A S P E C I A L S U P P L E M E N T T O T H E H U R O N D A I LY T R I B U N E
JJune 18, 2022
Huron County Dairy Promotions seeks to elevate the benefits, selling of dairy By: Connor Veenstra Staff writer
The Huron County Dairy Promotions trailer has become a staple of both the Sebewaing Sugar Festival and the Huron Community Fair, with its old red barn design and servings of ice-cream, fresh milk, frozen snickers, and other dairy products. However, this is just one facet of their efforts to promote dairy farming and its benefits. “All agriculture needs promoting,” said Dairy Promotions member and Caseville dairy farmer Gary Putzman. However, he said he feels that dairy needs special promotion due to its recent lack of use. Aside from less general consumption and lack of common use in restaurants as opposed to soda, there’s also the different kinds of milk made of almonds and other
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substitutes. According to Putzman, dairy farmers are actually fighting to get the name changed. Since its not milk, they reason, it shouldn’t be advertised as such. Aside from the dairy trailer, Dairy Promotions also funds a scholarship that’s given to six to eight graduating seniors going into the agricultural field. Additionally, part of their milk checks go to advertising in cities, to give people who didn’t grow up in an agricultural environment a sense of what it’s like. This wouldn’t have been needed a generation ago, according to Putzman, when everyone knew someone who was a farmer. “Now, you’re out another generation and they have no idea of what’s involved in raising crops or getting that gallon of milk they drink,” he said. The hope is that the ads will get others interested in working in the industry, but
The Huron County Dairy Promotions trailer is a recognizable staple of the Sebewaing Sugar Festival and Huron Community Fair
it’s admittedly a hard sell. “We’re getting fewer and fewer because it’s a lot of hard work and it’s seven days a week all year round,” Putzman said. “Vacations are nothing for us; I don’t know what that word means, it’s not in my vocabulary.” To this end, Dairy Productions used to give farm tours to a school from the Detroit area, where the students would be able to see a lot of animals they hadn’t seen in person
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before and equipment they probably had never heard of before. However, because most farms in Huron County aren’t the most up-to-date, according to Putzman, they stopped giving the tours. With their local trailer and scholarship, Huron County Dairy Promotions keeps interest in and appreciation for their underrecognized industry.
May 2022
Milk prices run parallel to rising supply costs By: Connor Veenstra Staff writer Dairy farmers are on an economic tightrope they can’t control. Due to there being less milk than average available in the country, milk prices have ticked up. Normally, a rise in a commodity’s price would mean a surplus for the seller. However, with the war in Ukraine and the value of the U.S. dollar dropping near equal to that of the Euro, costs for supplies and farm resources, such as feed, have also hit record highs. In the last year, according to Caseville dairy farmer Gary Protzman, the cost of cow feed has doubled, and rates for hauling supplies have shot up as well. The costs May 2022
of gas, transporting milk from the farm to the processor, parts for damaged tools and vehicles, and labor (which has gone up about 20%) have all become more expensive. Those expenses are piling up, even as the dairy prices rise. “We’re not immune to increased costs,” said Harbor Beach dairy farmer Kris Fry. “Anybody who’s in business I’ve talked to, we’re in the same boat. We’re screwed with everyone else who’s trying to buy the end product.” However, the farmers do have a safety net in government subsidies and programs, which, according to Fry, is how his farm has broken even for the last seven years. Huron Daily Tribune Thumb Farmer
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Understanding smart farm automation Modern agriculture looks little like the early days of farming. All aspects of farming have been modified by the access farmers now have to technologies to meet the demands of their work and the pressure a growing population places on farmers to produce quality food.
