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Animal wellness is a critical consideration for farmers. Livestock health and wellness can directly impact the productivity, yields, product quality, and overall safety of livestock and the community served by your farm. Healthy and happy animals are more productive, leading to better yields and higher quality products, that ultimately benefit the animal, the farm's profitability, as well as consumer satisfaction. Implementing livestock welfare-focused practices, such as providing adequate space, proper nutrition, and access to veterinary care, helps prevent disease and promotes optimal growth. Fostering a stress-free environment through humane handling and socialization can improve animal behavior and reduce aggression and happiness, further enhancing productivity. By prioritizing animal wellness, farmers not only ensure the ethical treatment of their livestock but also contribute to the long-term viability of their operations and the overall health of the food system. In this article, we will go into more depth about these key farm livestock wellness practices to prevent, eliminate, or reduce the hazards and provide an environment for overall wellness for your herd or flock on your farm. The Benefits of Animal Wellness Practices on the Farm Animal wellness  brings numerous benefits to your farm, enhancing the quality, productivity, health, and stability of animals. Multiple   studies  have shown that healthy animals are more productive, resulting in higher milk yields, better growth rates, improved reproductive performance, and many other benefits that ultimately boost profitability. Low-stress, well-cared-for animals are also healthier. Prioritizing animal welfare can also reduce veterinary costs by minimizing the incidence of disease and injury. Well-cared-for animals tend to exhibit better behavior, leading to easier handling and lower stress levels during routine tasks. This not only improves the working environment for farm staff but also enhances animal quality of life and product, positively impacting consumer perception and marketability of your products. Practicing high standards of animal wellness can contribute to compliance with regulations and certifications, positioning your farm as a leader in ethical farming practices. This plays a big role in how consumers make purchasing decisions . It's becoming more and more important to consumers to know how their food is raised and the transparency that companies show in the ethical treatment of animals. This shows that investing in animal wellness creates a healthier, more efficient, more profitable and more sustainable farm operation. The work of Dr. Temple Grandin  has inspired many farmers (and us as well) to take her trusted advice on humane animal handling, more humane slaughter practices, and enacting more wellness practices for the care of our livestock. Her findings and the o bservations made by hundreds of other farms, ranches, feedlots, and slaughter plants indicate that the single most important factor that affects animal welfare is the attitude of management. How we care for our animals makes a large impact on their quality of life. 6 Key Livestock Wellness Management Practices Measure & monitor the overall wellness of your herd/flock/etc. Ensure a clean, healthy, and low-stress living environment Understand the risk of hazards being introduced and spread to and within your animals. Evaluate and maximize immunity –through biosecurity practices. Minimize the risk of export of any hazard from the farm in products or wastes Ensure a compassionate end-of-life Identifying Hazards to Livestock Health Potential hazards can be classified into several categories, including biological, chemical, environmental, and physical risks. Chemical hazards may arise from exposure to pesticides, feed additives, or contaminants in water sources, making regular testing and proper handling essential. Environmental hazards, such as air quality or inadequate shelter, can impact animal comfort and health, necessitating the implementation of protective or preventative measures. Additionally, physical hazards like sharp objects or inadequate fencing can lead to injury. By conducting thorough risk assessments and maintaining awareness of these hazards, farmers can implement preventative strategies that safeguard livestock health and enhance overall farm productivity. Read on to learn more about what types of hazards there may be, how to prevent them, and how to keep your herd/flock/etc. safe and well. Biological Hazards - Biological hazards include things such as infectious diseases, parasites, and fungal contaminants. These require vigilant monitoring and proactive vaccination programs. Chemical Hazards - Chemical hazards may arise from exposure to pesticides, feed additives, drug residues, herbicides, environmental toxins, or contaminants in water sources. You can avoid this by adding regular testing and proper handling. Physical Hazards - Physical hazards for livestock can be from housing and facilities, equipment, obstacles, animal handling, or treatment methods. These can include things such as stalls, housing setup, footing, high-traffic walkways, environmental factors, and inadequate ventilation. The housing and environment can be designed to minimize physical trauma and maximize animal comfort and welfare. Livestock Management Best Practices By adopting livestock management best practices, farmers can enhance animal welfare, optimize feed efficiency, and improve overall herd performance. These practices encompass a range of strategies, including proper nutrition, regular health monitoring, and humane handling techniques, all aimed at creating a supportive environment for livestock. Implementing sound management practices not only benefits individual animals but also contributes to the long-term viability of the farm, fostering a resilient agricultural system that meets the demands of farm owners, farmhands, animals, consumers, and the environment. 9 ways to add effective livestock management to your farm. Nutrition and Feeding : Provide balanced diets tailored to the specific needs of each animal species and their life stage. Ensure access to clean water and necessary minerals at all times. Regular Health Checks : Schedule routine health checkups or veterinary check-ups. Vaccinate to monitor and maintain the health of the herd. Biosecurity Measures : Implement strict biosecurity protocols to prevent disease introduction and spread, including isolation of new animals and maintaining cleanliness in living areas. Avoid introducing potential hazards. Proper Housing : Design and maintain adequate shelter that protects livestock from harsh weather conditions and provides enough space for movement and social interaction, as well as dry, sanitary pens, especially for mothers. Breeding Management : Use responsible breeding practices to improve herd genetics, focusing on traits such as disease resistance, growth rates, and reproductive performance. Record Keeping : Maintain detailed records of health, breeding, nutrition, and production to track performance make informed management decisions, and keep traceability records. Animal Welfare Practices : Prioritize humane treatment by minimizing stress during handling, transport, and lifecycle. Provide enrichment and socialization for herd animals and ensure comfortable living conditions. Pasture Management and Sustainability Practices : Implement rotational grazing and manage pasture quality to optimize forage availability and promote soil health. This is one way to help you adopt environmentally sustainable practices, you can also employ waste management and resource conservation, to enhance the resilience of the farming operation. Education and Training : Invest in ongoing education for farm staff on best practices in animal husbandry, health management, and welfare standards. Your animals and your farm will benefit. By integrating these best practices, farmers and ranchers can ensure the health and productivity of their livestock while promoting ethical and sustainable farming practices. On Farm BioSecurity Best Practices On-farm biosecurity practices are essential for safeguarding livestock health, enhancing farm productivity, and preventing the spread of diseases. With the increasing threat of zoonotic diseases and emerging pathogens, implementing effective biosecurity measures has never been more critical. These practices encompass a comprehensive approach that includes controlling access to the farm, managing animal interactions, and maintaining hygiene standards for equipment and facilities. By focusing on strategies such as the isolation of new animals, proper sanitation protocols, and diligent monitoring of herd health, farmers can create a resilient farming environment that protects both animals and human health. Ultimately, robust on-farm biosecurity not only secures the welfare of livestock but also contributes to the sustainability and profitability of agricultural operations. Bio Security Practices for Livestock Prevention and control of the introduction and spread of disease into our herd/flock/etc. can be employed on your farm in several ways. Reduce Outside Contact Know the health/vaccination status of all animals on the farm Purchase livestock from low-risk sources If possible, test before purchase Reduce or eliminate contact with non-resident animals with your herd/flock/etc. By eliminating or reducing contact with other animals you can reduce the risk for disease introduction into your livestock. Train farm personnel on Introducing or Reintroducing Livestock into the Herd   Introducing new livestock to an existing herd or reintroducing animals requires careful planning and execution to minimize stress and reduce the risk of disease transmission. Know the health/vaccination status of purchased or leased animals Purchase livestock from low-risk sources If possible, test animals before purchase Quarantine new animals (or animals being reintroduced) from the general farm population for 14-30 days. Utilize this time to manage, vaccinate, monitor for, and/or selectively test for diseases. Maintain a vaccination program for incoming and resident animals Minimize Non-Resident Animal Contacts Livestock disease transmission often happens from contact with outside sources. It is a good practice to minimize these risks on your farm. Here are a few ideas to implement that can help you reduce those risks: Prevent fence line contact with other livestock (and humans). For the public, offer designated viewing areas that keep the public at a safe distance while allowing observation without contact. Ensure that equipment and clothing used around livestock are sanitized and free from contaminants further reducing the risk of spreading pathogens. Try to control non-resident stray dogs and or cats Reduce contact with free-ranging wildlife including birds, waterfowl, and mammals. Try to limit direct livestock contact and access to feed storage, distribution equipment, bedding, feeders, and waterers. (Risks- Cryptosporidium parvum, Salmonella, Leptospirosis, Rabies) . Reduce pest species such as rodents, starlings, and pigeons. Institute a bird and rodent control program . Rodents serve as mechanical and biological vectors for several diseases such as Cryptosporidium parvum , Salmonellosis , and Leptospirosis . ( A biological vector is a living organism that carries a disease-causing agent from one host to another .)   Insects and parasites can pose a threat to spreading disease through your herd/flock/etc. You can utilize integrated pest management practices for the control of insect pests and integrate a parasite control program into your land management plan. Bio Security Practices for Manure Biosecurity practices for manure management are essential in safeguarding animal health and preventing the spread of disease on farms. Manure can serve as a reservoir for pathogens, making its handling and disposal a critical aspect of employing biosecurity protocols. By implementing effective manure management strategies, farmers can reduce the risk of contaminating feed, water supplies, and the environment, ultimately protecting livestock from infectious diseases. Protect against manure entry to your farm from outside vehicles and equipment. Set up safeguards against manure runoff entering from neighboring animal premises. Avoid the use of manure (products) and waste from off-premise (poultry, cattle, or other livestock) unless products are certified pathogen-free. Educating farm personnel on the importance of biosecurity in manure management fosters a culture of awareness and responsibility, ensuring that all stakeholders contribute to a safer farming environment. If possible, designate specific equipment for use in particular sections of the farm, such as those for sick animals versus healthy ones, to minimize cross-contamination risks. Proper storage and treatment of manure, regular equipment cleaning, and careful application techniques that minimize runoff and exposure are also ways to minimize these hazards on your farm. By prioritizing these practices, farmers can enhance herd health and wellness. Bio Security Practices for Farm Equipment and Vehicles Implementing biosecurity practices for farm equipment and vehicles is crucial in preventing the introduction and spread of diseases on the farm. Regular cleaning and disinfection of equipment, especially after it has been used in different animal areas or farms, helps remove pathogens that could contaminate livestock. Equipment and farm vehicles should be maintained and cleaned to avoid biological (bacterial, viral, parasitic, or fungal), chemical, or physical hazards. This includes cleaning tires, wheel wells, and undercarriages, as they can carry pathogens from contaminated areas. Equipment should be disinfected and cleaned between cows, groups, and farms. Hoof Trimmers Use only clean and disinfected equipment. Clean after each use.  (Risk; Hoof and foot diseases or infection, etc.) On-farm vehicles and equipment. Ensure that equipment is cleaned and disinfected before entering your farm. There should not be any leftover organic material from a previous farm on equipment. Off-farm vehicles Minimize access only to necessary portions of the farm. Insist on clean delivery vehicles Livestock Transport Vehicles - Use only clean, well-bedded trucks to move cattle to avoid introducing diseases from manure on the truck and to avoid injuries during transport. Avoid commingling with other herds and livestock.  Rendering Trucks:  Do not allow on the farm proper, utilize peripheral holding pens for pickups. Biosecurity Practices for Livestock Feed and Water The purchased feed may be a potential source of disease organisms and chemical contaminants Buy from sources using quality control to minimize the risk of fecal or chemical contamination Biosecurity Practices for Visitors: Use Proper Sanitation and Hygiene. Ensure footwear and clothing are clean and free of particles that may infect livestock, before entering the farm, or provide disposable boots and covers for apparel. Minimize access to only necessary portions of the farm. Use good hygiene to prevent movement of manure around the farm. Provide boot brushes, disinfectant, and boot wash areas or change disposable boots. Start with young stock and move toward adults to prevent contamination of young stock areas with adult manure. Handle sick animals last if possible. Communication of farm biosecurity and bio-containment procedures to visitors is basic to their success Keeping Track of the Wellness of Your Animals: When you assess your livestock, you'll usually think of physical measurements like height and weight. But beyond that, you may want to consider other factors to determine the overall health and wellness of your animal. Assessing specific areas like their eyes, nose, mouth, and ears can help you pinpoint areas that need attention and flag problems before they get out of hand. Tracking factors like environmental cleanliness, temperature, and air quality can help you address potential problems before they start by ensuring optimal living conditions for your livestock. When you record measurements in Farmbrite, you can track these additional details to get a more holistic view of your overall animal wellness.  The Farmbrite wellness score is meant to be a simple way for you to see a rating and immediately know the animal's overall condition. It combines and calculates the results of the Health and Environment sections from the Farmbrite measurements to arrive at a single overall wellness score. The score ranges from 20-100. You can find out more about using our farm management software, Farmbrite  to track your wellness scores and understand the overall health and wellness of your animals. If utilizing farm management software to track your animal wellness is not something you want/can do at this time but still want to track animal wellness, here are some key metrics to watch and keep track of: Livestock environmental factors like cleanliness, insect activity, and air quality Animal activity levels , including stress, mobility, sociability, energy levels, ease of handling, vocalizing, sores/limping/lameness Nutrition and intake rates and amounts of eating, drinking, and overall weight Animal body condition , including interior and exterior body assessments, such as eyes, ears, mouth teeth, etc. To learn more about how we measure animal wellness take a look here . Good livestock management practices take into account all of these factors and more. Prioritizing animal wellness in your herd/flock/etc. ensures that our livestock receives proper nutrition, veterinary care, and humane treatment, which in turn leads to improved health and productivity, quality of life, and ease of handling. Evaluating animal well-being and reducing biohazards on the farm fosters a healthy livestock management program that provides humane care for the animals that provide nutritious food for our communities. In the words of Dr. Grandin, “We owe them a decent life and a decent death, and their lives should be as low-stress as possible,” As stewards to our animals, our management styles are just as important as the customers who purchase from us. We hope this article offers some insight into how what areas you can look to identify on your farm to help foster an environment for healthy and happy animals. References and resources: Animal Wellness Animal Husbandry Animal Welfare Regulations Goat Record Keeping Software Pig Management Software

