These were the most-read stories on FarmandDairy.com this week:
1. Fire destroys Medina County farmer’s equipment
A Feb. 13 fire in Jeff Miller’s machinery shed destroyed combines, tractors, planters, sprayers and grain heads, with damages estimated at $7.5 million.
Miller farms more than 7,000 acres across northern Ohio. Even with the loss of his equipment, he won’t let his customers down. Miller’s equipment was insured and he’s working with local John Deere dealers to order new equipment.
2. Schaads Dairy committed to farming and NFO
Washington County dairy farmer Earl Schaad strongly believes in cooperation and working together. That attitude, coupled with decades of farming, earned him the National Farmers Organization’s President’s Award.
Schaad has been an NFO member since 1964, serving as a county president and on the state board for a number of years. Today, he’s partially retired and his family’s dairy farm is still in operation, run by his sons, grandsons and part-time help.
3. Schmucker wins third title at Championship Tractor Pull in Louisville
Stark County farmer Kevin Schmucker won the grand champion title at this year’s Championship Tractor Pull. He went the full-pull distance of 246.20 in the 10,200-pound pro stock tractor class.
Two other Ohioans took top spots in the 10,200-pound class: Tim Shipley of Beloit and Rick Campbell of Homeworth.
4. Sunrise and Trupointe Co-ops propose merger
Sunrise and Trupointe cooperatives may merge, depending on the outcome of stockholder votes. Ballots have been mailed to stockholders and must be returned by 10 a.m. March 7 to be counted.
Both cooperatives’ boards of directors voted in favor of the merger and believe that now is the time to combine forces since both cooperatives are in good financial condition. The merger could create a stronger equity and increased risk management.
5. How to create a farm safety plan
Farming poses a number of dangers, and safety should be a central focus for employees, customers and farmers themselves.
Farm and Dairy online columnist Ivory Harlow explains why creating a safety plan is crucial for farmers. She outlines the types of hazards present on farms as well as ways to minimize risk, respond to farm accidents and help everyone on the farm stay safe.
