• SYNTEX INDUSTRIES DONATES MASKS


    Syntex Industries is a manufacture of roll tarps and tarps for the AG Industry. Since late March, Syntex has been manufacturing masks and donating them to hospitals and care centers. There was a supply shortage of masks because of the Covid-19 pandemic, Syntex Industries decided to help out and began manufacturing masks. They followed state specifications on how a mask is to be made. So far over 1,000 masks have been donated. They plan on manufacturing more and have a stock supply in case there is a second round of Covid-19 in the fall. Syntex is glad they could ...

  • Chief Agri Names Mark Kjar as General Manager

    (KEARNEY, NE: July 6, 2020)- DJ Eihusen, President/CEO of Chief Industries, announced Mark Kjar as the new President/General Manager of Chief Agri, headquartered in Kearney, Nebraska. 
    Kjar is going back to his roots where he began his career with Chief in 1998.  He advanced to Manufacturing Manager at Chief Fabrication in 2006, and promoted in 2010 to General Manager. 
    Chief Agri specializes in the design, manufacture, and sale of grain storage systems around the world.  As President/General Manager of Chief Agri, Kjar will provide the vision and leadership for global market growth, uphold high quality expectations, and satisfy ongoing consumer ...

  • How to Plan a Farm Wedding in 7 Easy Steps

    Planning a farm wedding? If so, congratulations! We know it’s exciting and overwhelming, but don’t be anxious. Weddings have lots of details but they’re all easy to manage with a little bit of planning and preparation. Below, we’ll explore how to plan the perfect farm wedding in just 7 easy steps!
    Set a budget accordingly
    First things first, before you do anything for your wedding you need to set a budget. This is extremely important because it will help you keep on track with expenses. You want to stay in tune to your finances throughout the entire planning process and ...

  • How to Name Your Farm - 5 Tips and Tricks

    Are you struggling to name your farm or ranch? If so, don’t stress out. With just a few simple steps, you’ll be well on your way to giving the farm a thoughtful, unique name that will suit you for years to come. 
    Naming a farm
    Before you give your farm a name, there are a few simple tips and tricks to keep in mind to help you come up with something creative, meaningful, and useful:
    Keep it short and simple
    First things first - keep your name short and simple. Giving the farm a name that is a mile long ...

  • Benefits of Shopping at Your Local Farmers Market

    Shopping at the grocery store is great. You can get virtually anything you want or need, all in one location. But are you getting the healthiest, freshest options available? Probably not. At grocery stores, you’re receiving goods that have been shipped from long distances, meaning they’re at least a week old by the time you get them home.
    At a farmers market, though, you’re getting fresh and healthy options that were hand picked by hard working people, harvested just hours before your pick them up. Want to learn more about the benefits of shopping at farmers markets? Keep reading below.

  • Why Dogs Are so Important for Running a Farm

    If you run a farm, then you are probably aware that it’s a lot of work. In fact, there is so much work to be done on a daily basis that it feels like you’ll never finish it all. If you’re overwhelmed, then you’ll be happy to know that there’s a solution to a lot of your problems - dogs. While there are certain breeds that work better than others, it still remains true that dogs are assets to farms these days. 
    Want to learn more about how dogs are so important for running a farm? If so, keep reading ...

  • How to Design the Farmhouse Kitchen of Your Dreams

    One of the biggest trends right now is the farmhouse-style kitchen and it’s very easy to see why. The perfect mix of modern and traditional, with many different variations of style, farmhouse kitchens are versatile and timeless. Are you interested in designing the farmhouse kitchen of your dreams? If so, then keep reading as we explore some of the most popular designs.
    Farmhouse kitchen designs
    There are so many different styles when it comes to farmhouse kitchens, but don’t let that deter you. One of the best parts of designing a farmhouse kitchen is the fact that you can’t go ...

