Here are this week’s top stories from Farm and Dairy:
1. Esselburns are a true family of ‘Aggies’
It isn’t everyday that a family of five children all choose to devote its lives to farming, but for the Esselburn family, they wouldn’t have it any other way. All of their children — ranging in age from 12 to 30 — have an ag-related career or interest.
Growing up on a beef and grain farm, each of the Esselburns had a role in helping to keep everything running smoothly. Today, they have specific jobs that keep the farm going.
2. Law serves notice on natural gas developers
A new law in Pennsylvania will affect landowners with shale gas leases. Beginning Dec. 22, a lessor (mineral rights owner) may serve notice on a lessee if the lessee fails to provide a surrender document.
The law will give property owners more control over future use of their land when a gas lease expires. For Farm Bureau members, this law may be helpful for understanding lease terms.
3. Fermentation, the other preservation
If you’re planning on having sauerkraut for New Year’s, consider fermentation to preserve your cabbage.
You may be used to canning or freezing food, but fermenting food is another useful way to preserve it. Fermentation is the process by which microorganisms produce good bacteria. The good bacteria are what make the fermentation process possible, which can take a couple weeks to a couple months to complete.
4. Pardon me: Ohio farm to present presidential turkey
It takes a family to raise a turkey, at least for the Coopers. The Cooper family of Cooper Farms in Fort Recovery, Ohio, has been given the honor to raise this year’s National Thanksgiving Turkey.
The tradition of the presidential turkey dates back to President Harry Truman and has evolved into a yearly custom. This year, President Barack Obama, his family and the White House staff will choose the names for the turkey and its alternate.
5. Record cattle prices, again and again
This year’s cattle prices may seem like they just keep going up, but the peak probably hasn’t been reached yet.
Currently, the cattle cycle is at the end of a downward slide that began in 2006. Numbers will continue to decrease in 2015 and 2016, while cattle producers begin to rebuild the herd. In the meantime, record prices could continue.