Farm automation, precision farming and smart farming are strategies utilized by today’s farmers. These technologies have become important ways for farmers to optimize the production of food and improve its quality. According to the Food and Agriculture Organization of the
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United Nations, agricultural production must increase by 70 percent in order to meet global food demand by 2050, by which time the population could be 9.7 billion persons. Smart farming can make raising livestock more accurate and controlled. While farm automation is a broad term, precision smart farming zeroes in on exact measurements between variations in land conditions and livestock, according to Techie Loops, a technology information website. Examples of farming automation technology include: • autonomous vehicles and machines • drones • robotics • GPS guidance • micro-forecasting and weather forecasting • soil sampling • yield mapping • use of artificial intelligence • geomatics • statistical processes, and more. Farmers can employ these technologies
to save time and also manage labor shortages. Robotassisted irrigation systems, for example, can maximize efficiency of water distribution where it is needed the most. Weeding robots can use artificial intelligence and computer vision to target field areas and reduce use of pesticides. Driverless tractors can make labor cheaper for farmers by plotting the machine’s route and letting it run the course automatically. Harvest robots also exist to grab crops gently (some with vacuum technology) and reduce reliance on field workers. Some harvesters can determine ripeness of fruit via AI technology, according to Eastern Peak, a provider of custom hardware and software solutions for businesses. Technology is changing farming in many ways. Innovations in automation can make operations more efficient and less costly. May 2022
Explaining precision agriculture Few, if any, aspects of life in the 21st century have not been touched by technology. Advancements in technology have affected everything from the way students learn in the classroom to how senior citizens connect with their grandchildren. Technological advancements also have left their mark on industry, including the agricultural sector. Modern agriculture bears some similarities to farming of past eras. Technology has affected the agricultural sector for centuries, and modern farmers know that’s no different today. One of the more recent developments in the agricultural sector is the rise of precision agriculture, a farming management concept that can pay dividends for generations to come. What is precision agriculture? Precision agriculture (PA) is rooted in improving crop yields through the utilization of technology. PA is designed to help the agricultural sector maximize resources and improve yields and the quality of
crops. That’s a critically important function as the world population continues to grow and the demand for food increases as a result. What are some examples of PA technology? Sensors are a prime example of PA technology that helps make farms more efficient and productive. Sensors serve various functions by helping farmers gather data on the availability of water in soil, the level of compaction in soil, leaf temperature, insect and disease infestation, and other areas. Weather modeling is another component of PA that can help farms be more cost-effective and efficient. Whereas in years past many farms would need to manually assess certain variables to determine when to harvest, weather modeling technology has enabled some farmers to generate remote readings, saving time and money. How does PA help farmers? Each situation is unique, but the principles of PA can help farmers
acess a wealth of information. It might have been possible to access such information in the past, but PA has sped up the process and made it more hands-off, allowing farmers to save both time and money. PA technology can help farmers maintain accurate records of their farms; inform their decisions; make it easier
to detect and identify problems, sometimes before they escalate into larger issues; and avoid potentially costly mistakes. Technology has left no industry untouched. The growth of precision agriculture is a testament to the influence that technology is having on a vital sector of the global economy.
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Advancements in livestock technology
Consumer demand drives changes in industry, and the agricultural sector is no exception. Consumer demands for improved animal welfare have led to changes in the livestock sector, and various technologies have been developed and are in development to help this particular segment of the agricultural industry thrive. According to the Animal AgTech Innovation Summit, various startups have developed technologies that can make the livestock industry more sustainable and efficient. Treatment The Israeli firm Armenta has developed a non-antibiotic treatment for bovine mastitis that utilizes acoustic pulse technology. The treatment has a 70 percent cure rate. Another firm working to treat livestock is the United States-based General Probiotics. Animal AgTech reports that General Probiotics develops cellbots and antimicrobial probiotics that eliminate harmful pathogens in livestock. That can
reduce dependency on antibiotics and make food production safer. Welfare Faromatics, a firm based in Spain, has combined robotics, artificial intelligence and big data to improve animal welfare and farm productivity. One Faromatics product utilizes a robot suspended from a ceiling to monitor certain variables, including equipment function and health and welfare, that affect broiler chickens. The American firm Swinetech utilizes voice recognition and computer vision technology in its SmartGuard product to prevent piglet deaths from crushing and starvation. The product also makes it possible to track and facilitate obstetrical assistance. Operations Based in Uganda, Jaguza Tech has developed a livestock management system that utilizes sensors, data science and machine learning to improve the efficiency, productivity and sustainability of modern
farm operations. Farmers can utilize Jaguza to perform a host of functions, including monitoring their animals’ health and identifying their livestock. The Netherlands-based H2Oalert is a water control management system that checks the quality and quantity of cattle drinking water in real time. The management system also
checks for pollution and malfunctions in the water supply. Livestock technology continues to advance, and firms across the globe are developing new products and platforms to help livestock farmers make their operations more efficient, sustainable and productive.
