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Whether you have a tractor, farm truck, or combine, you know that efficiently maintaining your farm equipment is crucial for maximizing productivity, prolonging machinery life, and ensuring a safe working environment. If you're managing a small family farm or a larger operation, understanding best practices for farm equipment care and maintenance can reduce repair costs and prevent unexpected breakdowns. Here’s a comprehensive guide to farm equipment care and maintenance to help you maintain your farm equipment properly. Guide to Farm Equipment Care and Maintenance: 1. Develop a Maintenance Schedule One of the best ways to keep farm machinery in top condition is by following a consistent maintenance schedule. Regular maintenance can prevent wear and tear, reducing the likelihood of breakdowns, and costly repairs. Before Startup: Inspect to make sure there is no visual impairment or needed repair. Weekly Checks:  Inspect fluids, tires, belts, and basic components for wear. Monthly Maintenance:  Check lubrication points, hydraulics, batteries, and other key systems for leaks, levels, and fluid viscosity. Seasonal Inspections:  Thoroughly inspect each piece of machinery before heavy-use seasons, like planting or harvest, to ensure they’re in peak condition. Perform Fluid Checks and Replacements Checking and replacing fluids regularly is essential for equipment longevity and performance. Different types of equipment require various fluids to function optimally. Farm equipment care and maintenance are essential for a productive, efficient, and safe farm operation. Following a consistent maintenance schedule, cleaning machinery regularly, and storing it properly, can prevent costly repairs, extend the life of your equipment, and reduce downtime during critical farming seasons. Remember, proactive care saves time and money in the long run, ensuring that your farm runs smoothly year after year. With the right approach to maintenance, you’ll keep your equipment running at its best, contributing to a more sustainable and profitable farming operation. 2. Proper Cleaning Dirt, dust, and debris can cause substantial wear on farm equipment, clogging systems, and leading to premature breakdowns. Proper cleaning is essential for protecting machinery. Regularly Clean Your Equipment:  After each use, remove dirt and debris from equipment using water and, if necessary, mild detergents. Pay attention to sensitive areas like engines, filters, and hydraulics. - Choose a designated cleaning area with proper drainage to avoid contaminating water sources. - Pre-rinse: Use a water hose to remove loose dirt and debris from the machinery. Apply cleaning solution: Select a cleaning agent designed for farm equipment, and apply it according to the manufacturer's instructions.  -Pressure wash: Use a high-pressure washer to thoroughly clean the entire machine, including undercarriage, tires, and hard-to-reach areas.  -Rinse thoroughly and dry:  Rinse the entire machine with clean water to remove all soap residue, dry, and disassemble it if necessary. (See more on this below.) 3. Farm Equipment Storage Proper cleaning and storage are essential for protecting machinery from weather and the elements. It can save you time and money in the long run especially if you live in a place with a harsh climate. -Store in a dry, clean place: Keep equipment in a dry, clean, and covered space to prevent rust, rot, and other damage from the elements. Store equipment in a dry, covered area to protect it from rain, snow, and direct sunlight. Keeping machinery sheltered helps prevent rust, corrosion, and UV and weather damage. A barn or shed is ideal, but if that's not possible, you can use a breathable, stretch-resistant cover. If storing outside, make sure to regularly maintain fluids and check for rodent activity and possible damage. Maintenance Schedules and Routines for Farm Equipment A good maintenance schedule for tractors and other equipment includes daily, weekly, monthly, and seasonal checks to ensure optimal performance and extend the lifespan of your machinery. Here’s a breakdown to help keep your agricultural equipment in top shape: Maintenance of Farm Equipment During or Before Use Check Oil Levels:  Check engine oil, hydraulic oil, and other fluids. Top them off if necessary. Inspect Tires:  Check for proper inflation and signs of wear or damage. Radiator and Coolant:  Ensure that the radiator is clear of debris, and check the coolant level. Lights and Safety Signals:  Test all lights and signals to ensure they’re functioning properly. Clean and Inspect Air Filters:  Especially in dusty conditions, check the air filter after each use and clean or replace it if needed. Check Hitches: Regularly inspect trailer hitches and the couplings on all trailers and equipment that you pull, as well as on any tractors, trucks, or ATVs that you use to pull the equipment. Ensure these parts are working properly and can securely connect. Clean off any excess dirt or rust, if possible. Check the overall wear and tear of the vehicle to make sure it's safe for use. Weekly Farm Equipment Maintenance Grease Points:  Lubricate all grease points, including pivot points, hydraulic arms, and other moving parts. Check your tractor’s manual for specific grease points and check for leaks. Battery Check:  Inspect battery terminals for corrosion, and make sure connections are secure. Clean if necessary. Inspect Belts and Hoses:  Look for cracks, frays, or leaks in belts and hoses. Hydraulic System Check:  Inspect hydraulic hoses and cylinders for any leaks or signs of wear. Check Brake and Clutch Operation:  Test for smooth operation and listen for unusual sounds. Monthly Farm Equipment Maintenance Oil and Filter Change:  Change the engine oil and replace the oil filter if not done recently. Air Filter Replacement:  Replace the air filter if it shows significant wear or dirt buildup. Transmission Fluid Check:  Check levels and, if needed, refill the transmission fluid. Fuel System Maintenance:  Clean or replace fuel filters and check for signs of water or contaminants in the fuel tank. Seasonal Farm Equipment Maintenance Full Inspection Before Peak Seasons:  At the start of planting or harvest season, perform a thorough inspection of all tractor components. Change Hydraulic and Transmission Fluids:  For tractors with heavy use, it’s ideal to replace hydraulic and transmission fluids annually or based on the hours recommended by the manufacturer. Battery Care (Winter Storage):  Before storing for the winter, remove the battery if possible and store it in a cool, dry place. Cooling System Flush (Annually):  Flush the cooling system and replace the coolant to prevent overheating. Inspect the PTO Shaft and Guards:  Ensure the Power Take-Off ( PTO ) shaft is in good condition, and all guards are securely in place. Additional Tips Keep Good Records:  Document each maintenance task to track wear patterns, servicing needs, and component life. (See more about this below.) Follow the Manufacturer’s Manual:  Each equipment model has specific maintenance needs and recommendations, so consult the manual for manufacturer-recommended intervals and specifications. By following this schedule, you can help ensure your farm equipment runs efficiently and safely, reduce downtime, and extend the life of your farm machinery. Keeping Good Farm Equipment Maintenance Records Keeping thorough maintenance records for farm equipment is essential to prolong machinery life, reduce repair costs, and maintain operational efficiency. It not only keeps track of what you've done on the machine but when reminds you of costs and the next service that's needed. Here’s a guide to creating and managing an effective farm equipment maintenance record system. 1. Choose a Record-Keeping System Set up a system that allows you to consistently log maintenance activities for each piece of equipment. You can choose between paper logs, spreadsheets, or specialized farm management software. Paper Logs:  Use a dedicated notebook or binder for each machine. Organize by date and type of maintenance. Spreadsheets:  Digital spreadsheets offer flexibility, are easy to back up, and allow for simple data entry. Farm Management Software:  Many farm management tools include maintenance tracking features, allowing you to set reminders and track costs over time. You can also use Farm Management Software like Farmbrite to keep track of what maintenance has been done and remind you of upcoming needed maintenance. 2. Record Essential Information Each entry should include specific information to make the record useful for tracking patterns, identifying problems, and scheduling preventive maintenance. Date of Service:  Always note the exact date of each maintenance check or repair. Equipment Details:  Record the equipment model, serial number, and location of service. Type of Maintenance Performed:  Describe the maintenance type, whether it’s routine (oil change, lubrication), preventive (replacing worn parts), or repair. Odometer or Hour Meter Reading:  For accurate tracking of usage-based maintenance, record the equipment’s hours or mileage at the time of each service. Fluids and Parts Replaced:  Note any oil, fuel, filters, or other parts that were replaced, along with quantities and brands used. Notes on Condition:  Write down any unusual observations, such as wear, rust, leaks, or other concerns. 3. Schedule and Track Routine Maintenance Routine maintenance helps prevent major breakdowns. Use your records to set up regular maintenance schedules based on equipment usage and manufacturer recommendations. Create a Calendar or Schedule:  Track maintenance intervals (e.g., daily, weekly, monthly, or annually) for each piece of equipment. You can do this in many different ways like on your calendar or in your farm management software. Set Reminders:  Use digital alerts if possible to remind you of upcoming maintenance, especially for more time-sensitive tasks like oil changes and filter replacements. Adjust Based on Usage:  If you use certain equipment more intensively during planting or harvesting seasons, increase maintenance frequency accordingly. 4. Track Repair Costs Documenting repairs and associated costs helps you monitor spending and evaluate whether to repair or replace equipment in the long term. Record Repair Details:  Note the date, issue, parts repaired or replaced, and labor involved. Include detailed notes on complex repairs. Track Costs:  Log the cost of parts, fluids, and labor to better understand long-term maintenance costs for each machine. Analyze Trends:  Look for patterns of recurring issues. If a machine requires frequent repairs, it may be time to consider replacing it. 5. Store Receiptsm Service Documentation and Manuals Keep all receipts and service records organized for future reference. These documents provide proof of maintenance, which can be helpful for warranty claims or resale purposes. Attach Receipts to Logs:  Attach each receipt to the corresponding maintenance entry, whether in a physical binder or by scanning and saving digitally. Organize by Equipment:  Create folders or files (digital or paper) for each machine to simplify record retrieval. Store Manufacturer Manuals: If available, add a link for the online manufacturer manual so you can reference when needed. 6. Use Visual Records When Possible Photos and videos can be valuable for recording the condition of equipment, especially when troubleshooting recurring issues. Before-and-After Photos:  Take photos of parts before and after repairs to document wear and improvements. Store this with your vehicle maintenance records. Record Any Issues:  Use video or add notes to record any unusual noises, vibrations, or leaks for reference or when consulting mechanics. 7. Regularly Review Maintenance Records Periodic reviews of your maintenance records can help identify trends and improve your equipment management practices. Look for Patterns:  Analyze maintenance records to detect recurring problems or potential areas for improvement. Adjust Preventive Measures:  If certain components wear out quickly, adjust your maintenance practices accordingly. Evaluate Equipment Performance:  Reviewing costs and repair frequency will help you determine when it’s time to replace aging equipment. 8. Train Employees on Record-Keeping Practices If multiple people operate or maintain equipment, make sure they’re trained to update maintenance records properly. Standardize Data Entry:  Create a simple checklist or form that everyone can follow to ensure consistency. Emphasize Accuracy:  Stress the importance of detailed records to prevent gaps in maintenance history. Incentivize Participation:  Recognize employees who diligently update records to foster a culture of accountability. 9. Utilize Data for Budgeting and Planning Detailed maintenance records are helpful for budgeting future expenses and planning for equipment replacements. Project Maintenance Costs:  By reviewing historical records, you can forecast maintenance costs and budget accordingly. Plan for Equipment Replacement:  If maintenance costs are steadily rising, use your records to identify when a replacement is more cost-effective. Optimize Resource Allocation:  Knowing which equipment requires more frequent servicing can help you plan work schedules and prevent downtime. 10. Back-Up Records Regularly If you don't store your records online make sure to protect your records by backing them up regularly. This will prevent the loss of your data. Physical Records:  Store paper logs in a safe, dry place to avoid damage. Keep digital copies as a backup. Digital Records:  Use cloud storage or an external hard drive to back up spreadsheets or software data. Many farm management software platforms offer cloud-based storage for easy access and security. By establishing and maintaining organized maintenance records, you’ll have a clearer picture of your equipment’s condition, be able to make more informed decisions, and ultimately keep your farm running smoothly and efficiently. Farm Equipment Storage Best Practices Proper storage of farm equipment is essential to protect your investments, extend the lifespan of machinery, and ensure that everything is ready when you need it. Here are some best practices for storing farm equipment effectively. 1. Clean Equipment Thoroughly Before storing, clean your equipment thoroughly to remove dirt, mud, crop residue, and any chemical residues. This prevents corrosion and rust and reduces the chance of contaminants damaging parts over time. Wash Exterior Surfaces:  Use water and mild detergents to clean the equipment’s body. Clean Underneath:  Dirt and debris can accumulate under machines, so clean these areas thoroughly. Inspect for Pests:  Ensure no debris or food sources are left that might attract pests to the storage area. 2. Drain Fluids or Top Off Tanks Fluids like fuel, oil, and hydraulic fluids can degrade over time and cause damage. Depending on the equipment and storage period, you may need to either drain or refill tanks. Fuel:  For short-term storage, top off the fuel tank to prevent condensation. For long-term storage, consider adding a fuel stabilizer to keep the fuel from breaking down. Oil and Coolant:  Change the oil and check the coolant levels, as old oil or coolant can lead to corrosion. Hydraulic Fluids:  Top off hydraulic fluids if needed and check for leaks before storing. 3. Store in a Covered, Dry Space Whenever possible, store farm equipment indoors in a shed or barn to protect it from harsh weather. Exposure to sunlight, rain, and snow can cause rust, fading, and damage to hoses and seals. Ventilation:  Ensure proper ventilation to prevent moisture buildup, which can lead to rust. Temperature Control:  While not always possible, temperature-controlled storage is ideal for sensitive equipment. Avoid extreme temperature changes, which can cause condensation inside machinery. 4. Use Tarps for Outdoor Storage If indoor storage isn’t available, protect equipment by using high-quality, weatherproof tarps. Cover Entirely:  Cover all parts of the machinery, especially electronic components, engine parts, and seating areas. Anchor the Tarp:  Secure the tarp tightly to prevent wind from displacing it, but ensure there's still some airflow to avoid moisture buildup underneath. 5. Protect Tires from Flat Spots Long-term storage can cause flat spots on tires due to the constant pressure on one part of the tire. Inflate Tires Properly:  Ensure all tires are inflated to the recommended pressure before storage. Use Blocks or Jacks:  For longer storage, consider jacking up the equipment or using blocks to lift it off the ground slightly, reducing tire stress. 6. Disconnect and Store Batteries Separately For long-term storage, disconnect the battery and store it in a cool, dry place to prevent drainage and corrosion. Charge Batteries Periodically:  Check and recharge the battery periodically to keep it in good condition. Clean Terminals:  Clean any corrosion from battery terminals before storage. 7. Lubricate Moving Parts Lubricating all moving parts before storage can prevent rust and keep parts in working order for longer. Focus on Exposed Metal:  Pay particular attention to exposed metal parts, like PTO shafts, hydraulic cylinders, and chains. Use the Right Lubricant:  Check your equipment’s manual for recommended lubricants to avoid damaging parts. 8. Protect Electronics Moisture and temperature changes can affect electrical components. Remove Electronics if Possible:  If your equipment has removable electronic components, like displays or control panels, store them separately. Cover Exposed Wires and Sensors:  Use plastic or protective wraps on any exposed wiring or sensors. 9. Check Equipment Regularly Even in storage, it’s essential to inspect your equipment periodically. Inspect for Pests and Damage:  Rodents can chew on wiring and rubber components, causing costly damage. Check for any signs of pests. Monitor Tire Pressure and Lubrication:  Check that tires remain inflated, and ensure that lubrication hasn’t dried up. 10. Prepare Equipment for Quick Access Organize your storage space so that frequently used equipment is accessible without moving multiple machines. This makes it easier to bring out machinery during busy seasons. By following these best practices, you can keep your farm equipment protected and ready for use, minimizing downtime and repair costs. Proper storage ensures that your machinery will perform reliably when you need it most, contributing to the efficiency and longevity of your farming operation. In summary, taking the time to care for and maintain farm equipment is one of the best investments you can make for the productivity and longevity of your machinery. With consistent care, you not only prevent costly repairs but also maximize efficiency and safety on the farm. From daily inspections to seasonal overhauls, following a structured maintenance routine ensures that your equipment remains in optimal condition throughout the year. Remember, staying proactive with upkeep and repair doesn’t have to be overwhelming. Break down tasks into manageable steps and involve your team to spread the load. Creating a maintenance log is also an invaluable tool, helping you track equipment performance and maintenance history over time. This attention to detail not only supports better operational planning but can also increase the resale value of your machinery when it’s time for an upgrade. By prioritizing equipment maintenance, you're cutting down costs, and downtime, and adding safety which all contribute to the growth of your farm, and safeguard your investment for years to come. The benefits of well-maintained machinery go beyond the machines themselves—healthy equipment is foundational to a successful, resilient farm operation. Farmbrite is ag software that helps keep track of farm operations like crop and livestock management, task management, equipment use and maintenance, accounting, and more. Take our farm management software for a test drive. Happy Farming!