Water. Rest. Shade these are the three components of OSHA's heat illness prevention campaign that they launched in 2011. They are a good reminder for those of us who work outside in the heat. Every year thousands of cases of heat illness are reported and unfortunately, many of them result in a loss of life. Heat illness can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, or physical ability. When you're working out in the field it's good practice to understand the symptoms and what to do in case someone is suffering from them. Tips for staying cool while working outdoors: Keep a wet cloth and sunscreen in a cooler and use on breaks Wear breathable clothes Mist yourself with water Apply ice or cool water to pulse points Stay hydrated Wear a hat Dress appropriately Take breaks in the shade or cool area Signs of heat exhaustion: * Cool, moist skin with goose bumps when in the heat * Heavy sweating * Faintness * Dizziness * Fatigue * Weak, rapid pulse * Low blood pressure upon standing * Muscle cramps * Nausea * Headache What to do if you have heat exhaustion: + Move the person to a cooler area + Let the person lay down and loosen the clothing + Apply cool, wet clothes to as much of the body as possible + Fan or move them to an air-conditioned or cooler area + Offer sips of water + If the person vomits more than once seek medical attention Signs of Heat Stroke: (Heat stroke is much more severe and should be treated by a medical professional) * Throbbing headache, confusion, nausea, dizziness, shallow breathing * Body temperature of above 103°F * Extreme thirst * Red, hot, dry or moist skin * Rapid pulse * Fainting, convulsions, or loss of consciousness What to do if you have heat stroke: + Call 911 emergency + Reduce temperature until the ambulance arrives A good way of preventing heat exhaustion or heat stroke is to provide a cool, place in the shade. Here are some other ideas and ways to prevent workers from experiencing heat illness. Ways to prevent heat illness: Provide workers with water, rest areas, and shade. Allow new or returning workers to gradually increase workloads and take more frequent breaks as they acclimate to the heat (while they build a tolerance for working in the heat.) Plan for emergencies and train workers on prevention. Monitor workers for signs of illness. Or have them check in with each other. Need a way to keep track of your tasks, schedule,e and farm work? Try Farmbrite! Get started today.

Food waste is a problem that we all face, even if you don't have a farm. Inevitably, food will spoil. As farmers, we have the complex job of balancing growing the right amount of food so that our customers will be satisfied and yet, not leaving anything on the table to waste. Food waste is also one of the largest greenhouse gas emitters on the planet. According to the U.N. Environment Programme, 1.3 billion tons, or one-third of all the food produced in the world is lost or wasted every year . Unfortunately, the current food manufacturing process is not helping these numbers. Farmers know there are a significant amount of resources put into producing food; from water, land use, time, and energy harvesting, packaging, selling, and moving the food. There are many situations in farming where food is left unharvested or becomes unsellable. This is part of the risk of producing food, but we can be smarter. What we're suggesting here are some ways to reduce the amount of loss before we have to add to the waste pile at all. One of the biggest ways that we might reduce greenhouse gases is by reducing food waste through the food production cycle. In this article, we will outline several ways to eliminate food waste through the farming process while creatively turning that into a profit. Top Ways to Reduce Food Waste on Your Farm - Before The Growing Season The way you plan your growing season can significantly reduce food waste on your farm. This means planning what to grow, when to grow it, for how long, when to harvest, and the best ways to store and sell it. Here are some steps before you even plant to reduce food waste during the growing season. Do Your Research: Before you purchase seed you need to understand what your customers want to buy, roughly how much they will pay for the item, and if that item grows well in your area. By doing this research before you start growing, will reduce the amount of waste you might end up with because of overages and un-marketability. Estimate What You Need to Grow: This is another step in the market research, finding out how much you might need to grow. One of the top areas of food waste is overproduction. No one wants to grow food that just sits wasted in the field, but it happens due to overproduction of an item and not enough places to sell it. To combat this, do your research, and find places where you know you will be able to sell your item . You can sell wholesale as well as retail, don't limit yourself. Doing your research and understanding your market will go a long way to growing what you need. This doesn't mean that you can't try new things and add to your farm line-up but if your goal is to reduce waste, that's not the place to start. Use Technology: The use of digital technology in farming has skyrocketed over the past decade. You can smartly use farm technology to help you produce and distribute your food more efficiently. This goes from seed to sale; using tools to estimate how much you will need to grow, to selling online and expanding your customer base . Technology has more and more applications in farming. Secure Buyers Ahead of Time: Being able to plan for your customer's needs ahead of the season gives you a huge advantage in reducing food waste as well as knowing how much you will make in a season. You can do this by using things like community-supported agriculture (CSA) and speaking with local chefs and other businesses to set up agreements to purchase the items before you even grow them. Top Ways to Reduce Food Waste at Planting Planning how you grow your produce can help you more effectively plan your season and can significantly reduce food waste on your farm. This also just generally makes life easier during the growing season. Of course, there will always be things that you won't expect but here are some steps you can take to better plan your growing season: Crop Selection: It starts with your crop selection. Choose crops that have a longer shelf life, are more stable, can be harvested easily, or can be easily preserved. Seed Selection: Choose high-quality seeds from reputable suppliers. Opt for varieties that are well-suited to your local climate, soil conditions are more disease-resistant. This improves germination and growth rates, and overall crop health. Soil Testing: Conduct regular soil tests to assess nutrient levels and pH balance. Amend your soil as needed with organic matter, compost, or appropriate fertilizers to optimize nutrient availability for optimal plant growth. Plant at the Right Time: Plant seeds when soil moisture and temperature conditions are optimal for germination, and early growth in your zone. It's important to avoid planting during periods of excessive weather like wind, rain, or drought, as this can lead to poor seedling establishment and higher loss rates. Promote Crop Health in the Field: Use strategies to manage and promote healthy plants such as soil solarization to manage weeds, sanitation of winter debris, pruning staking and continued care as the plant matures, and weeding strategies. Stressed plants are more prone to diseases and pests so you can reduce that by reducing those stressors. Extend the Growing Season: Plant earlier and finish the season later by using tunnels, row covers, hot caps, soil mulches, and greenhouses. These strategies can also help reduce pests. Use Cover Crops and Green Manures: Plant cover crops or green manure between crop rotations to improve soil health, suppress weeds, and reduce erosion. This can also help reduce the need for synthetic fertilizers and pesticides, minimizing environmental impact and monetary overhead. Use Crop Rotation and Companion Planting: Implement a crop rotation plan to maintain soil fertility, prevent the buildup of soil diseases, and disrupt pest lifestyles. Start Succession Planting: Instead of planting all your crops at once, stagger your plantings to ensure a continuous harvest throughout the season. This prevents too much produce at any one time. This also makes sure that you have more of that item growing for return customers. Practice Efficient Irrigation Management: Implement efficient irrigation systems and water management practices. By adding efficient irrigation sources that water only where needed you can ensure optimal crop health and minimize water waste. Employ Pest Management: Employ integrated pest management (IPM) practices to control pests and diseases using environmentally friendly methods such as beneficial predators, biological control, crop rotation, and the use of pest-resistant varieties. This can reduce the need for chemical pesticides as well as crop loss to pests. Top Ways to Reduce Food Waste at Harvest Another step to reducing food waste is planning your harvest, storage, sale, and transportation of your produce. Much of what is spoiled can be reduced with planning and care during harvest and post-harvest. Harvest Planning: Plan your harvest schedule carefully to avoid leaving crops in the field for too long, where they may become overripe or susceptible to spoilage. Create a growing season overview so you can see growing times and estimates of ripeness and harvest dates. Harvest crops at the optimal stage of maturity to ensure maximum quality and shelf life. Harvest With Care: Handle harvested crops with care to minimize bruising, crushing, and other physical damage. Using appropriate tools and equipment, such as harvest bins with cushioning materials, and picking baskets that won't squeeze or pinch produce will reduce injury during picking and transport. Use Best Practices at Harvest: Maintain high levels of cleanliness and hygiene during harvesting operations to prevent contamination and reduce the risk of microbial spoilage. You should be thinking about containers, surfaces, water, and anything touching the produce. After each step in the process, the next handling area should be even cleaner. Work to establish a culture of food safety on your farm. Reduce handling and transport to the packhouse as much as possible as this is where a lot of damage occurs. You might consider investing in carts for harvesting and field packing depending on the produce you're harvesting. They can provide ease in packing, transport, and shade for farm workers and produce. Sorting: Sort harvested crops based on quality criteria such as size, color, ripeness, and appearance. Place damaged, diseased, or defective produce aside to prevent spoilage from spreading to healthy crops during storage and transport. You can find another use for this produce later (see other steps). Packaging and Post Harvest: Use appropriate packaging materials and techniques to protect harvested crops from physical damage, moisture loss, and exposure to light and air. Choose packing materials that are breathable and provide good ventilation to prevent condensation and mold. C onsider a dding a post-harvest treatment such as washing, sanitizing, or waxing to remove surface contaminants and pathogens that can contribute to spoilage. If you have the means to get a little more complex, you can utilize treatments such as modified atmosphere packaging (MAP) or controlled atmosphere storage (CAS) which can help extend the shelf life of perishable crops. Both these storage methods reduce respiration rates and inhibit microbial growth. Inventory and Storage Planning: Proper management of storage facilities and techniques can extend the shelf life of harvested produce. Creating a cool storage environment and always practicing safe food handling practices are other key ways to store food longer, and reduce food waste while practicing good agricultural practices. Traceability: Implement a traceability system to track the movement, care, and storage of harvested crops from the field to the consumer. Traceability helps keep food safe for consumers and gives them visibility into how the food was grown, stored, etc. Top Ways to Reduce Food Waste after Harvest Another step to reducing food waste is finding creative ways to sell as much as you can and then upcycle the rest. Here are some ways to make the sale of your harvest easier to say yes to and other ways to use your produce before it spoils. Offer Delivery:  People love a delivery service. It offers convenience to your customers and regular cash to your business. You won't have items sitting on a shelf, they will be going out the door fresh to your customer's doorstep. It's always an option to charge extra or make it an add-on to your service. Upcycle Your Harvest: If you can't sell them, preserve them. It makes sense to take fruit and vegetables that you have and make something with the excess. Create your own unique jam, jelly, salsa, pickles, hot sauce and more. You just need a little bit of elbow grease and time. Save the season and sell the products through the winter. Collaborate with Local Food Banks: Establish partnerships with local food banks, restaurants, and other outlets to distribute surplus produce that cannot be sold commercially. 1 in 5 People in the U.S. is food insecure, yet more than 30% of food grown is wasted and never consumed. Offering this food to food banks can help reduce waste while also benefiting the community. Bonus- this donation is tax deductible. Give Discounts for Imperfect Food: Offer a discount to your customers for items that are misshapen or are at the end of their shelf life. Customers will benefit from a bit of a discount and you won't have to throw out or compost that item. You might also think of keeping a list of customers who bought this type of produce before and then contacting them when you have excess to sell. Host a farm-to-table dinner: Have a farm dinner directly after your day at the market. Whatever doesn't sell, gets cooked for dinner. Sell tickets and make it a community event. Hire a local chef and collaborate. You might find that the local chef might want to purchase your produce regularly for their restaurant. As a bonus for your guests, you might also have baskets of produce ready to purchase on their way home. Feed Animals Excess Food: Use excess produce to feed your animals. If you don't raise animals yourself, you can work with another local farm to purchase your item. Do some networking in your farm community to see who might be interested. Compost: Last, but certainly not least, compost. Compost is an excellent source of additional organic matter and nutrients to incorporate into your soil. The food you can't use today can be composted to improve the soil for tomorrow. Food waste is a very large contributor to methane gas emissions in our environment today. Much of this could be reduced by finding alternative channels for those items and being smarter in our farming processes. By implementing these strategies you can optimize your growing season to reduce food waste and improve the sustainability of your farm operations. It's truly a win-win. Here are some additional articles about Food Waste Reduction: USDA and the EPA calling for a 50 % reduction in food waste by 2030. Stop food waste Information on food waste Food waste facts Facts about food waste Donate your Extra Produce Another place to Donate your Extra Produce How to compost at home (from EcoWatch)