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How agricultural technology can help improve sustainability Sustainable agriculture is an approach to farming that will allow modern farmers to meet the needs of a growing population while enhancing environmental quality. That can benefit both current and future generations, and technology will play a vital role in realizing the goals of sustainable agriculture. According to the National Sustainable Agriculture Coalition, sustainable agriculture is designed to meet the needs of the present without compromising future generations’ ability to meet their own needs. That’s a worthy goal, especially in the face of a growing global population that the United Nations estimates will increase by two billion persons by 2050. There are numerous benefits to utilizing sustainable agriculture technology, which can be especially advantageous to modern
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farmers. Efficient land management Modeling technologies can be utilized to make more efficient use of land. According to Sustainable Brands, a global community of brand innovators, modeling technologies can be employed in a host of ways, including to identify tillage practices and the status of tile drainage. Certain agricultural technologies have been designed to predict the performance of cropland, which can allow farmers to more effectively and efficiently use their land. Farmers also can employ modeling technologies to determine soil health and water needs and usage, which can benefit the land and ensure resources aren’t wasted. Utilization of such technologies ensures farmers can meet the needs of modern consumers without affecting future
farmers’ ability to do the same. Reduce runoff The United States Environmental Protection Agency notes that runoff poses a significant threat to the environment. When runoff occurs, fertilizer, bacteria and other pollutants find their way into streams, rivers, lakes, and the ocean. Sustainable Brands notes that nanotechnology is an efficient way to deliver nutrients to crops that can improve both the efficacy of the nutrients and reduce runoff. Protect crops
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Sustainable Brands notes that agricultural biologicals are inputs derived from natural materials that have low toxicity. That low toxicity reduces their environmental impact. Agricultural biologicals utilize the properties of such things as bacteria, fungi and even insects to support healthy crops, potentially improving yield without adversely affecting the environment. Sustainable agriculture technologies can help modern farmers and their successors meet the needs of a rapidly growing global population.
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Greenhouses effectively extend growing seasons
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Modern, large-scale agriculture operations utilize various machines and technologies to provide products to consumers. Greenhouses are among the resources used to help plants thrive. Greenhouses are not a new phenomenon, even if today’s incarnations have technological upgrades over their ancestors. The first attempts to grow plants in greenhouse-like structures likely date back to ancient Egypt, but there are writings from the Romans as early as 14 BCE explaining greenhouse operations. The Roman emperor Tiberius wanted to eat cucumbers all year long. Roman winters would not allow for cucumbers to thrive when temperatures dropped below freezing. Rolling cucumber growing carts into sheds only did so much. Someone came up with the concept of making sheds with sheets of elenite, a transparent rock, to let the sun in and help keep cucumbers growing indoors warm. The idea took off from there. Greenhouses are comprised of walls and roofing materials primarily made of a transparent material. The interior of a greenhouse exposed to sunlight becomes significantly warmer than the external temperature, helping to protect plants inside from extreme conditions and enabling plants to thrive even when weather conditions are not optimal. Through the years, greenhouses also may have incorporated some form of additional heating. Keeping plants thriving for commercial production now gets additional help from computers, as relying on sunlight alone may result