Selling eggs can be a rewarding and profitable endeavor for several reasons. Firstly, eggs are a staple in many households, ensuring a steady demand for your product. By selling eggs, you can turn the surplus from your backyard flock or farm into a reliable source of income. Additionally, with the rising interest in locally sourced and organic foods, your eggs can attract health-conscious consumers who value freshness and sustainability. This venture also allows you to connect with your community, build relationships with customers, and potentially expand into other products or services. Beyond the financial benefits, selling eggs can offer a fulfilling way to share the fruits of your labor and passion for poultry farming with others. If you are lucky enough to raise chickens and have enough layers to meet demand, this might be the time to consider taking your chicken eggs to market for profit. Marketing Your Eggs at the Farmer’s Market Farmer’s Markets around the country are in full flourish these days. As popular as these farmer’s markets are, though, it is not enough to just show up with some eggs and a folding table. You will have to be the middleman: the marketer and salesperson. Even in direct-to-consumer selling, all farm stands are not equal: the top 3% of farms capture more than 58% of the sales. There are many ways to vastly improve your farmer’s market sales and turn your business into one of these top-grossing farms. Before we begin with the detailed marketing ideas, take some time to ponder the very big picture: knowing your product and what exactly you offer to consumers. It seems like a silly question, but you must be able to answer it properly before you will be able to successfully market yourself. Selling Eggs Straight to Consumers Selling to consumers can sometimes be a fickle. Some customers can be high maintenance, overbearing, and price-shop you all day, but they can also be your biggest champions and tell all their friends about your products, want to buy more from you, and become a regularly paying customer. The trick here is to make your product valuable to them. How can you wow them with your eggs-tra-ordinary eggs? Here are a few ways to do that in a tough market. Make Your Brand Stand Out: You say you sell eggs, Great. Why on earth wouldn’t I buy my eggs super-cheap from the big supermarket down the street? What do you and your products provide that is not available from the supermarket? This is the question you will probably be asked at some point. You probably can’t compete on price with the supermarket. But you could offer personal knowledge and connections to your food’s origins. Or specialty products, such as organic, pasture-raised, or omega-3 eggs. If your eggs are significantly fresher than other options, there is a lot of value there. If your methods of producing and distributing eggs are more environmentally sound or improve animal welfare, there is value to that, too. There are numerous ways you add value to your products. Remember: you have more value to offer than mere eggs! Whether you offer your customers “nostalgia for an old-timey small farm past”, “biodiversity and heritage breed preservation” or “cutting-edge green technology” and “urban production”, you will need to communicate that to your customers in the image you portray. Your clothing and attitude, your signage and packaging, brochures, website, and even your display set-up all speak to customers. Make certain that all aspects of your business showcase the same ideas. Think over your business and yourself. Does your business offer something special to people? Is there an image of yourself that you would like to project? Decide on an image and message, the particular benefits and values of your products. Then keep this image of your business and products in mind as you consider specific methods to convey your brand and your farm to customers. Make Shopping Convenient Don't underestimate the value of convenience. It is also a huge selling point for customers. You may want to consider selling your eggs online . By offering an option of delivery or pickup in different locations, you can offer an easy way for customers to buy your products. This makes their purchase easier. Any time you can make your customer's lives a little easier they will thank you for it by coming back to purchase from you time and again. Understand Your Business Last but not least, make sure you are tracking  what you've produced and sold. This is vital to the health of your farm business. Take a look at Farmbrite to help keep track of your chicken production and farm management.   Taking Your Chicken Eggs to Market Selling excess eggs will reduce waste, and bring in extra cash, in many cases it can introduce you to a wonderful community of local farmers and organic produce enthusiasts. If you are considering selling your eggs there are a few business decisions you will need to make, the most important being, which distribution channel will work best for you. Please note: It is important to investigate the local laws that govern egg production in your area. There will be different rules for different distribution networks regarding things like inspection, safety, insurance, and record keeping. The most direct-to-consumer option for selling your eggs is a farmer's stand. Farm stands are typically found in places like farmer's markets or on the roadside. If you find the right location, these stands can be very lucrative, but they do require a larger investment of your time. This option does require time for preparation, setup, time at the market or at the farm stand, and clean up / breakdown. Not everyone will have the time required to do this option. Tips for Running an Effective Farm Stand: Farm Stand Location: Choose a location that is not only high traffic but also heavily populated by your target market (i.e. people who highly value fresh produce and are willing to pay a premium for it.) According to the Food Marketing Institute, organic food purchasing is driven more by lifestyle than demographics, so seek out locations that appeal to the organic lifestyle. Label Your Product Well : Be sure to clearly label your stand with the benefits of your eggs and appeal to your target market’s values. If your eggs are organic or free-range, be sure to communicate it! Feel free to have signage that sings the praises of the egg’s taste and quality. A little personality goes a long way too. People are buying both a high-quality product and an experience. Be quaint, humorous, clever, or whatever makes you, your farm, and your product distinctive. People like knowing where their food comes from, and if they like you… they are more likely to like your eggs and become repeat customers. Having your information on your labels helps your clients find you to purchase from you again. Presentation is important: Invest in quality egg cartons that you can personalize with your egg farm’s information. Or purchase egg cartons that you can stamp with your information. Not only will these cartons allow your client a safe way to transport their eggs, but they will also build your farm’s brand identity. You can buy egg cartons wholesale and customize them to reflect your unique identity. Consider placing customized logo stickers on non-printed recycled egg cartons and be sure to include a telephone number, so that restaurants or repeat customers can reach you directly when they want more. Grab the Customer's information Marketing to your customers will keep your business going. Grab their information as they check out so you can send them information later or follow up with a recipe or a thank you! Understand the Laws: If you are selling to consumers it's always wise to make sure that you know the laws around that. Take a look at your local laws  to make sure that you are complying with local egg-selling regulations. Other Ways to Market Your Eggs Selling at the farmers market or at a farm stand you set up is not the only way to sell your eggs. Here are are few other places to look to market your eggs. Target wholesale egg selling opportunities : If a farm stand is more of a time commitment than you can or are willing to make, consider targeting wholesale opportunities with local co-ops, grocery stores, restaurants, or even hotels. Call around and offer a sample of your eggs. Demonstrate that you have high-quality eggs and that you are a professional willing to accommodate the client (within reason). Smaller businesses like restaurants are especially vulnerable to undependable suppliers. Establish trust with these clients, and you will have long-term business allies. In some communities, producer co-operatives allow fellow egg farmers to pool resources for more effective marketing. These partnerships increase efficiencies and allow you to sell more eggs than you might be able to on your own. Find an egg seller or agent: If your egg production quantity is very large, consider finding a broker to market your eggs. Like any agent, a broker will take some of your profit, but they will save you time and often have access to very large buying networks . Join a Coop: Selling at a farmer's coop offers several compelling advantages. Firstly, coops often provide a ready-made customer base of consumers who are specifically seeking fresh, locally-produced goods. This can lead to higher sales volumes compared to selling independently, especially in a competitive market. Additionally, coops often handle marketing and logistics, and sometimes even provide a space for your products, reducing your overhead and administrative burdens. Being part of a coop can also foster a sense of community and collaboration with other local producers, allowing you to share resources, and knowledge, and even cross-promote your products. Furthermore, coops typically emphasize quality and sustainability, aligning with consumer values and enhancing your product's appeal. Overall, selling at a farmers' coop can streamline your business operations and boost your visibility and sales in a supportive environment. Selling your eggs can be rewarding on many levels. Remember to become the go-to for your customers, stand out as having a superior quality product, be professional, and always have what they're looking for. Happy Farming!

How to Prepare For and Get Through GAP Certification Good agricultural practices are paramount for the health a well being of your customers. Which is the reason for farmers to get GAP certification. Mostly, the need is market-driven as most customers prefer buying certified produce to avoid illness and microbial hazards and there are some restaurants that are requiring that certification of their producers. Also, growers are getting certified to avoid lawsuits and to comply with government regulations. However, the GAP certification process can be daunting and overwhelming. If you learn how to prepare it will make the process seamless, save you money and be successful. The following GAP certification 101 guide contains informative information necessary to help you prepare and get through a GAP certification. What is GAP certification? Good agricultural practices (GAP) certification is a voluntary program that verifies that sound food safety practices are being used. It does that through an audit of a food products' growing, handling, packaging, and distribution. It helps reassure the customers, and public, that the farm handles food products in a way that reduces microbial and other potential hazards. GAP certification targets potential sources of contamination in the production chain, water, soil, animals, people, and equipment. If you adopt good agricultural practices, you can go through the voluntary auditing process for verification. You'll get GAP certification if you complete the audit. And though it's not mandatory, there are many reasons to get a GAP certification, such as: Economic risk reduction GAP certification reassures food safety, and that helps in reducing the risk of food-borne diseases. The reduction helps prevent the risk of large economic losses like damage to farm reputation, drop in sales, and potential lawsuits. To adhere to standards GAP certification will help you adhere to the food safety standards throughout the year. It allows you to continue producing, packaging, and distributing safe goods. Also, it shows you can take care of farm employees and comply with government standards. To increase your market Though a GAP certification is voluntary, many buyers expect you to have the certification. Buyers prefer buying from you if you get GAP certification, especially international buyers. In turn, your market will increase, increasing the overall business success. To ensure a high-quality product If you get GAP certification, you can label your products as government-approved. The label will reassure your clients that your products are high-quality and safe for consumption. Also, companies handle GAP-certified products well in the supply chain to maintain the quality of the products. To increase customer loyalty and trust Customers appreciate your efforts to deliver quality and safe products. A GAP certification helps customers to verify that your product is safe and that your farm adheres to the standards of food safety and taking care of employees. They will be loyal to your goods, and you'll have a better client retention ratio. Who is eligible for GAP certification Produce producers and suppliers are eligible for certification. In the U.S . you may be able to get certified for free. Take a look at your states eligibility. How To Prepare For GAP Certification You need to adequately prepare for GAP certification before requesting an audit. It helps you undergo a flawless audit which is crucial for a successful process. You need to prepare in terms of the following; 1. Timing of GAP Audit Start by identifying the best time to schedule an audit. You can time the audit to get the most out of the 12 months that the certificate will be valid. The ideal time is when you're harvesting the largest variety of crops. But remember, if there is a second visit, your certificate will not be valid until the second visit. So, schedule your audit at least two weeks before your desired audit date. 2. Prepare your food safety plan/manual for GAP certification A food safety plan is a compilation of documents, records, and policies, and you should implement it early in the growing season. It details your growing and handling process and identifies areas of risk and how to address them. Early implementation will allow you to change the plan and gather all the necessary documents and records for the audit. You can submit a copy of the food safety plan when scheduling and applying for the audit. A food safety plan will streamline and enhance the GAP certification process and make up most of the food safety manual. 3. Food safety plan/ manual components Table of contents; It matches the numbering of the checklist questions and is an essential tool for compiling and assembling the plan. Checklist question; After the table of content, you will get a checklist of questions for the scope. The questions are divided into sub-sections that match the checklist numbering. Each section has standards and records or supporting documents that support the questions. Assessments; Assessment focuses on specific areas like food safety defense, water system, animal activity, and more in the checklist. Assessment helps develop policies, procedures, and corrective actions on your farm. Standards; standard operating procedures detail the concerns, policies, step-by-step procedures, corrective action, relevant records and supporting documents, and additional resources. Records; A record is proof of activity performance and results obtained, such as water testing results or a log sheet documenting cleaning sanitation facilities. They help you prove you're doing what you say you do. You can add all your information in Farmbrite , farm management software and access it from anywhere. Supporting documentation; Supporting documents help validate your response to a checklist question. They include assessment notes, traceability system field maps, the flow of food maps, pesticide logbooks and labels, training certificates, and other relevant supporting documents. 4. Food safety officer Appointing a food safety officer is a crucial preparation tip. It could be the owner, operator, co-operator, or staff member. The officer should be familiar with food safety practices and be available during the official audit. 5. Prepare paperwork and documents Correct paperwork/documents are essential for the successful completion of GAP certification. It will increase your chances of passing the audit and streamline the process. You can check the third-party checklist to know the documents/paperwork that you need. So before you schedule an audit, ensure all the documents are correct. 6. Internal audit Conducting an internal audit before scheduling the official audit is essential. The food safety officer can run the internal audit and provide a report. As you perform the practice run, check the audit checklist and take the measures needed. Walk through each of your fields' workers and operations, answering the checklist questions. Are they following the food safety practices they learned in training? How clean are your packing shed and facilities? Is the water of appropriate microbial quality? Are the animal mitigation measures working? Conducting a pre-audit walkthrough will help you improve your chances of passing the first audit. So, ensure you address all the checklist questions and have everything before the audit. Keep up to date on your audit files by storing them in Farmbrite . A pre-audit walkthrough checklist can have the following; General GAP practices (applicable to all stages) · All workers have been trained in proper health, hygiene handling practices, and other procedures. · Eating is only allowed in designated areas. · Availability of a first aid kit and emergency contact. · No smoking in production and handling areas. · Proper hygiene measures like washing hands after using the restroom. Pre-plant stage · Identify any known risk associated with the crop you're growing . · Plant material for plant propagation is maintained and stored appropriately before planting. · If possible, ensure the production farm is located somewhere other than where there is a possible runoff from livestock. · Flats of seeds and transplants are clean and free from contamination. Production stage · Equipment and tools for field preparation are not the sources of contamination. · Soil amendments have been applied 120 days before the harvest. · Testing production water for generics in different stages of production. · Keep outdoor and indoor spaces clean to prevent rodent habitat. · Proper measures to deter or exclude wildlife. · No domesticated animals in production and packaging areas. Harvest stage · Harvest tools and equipment are cleaned and sanitized before use. · Harvest machinery is in good form to prevent glass breakage. · Harvest tools are free from contamination. · Products showing signs of contamination are discarded or not harvested. Post-harvest handling stage · Handle the products appropriately to avoid contamination. · Take measures to avoid contamination of packing boxes and containers. · Transport cars are clean and maintained to ensure a cold chain to the market. · Remove all dirt, mud, and debris from the product before packing. · If you put your product on the ice, monitor the water to ensure it contains zero detectable generic E. coli. 6. GAP certification cost GAP certification costs vary depending on various factors like administrative fees and paperwork. Also, the distance the auditor will travel to your farm will determine the cost. You can reduce the payment for the auditor's travel by teaming up with other nearby farms to combine the auditor's trip into one. You'll share the fee among those farms, saving you money. It would help if you prepared the finances before the official audit. Preparing the budget will help you avoid the last-minute rush or taking high-interest loans to pay for the services. 