  • Where to Buy Chickens for Your Farm

    If you’re looking to lessen your family’s grocery bill by harvesting your own farm-fresh eggs, or you’re wanting to supplement your farm’s income by raising chickens, you’ve come to the right place. Keep reading below as we discuss where to buy chickens for your farm.
    Chicken Farming
    Chicken farming, or poultry farming, is the process of raising chickens and other poultry, such as ducks and turkeys, for their meat and/or their eggs. It has become increasingly popular in the past few years because individuals are more interested in where their food is coming from. People want to have more connection ...

  • What Does a Land Appraiser Look For?

    Thinking of buying or selling some farmland this year? If so, you’re probably going to need an appraiser to come out and look at the property in question before you do anything else. If you’re reading this article then you’re probably wondering, what does a property assessor look for when doing a land appraisal? We’ll dive into some of the details for you below.
    Property Assessment
    In order to properly price and sell land, you’re going to need a property assessment done. This means that a property assessor will come out to the property and spend some time walking around, ...

  • The 5 Most Interesting Gems Found at Farm Auctions

    Farm auctions are a great place to buy farm equipment, but you can also find other items and collectables. What else can you get? Continue reading below to discover the 5 most interesting gems you can find at a farm auction.
    Farm Equipment Auctions
    There are so many items that can be bought or sold at a farm auction. Below, we’ll explore some of those items in more detail.
    Used Farm Equipment
    The most obvious item of all, used farm equipment. Most people go to farm auctions to purchase used farm equipment and livestock equipment. Because these are the featured ...

  • Tips for Selling Used Farm Equipment

    In our previous blog post, we went over the basics of determining value for used farm equipment. It can be difficult, but with a little bit of guidance and some practice, you’ll be a pro in no time. Want some tips and tricks to make the process go smoother? Keep reading below.
    Used Farm Equipment -Tips and Tricks
    So you want to know the secrets to success? You’ve come to the right place! Below are some of our tips and tricks to successfully sell your used farm equipment like a pro:
    Update its Appearance
    This is one of the oldest ...

  • Determining the Value of Used Farm Equipment

    Determining the value of used farm equipment can be a tricky task in the agriculture industry, but we’re here to help! Farm2Ranch facilitates the buying and selling of used farm equipment all over the midwest region so we’re very comfortable with the process. Because we know it can be difficult, we have broken down the process for you to make things simple. Keep reading below to learn how you can determine the value of your used farm equipment.
    Used Farm Equipment Value
    The first step to buying and selling used farm equipment is determining its value. To do this, you ...

  • 4 Expert Tips For Winter Farm Equipment Maintenance

    Winter is on its way, and that means storing your farm equipment. But before you do, you can avoid damage and deterioration by following these simple maintenance tips. This will ensure your farm equipment in tip-top shape for the next spring and summer harvest season.
     
    1. Clean It Up
    You just finished your fall harvest and your farm equipment is understandably dusty, musty and dirty. Just like dirty clothes and dirty dishes, if you wait to wash them, it gets harder and harder to clean. Moist or liquid mud and dirt can also harden, which can cause rust and ...

  • Farm And Agriculture News: Iowa Corn And Soybean Harvest Recap

    This corn and soybean harvest has been challenging. Although we’ve been incredibly behind the overall five-year average, we are moving forward. We finally had some dry weather, which allowed many of us to roll our combines. This is a relief to both farmers and livestock, who were both stressed and waterlogged waiting to get out into the fields.
     
    Soybean And Corn Harvest Averages
     
    Soybeans have been consistently six days behind and corn has been one day behind the five-year average. According to a USDA statewide survey on November 4th, 72% of the corn has been harvested and 88% ...

  • Agriculture News: Iowa Corn And Soybean Harvest

    We’ve had a very rainy and soggy Iowa corn and soybean harvest this year. There were very few days dry enough for field work, but we still came out with surplus crops. The leaves have changed, the holidays are nearly upon us! With winter planting nearest done, let’s take a look back this month’s corn and soybean harvest.
     
