Farm and Dairy’s week in review: 12/27

Here are this week’s top stories from Farm and Dairy:

1. 10 tips for beginning farmers to ride out market uncertainty

Actively preparing for the future is a wise choice that young farmers should take. With little to no experience in an economic downturn, new farmers can look to successful farming operations that have withstood hardships.

With hard work, communication and consistency on the list, there are several other concepts that new farmers should be aware of when it comes to good farm management.

2. Farmers, businesses get Christmas gift of tax break on equipment

Section 179 of the Internal Revenue Code was extended, so now farmers can write off up to $500,000 in equipment purchases each year.

While farmers plan for 2015, they will be relieved to save money that would otherwise be spent on taxes Although the tax provision is only a one year extension, farmers hope that the incentives are in place in the future so that they can continue to benefit from the them.

3. Ohio Grain Farmers Symposium: Some wild cards for 2015

Tight profit margins will likely continue into 2015 for grain farmers, but that doesn’t mean that transportation, world markets and other factors won’t have influence.

New laws allow larger semis on the road, and road infrastructure is being improved in some areas. In addition, new demands and opportunities in world markets and recently higher prices could combine to lighten farmers’ loads.

4. Country Christmas crafts

Christmas Day may be over, but that doesn’t mean you can’t continue to celebrate the season with family and friends. Using simple materials like seeds, corn husks and fresh boughs, these three craft projects involve children and adults in creating keepsakes for years to come.

5. Recycle your Christmas tree after the holidays

You probably already recycle wrapping paper,  tissue paper and cardboard boxes once all of the presents have been unwrapped, but what about Christmas trees?

Your Christmas tree doesn’t have to go to waste once the holidays have ended. For the DIY-types, reuse your Christmas tree in your backyard or pond. If you want to get rid of it, take it to a drop off location or to an organization that will mulch it for you.