in fluctuations in optimal conditions. Modern, smart greenhouses, according to the cultivation technology company Growlink, employ smart technology for heating, cooling and lighting. This tech is connected to a computer to optimize plant growth conditions. Computers can adjust conditions accordingly for the particular plant being produced, such as for tropical fruits that require more moisture and heat. Anyone who desires a greenhouse for personal plant growth can build one in his or her backyard with various plans available for free or purchase. Companies also sell prefabricated greenhouse kits that can be erected with relative ease. Handy homeowners also can construct basic greenhouses with materials found at many home improvement retailers. A wood frame greenhouse can be built in any size and covered with plastic sheeting. One can purchase a prefabricated greenhouse door or simply use a sheet of weighted plastic that can be tied out of the way for the door. To allow for ventilation in hot weather, a wood-frame vent that can be propped open can be incorporated into the roof rafter design. Those who want a more permanent structure may want to look into using greenhouse plastic paneling in lieu of plastic sheeting. Either way, home greenhouses can be as elaborate or as simple as individuals desire. Greenhouses are effective ways to extend growing seasons for both commercial and home gardeners. May 2022
Fall harvest fruits and vegetables
Food is a big part of fall, and farms play a significant role in seasonal celebrations. Each fall, families plan apple picking excursions with their eyes on baking homemade apple pies. And while Halloween is made even more fun when carving jack-o’-lanterns, savvy celebrants know that carving sessions are not complete without some roasted pumpkin seeds. The fall harvest is a great time to indulge in some freshly picked healthy foods. While the picking season may vary depending on where you live, and specifically the climate in your region, the following are some fruits and vegetables that might be ripe for the picking this fall. • Apples: Apple-picking season typically begins in late summer and extends into fall. Many farms offer a variety of apples, which may be harvested at different times. For example, in the northeastern United States, Gala apples tend to be harvested in late
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summer, while Granny Smith apples may be best picked in early October. • Beets: The Spruce: Eats notes that beets may be in season in temperate climates from fall through spring. • Broccoli: Fresh broccoli makes a healthy addition to any dinner table, and Pickyourown.org notes that broccoli can have a lengthy harvesting season. Early harvesting may begin in May in some regions, though it’s still possible to pick fresh broccoli in late October. If you want to pick fresh broccoli, The Old Farmer’s Almanac recommends doing so in the morning when the buds of the head are firm and tight. • Cabbage: If you’re looking to do some late fall picking, cabbage might be for you. The online resource Harvest to Table notes that cabbage can survive under snow without being harmed, making it an ideal late fall vegetable. Spoiled outer leaves can
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be pulled away after harvesting without affecting the quality of the remaining cabbage. • Peaches: People who can’t wait to whip up a peach cobbler may need to do so before fall even begins. According to Pickyourown. org, peaches can be ready for picking as early as July in the northeastern United States, and the picking season generally ends around mid-September. The season is even earlier in places like Georgia, a state known for its peaches where the picking season can begin in mid-May and extend
through early August depending on the variety. • Pumpkins: Thanks in part to Halloween decor and the popularity of pumpkin pie as a Thanksgiving dessert, pumpkins are synonymous with the fall harvest. And pumpkin picking season aligns perfectly with each of these holidays, typically beginning in early or mid-September and extending deep into October. Fall is a great time of year to pick fresh fruits and vegetables at a local farm.