    The Corn Harvest
     
    Iowa’s corn harvest was roughly 5 days ahead of average despite wet weather. Yields were pretty good, but when there’s rain, there are wet crops that need to be dried. We don’t often think about it, but ...

  • Farm News: October Was National Cooperative Month

    In recent farm news, we have an exciting annual event to report: October was National Cooperative Month or National Co-op Month! National Co-Op Month has been celebrated annually for over fifty years and counting. It’s a time where co-op businesses educate our communities and the greater United States on what it means to belong to a cooperative. Businesses discuss values and principles unique to being part of a co-op. It’s organized by a group of cooperatives that are recognized by the USDA and NCBA CLUSA. They highlight cooperatives’ roles in food service, credit unions, utility cooperatives, insurance cooperatives, housing co-ops ...

  • Agriculture Equipment That Works Harder And Smarter: Introducing GSI’s Z-Series Grain Bin

    If you’re an avid follower, you probably already know that we’re dedicated to highlighting progress and innovations in agriculture equipment that benefits the Ag community. Anything that will make our jobs more efficient, because the goal isn’t just working harder, it's working smarter. And that’s exactly what GSI has done with the Z-series Grain Bin with Flexwave Technology.
     
    The Z-Series Grain Bin With Flexwave Technology Is Revolutionary In Several Ways
     
    It’s Easy To Use
     
    The Z-series Grain Bin with Flexwave Technology has an automating control system that’s easy and efficient. Using less than one psi of air ...

  • Agricultural News: Highlighting Innovative Equipment At This Year’s Farm Progress Show

    We offer the latest in equipment, events and agriculture news, and we can’t ignore one the nation’s largest outdoor farm event, the Farm Progress Show. The Farm Progress Show wrapped up on August 30th and this year’s show featured more farm technology and innovation than ever before! The Farm Progress Show has been celebrating agriculture and presenting innovations that combine progress with tradition for 65 years.
    Manufacturers rolled out so many new innovative machines and products, we couldn’t possibly feature them all, but here are just a few of the many remarkable innovations that companies presented to the Ag ...

  • The Latest Farming News: The 2018 Iowa State Fair

    How does that saying go? Nothing compares to the Iowa state fair. If you’ve ever been, you know that this is so true. And this year was no exception! The events, the entertainment, the rides, the awards, the parade, and of course the food. The food at the fair is always incredible and with a wide range of foods, and even a 4-dollar or less option, you can feed your excitement, your joy, your belly and your soul (your inner foodie)! 
     
    Here’s Some Of The Latest Farming News About The Iowa State Fair
    The Grandstand
    What’s the latest ...

  • Farm And Agriculture News: Reflecting On Detasseling Season

    What Is Detasseling, Anyway?
     
    Here’s some farm and agriculture news for the newcomers to the tradition of detasseling. What is detasseling? It’s is when a machine or person removes the tassel, or pollen producing part of the corn plant. Some farms opt for a machine to cut off the tassels, whereas some choose to hire help to detassel. This help is traditionally a summer job for local teens. We’ll get to that part in a minute!
     
    What Is A Pull?
     
    A pull refers to a session of literally pulling off the tassels. Depending on the number and ...

  • Dispelling Myths About The Greatest Agricultural Resources In Iowa: Young Farmers

    Young people weighing their career choices probably don’t think of farmers as a viable profession, but you’d be surprised what modern farmers do. 
     
    Are You Searching For The Ideal Career? Consider Becoming A Farmer!
     
    In your career search, first and foremost, you wonder if you can support yourself. You may think about access to technology, helping others and the environment, access to the outdoors or maybe you’re thinking of lucrative entrepreneurial projects. You may think that there can’t be one profession that allows you to do all of that together, but there is; it’s farming. Are you surprised? ...