Did you know that the growth of flower farmers and the sales of fresh-cut flowers have been booming in recent years? So whether you grow vegetables, fruits, berries, meat, milk shares, or herbs adding flowers to your crop plan can be a great way to boost sales at the market and add extra value to your customers. Flowers are a great option to sell at the farmer's market. Not only are they beautiful but you can make a fair profit on them. You have the option to sell loose-cut flowers as well as making up bouquets to have on hand. Other farmers at the market might also be selling flowers but making your bouquets unique will help you stand out and bring more people to your booth. Here is a list of the top 10 Flowers to grow on your Flower Farm and sell at the Market: Peonies A showy flower that makes a lasting impression. Growing tip: They like full sun and neutral PH soil. Zinnias A very easy flower to grow. They grow quickly and bloom heavily. Growing tip: Do not seed until the last frost has passed. Cosmos A free flowering annual that is extremely easy to grow. Growing tip: Don't over water. Tulips A spring-blooming perennial that grows between 4-28 inches tall in many different colors. Growing tip: Plant the bulbs deep; 8 inches. Plant different varieties with varying bloom times. Sunflowers A big, bright large stemmed flower that can grow over 16 feet tall. Growing tip: Plant in full sun. They are heliotropic, and follow the sun through the day. Roses An oldie but a goodie. Growing tip: Deadhead to keep them blooming and wear sturdy gloves. Snapdragons A short-lived perennial that may not come back every year. They come in a wide variety of colors and heights. Growing tip: They prefer cooler soil so don't use a seed mat. Cornflowers  Also called Bachelor's Button. It is an annual that grows about 1-3 feet in height. Growing tip: Drought tolerant once established, they will benefit from mulching with bark. Irises A showy perennial flower that is either a bulb or rhizome. Growing tip: Especially bearded irises do not like shade.  Calla Lillies These can be a little challenging to grow but are well worth it once they get going. Growing tip:  Watch the watering. Too much can cause pythium .  Flower farming can offer big opportunities to increase existing sales or to get started in agriculture. So whether you're thinking of starting a flower farm or you have extra growing space, adding flowers to your farm can bring a profit and make your market booth look more appealing. This list is a great place to start but keep your eyes out for types of flowers that no one is selling and bring those. Whatever you don't sell you can always sell to the local florist.   Happy Farming! Farmbrite helps flower farmers know more, grow more, and sell more cut flowers.

The winter is a great time to reflect on the growing season, plan for the upcoming season, take some much-needed downtime, and maybe do some research/reading. Since we're all looking for ideas to make our farms better I thought we would review. a few books on farming. For those interested in small farming, a wealth of insightful books can provide both inspiration and practical guidance. Some offer efficient and profitable farming techniques, while others emphasize sustainable practices that can be implemented on a small scale. These books provide a solid foundation in both the theory and practice of small farming and cater to various interests and approaches. Here are our top picks for farming books. We've chosen this collection to offer a wide range of ideas and farming practices; some are about tilling, some are about the business side of farming and others just have sound advice to get you started. Here is our list of the top farming books for small-scale farmers 1) You Can Farm By Joel Salatin This book, written by Joel Salatin, founder of Polyface Farms gives the rundown of how to be successful and profitable in a small farm business, aptly subtitled " The Entrepreneur's Guide to Start & Succeed in a Farming Enterprise. " There are many ideas that can help you even if you aren't selling at the market. 2) The Market Garden By Jean-Martin Fortier Micro-farming is a real thing. Read about how you can make a living on 1.5 acres and feed more than 200 families. This book breaks down everything you need to know to get started and grow a micro-farm. They talk about low-tech options but high yield.  It is a great read with pictures, checklists, and many innovative ideas. Additionally, the Market Gardener Institute offers courses for small farms to help you get started. 3) The Lean Farm By Ben Hartman Working smarter, not harder is the key takeaway from this book. Hartman is farming on just 1 acre and using innovative and progressive farming techniques which he talks about in this book. He is also the founder of Clay Bottom Farm and provides resources and training for those interested in Lean Farming. He is helping to bring farming to a new generation of farmers. 4) Dirt to Soil By Gabe Brown The soil is the star of this book. Through his family trials, he has found some innovative solutions to some of the pressing agricultural challenges we come up against today.  The question asked here is,  "How can we get more life from the land?" 5) The Resilient Farm and Homestead By Ben Falk A land designer and site developer took some land that would not conventionally be used for farming and made it thrive. He has a team of researchers and this book gives loads of helpful information and strategies on his work. You'll find gravity-fed water systems, site design, agroforestry, fertility management, and more. 6) Start Your Farm: The Authoritative Guide to Becoming a Sustainable 21st-Century Farm By Forrest Pritchard & Ellen Polishuk Learn how to start a farm in the 21st century with a small to medium-sized acreage. This book gives real examples and to-dos for aspiring farmers out there. It takes this to the business side of farming which you will need to make your way. It also talks about the dos and don'ts. It's an easy read and one you should pick up if you're looking into getting into farming. 7) The Organic No-Till Farming Revolution: High Production Methods for Small-Scale Farmers By Andrew Mefferd Increasingly more farmers are moving toward low-till or no-till farming practices. This book provides real-life no-till stories and examples brought to you in a conversational style. If you're looking into tillage reduction, and sustainable growing styles check out this book. This isn't the definitive list but as a short list to get you started, the 7 books mentioned above will serve you well. But there are so many other books that add value to learning about farming. "Farming While Black" by Leah Penniman not only shares valuable agricultural knowledge but also addresses issues of land access and social justice in farming and "Gaia's Garden" by Toby Hemenway introduces readers to permaculture principles, promoting a harmonious relationship with nature. We can't name them all here but some so many other farmers have shared their stories and knowledge about farming. Collectively, these books offer a blend of hands-on advice, philosophical insights, and innovative strategies, making them essential reads for anyone looking to cultivate a successful small farm. Have a great book or resource that has helped you, we'd love to hear from you . If you'd like to learn about how Farmbrite can help you get started farming take a look here.

Farm cooperatives can help individual farmers achieve goals they might not attain on their own. It makes sense: by working together as a group, co-op members can better compete with larger producers. But what if there isn’t a farm co-op in your area, or there isn’t one that’s a good fit for you? You might consider starting your own. Want to reduce costs, increase quality, and more efficiently market your products? Here are 11 reasons why you might consider starting – or joining – a farm co-op. 1. Reduce Farm Costs Cooperative purchasing of supplies and services means you can buy at bulk rates. It can also reduce shipping costs by consolidating delivery. Bulk purchasing can take the form of a buying club, created to purchase anything from feed to seed. Services – like fertilizer blending, delivery, and spreading – can also be purchased cooperatively. Such purchases illustrate the scalable nature of an agricultural cooperative; you can start as small as working with your neighbors to hire a single service. Other possibilities include the purchase and use of pesticides, the purchase, and storage of fuel, as well as repairs, bookkeeping, and consultation (which could include anything from tech support to feed and fertilizer recommendations). You might also consider cooperative purchasing of health insurance, child care, and education. Not only can forming a co-op result in bulk pricing eligibility, it can also attract providers of products or services that would otherwise be unavailable for individuals in your area. One classic example is the rural electric cooperative. 2. Increase Quality Of course, when you have more bargaining power you not only have more control over cost, you also gain leverage over the quality of products and services you bargain for. 3. Save on Equipment Expenses All kinds of equipment can be purchased cooperatively, starting with the smallest of hand tools. While tractors, hay balers, combines, seed extractors and other machines may come to mind first, don’t overlook other opportunities like sharing greenhouse space. Especially when it comes to bigger items, shared rental is also an option. Keep in mind that these partnerships don’t have to be limited to your next-door neighbors. It’s not uncommon for farms located hundreds of miles apart to share access to equipment for the production of corn, soybeans, wheat, and hay. Again, everything is scalable, including the types of agreements used. Sometimes a handshake will do; other times a legal document is good common sense. 4. Gain Better Access to Farm Workers In addition to sharing machines, you might cooperatively hire people to operate them. If several producers each need part-time workers they might work together to hire people full-time. There are many benefits to joint hiring, including broadening your pool of applicants and sharing paperwork, housing, transportation, and training. 5. Raise Efficiency in Handling, Processing, and Storage The economy of scale can provide benefits after production, too. Assembling large production volumes can reduce per-unit handling and processing costs. What’s more, some processes can increase value and are also more efficiently accomplished in volume. These include washing, cooking, drying, freezing, and packaging. Because the level of cooperative investment is always scalable, you don’t have to start by building a silo. It’s also possible to reap the benefits of pooling production without physically mixing it together. 6. Improve Small-scale Farm Marketing Cooperative marketing can represent many benefits to individual producers. To start, it can reduce unwanted competition. For example, instead of competing against your neighbor while selling produce at the farmer’s market, you might coordinate your efforts. You could take turns staffing one space at the market rather than competing in price at two. Other opportunities include sharing advertising costs and consolidating your efforts to market to local grocery stores and restaurants. Of course this same principle also works in larger-scale contexts. 7. Improve Larger-scale Farm Marketing, Too Collectively selling your products with other farmers allows you to combine your output into larger lots. By representing more volume, a cooperative can increase the negotiating power individual sellers have against larger buyers, resulting in more competitive sales and more stable prices. With the cost spread across multiple producers, qualified sales staff can be hired. Representing more volume can open new markets and extend your reach to bigger buyers. It can allow you to bypass middlemen, which increases income. While on the topic of marketing, some multi-farm CSAs are set up as cooperatives. This can be a great way for producers of both similar and complementary products to reach more customers. Check out “ Local Harvest: A Multi-Farm CSA Handbook ” for more details. 8. Enjoy Farm Tax Benefits Thanks to Sec 199A of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act , creating a cooperative may offer some tax benefits through the year 2025. This article from Iowa State University states that “producers with no or little on-farm W2 wages will likely be able to take a higher deduction by selling to a cooperative because of the deduction pass-through from the cooperative.” Of course, further research with a tax professional – for every provider involved – is always a good idea. This research can also be done cooperatively. 9. Reduce Farm Risks Cooperative pooling can also provide increased security in the form of risk sharing. Cyclical fluctuations in price can be shared among all producers in the pool, thus reducing individual risk. Lower-than-average prices are offset by higher-than-average prices. Of course, the reverse is also true. In addition, the diversification inherent in multi-product cooperatives can further expand risk-sharing benefits over those experienced by single-product producers and co-ops. 10. Gain Control and Political Power Starting a cooperative means building a partnership to gain more control over many aspects of your business. Together you collectively identify the needs and values that are most important to you. As a group, you can also gain political leverage. Once you collectively identify priorities and develop strategies, you might send representatives to share them with your legislators and regulators. 11. Increase Farm Income and Solve Problems The ultimate reason for starting a co-op is to solve problems. Most often the solutions are related to increasing income, but there are other benefits as well. Just as pooling commodities can help reduce the peak highs and lows of cyclical price fluctuation, simply sharing your challenges with others in your community can help with the emotional fluctuations of farm life. Additional Resources: USDA Rural Development offers free publications relevant to farm cooperatives. They offer issues of Rural Cooperatives Magazine , short circulars, and in-depth reports on many topics, including Co-ops 101 and How to Start a Cooperative . “ Cooperative Farming ” is a Greenhorns Guidebook , containing how-to information, compiled from 42 interviews with farmers and professionals. Farmbrite includes tools to simplify and optimize the management of your cooperative .

