5 stories farmers read this week: Dec. 26

Here are the top 5 stories that farmers read this week:

1. Whaat? 1952 Ford 8N sets land speed record of 96.3185 mph

Named the “8NCREDIBLE,” the 1952 Ford 8N has become the world’s fastest tractor. The tractor — and driver Jack Donohue of Fletcher, North Carolina — set a new land speed record of 96.3185 miles per hour on the “Ohio Mile,” which is a concrete landing strip in Wilmington, Ohio.

The previous record was held by David Abbott “Ab” Jenkins, who in 1935 set the old record of 67.677 miles per hour in a 1932 Allis Chalmers model U while crossing the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. That record stood for 81 years.

2. How to build a bee box for native pollinators

“Pollinator” is a buzzword these days, especially since the native pollinator population is dropping. Pollinators are critical to plants and food that we eat.

Online columnist Ivory Harlow explains how to build a bee box to draw native pollinators to your yard. Not only will a bee box help your landscape thrive, you’ll also help surrounding ecosystems.

3. Federal tax deal benefits farmers, businesses

The spending and taxing legislation passed Dec. 18 in Washington, D.C. includes incentives for farmers. It will help farmers reinvest in their operations.

Farmers will be able to make small business deductions for capital expenses at $500,000. The legislation also extends the current bonus depreciation for purchasing new capital assets until 2019.

4. 5 tips for amaryllis care

Amaryllises are popular gifts during Christmas time. Like other houseplants, the amaryllis needs sunlight, comfortable temperatures and other care to stay healthy.

If you’ve been given one (or if you bought one for yourself), pay attention to these 5 tips to keep your flower blooming all winter and into spring.

5. How to eat seasonally this winter

Even if you finished gardening once the weather turned chilly, there are still fruits and vegetables grown during the winter months. Take a look at our list, from apples to yams, then incorporate them into your winter diet.

Next year, you may want to consider growing some of these vegetables indoors, or you may want to try extending your gardening season with a hoop house or row covers so you can eat garden-fresh produce even when it’s cold outside!