  • Agriculture News: The Modernizing Agriculture Transport Act And Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act

    Transporting livestock and agricultural products come with their own sort of challenges. Those challenges are compounded by different legislations that are not in step with each other. Recent news suggests the Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act and the Modernizing Agricultural Transportation Act may alleviate some of the issues associated with the Electronic Logging Device mandate and the Hours of Service regulations.
    The Modernizing Agriculture Transport Act And Transporting Livestock Across America Safely Act
     
    If a driver has to abide by ELSs, which restricts a driver to a maximum of eleven active driving hours and fourteen “on-duty” hours. This ...

  • The County Fair And Local FFA Events Are More Than Just Fun, They Bring Communities Together

    We all know that future farmers of America, or FFA, is a lot of fun for kids. They enjoy the competition, being outdoors, spending the entire county fair with their fellow competitor friends. But the adults know that it offers kids so much more; a chance to learn and develop not only farming skills, but life skills that will help them develop into responsible, intelligent, hard working adults. This is an invaluable experience for most of us who participated. But what if we told you it offered even more than life skills? The FFA at your county fair brings professionals, ...

  • Pork Farmers Celebrate Their Diverse Industry At The 2018 Pork Expo

    As we reflect on the 2018 World Pork expo, we saw innovations in livestock and crops, pork farming, educational seminars, auctions, industry updates, and networking. We saw the finest swine strut their stuff at the swine shows. There were trade shows, activities for young and older farmers. 
     
    We also can't forget the delicious food that was served throughout the fair. Of course, much of the food served was pork, and as we all know pork is delicious any way you cook it, but somehow it's just more delicious when you're attending an expo or a fair, isn't it?
     
    But ...

  • How Local Events And County Fairs Can Benefit Your Family

    County fairs, local events and festivals are a source of fun, entertainment and family time for everyone involved. It's so much fun to check out the local events calendars to see the fun festivals and county fairs that are coming up. But what if we told you that these events have long term benefits for young people in the farming community? 
     
    Local Events, Festivals And County Fairs Can Benefit Your Child
     
    It's true, farming events, festivals and county fairs do so much more than provide much-needed family time. If kids are involved in these kinds of events, it ...

  • Farm News: The Benefits Of Farming Automation Technology

    Farming has come a long way, from farming equipment pulled by livestock to the gasoline and diesel-run vehicles, like tractors, that have become such a strong symbol of modern farming. These gas and diesel vehicles were so much more efficient than their less automated predecessors. But the truck, or in this case the tractor, does not stop here. 
     
    Farming Technology Is Growing Exponentially
     
    Farming is far from technologically stagnant. The latest farming news suggests that Technology in the farming industry is growing exponentially, and the next big advancement farmers are investing in is automation. There are so many ...

  • Should You Buy New Or Recently Used Agriculture Equipment For Sale? Ask These Helpful Questions To Find Out

    There are equally good reasons to buy new equipment as there is to buy recently used agriculture equipment for sale. It all depends on your budget, availability and the type of equipment you're buying. 
     
    Whether you buy new or used agriculture equipment for sale, you need to know what to look for and what questions to ask. Here are some suggestions to help you decide whether to buy new or buy used agricultural equipment.
     
    Here Are Some Questions That Will Help You To Decide If You Should Buy Used Or New Agriculture Equipment For Sale:
     
    1. Do ...

  • Important Crop Information: Seed To Soil Contact

     
    Planting Tips And Crop Information: The Importance Of Seed To Soil Contact 
     
    Almost all crop literature and crop information suggests that seed to soil contact is essential to a great harvest. It doesn't matter if it small seeded crop, like alfalfa, or a large-seeded crop, like soybeans, the way to begin a successful season is to make sure you have good seed to soil contact. Smaller seeds need less soil to germinate, but still benefit from good seed to soil contact. However, it's essential for larger seeds, like corn, to be planted in at least one inch of ...

  • Know When Your Farm Equipment And Machinery Needs Servicing

     
    How To Know When Your Farm Equipment And Machinery Needs Servicing 
     
    When farm equipment breaks down, it isn't just costly to repair, delays can increase the cost of a harvest. Machinery and farm equipment require consistent maintenance to keep them in working order. Subsequently, farm equipment runs inefficiently if it's poorly maintained and breakdowns are always more costly than maintenance. 
     