So you want to have livestock, but you don't have a lot of acreage. No worries. There are lots of types of farm animals that will work for a small acreage. In this post, we'll cover a few farm animals that you might want to consider if you're pressed for space. Determining Your Farm's Purpose and Resources Determining your farm's purpose and resources is the first crucial step in planning a successful small farm. Begin by defining your primary goals—whether you want to raise animals for personal consumption, such as eggs, milk, meat, or lawnmowers, or for commercial purposes like selling products to local markets. Understanding your land’s resources is equally important. Assess the size of your farm, the availability of pasture, water sources, and shelter options, as well as your budget for feed, infrastructure, and veterinary care. Matching your goals with the farm's physical and financial capacities will help you choose the right animals and management practices for sustainable growth. Our Recommendations for Animals for Small Farms: Pekin duck Ducks are great for a small farm. They are well-tempered, produce wonderful eggs and they can also be raised as meat animals. On average Pekin ducks are about 10 lbs so they are too heavy to fly which makes them ideal for free range. They are fast growers and at around 6-9 weeks are big enough to eat. They are fair layers and will lay an average of 140 eggs per year. All ducks need a clean source of water to stay healthy and happy so be sure that you provide them with a reliable clean source. Learn more about getting started with and raising Pekin ducks . Quail The quail is a small, pretty bird. They get to be an average of 3.5 ounces. They lay small, speckled eggs and are primarily table birds but you might also sell the fertilized eggs for others to hatch locally. You can have a fair amount of quail since they are so small. Quail are also known to be fairly hardy birds so they don't tend to get sick often. As a specialty bird, you might be able to find a local chef to sell directly to and make a nice profit. Rabbits Small and a great option for small spaces. There are many options to choose from when deciding on a breed. Rabbits give birth to multiple offspring (up to 15 in 4-6 weeks) and grow fast, so be sure to plan to provide enough room for them. Raising rabbits for meat is most common, but some rabbits are also raised for fiber or to sell for stock so others can raise rabbits. Chickens This is a pretty standard animal to put on this list and definitely the gateway animal to farming. Chickens are easy to find at your local feed store, by hatching chickens yourself, or by finding other specialty birds locally. You can raise chickens for meat or eggs or both. Selling chicken eggs can be relatively easy and profitable. They are very easy to care for just remember to protect them from predators.  Raising chickens for meat or eggs can also provide some extra income for your small farm without a lot of overhead. Check out these chicken breeds for colorful egg production. Goats There are many breeds of goats to choose from but if you don't have a lot of space you might want to consider Nigerian dwarf goats. They are small in stature, have a sweet disposition, and are easy to milk. Just like all the other animals on this list, this is another breed that you will need to protect from predators. Goats are typically easygoing, friendly, and curious animals. They are excellent foragers and produce high-quality milk that can be used for milk, cheese, and soaps. Breeding goats can also be a profitable side business for your farm. Pigs There are many options for breeds of pigs. One breed in particular is Berkshire pigs. They are both small and versatile. Pigs can be a great addition to your small farm. Not only are they relatively easy to keep they can also be a helpful ally in tilling fields. Learn more about raising pigs for meat . Keeping Bees Bees are an excellent addition to any farm. You can have multiple hives in a small space, they require little maintenance, and provide honey which is often in high demand at farmer's markets. Bees are an outstanding helper with pollinating around the farm as well. Learn about getting started beekeeping Miniature Cows for Small Farms There are a ton of different breeds of cows that can be a good addition to your farm if you have the space. Depending on your land, miniature cows might be a good option, assuming that you have 2 acres or more. Miniature cows need at least 2 acres to utilize rotational grazing . Since these cows are smaller, about half the size, they consume about 1/2 the amount of resources of a standard-sized cow. Cows are versatile and can used for breeding, meat, or milk. Learn about buying cattle for your small farm. Ducks and Other Poultry There are a variety of other types of poultry and breeds of birds that might be a good fit for a small farm - from ducks to geese to turkeys to pheasants and even peacocks. Each poultry type has different forage and environmental needs, so do your research first to make sure you can provide them with a happy home. How many Farm Animals per acre? Curious about how many animals you can keep per acre. The number can vary depending on different factors, like your climate, terrain, property zoning, etc. Here are some ballpark numbers of animals per acre. Horses : One to two acres per horse Beef cattle : One to two acres per beef cow Dairy cattle : One to two acres per cow Goat : 6-8 goats per acre Sheep : 6-10 sheep per acre if grazing Pigs : 12-14 sows per acre Chickens : Up to 500 birds per acre if grazing them in a chicken tractor The best small animals for a small farm are those that are low-maintenance, versatile, and suited to your farm’s space and resources. There are many to choose from and it all depends on how much time and resources you want to get out of them. The animals we've suggested offer a range of benefits while being manageable on smaller plots of land. We hope this has been helpful to you as you decide to bring on new types of animals on your farm. If you need help keeping track of your livestock take a look at our farm management software, Farmbrite . We help farms of all sizes keep track of tasks, livestock, crops, inventory, accounting, e-commerce, and more. Give it a try for free for 14 days.

Most Profitable Crops to Grow This Season As farmers and small business owners, the bottom line is we want to have a successful business. To succeed in this competitive market we have to be creative and find and grow things that sell, pay the bills, and above all keep us doing what we love, farming!  Here is a list of some of the most profitable crops. Depending on your growing zone, and your farm setup, these crops may or not work for your farm. They are worth looking into for your small farm to see if they might be profitable. Here are some of the top options for high-return crops to grow this season. Growing Gourmet mushrooms If your climate accommodates mushrooms you could grow mushrooms outdoors and add gourmet mushrooms to your list of items you sell. Mushrooms are one of the most profitable crops to grow. But even if you don't have the climate in your favor you can do this in a very small space indoors and control the humidity, and temperature to get a profitable harvest. From gourmet food items to medicinal purposes mushrooms can get a great price at the market. Oyster mushrooms, chanterelle, shiitake, and reishi and all highly valued mushrooms you can produce. Not only can you sell the fresh "fruit" mushroom but you can pickle, make tea, make tinctures, dry, or make jerky out of the mushrooms (for vegetarians). Your crop cycles are short and at about $12 per pound, you can make a profit quickly. Growing Lavender Lavender prefers a mild winter and a warm sunny summer with low humidity. So it is important that you have the right climate to grow this profitable crop. You can harvest 3 times a year. After cutting the flowers and stems you can sell lavender bundles for 6-15 dollars per bundle. You can dry the flowers and sell them all winter long along with teas, soaps, and other smell-good items. Growing Hemp If you are able to grow hemp in your state it may be a beneficial crop to add to your list. With the legalization of hemp in over 36 states in the US it may be time to give this crop a second look. Hemp grows very vigorously and doesn't require a lot of fertilizer, water, or other amendments. It can be used as feed, biofuel, paper, building material, and textiles as well as seeds and oil can be collected and used industrially and for culinary uses. The profits range from roughly $130-730 per acre. Growing Cut Flowers ​Growing cut flowers for market can be a very profitable venture. It's almost unlimited in what you can sell. Perennial flowers from bushes like lilacs or roses or something more annual like sunflowers or cosmos. The greenery included in floral arrangements is also profitable. You could also choose to sell woody ornamental like willow, red twig dogwood, or pussy willows are also a great perennial crop that you harvest year after year. Growing Trees and shrubs This is ideal for a part-time or side business. Some highly sought-after trees are maple trees, fruit trees, nut trees, Christmas trees, fruit bushes, and roses. Just putting in a few hours per week after your initial investment you could find some reasonable profit here. Growing Ginseng You can sell both mature roots and young shoots to other growers and make a substantial profit. Ginsing seed is selling for about $150-200 a lb and mature roots are selling for $400-500 a lb. There is a bit of a commitment for this profitable crop type. Mature roots do take a while to cultivate - 6 years so the payoff here is an investment. Grow Teff Never heard of Teff? It's often used as a rotation grain it is also an ancient grain alongside farro, quinoa, spelt, amaranth, and millet. It boasts a high amount of vitamin C and protein. and iron and has been a big hit with the health-conscious and gluten-free crowd. It takes the award for the highest profit per acre. Which might this the most profitable crop to grow this season. It averages about $1,600-1,700 a lb per acre.    Growing Microgreens Micro-greens pack a tiny punch in the produce world. You don't need a lot of space and can make up to $50 per pound, and depending on your space and how you set things up you could produce 20-25 crops per year. Grow and Sell Bonsai trees Small trees for small spaces. If you have a small space to spare you could start growing Bonsai trees. You can sell the starts that are untrained to Bonsai enthusiasts and the trained trees. The trained trees are usually 2-3 years old so do require some time commitment. The trained trees can go for around $30-hundreds of dollars depending on the amount of time and the specimen. Growing Garlic It doesn't take a large amount of money or a large space to get started in garlic. And with specialty garlic being purchased in local grocery stores, depending on your market, you can find a profitable crop to sell locally. Types of specialty garlic are Romanian Red or Carpathian. A pound of garlic seed will produce 40-60 plants depending on the variety. Profiting about $16 per lb.  Grow Bamboo, Ground Covers, and Drought-Tolerant plants Droughts, fires, and dry conditions are becoming the norm. Growing bamboo, ground covers, and grasses in pots and selling them all over your local area or distributing them online. Growing drought-tolerant plants and selling them to landscapers, nurseries, and homeowners is another way to generate a profit.  Grow Wasabi Wasabi is a highly sought-after root that is more like a fine wine than a horseradish. Wasabi takes about 60-80 weeks to grow to a marketable size and has highly guarded secrets on how to grow it. Wasabi also gets the award for one of the hardest plants to grow on this list or even get a hold of. It does offer a nice prize for all that effort. Wasabi root goes for around $100 a lb in Japan and $45 a lb in North America. But First, Market Research Before selecting crops, it's essential for small farmers to conduct market research, assess their resources, and consider factors like labor, input costs, and potential profit margins. Diversifying crops can help spread risk over multiple crop types and can ensure a steady income throughout the growing season. There are many ways to grow your farm business . I hope that this list is useful and gives you a starting point to dig in and do your own research on what crops might be best for you.