7. Readying the farm for the audit An audit manual will tell you how to carry out a food safety plan and the appropriate documentation. Therefore, you must prepare by implementing what the manual says by putting into place all the specific practices and records. The following list is some of the areas you need to address; Test all water sources and take corrective treatment measures if warranted. Implement fencing if livestock is next to your crop production to avoid the risk of contamination. Properly store and contain the manure. Ensure a minimum of 120 days before harvest using raw manure. And if you're using composted manure, document the turning, temperature monitoring, and mixing to guarantee that the manure is actively composed. Monitor your production area for wildlife and implement deterrence measures. Launch a rodent control program in packing areas and other essential areas. Buy and use harvest containers and pack products that meet standards. Establish a way to cover and protect the product from harvest to transport. Develop your traceability system. Set up sanitation units, hand washing stations, and designated eating areas. How To Get Through GAP certification After preparing, follow these steps to get GAP certification; 1. Submit an application The first step of earning a GAP certification is applying. You must submit the documents two weeks before the expected audit date. The application contains the following: · Request to schedule an audit · Copy of your farm's food safety manual · Contact information of the food safety officer · Participation Agreement 2. An initial audit By practicing the above preparation practices and procedures, you must ensure that your firm is ready for the initial audit. And since the auditor will question the employees, review the policies, and alert them about the audit. The auditor will visit your farm to complete the audit that involves a thorough farm review, assessment of the harvesting and packing activities, and general questions. They can ask questions about food safety programs, traceability, and recall procedures for food. Also, they will ask about employee hygiene and health, chemical use, and other farming practices. The auditor uses a government-issued checklist to assess your farm's performance. You'll need a high success rate of about 80% to pass the audit and get the GAP certification. 3. Second audit visit A second visit may not be necessary if you pass the first visit. However, the auditor can return for a verification visit. The aim is to ensure your farm complies with the standards daily. Further, if the initial audit was unsuccessful, the auditor returns for a second visit to give you a chance to pass. If you pass the audit tests, you'll get a GAP certification valid for one year. 4. Update your food labels After earning your GAP certificating, you can update your food labels to show your farm's success and professionalism. It will show that your product is safe and verified, improving sales and increasing customer loyalty. Final thoughts Food safety is an extremely important issue in the food industry. The increase in concerns about foodborne illness and economic losses has motivated growers to adopt good agriculture practices (GAP) voluntarily. GAP is essential in reducing microbial contamination and improving food safety systems. However, buyers' demand will only increase if you take measures to improve food safety on your farm. It would help if you showed the consumers that farm produce is grown with GAP practices. GAP certification is the only way to show that you follow appropriate food practices on your farm. The above information will help you successfully prepare and get through with GAP certification. References https://www.ams.usda.gov/services/auditing/gap-ghp https://digitalcommons.usu.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1803&context=extension_curall https://www.nasda.org/gap-overview/

The Colorful World of Chicken Eggs In recent years, colorful eggs have become popular among consumers. There has been a boom in demand for blue, green, tan, and chocolate-colored eggs in addition to the commonly seen brown and white eggs. There are many chicken breeds that have been bred to lay colored eggs, and adding these to your flock is a great way to add interest from your customers and increase your farm’s profitability. In this article, we will dive deep into the fascinating world of chicken breeds and explore the unique colors they bring to the table. Whether you like the striking blue eggs laid by the Araucana breed or the rich chocolatey brown eggs of the Marans, each breed has a distinct palette, personality, and egg coloring. Why do Chickens Lay Different Color Eggs? The Science Behind Egg Color Variation The color of an egg is determined by the breed of the chicken and its genetic makeup. The shell color is formed during the last few hours of egg formation as pigments are deposited on the surface of the shell. Let's get into the science, the primary pigment responsible for egg color is called protoporphyrin IX, which gives eggs a brown hue. However, other pigments, such as biliverdin and oocyanin, can also contribute to the range of colors we see in different eggs. The genes responsible for egg color are complex and can interact in various ways. For example, the blue egg gene is dominant over the brown egg gene, which means that if a chicken inherits the blue egg gene from one parent and the brown egg gene from the other, it will lay blue eggs. However, if it inherits two copies of the brown egg gene, it will lay brown eggs. This explains why some chicken breeds consistently lay eggs of a certain color, while others exhibit more color variation. It's also worth noting that egg color can vary within a breed. Factors such as diet, age, and overall health of the chicken can influence the intensity of the egg color. The same breed of chicken may lay eggs of slightly different shades depending on these factors. Now, let's explore some of the common chicken breeds and the colors of eggs they produce. Chicken Egg Colors: Blue, Green, and Chocolate Brown While white and brown eggs are the most commonly seen colors in grocery stores, several chicken breeds produce eggs in more unusual hues. Let's explore the origins and characteristics of blue, green, and chocolate brown eggs. Blue Eggs: The blue egg gene is believed to have originated from the Araucana chickens of South America. These chickens were brought to Europe and North America, where they were crossbred with other breeds to create the Ameraucana and Easter Egger breeds. The intensity of the blue color can vary among different breeds and individual chickens. Green Eggs: Green eggs are the result of a combination of blue and brown pigments. Chickens that lay green eggs have inherited both the blue egg gene and the brown egg gene. When these two pigments combine, they create a greenish hue on the shell. The most well-known breed that lays green eggs is the Olive Egger, which is a cross between a chicken that lays dark brown eggs and a chicken that carries the blue egg gene. Chocolate Brown Eggs: The Maran breed is famous for its dark brown eggs, often referred to as "chocolate" eggs. These chickens have a genetic mutation that allows for a higher concentration of this pigment, resulting in their distinctive egg color. What Color Eggs do Different Chickens Lay In this next section, we will cover common chicken breeds and more about them. We will talk about egg color, disposition, history of the breeds, and general egg production. Ameraucana Chicken Egg Color: The Ameraucana breed is famous for its beautiful blue eggs. These eggs can range in color from sky blue to a deep, almost turquoise shade. The breed is known for its distinct beard and muff feathers around its face, giving it a unique appearance. Ameraucana chickens are excellent layers, laying up to 300 eggs per year. They have a calm and friendly temperament, making them a popular choice among backyard chicken enthusiasts. Overall, the Ameraucana is one of the most popular layers of colorful eggs today. They are easy to procure and make a wonderful addition to any flock. Araucana Chicken Egg Color: The Araucana chicken is another excellent layer of pale blue to bright, vibrant blue eggs. These birds may be the reason that blue eggs are so popular among consumers today. Although their name is often confused with the Ameraucana, they are a separate breed. They are much rarer than their blue-egg-laying counterpart, though, and are somewhat difficult to find in the United States. This beautiful breed of chicken originated in Chile, and was imported to the U.S. in the 1930s. It wasn’t until the past ten or so years that they rose in popularity. This breed is rumpless, meaning that they have no tail feathers. They have tufts of feathers that grow out from under their ears, giving them a comical appearance. They come in several different colors, including white, red, black, golden duckwing, and silver duckwing. Araucanas are only used for egg production, as their meat is not high quality. They lay medium-sized blue eggs at a rate of about three per week. However, they will stop laying during the winter. When it comes to their temperament, they are known to be friendly, sociable birds. Araucanas are known for their hardy nature and ability to adapt well to various climates, making them a sought-after breed for both egg production and exhibition purposes. Marans Chicken Egg Color: Marans chickens are renowned duel producer for their meat and chocolate brown eggs, which can range from deep mahogany to a lighter, reddish-brown color. Their eggs are large and rich in flavor. Bakers find them excellent for baking pastries and bread. The breed originated from the town of Marans in France and has gained popularity for its richly flavored eggs. Maran chickens are known for their friendly and docile personalities, making them a great choice for backyard flocks. It should be noted that Marans do not lay their eggs as consistently during the winter months when compared to other breeds. You can find Marans chickens in many different colors, but the most popular are the Black Copper Marans and the Cuckoo Marans. The French variety of Marans have feathered legs, which require some extra care to keep them clean. Although Marans are known for their very dark, almost chocolate-colored eggs, this is generally only true for the first few years of their life. As time goes on, their eggs will become lighter in color. Welsummer Chicken Egg Color: Welsummer chickens are a dual-purpose breed and lay about 200 eggs per year. Their eggs are colored a warm, terra-cotta brown color and often have dark speckles on them. The breed originated in the Netherlands and is known for its excellent egg-laying abilities. Welsummers are also prized for their attractive appearance. They have a combination of dark and light brown feathers, with vibrant plumage and striking red combs. The roosters have lustrous beetle-green feathers on their chest and sickles. This breed is calm and friendly, making it ideal for beginner chicken owners. They do well as free-range chickens, as they are excellent foragers. However, they can be a bit noisy, so they may not be the best option if you live close to neighbors. They are not a broody breed and make poor mothers. Their egg production also decreases in the wintertime. Easter Egger  Chicken Egg Color: Easter Eggers are not a recognized breed but rather a mixed-breed or hybrid chicken that carries the blue egg gene. As a result, they can lay eggs in a variety of colors, including blue, green, and even pink. These eggs are large and colorful and they are very popular for these characteristics. These chickens are often chosen by backyard chicken keepers for their colorful eggs and friendly dispositions. They make a good choice for children or first-time chicken owners. They produce about four eggs per week and rarely go broody. The Easter Egger also makes an excellent forager, so if you want to let your flock free range and scratch around for their food in the yard, this breed will likely do well at it. They're hardy and resistant to disease as well. Although they are mainly used for egg production, they do well as a dual-purpose breed. They were created fairly recently by crossing Araucanas and Ameraucanas with other breeds. The only downside? Because they're hybrids (the offspring of two different breeds), there's no way to guarantee what color eggs your hens will lay — but we'll take variety any day! Cream Legbar Chicken Egg Color: The Cream Legbar is yet another type of chicken that is known for laying blue eggs. It was bred into existence in the 1930s by crossing the Araucana with the Gold Penciled Hamburg chicken. By the 1970s, their popularity had declined and they were nearly extinct, but luckily they made a comeback and are now a popular breed for backyard chicken owners and homesteaders. This breed will produce around 280 medium-sized blue eggs each year. Their level of broodiness depends on the strain. They are known to be predator-savvy and are excellent foragers. This means they excel as free-range chickens. They are also friendly and easy to care for and handle, making them ideal for beginners. The plumage of these birds is a combination of cream, golden crele, white and grey barring. Penedesenca Chicken Egg Color: The Penedesenca is another chicken known for laying dark brown eggs. They originated in the Catalonia district of Spain as a local breed. They gained popularity in the 1980s and were imported to other countries, including the United States. The Penedesenca is a dual-purpose breed, meaning they can be raised for both meat and egg production. Hens will lay around 200 dark reddish-brown eggs per year. They do tend to go broody, which can interrupt their egg production. You can find this breed in four different color varieties: partridge, wheaten, black, and crele. They do best as a free-range bird and thrive in both hot and cold climates. If you’re looking for a pet chicken, this is not the breed for you. They are known to be flighty and roosters may become aggressive toward humans, especially during mating season. Olive Egger Chicken Egg Color: The Olive Egger is unique because it lays green eggs! They are a cross between a blue egg-laying chicken and a brown egg-laying chicken. The first generation of their offspring will produce beautiful olive-green eggs. However, if you breed that first generation, only 50 percent of the resulting chicks will end up laying green eggs. This is a great chicken to add to your flock if you want to add a unique color to your egg basket. Hens are good producers of eggs and will lay around 200 medium-large eggs each year. They do not tend to be broody, which is good news if you don’t plan on hatching and raising chicks on your farm. Barnevelder Chicken Egg Color: The Barnevelder is a fairly new breed of chicken that hails from the Netherlands. They are a dual-purpose breed that produces stunning chocolate-colored eggs. These birds have brown plumage with double black lacing, giving them a striking appearance. The feathers on their necks are black with no patterning. Though this is the most common color, there are several other varieties available, including double-laced blue and chamois. Hens will lay between three and four large, dark brown eggs per week. They will occasionally be speckled. They also continue to lay through the winter, which makes them popular with chicken owners who live in colder climates. Barnevelder hens are not known to be broody and are said to be calm and gentle. Whiting True Blue Chicken Egg Color: The Whiting True Blue is the last major breed of chicken that lays blue eggs. They are a recent addition to the poultry world and were created in Colorado by a fly fishing enthusiast. He crossbred White Leghorns and Ameraucanas to create the Whiting True Blue that we know today. Hens of this breed will lay between 250 and 300 large blue eggs each year, making them prolific egg producers. They are not prone to going broody. This breed is dual-purpose and can also be used for meat production. You can find the Whiting True Blue in several different color varieties, including Blue Wheaten, Black, and Silver Blue. They are easy to care for and are fairly self-sufficient. They excel as free-range birds and are a great choice for beginners. However, they do not make the best pets; they are not very fond of humans or being handled. Their eggs are truly blue, meaning that they are blue on the exterior and interior of the eggshell. Due to their high egg production, they should be fed a high-protein diet. Differences Between Chicken Egg Colors Many people wonder if there are any nutritional differences between eggs of different colors. While the color of the shell may vary, the nutritional content of the eggs remains largely the same. The color of the eggshell is determined by the breed of the chicken and does not affect the nutritional composition of the egg inside. Eggs, regardless of their shell color, are an excellent source of high-quality protein and contain essential vitamins and minerals. They are particularly rich in nutrients such as vitamin B12, vitamin D, and selenium. The color of the yolk can vary slightly between different breeds, but this does not affect the nutritional value. Factors That Can Affect Egg Color While genetics play a significant role in determining egg color, several other factors can influence the intensity and consistency of the color. These factors include: Diet: The diet of the chicken can have an impact on the color of the egg. For example, chickens that are fed a diet high in pigmented foods such as marigold petals or paprika may produce eggs with a more vibrant color. On the other hand, a diet lacking in these pigments may result in eggs with a lighter shade. Age: As chickens age, the color of their eggs may change. Young chickens may lay eggs with a paler shade that intensifies as they mature. This is particularly noticeable in some chicken breeds that lay dark brown eggs, such as Marans. Health: The overall health and well-being of the chicken can also affect the color of the eggs. Chickens that are stressed or unwell may produce eggs with a less vibrant color. Providing a comfortable and stress-free environment for the chickens can help ensure consistent egg color. The Importance of Chicken Egg Color in Culinary and Agricultural Industries Egg color plays a significant role in both the culinary and agricultural industries. In the culinary world, chefs and home cooks often seek eggs of different colors to add visual interest to their tables and menus. Chefs and home cooks are attracted to the vibrant hues of blue, green, and chocolate brown eggs While the color inside the egg is relatively the same as other eggs, the golden color and rich flavor of the egg yolk are much higher quality when they are fresh and the chickens are fed well. It elevates both the preparation (handling beautiful colored eggs), and the uniqueness of the menu item. The taste of a simple omelet or a batch of homemade pastries is noticeable when the eggs are fresh and the chicken is fed well. Read this article to find out more about raising healthy layer chickens