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Agribusiness

Robotic milking gives Sellner Dairy a little more sleep

Lack of non-family labor led to automation BROWN COUNTY — Thanks to modern-day automation, Sellner Dairy chores have begun a little bit later in the morning since three robotic milking machines were added in 2016. The Sellners get up at about 6 a.m. to do farm chores these days. In 2016, they got up to begin chores at 4:30 a.m. Loran Sellner talked about how life changed with the robotic milkers were installed. “They’re more efficient. There’s less mental stress on me,” Loran said. “I don’t have to worry whether or not workers will show up.” Loran said the ...

American farmland: Why are investors turning to this asset class?

Nirav Shah Wealth of Geeks The U.S. Department of Agriculture reports the inflation-adjusted net farm income in 2022 was an astonishing $167.3 billion. That’s 8.3% higher than farm income in 2021 and the highest seen since 1973. It’s no wonder, investment in American farmland is growing across the country by leaps and bounds. Especially as ultra-wealthy investors like Bill Gates, Dr. Mehmet Oz, and many others looking for new avenues to grow their money plant their flags. Investing in farmland has yielded stable returns because of increasing land values and profit generated from ...

What consumers can do to support local farmers

(METRO) — Farming has never been a vocation for individuals looking for easy work. Farmers typically work long hours, braving the elements regardless of how unpleasant the weather may be. All that hard work ensures individuals who live in rural, urban and suburban communities have constant, readily available access to healthy foods. Such devotion merits support, and thankfully there are many things consumers can do to show their appreciation for local farmers. • Buy fresh foods at your local farmers market. Farmers markets are many foodies’ favorite places, but they aren’t ...

High-tech ways to make meat in a warming world

CHICAGO — More than a third of the heat-trapping gases cooking the planet come from growing and raising food, but millions of cattle, pigs and other animals get to stay cool in the United States and other parts of the developed world. Many American farmers have apps to forecast animal comfort in the heat. There are computer-controlled “ cooling pads ” for sows. Dairy farmers lower barns’ temperatures with misters, air conditioning and giant fans. Special pedometers, the cow version of a Fitbit, measure vital signs that give clues to animals’ health. More intense summer heat ...

Keeping connection between farmers and consumers

DAWSON — Kipp Stender says his business is about more than running a butcher shop and meat processing facility. It’s about connecting livestock farmers and customers looking for locally-sourced meat. “I was like, ‘I want to provide that service for people,’ ” said Stender. A year ago, he bought the Country Butcher in Dawson, when former owners John and Jill Storlien were looking to retire. Small meat processors like Stender play an important role for Minnesota livestock producers. In July, a report supported by the Minnesota Farmers Union, the University of Minnesota ...

Green farming is growing

(METRO) — Farmers have been pressured to increase production to meet the demand of a growing population. This may require employing more efficient measures to ensure maximum output. Unfortunately, efficiency doesn’t always mesh with sustainability, so commercial operations have had to make some modifications to find a balance between serving the public and protecting the planet. Green farming utilizes different technology and practices in order to decrease detrimental impact on the environment. According to the farming resource NuFarming, agricultural operations have a significant ...