Raising chickens can be fun...and profitable. Here's how... Keeping chickens and other poultry can be a wonderful way to supply yourself with fresh chicken and the best-tasting eggs around but you'll find that chickens can also be a great source of revenue. We've broken down some of the top ways to take your chicken business to the next level. Here are a few ways to turn a profit with chicken or other types of poultry. Raising Chickens for Meat Broiler Chickens First up on our list is raising meat birds. These birds are raised quickly, sometimes as fast as 8 weeks. Things to think about are where are you going to keep them, how long you need to keep them before they're ready and when/how are you going to process them. All of these steps need to be thought out ahead of time to make sure that you are going to find profit in this venture. Check with the laws in your area to see if you can butcher the birds which will keep your costs low.    Raising Stewing hens When your hens get a little older and stop producing eggs as regularly you might choose to sell them as stewing hens. Depending on your area and the regulations, you might sell them live or if your area allows, butchered for a higher price.  You might also sell hens that are a bit older to locals for their backyard flock. These hens are still laying, just maybe not at the rate you are looking for. You can re-home those hens to a local coop as a layer. Raising Chickens for Eggs Layer Chickens This is an easy one. Many people eat eggs every day and fresh eggs from a flock of chickens with a good diet are some of the best tasting eggs you can find. This is kind of a numbers game with the amount of chickens you need (1 egg per chicken per day). It goes without saying that your stock will need to be good layers-Red Star or Leghorns are good bet. Also, you will also need to keep your light at 14 hours during the winter months to keep the eggs coming. Keeping your flock healthy and in good living conditions is important to your investment as well as the animal's welfare.  Chicken Eggs for Incubating AKA chicken eggs for hatching Selling eggs for breeding can make you top dollar. When selling eggs for breading you are going to want to have a flock (or 3) that are hard to find poultry types. You could also choose a breed that is hard to get a hold of in your area.  Pick your stock from a breeder with a good reputation. You can either sell the fertilized eggs or the hatched chicks. Expect some that won't hatch though. Keep about 12 hens and 1 rooster in each flock. You can sell these eggs locally or ship them out. I've even seen eggs on eBay and Craigslist. Check out this post if you're interested in learning how to incubate chicken eggs . Chicks for sale? Selling Pullets and Chicks You can also raise the chicks for a bit of time and sell them either right before they're laying or when they are laying. Some people don't want to mess with raising chicks. You can sell these chickens at a premium because you have invested the time in raising them for them. Other types of poultry to think about adding There are many specialty chicken breeds that people will pay extra for to add to their flocks. Alternatively, you might sell ducks, turkeys, quail, guinea foul, or peacocks. Alternative sources of revenue from chickens A few other things to think about selling associated with chickens and poultry are; selling well-aged compost to local gardeners, and feathers to crafters. Bone broth is another item that can be a source of local income.  How to market and sell chickens Let me take a minute to add that not only do you need to raise the product but you have to put your business hat on and sell the product. Be prepared before you spend one dollar on this venture to get the word out, be prepared and professional when people call you about your product (call them back), and work on your marketing.  Learn about ways to market and sell your farm products online . As you can see there are many ways to make money with poultry. I'm sure there are more that aren't listed here as well. The most important thing to recognize as you begin is that there will be some mistakes but you can also learn from the mistakes others have already made. Here are some additional resources on raising chickens for profit Raising Poultry the Organic Way - Management and Production Videos on hatching chicken eggs Care and management Wishing you much success!

10 Essential Summer Cattle Care Tips As we move into longer and hotter days it's a good idea to keep in mind the changing needs of your herd. Heat stress can reduce population, fertility, and milk. Here are 10 essential summer cattle care tips to keep your herd healthy when the temperatures rise. 1. Access To Water Water and feed needs change for cattle as the seasons change. A mature lactating cow will consume roughly 20 gallons of water in a day or 2 gallons of water per 100 lbs of body weight. Non-lactating cattle and bulls require about 1 gallon per lb of body weight. If you are providing hay for your herd remember that stored hay and feed have less water content than pasture and pasture grazing has a high moisture content. Even so, it's important to provide cattle access to feed and clean water at all times. But as we said, this will change for your herd depending on what type of hay they are consuming. Make sure your livestock has plenty of water in the summer and plenty of room at the water source. In many areas, you may also want to test the water annually. Making sure your herd has adequate access to water is vital for cooling and overall health of your herd. Some signs of dehydration to look for are symptoms such as sunken eyes, lethargy, or dry mucous membranes. If this happens they will need to drink water slowly but immediately and you may want to contact your veterinarian. 2. Keep Them Cool Using evaporative cooling with exhaust fans, and circulation fans is an easy way to keep the air moving and the cattle cooling. Equip barns with fans or a cooling system to minimize heat stress.  Use Sprinklers, Soaker-lines and Misters Adding a sprinkler over a clean area of the barn can cool the area 10-15°. These can also be automated and can keep flies down as well since it makes it harder for them to fly. Additional Venting Add ventilation to barns to provide more airflow. Keep the barn doors open and fans circulating. Overheating can cause stress, sickness, and even death. Adding additional ventilation can help like ventilation in the tunnel and cooling cells. 3. Adjust Cattle Movements Pay attention to the quality of your pastures. During hot weather, forage can deteriorate quickly. Rotate cattle to ensure they are grazing on high-quality, nutritious forage. Many farms and ranches are finding grazing strategies to help reduce the overuse of pastureland in the summer. By implementing rotational grazing systems you can prevent overuse of any one pasture. This allows grass to recover and maintain better quality forage for your cattle, while also providing them with a more comfortable environment. When working or moving your herd, remember to move them slowly - at their own speed, to minimize stress. Work cattle early in the morning or evening when it's cooler. Pay close attention for signs of stress, especially in cattle with higher risk factors like ones that have not shed/are long-haired, or were previously sick. Also, keeping vaccinations, sorting, and other changes to cooler days. Additional stress can be extreme for severely affected animals and can suppress the immune system.  4. Summer Cattle Dietary Considerations The feed that your herd is eating is important to their overall health and can change as warmer temperatures come. Adding minerals, high-quality forage, and feeding them at specific times can be key to optimum health. Here are some top tips for feeding cattle in the warmer weather: Adjust Feeding Times:   Cattle won't want to eat or ruminate during the hottest times of the day. Feed them when it's cooler and they will eat better. This might be early morning or late evening. This helps reduce heat production from digestion during the hottest times of the day. Provide High-Quality Forage and Supplements:   Forage quality can decline in the heat. Ensure that the forage you're providing to your herd is still high in nutrients and not overly mature or dry. Supplement with high-quality hay if needed. Also consider supplementing with any vitamins and minerals that may be lacking in summer forage. This will ensure that their feed is balanced to support their health and productivity. Adjust Grain Rations:   If you’re feeding grains, consider reducing the amount during extremely hot weather. High grain intake can increase internal heat production, so balance with forage. Ensure Adequate Fiber:   Provide enough fiber in the diet to support proper digestion and avoid digestive issues. High-quality hay or forage can help maintain fiber intake when pasture quality is compromised. 5. Minimal Use of the Holding Pen Keeping cattle in a holding pen during the summer can have several drawbacks, primarily related to their health, comfort, and well-being. Here are some of the downsides of keeping cattle in holding pens in the summer months: Heat Stress:   Holding pens, especially if not well-ventilated or shaded, can become very hot. Cattle confined to such spaces may experience heat stress, which can lead to decreased appetite, reduced milk production, and other health issues. Poor Air Quality:   In a confined area, air quality can deteriorate quickly due to the accumulation of dust, ammonia, and other contaminants. Poor air quality can exacerbate respiratory issues and lead to general health problems. Limited Space and Increased Risk of Disease:   Holding pens usually offer limited space for movement. Cattle need space to move around, stretch, and lie down comfortably. Crowded spaces can lead to stress and discomfort, spread diseases, increase infections, and in severe cases, can contribute to lameness or injury. Behavioral Stress:   Cattle are social animals and can become stressed if confined for long periods. Stress can negatively impact their immune system and overall health, leading to lower productivity. Inadequate Cooling:   Without proper cooling systems, holding pens can become excessively warm. Unlike open pastures where they can find natural shade and cooling breezes, holding pens may not provide the necessary relief from heat. Nutritional Needs:   In a holding pen, it might be challenging to provide the necessary variety of feed and water sources that cattle would have access to in a more open environment. This could impact their nutritional intake and overall health. Waste Management Issues:   In a confined space, manure and urine accumulate more rapidly, which can lead to hygiene issues and further contribute to a decline in air quality. Behavioral Issues:   Lack of space and enrichment can lead to behavioral problems such as boredom, aggression, and stereotypies (repetitive, abnormal behaviors). To mitigate these issues, it’s often better to provide cattle with access to pasture or well-ventilated and shaded pens and to implement proper management practices to ensure their comfort and health during the summer months. 6. Managing Pests in your Cattle Herd As the warmer weather comes, so do the pests . This can cause stress and disease in your livestock. A few methods of pest management available are chemical, biological, and adding physical barriers between animals and pests. Here's a bit more information on those three types of management strategies. Chemical Treatments: There are many options for insecticides like pour-on or topical insecticides, injection-type treatments and vaccinations, and feed additives. Biological Control Measures: You might add a predatory insect, or nematode or use microbial control agents. Incorporating natural predator insects that feed on things like flies and ticks will keep down the infestation. You can also try microbial control against pests that contain Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt. Bt is a bacterium that naturally occurs in soil and produces spores that are toxic to insect larvae when eaten. This has been engineered to be used in other agriculture to fight pests such as in genetically engineered crops. Physical Barriers: You can use fly masks, or fly sheets to create barriers or an enclosed barn to reduce insect activity. Depending on your property and the size of your herd this might not be a viable option for you. Manure Management: Establish a manure management regimen by regularly cleaning out and composting manure to reduce fly breeding sites. Manure should be spread or removed from pastures to prevent fly larvae from developing. (Keep track of how often you're doing this and set up reminders in Farmbrite .) Rotating between pest control methods or using a few different methods is the best way to keep down the population and reduce damage and stress to your herd.  7. Monitor Behavior and Body Condition Regularly check the body condition of your cattle. If you notice weight loss or other signs of nutritional deficiency, and adjust the animal's diet accordingly. Regular Physical Inspections: Observe your cattle for changes in their body shape, weight, coat condition, and overall demeanor. You can visually look for signs of weight loss or discomfort, such as a protruding spine or hips. Using Body Condition Scoring (BCS) can help measure overall animal wellness. Use a body condition scoring system to evaluate the amount of fat cover an animal has. Usually, this score is on a 1 to 9 scale. This helps to assess whether the animal is too thin, an ideal weight, or too heavy. Animal behavior changes can also indicate issues or discomfort. Eating patterns, activity levels, and other signs may indicate their stress level. Based on observations and body condition scores, adjust feeding as necessary. This may include providing additional supplements or changing feeding times to accommodate heat stress. Evaluate Coat Condition: Inspect the skin and coat for signs of health issues, such as excessive shedding, roughness, or parasites. A healthy coat is an indicator of good nutrition and overall condition. Monitor Milk Production (for Dairy Cattle or Lactating Cattle): For lactating cattle, monitor milk production levels as a measure of nutritional adequacy and overall health. A drop in milk production can indicate a problem with their overall health. Record Keeping: Maintain detailed records of body condition scores, weights, feed intake, and any changes or interventions. This helps in making informed management decisions and tracking the effectiveness of your strategies. You can do this with a farm management software like Farmbrite from anywhere on your farm. 8. Shade and Shelter Shade not only keeps animals cool on hot days but it could also help them avoid sunburn. They might not stay in the shade though because of flies or other environmental factors but it should be available. If you don't have trees or natural shade you can add shade tarps or netting for additional shade. 