    Sometimes it's tricky to figure out when and how to maintain your farm equipment. Here are six tips to help you identify and keep up with your farm. 
     
    1. Stay Current With Operator Training - It’s ...

  • 5 Reasons Why Buying At Farm Equipment Auctions Makes Sense

    When it comes to making big purchases like farm equipment, buyers tend to stay inside their comfort zones. They usually veer toward private sellers, brokers or dealers that they're familiar with. However, farm equipment auctions are an easy, convenient and safe way to buy used farm equipment of the highest quality and the best prices, whether you auction online or in person. 
     
    Here Are 5 Reasons Why Buying From Farm Equipment Auctions Just Make Sense
     
    1. Convenient Locations
    Whether you're bidding online or in person, there are many auctions and auction sites to choose from that are convenient ...

  • Follow These 6 Tips When Buying Used Farm Equipment

    Buying used farm equipment can not only help your bottom line, but you can often find a high quality, top-of-the line used piece of equipment that is far better than the new base model you would get for the same price. That doesn't mean you don't need to be careful throughout the process. Follow these guidelines to make sure you're getting the best quality and price when you buy used farm equipment.
     
    1. Examine The Overall Appearance
    The first thing you should always do when you're buying from ads or auctions are to examine the piece of equipment you ...

  • Protect, Buy And Sell Your Livestock From The Cold This Winter

    If you buy and sell livestock for your farm, you already know that the care of these animals is critical, especially during the winter months. While many cattle, sheep, and goats acclimate to increasingly colder weather, it's still in your best interest to take a few extra precautions to ensure their health and wellbeing, especially if you have extremely young or old animals on your property. Any type of cold stress may not only make your animals sick, it can also impair milk production as well as reproduction rates.  
    Here a just few tips and suggestions to help protect your ...

  • Five Tips For Servicing Your Iowa Farm Equipment This Winter

    Winterizing your farm equipment can save you precious time when you're ready to use it again in the spring. Properly caring for your gear can actually reduce the expense of future repairs and save you money throughout that machine's lifetime. If you haven't yet gotten around to winterizing your farm equipment, now's the time. Set aside a few hours on your schedule and follow a few simple tips for proper wintertime care.
    Switch To Winter Fuel
    If your farm equipment runs diesel fuel, now is the time to make the change from #2 to #1. Before you make the switch, ...

  • Post-Harvest: How to Care for Your Agricultural Equipment


    As the harvest seasons draws to a close, it's critical to start planning for next year's success. The first place to start is regular maintenance of your agricultural equipment. Your machines and gear have faithfully performed for you – it's officially time to show them a little TLC. Maintaining your agricultural equipment is one of the most important things you can do as we turn the corner toward winter.
    Don't Risk Your Agricultural Equipment Failing You Next Year
    For most of us, our equipment and combines will sit idle until the start of next year. While you may be ...

  • Latest Farming News: End Of Year Tax Prep


    Right now, with the harvest behind us, the latest farming news is all about getting ready for end of year tax preparation. The farming tax category is a broad one, encompassing a large and diverse range of markets. Plantations, orchards, and ranches all fall within the farming category. If you earn money growing produce or raising livestock, fish, and/or poultry, you are in the farming business and need to file your taxes accordingly.
    Go into the tax process armed with a few important tips about farm income and expenses. Here are a few vital pieces of information:
    Crop Insurance

  • Online Farm Equipment Auctions: Know What To Expect


    Online farm equipment auctions deliver a wide range of advantages to both buyers and sellers, making them an ideal option for farmers in virtually every niche. If you're not sure if online farm equipment auctions make sense for you, knowing a few of the benefits this digital resource delivers can help you determine if it's the right choice for selling or purchasing new items for your farm or ranch.
    Online Farm Equipment Auctions Offer:
    Convenience: Running your farm often means going at breakneck speed at all times. Many farmers don't have the time to attend live auction events. This ...