In the agricultural industry, egg color can be an important marketing tool. Consumers are becoming more interested in the provenance of their food and are willing to pay a premium for eggs that come from specific chicken breeds known for their colorful eggs. The diversity of egg colors allows farmers to cater to a wider range of consumer preferences and create niche markets for their products. It's important to point out the need to practice egg safety in your business. Here are some food facts about egg safety . How to Pick the Best Chicken Breed Based on Egg Color If you're considering raising chickens and have a preference for a specific egg color, here are some tips for selecting the right chicken breed: Research the breed: Before choosing a chicken breed, research the egg color that the breed is known for, what type of disposition they have, etc. This will help you narrow down your options and find a breed that produces the desired color and one that aligns with the flock you'd like to build. Consider other factors: While egg color is an important consideration, don't forget to take other factors into account, egg-laying ability, and adaptability to your climate. It's essential to choose a breed that suits your needs and preferences beyond just egg color. Seek advice from experienced chicken keepers: Reach out to experienced chicken keepers or join online forums and communities dedicated to backyard chickens. These resources can provide valuable insights and recommendations based on firsthand experiences. Caring for Chickens That Lay Colorful Eggs Caring for chickens that lay colorful eggs is not much different from caring for any other chicken breed. Here are some essential tips: Provide a balanced diet: Feed your chickens a well-balanced diet that includes a mix of quality chicken feed, fresh fruits and vegetables, and access to insects and greens. A healthy diet will contribute to the overall well-being of the chickens and help maintain consistent egg color. Provide proper housing and protection: Ensure that your chickens have a safe and secure coop that protects them from predators and provides adequate ventilation. The coop should also have nesting boxes where the chickens can lay their eggs comfortably. Regular health checks: Schedule regular health checks for your chickens to ensure they are in good health. This includes checking for signs of illness, monitoring egg production, and keeping the coop clean and free from parasites. Final thoughts From blue to chocolate brown to olive green eggs, there are many different colors of eggs that you can add to your egg basket . If you’re looking to add some variety to your flock, check out one of the breeds we listed above! Need a way to keep track of your chicken egg production ? Take a look at our Farm Management Software to track chicken flocks, Farmbrite. We help small to medium-sized farms stay organized , and track their production, tasks, and a ton of other features. Sources: https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/ameraucana/ https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/everything-you-need-to-know-about-araucana-chickens/ https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/easter-egger/ https://www.thefeatherbrain.com/blog/marans-chickens https://www.purinamills.com/chicken-feed/education/detail/lay-the-rainbow-chickens-that-lay-colored-eggs https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/cream-legbar-chicken/ https://cs-tf.com/penedesenca-chicken-appearance-temperament-eggs-and-raising-tips/ https://www.alchemistfarm.com/olive-egger-chickens/ https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/welsummer-chicken/ https://www.thehappychickencoop.com/whiting-true-blue-chicken/

An Introduction to Farm Management Software Farm Management Software (FMS) is a type of farm software that helps farmers run their businesses more effectively. It can help you keep track of your crops and livestock, creating reports and alerts that tell you when to harvest crops or move animals to different pastures. You can also use an FMS tool to create a mobile app or website for your farm with HTML5 technologies. FMS even integrates with other programs, such as GPS tracking devices, soil analysis tools, and weather monitoring devices. In this article, we will talk more about how Farm Management Software is helpful on the farm. Farm Management Software Basics Farm Management Software (FMS) is a software package designed to help farmers with their daily tasks. It's a comprehensive solution that covers many different aspects of the farming business, such as inventory management, crop planning, and customer relationship management (CRM). FMS differs from farm accounting software because it's more comprehensive in terms of functionality. FMS doesn't just deal with financials; it also covers other areas such as inventory management or crop planning. This makes it an ideal solution for those looking for more than just traditional bookkeeping services. How Does Farm Management Software Help Farmers? FMS is a program that helps farmers keep track of their crops, livestock, and equipment. It can also help farmers manage customer relationships by providing information on past purchases, allowing them to create targeted marketing campaigns based on those past purchases. FMS often includes modules for Crop or Livestock management, CRM, farm accounting, and inventory control. You can use it to track everything from when you last gave vaccinations to your livestock, when you planted your fields, and what your customers' contact information is, to sales receipts. It also provides tools for managing your finances and gives you access to data about what's happening on your farm at any given time so that you can make informed decisions about how best to use your resources. It is sheep record-keeping software oyster farm software or keeping track of your CSA or corn fields. This type of software is specifically designed for farmers and ranchers. It can be used to manage just about any aspect of your business, including crop planning and harvest, livestock management, equipment maintenance, and inventory control. You can also use it to track sales and production data, as well as financial records such as receipts from customers who purchase your products. You can even integrate this software with other software that you are currently using. How To Use Farm Management Software On Your Farm There are a multitude of ways to use FMS on your farm to aid in management and business decisions. FMS can help you keep track of your crops and livestock, creating reports and alerts that tell you when to harvest or move animals to different pastures. You can also use FMS to manage your inventory and forecast demand for products. It will help you plan how much land is needed for each crop type in order to meet projected production goals, while also keeping tabs on how much money it will cost per unit sold (and whether those revenues are enough). In addition, FMS can help you manage your supply chain and track the movement of goods from your farm to the consumer. It will help you keep track of how many pounds or tons of each crop were produced, how much inventory is in storage and where it is located (on-farm or off), what products are being shipped off-site, and when they will arrive at their destination. Using Farm Management Software to create a website for your farm. You can also use an FMS tool to create a website for your farm. A website is a great way to reach customers, advertise products, sell products online, and provide information about your farm. This tool is a great way to create the look and feel of your mobile app or website. You can choose from many different themes and customize them with your own content. Using Farm Management Software With Other Programs Farm management software integrates with other programs, such as GPS tracking devices, soil analysis tools, and weather monitoring devices. This allows you to use your FMS as a central hub for all of your farm's data. You can also use FMS to create and manage tasks. This allows you to track what's needed on your farm at any given time, as well as when it should be done. You can even use FMS to create work orders for outside contractors. FMS also allows you to create and manage events. This can be useful if you want to schedule specific tasks, such as planting or harvesting crops. You can use FMS to create time-specific alerts and reminders, too. For example, if your farm is in a particularly cold region and needs to prepare for winter weather, you can set up an alert that reminds you when it's time to put up storm windows or insulate pipes against freezing temperatures. The Benefits of Using Farm Management Software FMS is an important resource that helps farmers run their businesses more effectively. It allows you to manage all aspects of your farm, including crops, livestock, and equipment. It also provides features like reporting and alerts so that you can stay on top of any issues that arise in real-time. FMS can be used as a stand-alone application or integrated into larger enterprise solutions such as ERP systems or CRM platforms. The best FMS software is designed to be easy to use and intuitive so that even beginning farmers can set it up with minimal training. This makes it easier for you to start managing your farm like a professional. That is how we have built Farmbrite. To learn more about Farmbrite’s Farm Management Software, you can check out our software here . Conclusion FMS is a good choice for farmers who need to manage multiple aspects of their business. The software allows you to easily track the status of your crops, livestock, and equipment so that you can determine what needs to be done at any given time.

Introduction to crop irrigation systems Irrigation systems are an important part of growing crops, and they can be crucial when it comes to crop yields. Without proper irrigation, many crops would not be able to grow at all. There are a few different types of irrigation systems that you should know about before making any purchase decisions. We’ve put together a guide of the most common types so you can choose the best one for your farm. Drip irrigation Drip irrigation is one of the most popular types of crop irrigation systems. Drip irrigation is a method of irrigation where water is applied directly to the soil, at a rate that is measured for each individual plant. Therefore, it is highly customizable and helps to reduce water usage. Drip systems consist of an emitter (or drip tube) that perforates the soil surface and delivers water directly to plant roots in small amounts. The most common type of drip system uses polyethylene tubing with emitters spaced along its length; however, there are also other types available such as gator tubing and micro-sprinklers that allow you to customize how much water each plant receives based on its needs. Drip irrigation is the simplest form of water delivery, and it can be used with a timer, a pump, a filter and controller (used to control multiple zones), or even valves and pressure regulators. The drip system has many different components that are used together to deliver water directly onto your plants' roots. Micro irrigation Micro irrigation is a type of drip irrigation system that uses small-diameter tubing and emitters (a device that delivers water). It's often used in greenhouses and nurseries, but it can also be used in vegetable gardens, flower gardens , orchards, and even trees. Drip Tape and Tubing Drip tape and tubing are used in drip irrigation systems. Drip tape is a flexible plastic tube used to deliver water from the water source to the plants. It comes in different diameters, lengths, and colors. The most common diameter is 1/4 inch; however, you can also find 3/8-inch or 1/2-inch sizes on the market. Tubing typically has an inside diameter of 3/8 inch or 1/2 inch; however, it's important that your choice matches up with what your drip irrigation system requires so that you don't get stuck with extra parts when installing your system! Flood Irrigation Flood irrigation is the method of distributing water over an entire field at one time. Water is distributed in a flood style, meaning it flows out of the irrigation system and covers all areas of a field before draining off. This method is used on small areas that don't need to be subdivided into sections or zones (like lateral systems do), but instead are covered by one large sprinkler head or series of sprinkler heads. Flood irrigation provides high rates of flow and works well with small, fragile plants like lettuce or spinach. This is because it delivers consistent amounts of water throughout their growth cycles without damaging them due to excessive moisture levels in any given area. Sprinkler Irrigation Sprinkler irrigation is the most common type of irrigation system. It's used for large areas of land and can be used for crops that need to be watered every day or every other day. Sprinklers spray water over crops, usually from above or at an angle from above. It's important to note that sprinklers do not deliver water directly to plants' roots, so they're not ideal for crops with shallow root systems (like lettuce). Sprinklers are also less efficient at delivering nutrients than drip systems because they don't deliver smaller amounts of water over a longer period of time. They're easy to install and maintain - you just need good drainage around your fields and some sort of water supply (like a well). This kind of system is also cheaper than others because it doesn't require as much equipment or labor costs. However, sprinklers waste a lot of water by spraying it out into space rather than directly onto plants; this means that not all plants may get enough water when using this method alone. Soaker Hose Soaker hose irrigation is a type of drip irrigation system that allows water to be applied directly to the ground. It's made up of thin tubes that run along your garden beds and allow water to flow through them, soaking into the soil rather than running off as it would with normal sprinklers or hoses. In reference to irrigation, it conserves the most water. Soaker hoses are laid out on the ground in a series of parallel lines, with each line spaced about 18 inches apart from one another (the exact distance depends on how much pressure you want your soaker hose system to have). Once they're laid out, you can attach an automatic timer that will turn on periodically throughout each day - this will keep algae growth at bay since there won't be stagnant pools of water sitting around for too long! Center Pivot Systems The center pivot irrigation system uses a long, rotating sprinkler that moves along a straight line. This type of irrigation is ideal for crops that need consistent water, such as corn or cotton. Center pivots are also used on larger areas than other types of systems - approximately 20 acres (8 hectares) per machine and up to 1,000 acres (405 hectares) with multiple machines running at once. Center Pivot Systems Consist of Three Main Parts: The head - the part that contains the nozzles and rotates in one direction or another depending on whether you're using clockwise or counterclockwise rotation mode; The drive mechanism - which powers the entire system; and A pressure tank - a container filled with pressurized water that sends it through tubes under pressure so they can reach their destination. Gravity-Fed Systems In a gravity-fed irrigation system, water is fed to the plants through pipes that run along the ground. The water flows down from an elevated tank and into the main line by way of a pump or siphon. The Benefits of Gravity-Fed Irrigation Include: Efficiency: Gravity-fed systems use less power than electric pumps; therefore, they're more energy-efficient than electric systems. They also tend to cost less since there's no need for electricity or batteries in the field - you only need one line going from your tank/pump house into each row you want irrigated (and then branching off into smaller lines). Easy Installation: These systems are easier to install because they require fewer parts than many other types of irrigation methods such as drip systems or sprinklers. Once everything has been laid out properly, it shouldn't take more than half an hour per acre-foot (.5 acre) of water spread across several acres worth of crops! Importance of crop irrigation systems Crop irrigation systems play a crucial role in modern agriculture by providing a reliable and efficient way to water crops. With changing climate patterns and increasing water scarcity, farmers need to use water more efficiently to ensure maximum crop yield. Irrigation systems allow farmers to deliver precisely the right amount of water to their crops, which can help reduce water waste and improve the overall health of the plants. Additionally, these systems can help farmers maintain crop stability during droughts or periods of low rainfall, ensuring a consistent and reliable food supply. Overall, crop irrigation systems are essential to the success of modern farming practices and are key to meeting the growing demand for food in a sustainable way. A key aspect of any of these irrigation systems is soil moisture. Final thoughts on irrigation systems As you can see, there are several different types of crop irrigation systems to choose from. When choosing an irrigation system for your farm, it’s important to consider the advantages and disadvantages of each. If you're looking for a way to manage your irrigation, take a look at Farmbrite . Try it for free today . Sources: https://www.cdc.gov/healthywater/other/agricultural/types.html