9. Use Heat Tolerant Breeds Consider selecting or breeding more heat-tolerant cattle breeds in your herd. Certain breeds, like Brahman and Zebu are naturally better adapted to hot climates. Heat-tolerant cattle breeds are those that have adapted to thrive in hot climates, typically due to their physical characteristics, such as lighter coat colors, shorter hair, and increased skin surface area. Here are some of the most common heat-tolerant cattle breeds: Brahman Originating from India, Brahman cattle are known for their hardiness, and resistance to heat, parasites, and diseases. They have a large hump over their shoulders, loose skin, and a varying coat color, and produce less body heat which helps them dissipate heat. These cattle are sacred to some people and may be harder to obtain. Nelore Nelore cattle , originally from Brazil but descended from Indian Zebu, are highly heat-tolerant. They have a hump on their back, a short, white coat, which reflect sunlight and are known for their adaptability to tropical climates. They are raised for their low-calorie lean meat. Gir (Gyr) Another Indian breed, Gir cattle are highly heat-resistant and are often used in crossbreeding to improve heat tolerance in other breeds. They have long, droopy ears, a prominent hump, a domed forehead, and mottled coats. They are raised for both meat and milk production. Indu-Brazil This breed, a cross between Indian Zebu breeds like Gir and Nellore, was developed in Brazil. They have long droopy ears and are generally taller and lighter muscled. Indu-Brazil cattle are raised for thaie meat as they are large, and heat-tolerant making them popular in tropical regions. Afrikaner The Afrikaner cattle breed originates from South Africa and is known for its ability to thrive in hot and arid conditions. It has a smooth, red coat and is raised for the quality of its beef, its quiet temperament, resistance to heat, and high level of fertility under harsh conditions. Senepol Developed in the Caribbean island of St. Croix, Senepol cattle are a result of crossing N'Dama and Red Poll breeds. Senepol cattle are raised for meat quality, grazing ability, heat tolerance, and ease of birthing. They are naturally polled (without horns), have short hair, and are very heat-tolerant. Red Sindhi Another heat-tolerant breed from Pakistan and India, Red Sindhi cattle are small to medium-sized and have a dark reddish coat. They are raised for their high milk yields. They are well-adapted to hot, dry climates and are often used in crossbreeding programs. Boran Originating from East Africa, Boran cattle are highly resilient to harsh conditions, including high temperatures and drought. They are raised for meat production. They also show high resistance to heat, ticks, and eye diseases. They are small to medium-sized and have a smooth, light-colored coat. Romosinuano This breed comes from Colombia and Venezuela and is known for its heat tolerance and resistance to parasites. They are smaller than other breeds, docile, and are raised for their good quality meat. Romosinuano cattle are naturally polled and have a short, smooth coat that helps them stay cool. N'Dama Originating from West Africa, N'Dama cattle are a very heat-tolerant breed. They are raised for meat primarily. They are small to medium-sized with a short coat and are well-suited to hot, humid climates. If you can source some of these breeds they may help your herd tolerate hot temperatures. These breeds are particularly valuable in regions with hot climates, as they are better able to maintain productivity and health under conditions that would stress less adapted breeds. The caveat to that is that if you have very low temperatures in your region these breeds may not be as suitable since they have not adapted to that climate. 10. Monitor Health Regularly Keep a close watch on the overall health of the cattle, as heat stress can weaken their immune system, making them more susceptible to diseases. Regular health checks can help detect and address issues early. By regularly monitoring these aspects, you can ensure that your cattle remain in top health throughout the summer heat. Keep an eye out for issues so that you can make timely adjustments to their management as needed. The summer heat is taxing on all of us and keeping track of how your herd is fairing through those months is key to having a productive year. In conclusion, caring for cattle during the summer months involves a combination of strategies aimed at reducing heat stress and maintaining their overall well-being. Providing ample clean water, offering shade, and adjusting feeding times are fundamental practices to keep cattle cool and hydrated. Utilizing fans or misters, avoiding overcrowding, and minimizing stressful activities further help to alleviate heat-related challenges. Additionally, offering high-quality forage, selecting heat-tolerant breeds, and regularly monitoring cattle for signs of distress and health issues are critical to ensuring their comfort and productivity during the hot summer months. These comprehensive care tips help safeguard your cattle herd against the adverse effects of high temperatures. More information on Bacillus thuringiensis Keeping Animals Cool in the Summer Keeping Farm Animals Cool

It's no secret that businesses stay in business because they do what is profitable. So, as a farm, do you know what is making money on your farm? Do you know what isn't? If you can't answer these questions - quickly - you need to look into farm management software. Keeping your farm or ranch organized is an important part of your job as a business person. The fact that your job is in agriculture is just icing on the cake. Many things go into your day-to-day work but never forget the business side of your agribusiness; Finance management, daily tracking, task management, recourse management, customer service, and schedule juggling, are all inevitable parts of every business, and in a farm operation, this is no exception. Keeping accurate farm records is essential for the success of any farming operation, regardless of size. For small or medium-sized farms, maintaining detailed and organized records can help make informed decisions, manage resources efficiently, and increase profitability. No, it's not the most fun part of business but every farmer should be informed about their finances, farming productivity, and how their business is performing. In this post, we've covered key areas of information to keep for your farm management records, different record-keeping styles, and processes to track your farm records, how keeping good records can help your business, and the hidden value of keeping records. Why Keep Farm Records? As business owners, we want to make sure our business is healthy and thriving. But if you don't have information on your business, how do you even know? There is more to it than that. There is stress with being in business. Keeping track of your farm records might be more valuable than you think. Here's how record-keeping can the burden off you: Financial Management : Keeping track of income and expense records (more than once a year) makes it easy to manage cash flow, plan budgets, and identify profitable (and nonprofitable) areas of the farm. Tracking finances takes the pressure off you for three reasons; you know where you stand with your business finances, you don't have to keep track of numbers in your head, and it makes tax time easier. There may be fewer unpleasant surprises by keeping this information updated. Keeping records won't tell you when the irrigation pump might stop working, but it will help you know if you can afford to repair it. And you don't have to keep track of this all in your head. Tax Time: Tax reporting comes every year. One of the top reasons we hear why people start keeping track of their profit and expenses is to take the pressure off them at the end of the year during tax time. Instead of entering 5000+ receipts all at once, they do it in little bites. This simplifies this process and takes the stress off them because they have been tracking it all year. Compliance and Reporting : Many agricultural programs, grants, and loans require accurate records. Keeping good records ensures that you can easily meet these requirements whenever you might need that help. Keeping accurate records takes the stress out of a situation where you might need those documents right away. If you are trying to gather all that information under a loan or grant deadline, not only is that stressful but you can make mistakes. In a compliance situation, it's required to keep those records anyway. If you already have that information up to date in a safe place there is less to worry about. Performance Analysis : Keeping accurate and up-to-date records allows you to analyze crop yields, livestock performance, and resource use, helping you make data-driven decisions to improve productivity. You can see what things were done in a day, and what needs to be done tomorrow. This takes the burden off you as the owner-operator. You don't have to have all that information in your head. This takes the stress off you because you don't need to remember everything but it is saved and organized in a safe place where you can access the data to analyze when needed. Risk Management : By keeping detailed records, you can identify potential risks and take steps to mitigate them, whether they relate to feeding rates, returns, market fluctuations, weather patterns, or other challenges. As business people, there are challenges and risks but you shouldn't have to worry about these things constantly. Keep this information in a place where you can analyze the data and make good business decisions. You can't be clear-headed when you are worrying about these things because you don't have all the information or it's disorganized. Planning and Forecasting : Detailed records provide insights that help you plan future operations, from crop rotation schedules to livestock breeding plans. There is relief in being able to see your business data. This allows you to make clear and well-informed decisions when you have all the data in front of you. It tells a story and can show you what other questions to ask yourself and where you can go next in your business. Common Record-Keeping Challenges & How to Overcome Them Over the years we have spoken with countless customers who have come to us with record-keeping challenges. Here are some ways they overcame their challenges, what worked for them, and what we've used in our own farm businesses to overcome these challenges. The Problem: Time Constraints There is always more work to be done than time in the day. With time debatably being your most valuable resource it's important to spend it wisely. If you're feeling that you're stretched beyond your means, try doing a time audit . Then you can make sure you're spending your time on things that bring more revenue or create more business for you. It's great that you are busy but do you also have a thriving business? Be busy with the right things. Solution # 1: Use Systems Record-keeping can seem like an extra task on top of an already busy schedule. To overcome the age-old time constraint problem, have systems to make record-keeping part of your daily, weekly, or monthly routine. Don't let the paperwork get out of control. Take little steps to enter the data, or hire someone to do it for you. Also, you don't have to track everything. Just track the things that are going to make the most impact on your business. Solution # 2 : Use Technology You can use technology to simplify the process by using bulk edits, uploading, and importing data, or using integrating software that uploads information automatically. This will help you work smarter, not harder. The Problem: Data Accuracy Inaccurate records can lead to poor decision-making. Keeping good records and ensuring data accuracy are crucial for the success of any business, especially in agriculture. Accurate records provide valuable insights into operations, helping to track progress, identify areas for improvement, and make informed decisions. They enable farmers and ranchers to monitor costs, optimize resource use, and improve productivity. Good record-keeping also ensures compliance with regulations and can enhance the farm's reputation by demonstrating accountability and transparency. Solution # 1: Get on the Same Page Ensure everyone involved understands how to record data correctly. You can do this by coming up with processes and training for your staff. (This doesn't need to be complicated.) Your steps could be simple and look something like this: Step 1. Feed chickens, Step. 2 Measure how much feed is left, Step 3. Record the amount of feed used, Step 4. Refill water, Step 5. record the temperature of the coop. Or to get to the heart of the matter and more in-depth into your farm business, you might ask yourself a few business questions: - What information would help you see if things are going well on your farm? - Is this information something you can track or measurable? - How often should this be tracked for the best view of this data? - What area is going to make the most impact on your business? - What is going to drive revenue and more business? Maybe there are other questions you want answered as well. Write them down and find a way to answer them. After you've answered these questions, come up with processes around tracking that information, what it should look like in a healthy business, and what to do if it doesn't look the way you want. Then make changes accordingly. Again, this doesn't need to be overly complicated and you don't have to make these changes all at once. However, tracking information that helps you make positive changes in your business is key. Solution # 2: Double-check entries to ensure accuracy. Just like my dad said, measure twice, cut once. By making sure your records/calculations/measurements/etc. are accurate you will avoid more work for yourself later in trying to unravel what happened and why that measurement is off. If accuracy is hard for you, try going a little slower when you're recording something. The more you do it, the easier it will be. The Problem: Lack of Organization Disorganized records are as good as no records. Sometimes staff members are reluctant to keep records. Make sure that everyone on the farm knows the importance of these records and why you're taking them. These records are the pulse of your farm. If you can't find the pulse you can't see how things are going. The Solution: Have a System Clear up disorganization in your farm operation by setting up a clear, logical system for recording, storing, and retrieving information. Just like we discussed earlier having a system ensures that everyone is doing something the same way. Make sure this system is what the whole farm follows. Different Farm Management