  • Used Agriculture Equipment For Sale: How To Pick A Winner


    Running your farm efficiently means sticking to your budget. However, sometimes expenses are simply unavoidable, as purchasing agriculture equipment is part of doing business for farmers. However, nothing says you have to break the bank when buying new gear. Purchasing used agriculture equipment for sale can make a major different with expenses.
    The Benefits Of Buying Used Equipment For Your Farm
    There are several distinctive benefits offered when purchasing used farming gear. First and foremost, cost savings. Used equipment can often be purchased at a fraction of the cost of buying new. This can be beneficial for farmers looking ...

  • 4 Critical Things To Record On Your Farm

    The success of a farm depends on tracking vital facts and statistics. This often proves challenging because most farmers wear all the hats when running their agricultural business. We are the accountant, the meteorologist, the mechanic, and the director of operations, all rolled into one. Because of this, many farmers avoid logs altogether because it seems too overwhelming to track all the needed details.
    However, data logging success is not just about tracking everything…it's really all about tracking the right things. No matter what size or type of farm you run, there are a few specific types of records you ...

  • 3 Tips To Start A Food Stand


    Are you ready to bring a new dimension to distributing your farm-fresh wares? A food stand may provide the perfect solution. Starting a food stand business adds a new level of convenience to consumers and allows your farm to extend its reach beyond your property. Knowing a few tips to starting your food stand business can ensure you get off on the right foot for success. 
    What Type of Stand Works for Your Farm 
    The first thing to determine when creating your stand is pinpointing the type of mobility level you'll need. There are three general considerations when determining ...

  • Practice Tractor Safety During Your Fall Harvest

    Fall is rapidly approaching, and that means that many of us are about to embrace everything that comes with harvest season (if we haven't already started). It's a busy time of year for farmers. However, no matter how much we have to hustle throughout harvest, it's critical to ensure that safety remains our top priority. Whether this is your first or fortieth harvest, it's important to review and refresh on key ways to practice tractor safety this fall. 
    Know Your Machine
    Every tractor is different. It's important to understand the specifics of yours and how it works. Fall is the ...

  • Why Fall Is The Perfect Time To Visit An Iowa Winery


    Iowa is known for some of the best agricultural resources in the world and this includes our local orchards and vineyards. As the summer continues to draw to a close, many of the Midwest's farming professionals who own groves and wineries are gearing up for their fall harvest. What does this mean for those of us that appreciate a great glass of, well, anything, really? It means that fall is truly the perfect time to visit an Iowa winery!
    The Benefits of a Fall Wine Tour 
    Heading out to one of our region's many wineries this September will offer ...

  • Get Your College Tailgate On: Household Tips For The Ultimate Pre-Game Party

    As much as we may hate to admit it, fall is right around the corner. Silver lining? The cooler weather brings with it college football. And, where there's college football, there's college football tailgating. Follow a few simple household tips to ensure you're ready to throw the ultimate pre-game party before you get ready to cheer on your favorite team. 
    Your Tailgating Essentials Should Include: 
    The Food
    It goes without saying (but we'll say it anyway); every great party starts with the food. Tailgating is no exception; begin festivity planning by planning out your menu. Remember, it doesn't have to ...

  • When Farm-To-Table Meets Face-To-Face: Connect With Buyers At Next Farmers Market

    Including farmer's markets in your marketing plan is an excellent way to bring your harvest to your local community. Regional farmer's markets offer farms of every size and scope an opportunity to further its agricultural reach and overall exposure. Knowing a few critical tips on how to minimize stress while maximizing profits can ensure you make your mark at the next farmer's market.
    When gearing up for the next local event, consider these suggestions to optimize the overall experience:
    Bring Your Very Best
    As a farmer, you probably already know that image is everything when it comes to marketing your ...

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