Introduction to Digital Agriculture Technology (AgTech) New technology is nothing new to farmers. It feels like there is a continuous flow of new products, services and agriculture technology promises to help farmers improve yields or reduce losses. But with the advancement of digital technologies and the ability to easily capture, integrate, and report key details for your operation digitalizing your farm is no longer a nice to have. Leveraging digital tools to help with your farm management is one of the key ways that you can reliably and consistently understand your operation and measure its performance. If you're a farmer, you know that agricultural technology and digital agriculture have transformed the way we work. In this post, we'll explain what these terms mean and how they can help your farm become more efficient and profitable. What is Agricultural Technology (AgTech)? Agricultural technology is a major new trend in farming, ranching, and farm management. It's also one of the most exciting, as it can help farmers be efficient, more profitable, more productive, and have a higher standard of safety in agriculture. It's no secret that the world population is growing and that farming practices must change to keep up with demand. Agriculture has always used technology to work smarter, just take the aqueduct for example. It brought water easily from one place to another. In modern society, it's not just the number of mouths to bring water to or feed that is increasing; people are also demanding more protein in their diets. Since protein comes from both meat and plant sources this gives us an opportunity to work smarter to produce those products better for that market. That's where agricultural technology comes in. This technology can help farmers meet the growing demand for food while also protecting the environment and conserving resources. There are many ways to do this; some of them are already being implemented , while others have yet to be developed. The beauty of AgTech is that it reaches into every corner of the agricultural industry; from innovative livestock ear tag technology to soil moisture monitors to artificial intelligence pollination solutions, AgTech is diverse in its impact on modern agriculture. What is Digital Agriculture? Digital agriculture is part of the AgTech trend. Agricultural technology is a broad category of tools, including drones and sensors, that help farmers and ranchers improve their operations and farm management practices. Digital agriculture is a specific subset of agricultural technology that uses sensors and remote monitoring systems, like IoT devices to collect data from fields and use it to assist with decision-making. This information can help farmers determine where to apply fertilizer or herbicides, how much water is available in the soil, streamline animal measurement or health checks, and much more. The result is more efficient production of crops that are healthier and more resistant to pests. The technology behind digital agriculture has been around for years, but more recently its potential in agriculture has been realized. As the cost of sensors and other equipment drops, farmers are increasingly able to afford the latest technologies. How Does AgTech and Digital Agriculture Help Farmers? Both AgTech and digital agriculture exist to help farmers improve their operations, reduce costs, and help farmers be more profitable. AgTech does this by automating manual labor tasks that are time-consuming or difficult for people to do on their own. Digital agriculture uses data to make better decisions about how crops should be planted when they should be harvested, and how much water they need throughout the growing season. It also helps farmers track yields so they know whether or not they're making a profit off of each crop they grow - which can help them decide whether or not it's worth continuing with that particular variety next year (or planting something else instead). The idea behind AgTech and digital agriculture is that by using data to make better decisions, farmers can increase their profits. This can be done by reducing costs or increasing yields - or both. How AgTech solutions can help farmers be more productive AgTech solutions can help farmers be more productive by automating manual labor tasks and allowing them to increase yields by making better use of available resources. Examples of AgTech solutions that can help farmers be more productive include: Automated irrigation systems , allow you to monitor water usage and apply it only where needed (and in the right amounts). GPS-based crop sensors that monitor soil health and plant growth rate, allowing you to make adjustments based on what's happening in real time. Virtual reality (VR) systems allow you to walk through your fields, see what's happening in real-time, and allow you to make changes based on what you see. How digital agriculture solutions make farm management easier Digital agriculture solutions make it easier for farmers to manage crop yields and inputs (such as seeds, chemicals, and water) through remote monitoring systems that collect data from fields and use it to assist with decision-making. Some examples of this include: Remote monitoring systems: These tools can be used to measure environmental factors such as soil moisture or temperature at different points throughout the field. This information can then be combined with historical data from previous years' harvests, allowing farmers to determine when they need to apply additional fertilizer or water their crops in order for them to thrive. Data collection: Through connected sensors that are placed on tractors or other machinery used during planting season - or even just on smartphones - farmers can collect valuable information about how much seed was planted in each row of their fields so they know how much fertilizer needs to be added later on down the line. They'll also know if any pests are present and can take the necessary preventative measures. AgTech and Farm Management Software One of the most useful examples of agricultural technology is Farm Management Software (FMS). Companies like Farmbrite offer FMS Systems that help farmers run their businesses more efficiently and effectively. From keeping track of livestock and crops on your farm to creating reports that give you invaluable data that can be used to make future decisions about your land use and business, FMS is one way that AgTech has revolutionized the industry. The ease with which you can access and use FMS systems is another benefit of the software. Most are web and mobile app-based, making them easy to pull up on a laptop, tablet, or smartphone when working in the field. Further, you can integrate your FMS with other software programs, such as GPS tracking tools, soil analysis devices, and weather monitoring tools . Digital Agriculture and AgTech Can Improve Your Farm's Efficiency Agricultural technology is a major new trend in farming, but it's not just about the latest high-tech gadgets or gizmos - it’s about how those tools can help you improve your farm's efficiency, reduce costs, and make more money. Agricultural technology has two main strands: digital agriculture and AgTech. Digital agriculture is all about using data to improve operations; it includes things like sensors on tractors that tell farmers when their fields need watering or fertilizing. This allows them to be proactive instead of reactive when it comes to keeping crops healthy and productive (and making sure they don't waste money). Agri-businesses may use drones for aerial monitoring of crop health; meanwhile, consumers will have access via their smartphones or other devices through apps that alert them when food they've purchased at local grocery stores was produced locally - and give them information about where exactly those products came from! Final Thoughts on AgTech Whether it's through digital agriculture or AgTech, there are many ways that new technologies can make your farm more efficient and profitable. We hope this article has given you a better idea of what the future holds for agriculture. Check out Farmbrite’s Farm Management Software to see how AgTech and digital agriculture can make a difference on your farm.

Agriculture requires you to understand and manage farming losses effectively. It can be risky and it involves making various decisions that affect farming operations. However, most factors that inform your decisions are unpredictable and subject to changes. The uncertainty is a risk and can cause farming losses. Therefore, farmers must understand farming losses and have better risk management strategies. The techniques involve anticipating potential problems and acting accordingly to reduce losses. You'll be able to maximize your farm profits and have stress-free production activities. The following article will help you understand and manage farming losses like a pro for maximum profitability. Better understanding sources of farming losses Production losses Farming is a biological process that is affected by weather, pest, and diseases. Low rainfall or drought will cause low yields, and heavy rain will damage or wipe out your crops. Also, an outbreak of pests or conditions will affect the result of the crops negatively. When farming, you don't know how much rain will fall, whether there will be storms, or whether there will be pests or diseases. But still, you'll decide to plant your crops. If the above factors strike, you will lose the resources you spend tilling the land, planting, and fertilizing. Additionally, the production equipment is a source of losses. If your tractor breakdown, it will affect your ability to harvest and increase production costs. Marketing farming losses Market changes in terms of prices are beyond your control as a farmer. The fee depends on the following; The supply of the product; high supply of a product can reduce the price if it exceeds the demand. Demand for a product; demand is affected by consumer preference, level of income, economic strength, and price of competing products. High demand will affect the price positively. Cost of production: it depends on the input cost and yield, making it highly variable. Combining input cost and yield variations makes the cost of producing a source of farming risk. The price movements can follow seasonal or cyclical trends that you can predict. But primarily, unexpected changes in demand and supply will affect the market prices. A grower will lose when the price brings lower returns than their input. Financial losses Financial losses occur when your borrow money to finance farming. The losses arise due to uncertainties about future interest rates and the ability to continue providing and generating funds to repay the loan. If you borrow at high-interest rates, you'll lose money in the long run and have challenges making the repayments. Also, low market prices and low yield will make debt repayment difficult or impossible, leading to the sale of the farm. Institutional losses Institutional refers to the irregular changes in the provision of services by an institution that supports farming. The institutions can be formal or informal and include banks, cooperatives, marketing agencies, and government extension services. The risks are a result of decisions taken by the institutions. Part of the institutional losses is government policy uncertainty, such as price, incentives, and subsidies. If the government policies don't favor farming, such as low pricing, you might make losses. Also, food quality regulations, waste disposal policies, and income support payment decisions can lead to losses. Human and personal losses Human losses result from the risks the farm faces due to illness or death of employees and your situation. Accidents, disease and death will disrupt farming and its performance. Further, calamities such as HIV/AIDS and Covid-19 will affect human resources and productivity. Additionally, labor shortages will adversely affect farming and cause losses. Also, political and social unrest will cause losses due to production disruptions. You'll make huge losses when you commit resources to farm and then lack the workforce to farm. Storage losses After harvesting, you'll need to store the yields before taking them to the market. If the storage facilities are inadequate, you'll have to keep some products outside, which will risk the products' safety and quality. Also, the products will be damaged if the storage facility is not in good condition and with the right features. Interrelation of risks The sources of farming losses , i.e. production, marketing, financial, institutional, and human, are interrelated. For instance, your ability to pay debts depends on production levels and prices. And financing the production depends on the ability to borrow money. Therefore, a combination of the risks is a source of farming losses. Managing farming losses The degree of loss depends on the action taken and the ability to predict future farming activities. Therefore, decision-making is the principal activity in managing farm losses. Some fundamental decisions include the crop, seeding rate, and fertilizer levels. Good loss management depends on accurate information from reliable data. It's one of the essential tools a farmer can use to make rational risk management decisions. You'll need all the necessary information regarding input and output prices and technical data to make effective decisions. If your crop depends on rain, you rely on weather forecast data. Information for decision-making There are various sources of information, including; Farm records As a farmer, you need to keep records of your farming activities . The forms are a good source of historical production data; you can rely on them for weather and market decisions. The records contain information about the crop yield, production cost, assets used, and other relevant data. If you keep the records accurately, they will help you see variations in production and prices over time. Also, you can use them to examine your past decision and the outcome of those decisions. That way, you can reflect on your findings and assess risk preference. Off-farm information You can obtain off-farm information from sources other than the farm. The task is thinking about the kind of records you need and finding appropriate and reliable sources, which can include; Traders Farming magazines Agricultural suppliers Other farmers Extension services and agricultural statistics publications You might have to pay for off-farm information. In such scenarios, you should treat the data like input and apply marginal cost and return principles. Also, you need to reflect on the quality of information you can get to ensure it's accurate and reliable for better decisions. Other information You might require additional information to help you select new technologies, understand contractual and legal issues, and sustain the farm environment. The information includes: Water quality Farming programs and policies Tax legislation Environmental regulations Resource conservation Food safety The above areas will affect your decision and could be sources of farming losses. Approaches to managing farming losses Production losses Production losses stem from uncertainty regarding weather, diseases, pests, and the introduction of new technologies. You can apply several strategies to manage production loss, such as: Risk-reducing inputs. Risk-reducing inputs are production inputs that increase the chances of better quantity and quality products. Fertilizers will reduce the risk of low yields, and pesticides will minimize the risk of crop damage. Also, irrigation will reduce the risk of low rainfall and droughts. However, using a single risk-reducing input like a draught-resistant seed will not prevent pests and insect damage, and you'll still make losses. You must evaluate all the factors and combine the inputs to mitigate all the causes of production losses. Loss-reducing technologies . You can apply new technologies and techniques to address production risks. Such include, drought-resistant seed, disease-and-pest-resistant seed species, and irrigation practices Selecting low-risk activities: Choosing a farm enterprise that has lower risks in an effective way to reduce production losses. You can avoid an enterprise with high income but carries high risk/losses and choose a less profitable but less risky one. System flexibility. A flexible farming system is an ideal way to manage farming losses. It allows for making quick and short-term changes in production. You'll be able to respond to changing circumstances to avoid losses and take up opportunities. Custom farming. Custom farming involves agreeing with a custom operator to carry out farm operations. It is beneficial as the operations costs may be constant, meaning you won't face the risk of high equipment costs. You could also receive income and access to better farming technologies to reduce losses . Production diversity. Diversification spreads the risks, and it's a good loss management strategy because the changing circumstances will only affect some farm enterprises and operations. You diversify by: Generating income from off-farm activities Engaging in the same enterprise in different locations. Managing multiple farm enterprises together at one time or in the same season Engaging in the same farming enterprise over a successive period How to market farm losses You can apply the following strategies to manage marketing losses; Spreading sales. Spreading sales involves storing the crop and selling it at different times of the year. You'll have time to watch market changes and sell more when the prices are favorable . Direct sales. Selling directly to the final consumer is a great way to improve profitability and reduce losses. Ensure you'll be able to sell everything taken to the market to avoid worse scenarios. Also, make sure the direct sales will cover the extra cost of the strategy. Forward pricing . Forward practice is a prior agreement between the farmer and the buyer on the price of the crop. You'll agree on the crop's quantity, quality, time, and expense. This practice will help reduce losses when the market price cannot cover your input and production costs. Market price information. Market price information will help you manage your marketing losses. You can use the data to track your product prices and estimates to help you decide on the level of inputs and market choice. Financial losses The strategies to manage financial losses in farming include, Credit . Credit increases your capital to expand farming activities . However, it obliges you to repay debts, creating a risk of loan default. You'll be operating in an environment of higher financial risk. The best practice is to avoid credit or minimize credit by taking short-term loans to have certainty of the interest rates. Liquidity . Liquidity is the ability of a farmer to raise money. Savings with high liquidity is a good practice as you can easily convert them into cash. You can convert your assets to money by selling them, but you need to start selling readily convertible assets. Insurance . You can take insurance coverage to protect your farm from adverse financial issues. You'll be paying premiums, but in the event of a loss, the insurance cover will compensate for it. However, it would be best if you were careful with the insurance cost and its impact on your income. Contingencies. Contingencies involve overestimating production costs, and it's a great way to budget for financial losses. It helps you to cover cost increases, hidden charges, and other expenses. You can use the experience when setting the contingencies. Human and personal losses The following approach will help you manage farming losses that result from form human and personal issues; Human resource management Better human resource management practices include; Selecting workers with suitable skills and experience. Ensuring the safety of workers. Providing adequate supervision. Regular and effective communication . Labor planning Labor planning will protect your farm from unexpected changes in the availability and productivity of labor. You can use a seasonal calendar to ensure every worker understands what and when they are working. Plan and keep track of your tasks and labor with Farmbrite . Try it for free for 14 days. Storage losses You can employ the following strategies to prevent the losses; Build a better storage facility . A better storage facility will help you safely store the produce as you wait for the prices to increase. Ensure the warehouse is convenient and has an excellent place to cater to all your farm products. Enable cold storage for fresh produce . More losses occur in the fresh produce value chain, and heat is the prime cause of spoilage. Therefore, you must acquire and install cooling equipment to reduce the losses. Strengthen transport . Transport infrastructure is one of the main constraints for farming. It prevents market access, which increases the risk of damage to the produce. Better transport means will reduce food losses and increase your sales. Understanding and managing farming loss Understanding and managing losses in farming itself is a risk. Farming losses and the strategies to address them lack certainty, and you'll be operating with unknown variables. The uncertainty is in price, weather, policies, labor, diseases, and pests. However, the above approach will help you reduce or eliminate the risks that cause farming losses. You'll have better experience responding to agricultural risks and changes and making wiser decisions. Your farming activities will be profitable, rewarding, and less stressful.