Record-Keeping Styles Tracking farm data effectively is crucial for improving productivity, making informed decisions, and managing resources efficiently. Here are some of the different ways to track your farm data. Manual Record Keeping Recording farm information on paper is a great entry point for record keeping. This method is inexpensive and gets you into the habit of tracking information. Unfortunately, it has some drawbacks. Features:  Paper logs, notebooks, 3 ring binders, for basic tracking of daily activities. Pros:  Simple and low-cost Cons: Prone to errors, does not scale with your business as it grows, is not easily searchable, easily lost, misplaced, or ruined, and you cannot access the information from everywhere. Spreadsheets This is another common way that farmers organize and track their data. We see folks outgrow this system in the long run though. They get frustrated by having so many spreadsheets all over the place, managed by different people. Features:  Customizable and flexible for small-scale operations; For tracking crop info, livestock checks, wellness, important dates and information, inputs, yields, financials, and expenses. Pros:  Low cost or free for Excel or Google Sheets, create whatever you want, sometimes accessible in multiple places. Cons: Creating them from scratch, may not be up to date, is time-consuming, might not give you everything you want, may leave out data, is prone to error, and data can be wiped out. Farm Management Software Ok, we're biased toward this way of tracking to be sure, but having tried those other ways and finding poor results and having over a decade of hearing other farmers' bad experiences we have some data to go on. Here are some pros and cons to think about. Features:  Can track task management, crop dates, treatments, harvests, and sales, soil conditions, livestock health, livestock grazing and movements and other data, important dates, important records, track and give weather patterns and climate data, farm mapping, equipment usage and maintenance, eCommerce and customer data, financials, resources and inventory, and more. Pros:  Can be accessible from anywhere and on any device, user friendly depending on the company, information is in real-time, ready-made reports, data is safe and always available, "talks to" or integrated into other technology, it's flexible and can be used like one of the other methods (print things out if needed or download to a spreadsheet) and technology is updated and improved all the time. Cons:  Cost depending on the company, getting up and running on a new system Remote Monitors, IoT Devices, and Sensors - Oh My Companies are finding more and more ways to try to make tracking easier for farmers. Sensors, remote monitors, or The Internet of Things (IoT) can offer numerous benefits and some drawbacks. Here are some of the pros and cons of tracking data in this way: Features:  Can track crop yield, soil conditions, livestock movement, weather patterns, equipment usage, financials, and inventory. Pros:  Tracks information remotely for you, sends data to be analyzed, reduces risk to crop or livestock if monitored, and can be analyzed in conjunction with another app or software if integrated. Cons:  Cost of devices/hardware, connectivity challenges, technology can break down and you might miss that data opportunity, technology changes quickly and may become quickly obsolete, may need to have a subscription for the software as well. Tips for Effective Farm Record-Keeping We believe strongly that good record-keeping makes or breaks a farm business. It's why we are so passionate about it. We want farms to succeed! So here are some tips for effective record-keeping on your farm. Choose the Right System : Select a record-keeping system that works for you, whether it's a clipboard, a simple notebook, a spreadsheet, or farm management software. Be Consistent : Regularly update your records to keep them accurate and current. Set aside a specific time each day, week, or month to enter data and review your records. Timeblock your calendar to enter that information and analyze what it tells you. Don't skip those reminders. Keep It Simple : Start with basic records and expand as you become more comfortable. The goal is to create a system that's manageable and suits your farm's needs. Use Farm Management Software : Consider using farm management software designed for small to medium-sized farms. These tools can streamline record-keeping, automate data entry, and provide valuable insights through reports and analytics. We talk about Farmbrite below if you want to learn more about our software. Train Your Team : If you have employees or family members helping on the farm, ensure they understand the importance of record-keeping and know how to input data correctly. Make sure you are all doing it the same way. Review and Analyze : Periodically review your records to assess farm performance and identify areas for improvement. Use this information to make adjustments and plan for the future. Digital solutions often provide added benefits but that might not work for your budget. Go with what works for you now. As you grow, look at those systems to see if they still work for you. We all start somewhere. That's the important part, having a system to track your data and make smart decisions with that data. How Can Farm Management Software Help Your Farm? Here are some ways that using farm management software on your farm can help you be more organized and efficient. It's important to do your research and find the best company for you. Here are a few of the things that farm management system can help you track on your farm. Measure efficiency and progress Easily prepare accounts at year-end Understand financials on a day-to-day basis Help plan for upcoming payments, equipment maintenance , farm tasks, etc. Organization! Know what tasks were or weren't done - by whom Track records online and access them from anywhere Track schedules and timesheets Track grazing movements Identify strengths and weaknesses in the farm business Help manage changes and improvements in the agribusiness Make productivity projections Help maximize the expenses you claim and minimize your tax burden Make it easier to pay employees and creditors and see what is owed Keep livestock notes, breeding, health records, and genealogy information (and more) in one place Track organic certification notes, data, tracking, and more Keep track of customer information, sales, and schedules Keep track of equipment and vehicle maintenance Honestly, this just scratches the surface of what farmers track... Writing everything down manually or keeping all your information in separate spreadsheets requires a lot of time, is prone to errors or loss of records, and can be difficult to calculate each expense/sale/investment and compare it to productivity. To make it easy, Farmbrite has done this for you. We have many charts, graphs, profit and loss reports, seed calculators, average daily gain reports, and much more to give you this information quickly. You can also enter notes and information quickly with our quick add, using a QR scanner and your mobile device, or an integration. Keeping track of your agricultural business online with Farmbrite helps you track costs and income, tasks, schedules, and all the daily work for your agricultural business easily and saves you a ton of time. Let Farmbrite do the tracking for you, while you focus on the rest of your daily tasks. Record Keeping Doesn't Have To Be Overwhelming Keeping farm records doesn't have to be overwhelming. By starting with the basics and gradually incorporating more detailed information, you can create a record-keeping system that supports your farm's success. Whether you're tracking financials, production, or inventory, consistent and accurate records will help you make better decisions, improve efficiency, and ultimately boost your farm's profitability. If you're looking to take your farm record-keeping to the next level, consider exploring farm management software options that are tailored to the needs of small farms. With the right tools, you'll be well on your way to more organized, data-driven farming. Happy Farming!​ From the Team at Farmbrite

Agriculture or farming is the practice of cultivating plants and livestock, typically for the purpose of human consumption. Agriculture was the key advancement that helped to lead to the rise of modern human civilizations and allowed people to move from migratory hunter/gather societies to more sedentary existences. Agriculture and managed farm cultivation have been in practice for thousands of years. Even if we don't work in agriculture it impacts our daily lives. Here are some fun and interesting facts about agriculture! Keep reading to learn some amazing and interesting facts about farmers and farming. Half the Habitable Land on Earth is Used for Farming Today almost half of the world’s habitable land is used for farming , with more than 3/4 of this is used for livestock production. If we look at all the land used for grazing or to grow crops for animal fodder - land use for livestock accounts for about 77% of total global farming land use. However, while the production of livestock occupies the majority of world farmland it only generates about 20% of the calories and about 40% of the protein for the global food supply. About 1/2 of the World's Population Works in Agriculture Food is essential to our livelihoods. On average over the last few decades, about 40% of the world's population was employed in some agricultural-related industry. However, according to data from The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations , the percentage of people working in food production has declined steadily over the past 2 decades. This is primarily driven by the development of infrastructure, technology, and improvements in farm yields, which lead to the need for fewer people to labor as farm workers. According to the USDA , in 2020 there were about 19 million full and part-time jobs in the food and agriculture sector, which represents about 10% of the US labor market. The World Raises - and Eats - a Lot of Cows According to a cattle report published by the U.S Department of Agricultural Statistics Service, in January 2024 there were 87.2 million head of cattle and calves on U.S Farms . This number is reduced from the year before by 2%. The U.S. is still the world's largest beef producer but India has the most dairy cows . It takes about 1.5 to 2 acres to feed a cow/calf pair for 12 months with cows consuming about 2% percent of their body weight or 24 pounds per day. Today, about 80% of the world's habitable land is used for the grazing of livestock (including cattle) and the production of animal feed. In terms of production, a 1,200-pound steer results in about 490 pounds of beef. A dairy cow can produce between 6-7 gallons of milk per day (or about 2,500 gallons per year). Learn about different breeds of cows . It's also interesting to note that while there are plenty of meat eaters in the U.S. and around the world veganism and vegetarianism are on the rise in the U.S and their numbers are only increasing. In 2020 one study found that 7.3 million individuals follow a vegetarian-inclined diet . Due to health concerns, animal rights issues, and environmentalism people choose a plant-based diet for all meals or a meatless night a few times a week. 4.5 Million Organic Farmers Worldwide Organic certification is currently the “gold standard” in food production. Organic growers , who grow food using natural processes and materials, are growing throughout the world. The number of farmers who reported using organic growing methods has increased from 2.9 million to 4.5 million in the last few years. This is due to the rise in demand for organically produced food . The organic foods market in the U.S. was worth $258.9 billion in 2024. Consumers are looking for healthy foods and while there are many other “food labels” in the retail marketplace, “organic” is by far the most familiar one. Learn more about the steps to organic certification . Some Plants Require Cold Weather to Flower This process is called cold stratification . This is a process where seeds are exposed to cold temperatures (about 40°F or 5°C) . This process mimics the same conditions that happen in the spring in the northern hemisphere. During this process, the outer layer of the seed breaks down, letting in moisture, and allowing the dormant plant to sprout. Farmers also use warm stratification to mimic warm growing conditions and scarification of seeds to "scratch" the hard outer coating of seeds. All of these methods are ways that farmers replicate the natural growth cycle of plants to encourage them to sprout. Crayons Are Grown - From Soybeans The soybean oil from one bushel of soybeans will make 2,112 crayons. One acre of soybeans can produce 82,368 crayons! Wow, that's a lot of crayons! 43% of Farmers Are Women Over a third of the 3.3 million farm operators worldwide are women, and 1.2 million women farmers in the U.S . Women farm operators have increased 20% since 2002, and more than 75% of women farm operators are owners of their land. Check out these amazing women farmer innovators . Fungus Helps Trees Grow Fungi are amazing! They are an integrated partner in a healthy ecosystem with trees . Trees and fungi are interconnected in an underground mycorrhizal network. These white threads of mycelium that you find in a handful of healthy soil are part of fungi. These threads are a fungal network and act as a sort of web to distribute and share food and water and are essential to the health of trees. Amazingly plants have evolved to have symbiotic relationships with fungi. The fungi help plants and in return, the plant roots give the fungi carbon, energy through carbohydrates, and other nutrients. Over 30% of All Food Grown is Never Eaten Nearly a third of all food produced in the world is never eaten. Every year that's 30 million tons of food just in the U.S. and 1.3 billion metric tons worldwide. As it also happens, 44 million people in the U.S. are food insecure. Those two things seem to be at odds with one another. Why are we wasting food? Some food is lost during the harvesting or processing part of farming, some is lost due to the food not being the right size, shape, or color. Some of the food is never harvested from the fields due to poor resale value or overproduction. Of the food that reaches American homes, about 25% of it is thrown away. The reasons for food loss at home is due to things like poor storage and spoilage, the " leftovers " dilemma, poor planning, and not knowing how to prepare a certain food. Check out these tips to reduce food waste and compost . Additional References: Global Land Use US Land Uses Ag and Food Related Industries Economic Information Farmbrite is a complete seed-to-sale farm & livestock management software that helps farms & ranches be more sustainable and successful.

