Saturday, December 6, 2025
Farming 101

Farming 101

Farm and Dairy is featuring a series of “101” columns throughout the year to help young and beginning farmers master farm living. From finances to management to machinery repair and animal care, farmers do it all.

Iowa

Between starting a family, working an off-farm job and spending free time in the fields, many farmers wonder when it's time to form a business entity.

Spring planting season is right around the corner and now is the time to pull out your planters and get them ready.
wisconsin

Farming is an ever-changing business that needs careful attention to be successful. Here are seven tips for all farmers to consider.
fire

Ohio has laws for open burning, even on farms. Check out these “do’s” and “don’ts” when it comes to burning agricultural wastes.

Identify what activities can be reported as farming activities and check out these quick tips for filing farm taxes.
locked garden shed

The secure storage of pesticides ensures safety and prevents misuse. Learn more about building a pesticide storage unit and using safe storage practices.

To protect your livestock against infectious diseases, it is important to vaccinate at the right time with the right product.

Proper calibration prevents seed skips, doubles and seeds planted at an incorrect depth, which could mean wasted seed and money.
lamb

Make sure your lambs get a good start by using the “clip, dip, and strip” technique in your lambing practices. It will help keep newborn lambs healthy.
hay harvest

Most hay fires occur within the first six weeks after baling. Moisture content is the main factor that causes hay and straw to spontaneously combust.