You've heard it before: you can't manage what you can't measure. That's why farm management software (FMS) like Farmbrite is becoming a must-have tool for farmers everywhere. If you're a farmer, chances are you've got lots of information about your farm that needs to be organized and tracked. You've probably also heard about how FMS can help keep everything in order. But what exactly does FMS do? And how can it make your life easier? In this post we'll explore 8 ways that farmers can use FMS reports to level up their farms: You can't manage what you can't measure. The first step to improving your farm is to measure performance. You can't manage what you can't measure, and without accurate data on how your business is performing, it's difficult to identify problems and opportunities. Measurement allows you to set goals based on actual performance rather than wishful thinking or guesses made in isolation from the rest of the operation. Measurement helps ensure that every person involved in making decisions understands what has worked so far - and where there are gaps in knowledge or understanding that need attention now before they become bigger issues later on down the road. Here are 8 Ways to Level Up Your Farm 1. Use reports for overall farm performance When it comes to using FMS reports , it's important to note that you can use them for a variety of purposes. One way is as a performance gauge. If you're running a business and want to see how well certain areas of your operation are doing over time, reports are an excellent way to do this. You can also use them as a tool for evaluating goals against actual results - for example, if there was something specific that you wanted from one year's harvest but didn't get, or if there was something else happening at the same time (like weather) that affected the outcome of what happened with those crops on the farm. Another way in which reports can help farmers level up their game is by identifying areas where improvements need to be made so they can focus their efforts toward achieving those improvements going forward into future seasons or years. 2. View and track data by location One major benefit to using FMS technology is the ability to view and track data by location. For example, if you only want to view the harvest output of one area on your farm, or identify the breeding status of part of your herd, you can easily pull up that information in a report. Using data by location is an important tool that allows farmers to determine trends and patterns. You can also apply this method of data reporting to your customer base to gain insight on your marketing strategy . Here are a few ways you can do this: Identify the most effective marketing channels. Use data by location to identify the most effective marketing channels for each location. Understand how your customer base is changing over time. Use data by location to determine if your customer base is growing, declining or staying steady in specific areas of interest. 3. Analyze inputs and outputs There are two main types of reports you'll use to analyze inputs and outputs: Inputs vs. Outputs - This report shows you what you purchased, how much it cost, and when you bought it. It also shows how much product was sold for each item over a given period of time so that you can determine if there is any price difference between selling directly at market or through a distributor. The information provided by this type of report allows farmers to make better decisions regarding their production methods and pricing strategies. Inventory - This report provides an overview of all current inventory items at hand on farm including age/date codes, bin locations (if applicable), purchase date range and quantity on hand at each location as well as any additional notes about the item such as best before dates, etc. 4. Monitor animal health, herd health, and welfare Monitoring animal health, herd health and welfare is an important part of running a successful farm. Here are some of the ways FMS reports can help you to keep an eye on your animals: Animal Health: FMS can help you monitor the health of animals on your farm by providing information on individual animals such as their weight, temperature and pregnancy status. This will enable you to spot any abnormalities in your livestock so that they can be treated before they become serious problems. Herd Health : FMS also allows farmers to monitor trends in the overall herd's performance over time. This means that it is easier for them to identify potential issues with particular animals or groups of animals before they become serious problems for the whole herd. 5. Track maintenance records and equipment usage Using your farm management software, you can track maintenance records and equipment usage. This is important because it allows you to know when to replace parts of the machinery and make sure everything is running smoothly. Once you've set up the system in your software, all that's left is entering in information about how much time has passed since an item was last serviced or replaced. Each piece of equipment will be given its own "life cycle" based on how often it needs servicing or replacing parts; when these cycles are up, an alert will pop up reminding you that it's time for maintenance work! Tracking this kind of data helps farmers get more out of their investments by ensuring they're using their machinery as efficiently as possible - and knowing when something needs to be replaced before it breaks down completely. 6. Manage calendars, schedules and events FMS makes it easy to keep track of schedules and calendars. Calendars can be overwhelming, but they're important for keeping your farm organized. Use a farm management software to keep track of all events across your operation - from harvest dates to animal births and sales dates. Track the weather so you know what equipment you'll need each day or week depending on the forecasted conditions. If it's going to rain during an event, make sure you have enough tarps and umbrellas on hand! Make sure that every member of your team has access to this information so they know where they need to be at any given time during an event (and who else needs help). 7. Keep financial records on the go with mobile payment apps With mobile payment apps like Square , you can accept payments on the go. They are generally simple to use and free to set up. Using mobile payment apps means that you can accept payment anywhere with an internet connection, making it much easier and more convenient to make sales to customers across your farm and off-farm as well. Now you're ready to accept payments right from your phone or tablet! 8. FMS helps you track your farm's key performance indicators Farm management software is a powerful tool that can help you track and analyze your farm data. This data can be used to make better decisions, improve efficiency, increase profitability, and make your farm more sustainable. It also helps you track your farm's key performance indicators , like revenue, expenses and savings. To get the most out of your FMS: Track your revenue. You can use this data to determine how much money you're bringing in each month or year - and what that means for your bottom line. This information will help you make smart decisions about how much capital to invest in new equipment or other resources for the future growth of your business. Track expenses by category (e.g., seeds vs fertilizer). This will give insight into where most of your money goes each month so that any unnecessary expenditures can be identified and cut out where possible; conversely, it may reveal areas where more investment might yield better results down the line if certain costs were lowered or eliminated altogether. Final thoughts We hope this article has given you some ideas on how to use FMS reports. By taking advantage of the many types of data and reports that are available on FMS systems, you can easily improve your productivity, sales, and performance. If you're looking for a way to level up your farm, check out Farmbrite’s farm management software!

An Introduction to Using Data For Farm Risk Management Farming is a risky business. From weather patterns to market fluctuations, there are many factors that can impact a farmer's bottom line. However, with the help of data, farmers can better manage these risks and make informed decisions to protect their operations. Data collection methods vary depending on what type of data you need or want to collect. For example, if you're looking to track crop yields in real-time so that you know exactly how much produce is coming off each field, then sensors may be installed throughout the field that measure both temperature and humidity levels. This article will show you how to use data to reduce financial risk by understanding risk factors and making adjustments as needed. Why is Data Important? Data collection is a continuous process that can be done on a daily, weekly, and monthly basis. It can be used to monitor farm operations and make adjustments as needed. Data can be collected from many sources including: weather stations farm management software like Farmbrite soil moisture monitors satellite imagery The information collected from these sources can be used to make informed decisions on your farm. To do this effectively requires understanding what each piece of information means for both short-term plans (such as planting) as well as long-term ones (such as retirement ). Data is a powerful tool for managing risks on your farm. It can help you identify opportunities for improving profitability and provide insight into the causes of financial problems. Here are some ways data can be used as a farm risk management tool: Weather Data Weather is one of the biggest risks to farming. Too much rain, drought, or extreme temperatures can all impact crop yields. By using weather data, farmers can make informed decisions about when to plant their crops, when to irrigate, and when to harvest. This can help them avoid losses due to weather-related events. Yield Data Yield data is essential for farmers to understand how their crops are performing. By tracking yields over time, farmers can identify trends and make adjustments to their operations. For example, if yields are consistently low in a particular field, the farmer may need to adjust their fertilizer or irrigation practices. Market Data and Insights Market data can help farmers make informed decisions about when to sell their crops. By tracking market prices, farmers can sell their crops when prices are high and avoid selling when prices are low. This can help them maximize their profits and reduce their risk. Data can also help you identify opportunities for improving profitability. Data can be used to identify areas for improvement, cost savings, and revenue generation. Financial Data and Cost Analysis Financial data can help farmers understand their overall financial health. By tracking expenses and revenues, farmers can identify areas where they can cut costs and increase profits. This can help them weather financial downturns and make informed decisions about investing in their operations. Resource Management Analyzing data related to water usage, labor, and equipment helps farmers allocate resources more effectively and sustainably. You can also use data to track when you last added nutrients to the field and how much was added when things were delivered, as well as keep track of important information for your farm. Data can provide insight into financial problems. Data can provide insight into the causes of financial problems. This can be used to make adjustments to farm operations, identify opportunities for improving profitability, and reduce financial risk . You can use data to identify which crops are more likely to be profitable and which ones are more risky. This will help you decide how much of each crop to grow in the future, as well as what types of financial strategies would be most beneficial for your farm operation. You'll also want to look at how profitable or risky each farm operation is overall. For example, if there's one particular operation that consistently loses money year after year despite having high yields, then it might make sense for the owner of this farm to adopt different management practices altogether - such as hiring better employees or changing up their equipment maintenance schedule. Pest and Disease Data Pests and diseases can have a significant impact on crop yields. By tracking pest and disease data, farmers can identify potential problems early and take action to prevent them from spreading. This can help them avoid losses due to pest and disease outbreaks. Final thoughts on how to use your farm data Data is an essential tool for managing farm risk. It can be used to identify and quantify risks, monitor operations, make adjustments as needed, and prepare for the future. Data is a valuable tool for farmers to manage risk and make informed decisions. By using weather, yield, market, financial, and pest and disease data, farmers can better understand their operations and make adjustments to protect their bottom line. As technology continues to advance, the use of data in farming will become even more critical for managing risk and ensuring the sustainability of our food supply. We hope this article has helped you to understand the role that data can play in managing farm risk. While we've only touched on some of the ways that it can be used, there are many more possibilities for leveraging data to improve your profitability and reduce financial stress. If you're interested in learning more about how we can help you with your farm management needs, learn more about Farmbrite here .

