, transferring the ownership and management of the family business to the next generation will become one of the most important issues farm families will face.
While many farmers dream of seeing their legacy passed onto the next generation, many postpone initiating a plan for the transition of their […]

It’s the start of a new year and Ohio State University Extension has plenty of educational opportunities for you to take advantage of to learn new information and improve your business. Take a few minutes to read about two exciting program offerings.

Women in agriculture

Annie’s Project, a risk management program for women in agriculture, is […]

Most dairy producers were glad to see 2009 come to a close and are looking forward to a better dairy economy this year. Even though many farm families are facing net operating losses, income tax management is still an important issue that should be high on the 2010 “to-do”.
Tax concerns. Why are income taxes […]

Have you ever been to a store or gas station and had the clerk talk on their cell phone or text a message while trying to take care of you? It has happened to me and you’ve probably had it happen to you or maybe witnessed it happen to someone else.
Have you seen your […]

Happy holidays to all of our northeast Ohio and northwest Pennsylvania dairy farmers.

It is hard to believe 2009 is coming to a close already. I know many dairy farmers are glad to see this horrific dairy price year come to a close. I sincerely hope 2010 will be a much better year for milk prices.

Financial. […]