For many farmers, your farm stand is another way to bring your product to more customers as they drive by your location. Farmbrite has made it easy for you to take it a step further and offer your customers (and potential customers) a way to find and purchase your products online easily. In addition to the obvious potential growth from a new sales channel, offering farm sales online provides a more modern convenient experience for your customers which can help build customer loyalty and report sales. There are a ton of reasons why people shop online: It's easy Less stress No crowded stores You can shop anytime Sometimes they can get a discount Browse online and find the prefect item instead of going to several stores. Just think about your own online shopping habits and why you might find yourself shopping online and apply this to your customers. Online Farm Sales, Orders, and e-Commerce Features Easily market & sell your farm products with your online store Use Quick Pay- Customers scan a QR code and pay quickly and handsfree View your online sales with the dashboard sales graphs & data Manage your available products, inventory updates & invoicing Customize your online look, image gallery, information about you, and more. Manage your order history, status, and billing Easily find and contact your customers Create custom reports to see your profit and loss A contact you page with your social media links Safe and secure payment And more The time is now to take your product online and reach more customers. Take Farmbrite out for a trial run. Try For Free Want To Do More With Your Online Farm Store? If you're looking for additional e-commerce features for your farm beyond what Farmbrite offers, we recommend Local Line . Local Line helps farmers, producers, and food hubs sell online and optimize their order fulfillment. The e-commerce, CRM, inventory, and logistics modules enable you to create your store, find new customers, and turn your passion into profit! Subscriptions start as low as $30/month! Try Local Line today and get a premium feature using our coupon code, BRITE2023 when registering. Terms and conditions apply. Use this exclusive link !

At our latitude it’s not unusual to see snow on the ground six months of the year – or more. Having such a compressed growing season presents many challenges. Using a greenhouse can help by extending the season and offering protection from extreme temperatures and weather-related damage. But greenhouses can also benefit our friends who live outside of the snowbelt. Greenhouses can guard against birds and mammals, and reduce exposure to pests, weeds, and disease. They can also make it possible to produce a wider range of plants, bringing exotic items like citrus trees, melons, and eggplants further north than would otherwise be possible. When calculating the pros and cons of a greenhouse, the first thing that often comes to mind is cost. The good news is that greenhouses can be as varied in size and expense as pickup trucks. Thinking about extending your season with a greenhouse? Here are a few things to consider about the structure, placement, heating, and ventilation. Types of Greenhouses Greenhouses can start as simply as a cold frame or a hotbed, constructed very inexpensively with scrap lumber and clear plastic. Window-mounted greenhouses provide a third small-scale option. While any of these can extend your growing season on a very modest budget, let’s focus on larger alternatives that you can actually step into. Here the first consideration is whether the greenhouse will attach to an existing structure or stand on its own. The Attached Greenhouse An attached greenhouse shares a wall with an existing structure, often a house. This saves some construction costs and offers accessibility to the water, power, and heat from the house. It also minimizes the walk to the greenhouse on snowy days. There are two types, the lean-to and the even-span. The even-span design makes larger builds possible. Regardless of which you choose, the shared side of an attached greenhouse cannot exceed the height and width of the attached structure, so there are built-in size limitations. Plus your plants can’t get sunlight from the shared wall, reducing the total amount of available light. Finally, if a greenhouse shares heating and ventilation with the attached structure, your ability to control these items separately is likely limited, too. The Free-standing Greenhouse Because a free-standing greenhouse shares no existing walls, it’s inherently more expensive. It’s also much more flexible. The only limits on size, location, heat, and ventilation are your property lines, budget, and any applicable building codes. Among the popular designs, most fall into three roof designs; triangular, gutter-connected, and curved. Triangular Roofs These traditional-looking greenhouses include the gable, even-span, and A-frame designs. They offer maximum sunlight and lots of headroom (particularly in the center). However, they typically use glass floor-to-ceiling, which requires more significant (and expensive) framing . Gutter-connected Roofs Gutter-connected structures include ridge & furrow and sawtooth designs. Similar in many ways to triangular builds, they essentially connect multiple roofs at the gutter and are more cost-effective over large areas. The tradeoffs inherent in these designs include reduced ventilation and sunlight. Curved Roofs Curved roof greenhouses are typically constructed by draping a polyethylene film over a hoop frame (made of plastic or metal). Popular designs include quonset, hoop, gothic, and tunnel. Some offer roll-up sidewalls or end walls that can be raised for ventilation. Curved roof greenhouses are less expensive to build than more substantial triangular structures, and don’t have the ventilation and sunlight issues of gutter-connected roofs. Plans for a wide variety of attached and free-standing designs are available online, often at no charge. Check out these free plans from University of Georgia Extension . Covering and Frame Materials Covering options include glass, polycarbonate, and plastic films, each with pros and cons in terms of price, durability, transparency, and heat/moisture retention. Glass remains transparent as it ages, and retains heat and moisture, but is easy to break, expensive, and requires more extensive infrastructure. Polycarbonate can vary greatly in quality and price; more expensive double-wall construction can retain heat better than glass, and cheap offerings can yellow with age. Plastic film options offer the transmissivity of glass at a fraction of the price, but will eventually have to be replaced (some sooner than others). Frame options can include wood, plastic, aluminum, and steel, again with varying qualities and prices. Wood, for example, is easy to work with but becomes susceptible to rot in the moist confines of a greenhouse. Greenhouse Sizes Whatever size greenhouse you choose, chances are you’ll fill it up sooner than you think, so plan accordingly. You may choose a bigger footprint than you think you need, or to choose a design that facilitates expansion. Don’t forget to account for walkways and aisles which can take up a third of your space. Especially if you’re tall, keep in mind that some designs only have ample headroom at the peak of the roof. Consider the consequences of both stooping and the need for heating and ventilation when considering any design. Greenhouse Placement and Location In the northern hemisphere, the preferred placement for an attached greenhouse is on the south or southeastern side of the house. The eastern side would be your next choice; the northern side would be your last. For free-standing greenhouses, latitude plays a factor in optimal placement. In northern latitudes (above 40°N) using an east/west orientation can result in more sun in the winter months. South of 40°N, a north/south orientation is preferred. Optimum placement may differ depending on the type of greenhouse used, however, so keep an eye open for that. Typically you’d like your greenhouse to be in a spot that provides direct sunlight at least six hours a day, although afternoon shade from deciduous trees that lose leaves in the winter, can have advantages. Other orientation (and door placement) considerations include drainage (depending on how level the site is), prevailing winds, and access for the items you’ll haul in and out as well as water and power. Greenhouse Heating Depending on what you’re growing you’ll want to determine whether you’re simply trying to keep the minimum temperature over 40°F, or if your target is closer to 60°F. Also, be sure to factor in how much colder than it gets in your neck of the woods. Free and low-cost heating options include the passive solar benefits of the greenhouse itself, composting, and techniques that can help retain daytime heat. These can range from sealing up cracks and adding various kinds of insulation to thermal mass options like building a cinder block wall or installing 55-gallon drums of water. There are all kinds of things you can burn to heat up your greenhouse, too. Some options, like wood, are very labor-intensive. Many combustible fuels produce dangerous carbon monoxide. All require safe venting. Other heating options include everything from space heaters and fans to forced air furnaces and steam systems. Shade and Ventilation for Greenhouses Of course, greenhouses can get too hot – and humid – in any climate. Shading can reduce light and heat in the greenhouse, while proper venting can let excess heat and humidity escape. Shading In addition to taking advantage of the seasonality of deciduous tree shade, there are two categories of active shading; compound or curtains. Shade compound, or whitewash, is applied like paint onto the greenhouse covering. You control the amount of shade provided by diluting the application. Pick a dry day to apply the compound as rainfall within 24 hours can remove the coating. Otherwise, it should remain in place until you wash it off in the fall. Of course, the amount of shading remains fixed in the meantime. In contrast, shade curtains offer maximum flexibility as they can be opened and closed at will. They can be placed inside or outside the greenhouse. Placing them outdoors increases their effectiveness, but can reduce their lifespan. Not only can they reduce sunlight at high noon, they can also be used to retain energy at night. On the downside, they are much more expensive than shade compounds and can compete for space with lighting, power, and ventilation. Ventilation Even in northern winters a greenhouse can get too warm on a clear, sunny day. Proper ventilation is a must. Hand-operated vents are inexpensive and can make a difference, but need to be constantly monitored and maintained. Automated options offer better control and require far less vigilance but add significant costs. Next Steps Still interested? Check out some of the sites below to take your greenhouse research to the next level. Good luck and stay warm! Additional Greenhouse Resources Frame Consideration Horitech Greenhouse Greenhouse Growing: Tips for Basic Greenhouse Cultivation Mother Earth News Greenhouse Management Online University of Arkansas, Fayetteville Greenhouse Site Selection NewFarm.org Greenhouses: Heating, Cooling, and Ventilation the University of Georgia Extension Hobby Greenhouses University of Georgia Extension How to Heat a Greenhouse in the Winter NewAir Keep Cool with Greenhouse Shading GreenhouseGrower.com Orientation and Structural Considerations HighTunnels.org What are the Different Types of Greenhouse Structures? GrowingGreenHouse.com DIY greenhouse resource topwindowfans.com Trying to decide whether to build a greenhouse? Decisions like these are best made when you have easy access to all your farm data. Farmbrite can help you organize all aspects of your farm business. Start your free trial today .

With the expansion of mobile technology and the ever-increasing access to reliable internet service, there are more and more mobile apps being developed to support every type of organization. Farms and ranches are no exception. Many of these mobile apps are designed to help collect information and determine issues that might be coming up for farmers in their fields, soil, weather, and other updates concerning their land and crops. This can all be collected on their smartphone and used to problem solve for you.     There are some specifically, that we thought are helpful. They are apps working with weed and pest identification, weather, field mapping, commodity pricing, irrigation tools, pesticide application charts, and more. Some people love all the tech and gadgets and of course, some people do not. Wherever you land on that spectrum here are some mobile apps in the agricultural technology realm to check out that just might help you be more successful this year. ​ AGriMobile This app features commodity news, weather, local cash grain quotes, and charts, as well as local news. Xarvio A scouting app that identifies weeds recognizes diseases, analyses leaf damage and field stress, crop emergence analysis, and shows the nitrogen uptake. FarmDog App Scout your fields for issues, and share field observations and treatment decisions. Field check App View pesticide applicators of any kind to locate specialty crop and beehive locations from their mobile device or tablet. FieldNet mobile This is a remote irrigation management tool. You can remotely change your irrigation as it shows irrigation pivots. Aphid Speed Scout Is an app through the University of Nebraska. It helps you track your aphid counts on soybeans (or other crops). Pl@ntNet This is a plant identification tool. You can sort by your location what types of weeds you find. Ag PhD App This app helps you identify problems in your field specifically with weeds and insects. It gives you the name, a photo, and some control recommendations. Fambrite While you're checking out the mobile technology please keep in mind our software, Farmbrite . Our farm management app lets you track farm mapping and planning, weather updates, organization, and spending all while on the go. There are more and more agricultural apps popping up all the time with the goal of helping farmers and ranchers identify problems and solve them quickly.