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Tips for safer farming Tractor accidents, grain entrapment and injuries from ornery livestock are just some of the dangers agricultural workers face every day. In fact, the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health says agriculture is one of the most hazardous industries in the United States. In 2016, the agricultural industry had a rate of 21.4 deaths per 100,000 workers, and each day agricultural workers experienced 100 non-fatal, lost-work-time injuries. Agricultural dangers are not limited to North America. In Ireland, farm accidents have
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increased by 13 percent in the last five years and by 31 percent in the last decade, according to a national survey of farm accidents conducted by the Teagasc National Farm Survey. Furthermore, 97 percent of all farm accident victims required medical treatment. Farms are dangerous places, and while carelessness can and does contribute to many incidents, accidents also take place during routine, seemingly safe activities. These farm safety guidelines can help lower the risk of injuries. • Know farm equipment. Read and follow all instructions in the equipment operation manuals. In addition, attend local farm safety workshops to learn more about specific equipment and products. • Conduct routine safety checks. Look around buildings and grounds for obvious hazards, such as fire hazards and hazardous materials, including farm chemicals that are not stored correctly. • Practice cleanliness. Maintain clean and neat work areas with tools stored properly and out of the way after use. • Be mindful of your clothing and hair. Many accidents involve a power take-off system, or PTO, which is a common component of large rotary mowers, tractors and forage choppers. Clothing can easily get caught in an engaged but unguarded PTO stub. It’s easy for laces or coveralls to become wrapped around a spinning stub
shaft. The PTO driveline and other protrusion points also can be dangerous if people do not pay attention. • Use rollover protection structures. ROPS can be used on tractors and other equipment to prevent injuries. In addition, wear seat belts and employ other safety equipment as advised. • Avoid extra passengers. It can be tempting to take the kids for a spin, but do not allow additional passengers to ride on agricultural equipment. • Exercise caution when handling chemicals. Take extra precautions when handling any chemicals, including pesticides. • Wear protective gear. Wear appropriate gear and equipment as outlined by NIOSH or the Mine Safety and Health Administration. Make sure the skin, feet, ears, eyes, and hands are protected at all times. • Employ lock out/tag out control. This is a process where one can work on equipment only after every energy source has been controlled, such as hydraulic, pneumatic, mechanical, and electrical, according to Rural Mutual Insurance Company. Turning off equipment and using certain controls or locks on devices can prevent equipment from restarting before it is safe to do so. Farm safety should be a priority for owners, their families and employees so that agricultural injuries can be reduced. May 2022
Common sustainable agriculture practices The concept of sustainability varies by industry. Within the agricultural industry, sustainability is a multifaceted concept that has become increasingly popular in recent decades. According to the National Institute of Food and Agriculture, sustainable agriculture seeks to increase profitable farm income, promote environmental stewardship, enhance quality of life for farm families and communities, and increase production for human food and fiber needs. In an attempt to reach those goals, farmers who embrace sustainable agriculture may look to various practices. • Cover crops: The Union of Concerned Scientists, a nonprofit
organization that aims to employ independent science to address the planet’s most pressing problems, notes that cover crops are planted during the offseason when soils have traditionally been left bare. Cover crops can help prevent soil erosion and replenish the nutrients in the soil. Cover crops also can limit weed growth, reducing the need for herbicides that can prove harmful to the environment. • Reduce or eliminate tillage: According to the UCS, traditional plowing, or tillage, can cause a significant amount of soil loss, even as it prepares fields for planting and reduces the likelihood of weed problems. Eliminating or reducing tillage involves inserting seeds directly
into undisturbed soil, which can reduce erosion and improve the health of the soil. • Integrated pest management: Integrated pest management techniques aim to minimize the use of chemical pesticides that can prove harmful to the environment and local wildlife. According to the University of California Statewide Integrated Pest Management Program, IPM strategies like habitat manipulation and the planting of disease-resistant plants are designed to promote long-term prevention of pests and the damage such pests can cause. • Agroforestry: The Association for Temperate Agroforestry defines agroforestry as an intensive land management system that incorporates trees and/or
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shrubs to optimize the benefits they provide when deliberately combined with crops and/or livestock. The shade and shelter provided by trees and shrubs can protect plants, animals and water resources. • Crop/livestock integration: The UCS notes that there is growing evidence to suggest that
the careful integration of crop and animal production can help farmers make their farms more efficient and profitable. Sustainable agriculture is a complex concept that can benefit farmers, their local communities and the environment in myriad ways.
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