These days, farming is a lot more than just plowing the field and planting seeds. Farming also includes marketing your goods, managing finances and employees, keeping up with technology —and that's just the beginning. Young farmers face even more challenges to getting started in agriculture than their predecessors did: tighter budgets, higher costs of living, stricter lending standards and less land availability to buy. But there are still ways for young people to get into farming if they're willing to do their homework first! Here are some options for financing your farm and getting access to land ownership: The government's Farm Service Agency provides loans to new farmers for land ownership. The Farm Service Agency (FSA) provides loans to farmers who are unable to obtain financing from commercial sources. The FSA makes loans in three categories: operating, production and conservation. The first two of these are most relevant to agriculture. Operating loans are used for operating expenses such as labor costs, seed, fertilizer and other supplies needed for crop production. They can also be used for livestock purchases such as cows or pigs. These loans have a 15-year repayment period with fixed interest rates ranging from 1% - 3%. Production loans are issued to cover the cost of land purchases; equipment purchases such as tractors; seeds, fertilizers and chemicals needed for growing crops; breeding livestock like cows or pigs that produce milk; feeder cattle sold at auction markets, and more. Here are some other ideas on adding capital once you have land. How to lease farmland for alternative energy Why you should join or start a farm cooperative Is a CSA right for you The government offers a number of programs for young farmers. Besides loans, the Farm Service Agency (FSA) also offers a variety of programs to help young farmers get started. These include: The Beginning Farmer and Rancher Development Program (BFRDP) provides training, mentoring, and financial assistance to beginning farmers. The Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) pays landowners to set aside environmentally sensitive land for conservation purposes in exchange for rental payments and cost-share payments that help them manage the land. The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) provides technical assistance for soil health testing, nutrient management planning, irrigation systems upgrades and more—all with the goal of improving productivity while reducing environmental impact on your farm or ranch! Tips for renting or buying farmland for new farmers 1. Understand your local zoning requirements Zoning requirements vary by location, and can be a barrier to getting land. The zoning code is often based on the size of the parcel. Some zoning restrictions are based on the use of the land: for example, if you want to farm horses or cows in an urban area where there isn't enough space for them (or if they would disrupt neighbors), then this may not be allowed by your local government. Other zoning restrictions include things like prohibiting certain types of buildings like garages or sheds as well as limiting how close neighbors can build houses next door to each other—these rules exist so that everyone has access to sunlight and fresh air without losing too much privacy! 2. Determine what kinds of land are available This may seem like an obvious step, but it's important to know exactly what is out there. There are many different types of farmland—some more suitable for young farmers than others. For example, some farms might be located in urban areas or industrial parks where you would not be able to grow crops or raise livestock. You should also determine if there are any restrictions on how you can use the land (for example: no pesticides). Evaluate the pros and cons of each type of farm available to determine which type fits your needs best. Some types will require more work than others; some will cost less than others; some could provide greater financial benefits while others may allow you more freedom in terms of what crops/animals can be raised there. 3. Find out who owns the land The next step to getting farmland is figuring out who owns the land you want. This can be done by searching public records or talking to local farmers. If you find that a farmer owns the land and they are open to selling or leasing it, ask them what their priorities are in terms of selling/leasing their property. For example, some farmers may only want to sell their farms directly so they can continue working on them as long as possible; others might prefer not selling off too much of their property at once because then there would be less space left for growing crops later on down the road. If at all possible, try not asking them "Is this available?" Instead say something like "I'm interested in buying/leasing some land hereabouts - could we discuss prices?" 4. Find out what their priorities are Once you've identified a potential seller, it's important to ask them what their priorities are. For example: Are they willing to sell? Would they consider leasing or renting the land instead of selling? What are their plans for the future of this property and how does that fit into your own? If it doesn't fit well, then maybe this isn't the right route for you. 5. Ask questions and educate yourself If you're considering buying farmland, there are some questions that every young farmer should ask. These include: What's the history of this land? How has it been used in the past and what would it take to get it back to its former glory? Who is the owner and why do they want to sell or rent their property to me? What kind of relationship do we have and how might that affect our working relationship moving forward (for example, if they are very hands-off and don't care about what happens on their land)? What other resources are available nearby—businesses, schools, etc.—and what kinds of services do these places offer (legal advice, accounting help, etc.) These steps will help you make a connection with someone who has farmland that's right for you. There's a lot of information to gather. The first thing you need to do is research the land you're interested in, including its history, location and potential uses. If there are any restrictions on what kind of crops can be grown there, make sure you understand them before approaching the owner. Ask the right questions when talking with landowners about their farms: "What crops have been grown on this farm over time?" "How long has it been in your family?" "What type of soil does this land have?" These types of questions will help you get a sense for whether or not this property would work well for growing food crops or raising livestock—and how much work may be involved in bringing it back into production if it hasn't been used recently (or ever). Be prepared to educate yourself about different types of farming operations so that when someone offers their land up as an opportunity for young farmers like yourself, they’ll feel confident enough about making connections with others who share similar interests around sustainable agriculture practices. Final thoughts on finding land to start your farm If you're ready to get started on your farm, there are plenty of resources available. You can find land through local realtors and by searching online. There are also organizations that specialize in helping young farmers find affordable land and offering financial assistance with purchasing it. There are also many options for financing your farm. You might be able to get a loan from a bank or credit union, or you could take advantage of government programs like the Farm Service Agency's (FSA) Young Farmer Loan Program or the USDA's Beginning Farmer & Rancher Development Program. Large companies like Land O'Lakes also offer financial assistance to young farmers who want to start their own business but don't have access to traditional financing options because they lack experience or collateral. If you're interested in becoming a farmer, look into these options and see if they could work for you! And if you need help managing your farm take a look at Farmbrite .

We all want flocks of healthy, happy chickens producing lots of delicious eggs. We have found that the key to a flocks' health, is monitoring. If you are monitoring your flock, as soon as you see a problem, you can work to fix it. In this article we will highlight some key aspects of your flock to watch. Keeping a close eye on these metrics will keep your flock in optimal health as well as in optimal egg production mode. Top 6 Items to Track to Raise Healthy Layer Chickens: 1. Monitor the Environment of your Layer Chickens Chickens are pretty adaptable but they will have the best lay rate when their environmental temperature is between 59°F to 75°F. In extreme hot or cold weather, and if hours of daylight drop below about 14, your chickens will stop laying. Chickens can also experience temperature stress in extreme weather and it will signal their bodies to conserve energy and stop laying eggs. Monitor the temperature of your flocks' environment with a temperature gauge and take a record of three things daily: Average temperature of their environment Number of eggs produced Average amount of feed consumed Average weight General health scale 1-5 (Were there deaths, changes in attitude, etc.) Watching how your flock is reacts to their environment can help you stay ahead of changes that might occur. You might find that making your flock more comfortable with a heat light, fan or extra ventilation when you know these environmental changes are coming will make take away some of the extreme changes they are feeling and will help reduce your loss of laying. 2. Track your Chicken Feed The two aspects of chicken feed that can effect the health of your flock are the amount they consume and the quality of the feed. The Amount of feed: Chickens generally eat 1/4 lbs of feed per day or 1.5 lb of feed each per week. Overfeeding can cause obesity which can cause a number of health issues like, pressure sores, mobility issues and becoming egg bound. You want your chickens to be at their optimal health for both body mass, life stage and egg production. Keep track of how much feed they're consuming at what stages and what types of feed produce the best laying results. One example of this is, if a feed type doesn't have enough calcium your egg shells will be too brittle but too much and they will be very hard. Chicken feed producers have spent a lot of time and money researching the best ratio, take advantage of that research. The Quality of your feed: The type of food your chickens eat effects their health. Keep track of what type of feed your flock ate and how their production was so that you can measure the outcome. Here are some different types of feed and supplements. Pellet feed - pellets processed and added to molds Crumble feed - pellets broken up Whole grain feed - unprocessed ingredients mixed together Mash - whole grain feed, ground up Fermented mash - whole grain feed, ground up and then fermented Fruits and Vegetables -table scraps/a treat Corn scratch - a treat Insects - what they can catch or supplied by you Grit - hard insoluble substance that helps with digestion The recommended layer diets should have about 16% protein, 3-4% calcium and 0.4-0.6% Phosphorus. Whether you are buying pellet feed at the store or making your own mix you should make sure you have those ratios in mind. Also something to note, depending on your market preferences you many not want to feed your chickens soy or corn to address allergies in your customers. You can find feed that has pea protein and other grains in place of corn and soy. Organic vs non-organic, all vegetarian, etc. may also play into markets where customers are looking at those labels for allergies. These are all just considerations as you purchase feed for your flock. The Quality of your Water: Water is used in most processes in the body; keeping normal temperature, getting rid of waste, adding cushion to joints. So, keeping clean water is important. Chickens consume about 33.8 ounces of water each day depending on if they are foraging or confined. You can also keep track of how you treat your water and how much they consumed. This is also going to help keep a healthy flock. 3. Tracking Average Daily Gains in your Flock Layer feed consumption is an important metric. This goes into Average Daily Gains (ADG). The amount of feed consumed by a layer per day is a key performance indicator. then the average amount each chicken gains in a day is something you'll want to track. This calculation is called Average Daily Gains (ADG). The amount of food ingested will hopefully produce gains in a relatively short amount of time. Depending on the type of chickens you're raising for this purpose this can be something you need to watch closely. Remember; you don't have to weigh every bird. Take an average: catch 3-5 and take a measurement of them and divide that by the whole group. Here is another article we wrote and free calculator to help find feed conversion rates . 4. Tracking Egg Production for Layer Chickens Different types of chickens will lay different amounts of eggs per year. First you should choose the breed best suited to your climate and the egg production you're looking for. Then keep track of how many eggs they are producing each day. You may also want to keep track of how many eggs you have lost to breaks, drops, pecks, freezing temperatures or other accidents. This gives you an idea of how many eggs you can expect and the profit/loss from them. If you have overflow, you can expand your egg sales into other markets. But not knowing how much you will produce will making it hard to expand. Keeping track of losses is also valuable information. It tells you where you can improve. 5. The Longevity of your Chicken Flock Layers live between 3-10 years depending on their breed, how they are kept and other factors. Most layer breeds will start laying around 6 months old and have top production for the first 2-3 years. Egg production will start to drop after that. If you're keeping track of their production you will start to see trends in the types of chickens you raise and their production. Keeping track of it is key. When your chickens egg production starts to taper off, as it will as they age, you can choose to sell those hens to local backyard chicken enthusiasts, keep them or butcher them. A chicken that is 2-3 years old can still produce as many 200+ eggs a year and that's more than enough for some small farmers or backyard flocks. 6. General Health of your Flock Even the best laid plans sometimes go wrong but with tracking and management you can keep on top of these issues. Mortality rates for layers in a normal poultry farm can be in the 1-5% range. To calculate the mortality rate in your flock take the total deaths divided by the number of chickens you have that day, multiplied by 100. This is a number that you want to track. If you are losing a lot of chickens you may have an illness going through your coop. This is something you need to catch early. Mortality can also depend on the way you are keeping chickens. For instance, if you have free-range chickens you face different challenges than those who are managing chickens in confinement. Be aware of these challenges and the impact it's having on your profit and loss. Then you can make changes to protect your investment. Take a record of these 5 things daily for key chicken health: Average temperature of their environment Number of eggs produced Average amount of feed consumed Average weight General health scale 1-5 (Were there deaths, changes in attitude, etc.) Overall the most important things to keep track of for your flock are temperature, environment, feed, average daily gains, egg production, weight, longevity, mortality rate and overall health. Take a look at Farmbrite for your farm management. Whether you are tracking your chickens crops or both, Farmbrite can help. Start a free trial today.

Starting a Fruit Orchard on Your Farm Growing fruit trees or nut trees on your farm is a great way to be more self-sufficient and a great way to add items to your CSA. Adding an orchard to your farm can be rewarding and profitable but there are some things to consider before you go out and buy trees. This guide will help you navigate the process of starting an orchard on your farm: from choosing good varieties of trees to planting them in the right spot, caring for them as they grow, and marketing considerations. Orchard Basics and Planning Before you go out and source trees and plant them, it's time to research, plan, and organize. This is the time to design a plan to put your dream into action. It's important to understand how the financial aspect of this venture, as well as the logistical side, will impact your farm. Some just a few questions you might want to ask are: What type of trees will you buy? What capital will you need? What irrigation setup do you need? How will you keep track of planting dates, fertilizing, harvest dates, etc.? How will I get customers and market the fruit I'm growing? How long will this take to make a profit? All of this can be answered in your marketing plan . It can also be tracked and kept up to date by using planning tools. Here are a few ways to do this planning. Pen and Paper: The OG of farm planning. Grab a notebook or just a pen and paper to draw, measure, and plan out the space. Spreadsheet: Also a popular method of farm management tool. A spreadsheet can help you with the calculations, spacing, and tracking. Farm Management Software or App You can also utilize farm management software like Farmbrite , which can help you from the planning stage, to implementation, to years down the road when you get your first harvest and then when it might be time to fertilize and manage the orchard. Really, though use what works for you and your budget. Using any of these planning resources is an important step so that you understand how this orchard is impacting your business - for good or bad. Choose a Good Location For Your Fruit Trees Now that you have a plan, you'll want to find the Goldilocks spot to make sure you plant in a spot where your trees can live for a very long time, where they don't get too much water or too much shade, and where the soil and PH are right for growing them. Preparing the soil usually involves adding organic matter like compost  or manure so it will be healthy enough to support plant life. You might also want to consider getting some advice from experts at your local cooperative extension service if you're not sure how best to proceed with this step; they are often able to help farmers learn about new techniques for preparing their land for planting purposes. Also, will you grow anything else along with the trees? This is the time to ask yourself; will you just grow trees in your orchard, or will you also offer berries, flowers, or other perennials? Berries often grow very well next to trees, but make sure you have a plan for harvesting both trees and berry bushes easily. Sunlight: Choose a location for your fruit orchard in an area that gets plenty of sunlight . Fruit trees need at least six hours of direct sunlight each day, so you don't want to plant them too close to buildings or other trees that might block out some of that valuable light. Soil: The soil always matters. You will want to find a place where the soil is a stable, sandy loam that is granular and porous , enabling good water and air movement. You'll want the soil pH around 6.0 to 7.5. A slightly acidic PH is optimal for fruit trees to absorb nutrients. It can't be understated that the soil you plant your trees in will be beneficial or make them suffer. Healthy soil is built on a community of plants and organisms that live in it to make an ecosystem. Each organizism plays a part in supporting the others to thrive. This healthy ecosystem consists of four major components: minerals, organic matter, air, and water.   Organic matter plays the leading role here as it impacts soil texture, structure, water movement, and nutrient availability, and provides nutritional support for the organisms that make up the living part of the soil food web , the basis of healthy soil. Water: Make sure the land you choose isn't too wet or swampy. If there's too much moisture in the soil around your fruit trees, they are more likely to struggle with diseases and pests. You'll want your trees to be far enough apart that they can grow properly and avoid disease and overcrowding. They also need room for the root systems to spread out and not compete with each other for nutrients in the soil. Spacing: You will also want to make sure that your tree spacing makes room for each tree to grow and that machinery can pass by for mowing, harvesting, or other movement around the farm. Choose Fruit Trees Suitable To Your Climate and Zone The type of tree you plant is also important. Make sure that the fruit trees you source are healthy and grown in a way that does not bring disease to your orchard. Choose varieties that grow well and thrive in your zone. You might opt for a disease-resistant variety or if you have less space, pick a dwarf variety. You can find out what kinds of crops grow best where you live by looking at resources like this USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map . It shows which varieties of fruit trees do best in your specific geographic area. Choose varieties that will do well in your soil type You should also choose fruit tree varieties that will do well in your soil type , as well as the environment in which they're going to be grown. For example, if you have sandy or rocky soil and live in a dry climate like California or Arizona, then you'll want to avoid planting trees that need lots of water like peaches and apples. Instead, try growing plums or pears which are less thirsty. Likewise, if you live in an area where there is plenty of rain throughout most of the year, then choose fruit trees that thrive on moisture such as cherries or mulberries instead of citrus fruits like oranges (which require very little water). Another important factor when choosing which fruits to grow is whether or not pests are common in your area — this includes insects such as aphids or birds like crows who might eat all of your crops before they can fully ripen! There are many pesticides available, as well as natural methods of pest and wildlife prevention, that can help you to keep your crop safe from insects and animals. Get Advice From Experts If you're new to orchard management, it can be helpful to consult with experts. A nursery that specializes in fruit trees will have the knowledge and equipment necessary for planting and caring for them. They'll also be able to recommend specific varieties that work well in your climate and soil conditions. If you aren't able to find a local expert who can help guide you through the process, look online for advice from other farmers who have established orchards on their farms. You may also want to talk with friends who have experience growing fruit trees; they may be able to give some valuable tips on how they've been successful at growing their own orchards. Plant your trees! Finally! Once you've chosen the type of fruit tree that best fits your farm, found the perfect spot, prepared the soil, and have a plan for care and marketing their fruit to your customers, it's time to plant them. Planting trees is a long-term investment — you won't see any fruit for several years. Be sure to keep an eye on them as they grow and make sure they're getting enough water and fertilizer . You also want to prune them regularly so they stay healthy and productive throughout their life span. Orchard Management Fruit trees also require regular watering, pruning, and fertilizing throughout their lifespans so they don't die prematurely. Make sure that you are taking care of your investment as it grows. Plan to Use Sustainable Orchard Management: Protect your tree investment at the same time, saving you money by finding ways to grow them well with sustainable methods. One way of doing this is to use different types of farming practices to use minimal inputs  for your trees. Although these perennial trees are still prone to disease and damage from pests, they are generally stronger and require a bit less care than annual crops. However, the trade-off is that you’ll need to care for them all year round, as they don’t die off at the end of the season like annuals do. While You Wait for Your Orchard to Grow, Make the Best of It It takes trees many years to get to the size where they will produce the quantity of fruit needed to see on a large scale. That doesn't mean that you can't sell some of the first fruit that comes from your trees. Find creative ways to market this to your customers. Make things with the fruit like; applesauce, wreaths, pies, donuts, and if you have enough, cider. There are many ways to use the windfalls and small amounts of fruit as supplement feed for your animals, sell at your local farmers market, or of course personal use. Final Thoughts on Starting an Orchard Starting an orchard on your farm can be fun and exciting, but it's important to plan carefully so that you don't run into any problems. Be prepared for the long haul. An orchard takes years to grow, so don't rush into planting trees without thinking through all the details first. Don't plant too many trees. It's best if you only plant one type of fruit tree at a time so that you can focus all your energy on caring for one kind of crop instead of having multiple types competing for water and nutrients in their infancy stages. As discussed, choose varieties that are suited for your climate and environment — for example, if winters are cold where you live then choose apple trees whose fruit ripens later than other varieties (like Golden Delicious). For more tips on orchard and crop management, check out our other articles . And, if you’re looking for a simple way to manage your orchard from your phone, laptop, or tablet, Farmbrite’s farm management software is a great option for orchard growers.

