Farmer’s Guide to Trucking Regulations available to Ohio Farm Bureau members
The guide includes a farm driver checklist, overview of state and federal regulations and exemptions, CDL qualifications and more.
Read More
Christmas and the New Year are fast approaching. While these are enjoyable holidays, there are still some important decisions that need to be made on the farm. Some decisions may need to be made before the first of the year to take advantage of up-to-the-minute changes in the markets and in buying farm inputs.
It has been a difficult year for farmers in many ways. First, spring weather didn’t make it easy to get crops planted. Rains came at the wrong time making it tough to get corn and soybeans planted at the right time.
Once they got in the ground, the growing season did prove to be good. There was plenty of moisture and warm temperatures to bring crops along with prospects for a good harvest. But that harvest was delayed for many farmers because wet weather again came along at the wrong time.
In spite of some muddy, difficult times many farmers were able harvest good if not record crops. Many fields were cut up by the combine and harvest equipment but the job got done in most fields.
There are still a few fields of corn and soybeans still standing and they may be out there until it freezes. Frozen ground allows for equipment to get the last few fields harvested.
Once the grain is harvested, a decision has to be made about selling it. Sell directly from the combine, store it if you have the bin facilities or send it to the elevator to be priced at a later time.
Selling stored grain is a decision that may need to be made before the first of the year. That depends on the need for income now or will it be better to sell after the first of the year? These few days from now until January first can be important from a market and income situation.
Other decisions may need to be made in the next few days, if they haven’t been already. Seed and fertilizer are both important costs and many farmers have already made those decisions for next year. Others may make them in the next few days.
Dairy farmers will be taking a look at their feed supplies for the rest of the year. Will they have to buy some grain and if so, is now the time to lock in a supply? Soap and other sanitary supplies are another expense that adds up and now may be the time to look at what will be needed for the rest of the year.
Most dairy farmers have planned far ahead with roughage supplies and will have enough silage and hay for the rest of the year. If they are not sure they may need to find a supply to carry them over until harvest time next year.
Milk prices have been erratic this winter because of the situation between the United States, Canada and China. There is hope that the trade agreements that have been negotiated will strengthen milk prices. Some uncertainty continues to exist however.
Farm families are like the rest of us. They need and deserve some time to relax and enjoy life. But some some important decisions may need to be made in the next few days. After Christmas isn’t necessarily a slow time on the farm.
Submitted by John Parker, who is retired from The Ohio State University and an independent writer for the Farm Bureau.
OFBF Mission: Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.
The guide includes a farm driver checklist, overview of state and federal regulations and exemptions, CDL qualifications and more.
Read More
Ohio Farm Bureau provides opportunities, platforms and resources to help you develop your voice in the industry and give farmers a seat at the table with leaders and legislators.
Read MoreThe emergency fuel waiver to allow the sale of summer gasoline blends containing 15% ethanol will lengthen the period during which Americans can continue buying E15 from June 1 to Sept. 15.
Read MoreThe Small-Scale Food Business Guide covers federal and state regulations for selling food products such as raw meat, dairy, eggs, baked goods, cottage foods, fruits and vegetables, honey and more.
Read MoreNew resources and technology are broadening the different types of sales tools and strategies available to farmers.
Read MoreODA will enroll 500,000 acres into the program for a two-week sign-up period, beginning April 22, 2024, through May 6, 2024. Contact local SWCD offices to apply.
Read MoreKatie Share of Columbus has been named ExploreAg and Youth Development Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read MoreMary Klopfenstein of Delphos has been named Young Ag Professional and Ag Literacy Program Specialist for Ohio Farm Bureau.
Read MoreThe plan has been updated to give sole proprietors access to more rate stability and a smart solution that offers potential savings on health care.
Read MoreThe American Farm Bureau Federation, in partnership with Farm Credit, is seeking entrepreneurs to apply online by June 15 for the 2025 Farm Bureau Ag Innovation Challenge.
Read More