Friday, December 19, 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.

tractor

Learn how to inspect a used tractor before buying it. Check out these tips for evaluating a tractor’s appearance, performance and overall condition.

Carving out time for family meetings gives the whole family an opportunity to address issues that affect the family and farm and, hopefully, resolve a few.

Using a sprayer that is not calibrated correctly can be waste of chemicals and money. Follow these tips to getting your sprayer ready for the spring season.
Tilling

Understanding a tractor’s stability — its center of gravity and stability baseline — in relation to outside forces could prevent a major accident or injury.
spinach

Plant root depth, canopy development, growth habits, and nutrient requirements in a given climate largely determine the irrigation schedule.
pesticide application

Safety and security of pesticides are the responsibility of the applicator from the time he or she takes possession of the chemicals until they are used.
finance sheet and calculator

Just as it is important to keep records of your farm finances, it is important to have a record of your personal finances. Here are five reasons why you should keep them separate.
orchard

Fall is a busy time of year for agritourism. Whether you’re planning a corn maze, a farm festival or a tour of the farm, here are some things to consider.
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.
loading grain bins

Farm safety kits should include items to handle a major trauma. Here are 6 tips for creating a farm safety kit.