An Introduction to Improve Your Profits From Sheep Farming Sheep farming is a great way to make money and produce food. If you're like most farmers, though, you want to do everything in your power to increase your profits from sheep farming. Here are some tips for doing just that! Start a breeding program Breeding programs are an important part of any sheep farming business. They can help you plan ahead and improve your farm profits from your sheep, but they're not just for profit — breeding programs are also necessary for sustainability. If you want to breed your own flock, it's best to start with healthy animals that have been checked by a vet and given vaccinations. You may also want to purchase some breeding stock from reputable breeders or auction sites. It's important that you know what traits you're looking for in terms of quality product development before starting any sort of breeding program on your farm. This will determine how much time and money should be invested into each individual animal, and whether or not they should be included in your breeding flock. Use cost-effective feed The cost of feed can be a major expense for sheep farmers. It is important to reduce your feed costs by using cheap sources of feed (without sacrificing quality) and purchasing in bulk. Use cheaper feeds: There are many types of animal feed available, but some are more expensive than others. For example, alfalfa hay has been shown to cause digestive problems in sheep and should be avoided if possible. Instead, look for less expensive options like corn silage or grass hay that will provide the same nutritional value with fewer side effects on your animals' health (and wallet). Buy in bulk: Buying large quantities at once can drastically reduce your overall expenditure. This allows you to get better prices from suppliers, plus you don’t have to worry about running out of feed! Keep your flock healthy and happy The health of your sheep is important for the success of your business. You need to make sure that they are getting good nutrition, have adequate shelter and are in good physical condition. Good nutrition means providing fresh water, good quality hay and silage (if applicable), as well as minerals such as salt lick blocks or mineral blocks. The best way to ensure this is by feeding them individually with feeders so that they don't waste any food by trampling it into the ground where it will go stale quickly. Once a week you should check each ewe's hooves for signs of disease such as foot rot which can cause lameness and other problems if left untreated. It's also important not only that lambs get enough milk but also get enough exercise in order for them grow properly; this means taking them out onto pasture during daylight hours. Offer value-added programs to your customers "Value added" is a term used to describe a product that has had its value increased through processing or adding value to the raw materials used. In this case, we're talking about sheep farming. When you go into business for yourself as a value-added sheep farmer, you are selling your product in its final form — whether it's wool, meat or skin — and not just the raw material from which it came. Some examples include sheep cheese and lanolin soap. Value-added sheep farming is a term used to describe the process of adding value to the products and services you provide. It's an alternative way of doing business that's gaining traction among farmers who are looking for ways to make their businesses more profitable and sustainable. The idea behind value-added sheep farming is simple: instead of selling your animals as meat or wool, you sell them as pets or wool sweaters — the latter being something people will pay more for than if they were simply buying meat from an anonymous source at the grocery store. How to get started with value-added sheep farming? As with any new venture, it's wise to start small. Start with just one product and see how it goes before expanding into other areas of value-added farming. The best place to start is with a product that you know well and can sell easily in your local community. It's also important to consider whether there is demand for your proposed product at a premium price — if so, this will help ensure profitability when starting out as an artisanal producer. Finally, if possible, choose an easy-to-make item that requires little investment on equipment or infrastructure (such as cheese ) over something more complicated (like wool sweaters ). Market your products and services Marketing your products and services is a long-term process. It's not just about advertising; it's about building a reputation, being visible to your target audience, and building trust and credibility with them. To do this effectively , you need to know who your potential customers are so that you can communicate with them in the way that matters most for them — whether that be through social media posts or traditional print media articles (or both). This will help to increase your profits from sheep farming. The first step in the process is to understand the market. You need to know what's already available and how your product or service will differ from it. You also need to find out what people want and need, so that you can create something new that best meets their needs. Set up yourself as a brand A brand is a name, symbol or design that identifies your business. It can be as simple as "Sheep for sale" or “Wool by Diane." In more complicated cases, it might be an abstract concept. The most important thing to remember when creating a brand is that it must resonate with your target audience. The good news is that there are plenty of resources available online to help guide you through this process. Create an online store or marketing platform A website is an essential part of your business and can be used to market your products, as well as provide information about your farm. There are many places that you can set up your farm online . Here are a few options. Farmbrite offers a Marketplace where you can sell your goods online as well as track your farm profit and loss, track your animals health and welfare and much more. The Marketplace comes with your Farmbrite account and offers an easy way to offer you an online presence that grows with your business. Set up a website: You can purchase a domain name from any of the major internet providers, such as Squarespace or Wix. Once you've purchased the domain name, you'll need to set up hosting for it (this will allow people who visit your site to see what's on it). If this is something you'd like help with, consider hiring someone who knows about computers and websites — they’ll be able to create one for you in no time! Include pictures and videos: Having photos showing off the quality of your products will make customers more willing to buy from you. Videos are also great because they give consumers insight into how things are done on your farm — they can show everything from how your sheep are cared for to how you process their wool and turn it into different products. Increasing your farm's profitability As you can see, there are many steps you can take to increase your sheep farm’s profitability, from offering value-added products to your customers to focusing on improving your breeding program. We hope this article gave you some new ideas to implement on your own flock! If you would like an easy way to keep track of your sheep and your profits from your business take a look at Farmbrite . You can try it free for 14 days.

Getting started Implementing a Grass-Fed Beef Program on Your Farm If you're a beef producer, you may be considering shifting your operation to grass-fed beef production. There are benefits to doing so - grass-fed beef is leaner and healthier than conventional grain-fed beef, and consumers are increasingly aware of these benefits. But the process of converting your farm from grain-finished beef to grass-finished beef can be daunting. Here are a few tips that will help make the transition easier: 1. Determine which cuts of meat you want to produce. Determining which cuts of meat you want to produce for your beef operation can be a difficult task, as it requires an understanding of your farm's infrastructure and resources as well as the market demand for each type of animal. For example, if you have a large number of cows on your farm and you're interested in producing beef, then it is likely that you'll want to sell whole carcasses rather than individual cuts (e.g., steaks) because whole carcasses are easier to store and transport than individual cuts from the same number of animals. 2. Get in touch with a farmer or farmer's market that will buy your product. Get in touch with a farmer or farmer's market that will buy your product. Find out what they want to buy and when they want it. You should also find out if they have a regular customer base. Ask about their requirements for grass-fed, organic certification and other certifications that may apply to your product (such as Kosher). 3. Develop relationships with local consumers and restaurants that would like to purchase your grass-fed products. In order to get your grass-fed program off the ground, you will also need to find local consumers and restaurants willing to buy your product. The best way to do this is with face-to-face meetings. Meet with potential customers in person and develop relationships with them before trying to convince them that grass-fed products are worth paying more money for. If you're selling direct from your farm or through a farmers market, there are many ways for people who want grass-fed meat to find you: word of mouth, social media posts about upcoming events where you'll be selling meat (and other products), etc. 4. Educate yourself and others on the benefits of grass-fed beef. Grass-fed is better for people, the environment, and the animal . Talk to local restaurants, grocery stores and food distributors about your products. They could be interested in carrying them if they don't already have something similar on their menus or shelves. Talk to the public about the benefits of grass-fed versus grain-finished meat products. This conversation can happen at the local farmers market, or even with customers who come to buy products on your farm. Here are some of the benefits of grass-fed beef: Grass-fed meat is healthier because it contains more omega 3 fatty acids (the good kind) than grain-fed meat. It also has more conjugated linoleic acid (CLA), which is known for its immune system boosting abilities. Grass-fed beef is also leaner than conventional beef; this means there will be less fat marbling in your steak or burger when cooking with grass-fed meat compared to regular supermarket products from factory farms that raise cattle on corn feedlots. The nutritional value of grass fed animals makes them an excellent source of protein - especially if you're looking for a lean source of protein without any added hormones or antibiotics. 5. Assess your livestock's grazing potential. Before you can implement a grass-fed cattle program, you need to assess your livestock's grazing potentials. This includes forage availability and quality, available water supplies and climate conditions. • Climate conditions: growing season in your area will determine how much time is available for grazing and how often you can rotate animals through different pastures. You may also want to consider geographic differences within your farm (such as hillsides vs flatland) when determining which areas are best suited for grazing or hay production. • Forage availability: If there aren't enough pastures on your property or nearby sources of high-quality hay or silage, then it could be difficult to meet all of an animal's nutritional requirements with pasture alone - especially if they're being raised organically! It might be necessary in this case to either supplement with grain or add some type of concentrated feed into their diet during the winter months when grasses are dormant (like cornstalks). 6. Make sure you have a sufficient supply of forage. • Get a soil test. The first step in implementing a grass-fed program on your farm is to determine how much fertilizer you'll need. A soil test will give you an idea of where the nutrients are and how much of each nutrient is needed to increase productivity. This will help ensure that you don't over- or under-fertilize, which can lead to poor growth and quality in both crops and livestock feedstock. • Increase the amount of forage by planting grasses and legumes. Once you know how much fertilizer is needed, it's time to increase the amount of forage available at any given time by planting native grasses such as switchgrass or big bluestem along with legumes like clover, alfalfa, etc. These plants provide excellent nutrition for cattle. Determine how much pasture your livestock will need each day and how much forage is required for each animal at various stages of production. By determining how much grass each cow will eat each day and how much hay, grain, and supplements they will require, you can get an accurate picture of how much a grass-fed program will cost you. You can then compare that cost to a grain-finished program, and weigh the pros and cons of each before making a decision. 7. Know how to market your products and services. You need to know how to market your products and services. Marketing is not just a one-time event, but rather a process that can be done with a small budget or even for free! Marketing is all about telling your story - the story of how you produce food in an ethical way, using sustainable practices and local ingredients whenever possible.A grass-fed program can be a great marketing tool to drive sales at the farm stand or retail store. Grass-fed beef has several benefits that make it attractive to consumers: Grass-fed beef is a niche product. It can be a great way to differentiate your farm stand or retail store from others in the area and drive sales. Grass-fed beef is generally considered healthier because it's lower in fat, especially saturated fat, than conventional grain-finished beef (which may contain more than double the amount of total fat). The humane treatment of animals raised on pasture makes them more appealing to some consumers who care about animal welfare issues like welfare standards at slaughter facilities or antibiotic use during growth periods. 8. Consider the other costs of maintaining a grass-fed program. In addition to the cost of buying and feeding your herd, you will also need to consider the additional expenses associated with maintaining a grass-fed program. These include: • Insurance and veterinary costs for your herd • Fencing • Planting cover crops • Planting hay fields • Equipment costs • Building a barn or other shelter for animals and equipment storage • Pasture rotation (moving cows from pasture to pasture) can be an expensive process in terms of seed, seeding equipment, fertilizer and hay baler costs 9. Use rotational grazing practices . Rotational grazing is a system of animal husbandry in which livestock are moved regularly to fresh pasture or range , rather than being kept in one area. The practice helps to prevent overgrazing and soil erosion by allowing plants to recover between periods of use. The goal is to mimic the movements of wild herds as closely as possible, which generally means moving your animals every few days or weeks depending on weather conditions and local vegetation growth patterns. It is ideal to use this system in a grass-fed program to maximize the productivity and health of your pastures. 10. Plan ahead for the future of your business Be prepared to learn and fail. You will get some things wrong, and that's okay - it’s part of the process. You can always learn from your mistakes and try again! Plan ahead for the future of your business by knowing your market, competition, costs and other factors that may affect whether or not grass-fed products are a viable option for you in the long run. You can do this with farm management software. Check out Farmbrite and try it today . Final thoughts on implementing a Grass-Fed Program on Your Farm Implementing a grass-fed program is not easy, but there are many benefits to doing so. If you have the resources and know-how, raising your own cattle or sourcing them locally can be an excellent way to ensure that your meat comes from animals raised in a humane manner. It's important to remember that grass-fed beef is not just a trend. It's a way of life, and it has been practiced by farmers across the world for centuries. Whether you're looking to start your own grass-fed program or want to buy some meat from one, these tips should help guide you through the process. Check out Farmbrite’s other resources on pasture and livestock management here .