Here are this week’s most read stories on FarmandDairy.com:
1. Essential oils key to Cargill’s plan in reducing antibiotics in poultry
Cargill has conducted research to find the most beneficial types of feed additives for customers to improve gut health, promote feed efficiency and keep birds healthy.
It turns out that essential oils were a key solution. In particular, the compounds derived from thyme, cinnamon and oregano had the most comprehensive effect on gut health.
2. #ThankstoFFA, I became an ag teacher
During FFA week, we had the opportunity to hear from numerous current and former FFA’ers through their photos and stories.
West Holmes Agriculture Education teacher Jaime Chenevey, who is also an FFA alumna, writes about her FFA experience as a student and how it’s shaped her life today. Before learning about FFA, Chenevey wanted to be vet, but after joining FFA, she was led down the career path of being an ag ed teacher.
3. McGuffey FFA’er brings home Star in Agribusiness
Caitlyn McConn loves hogs. The Washington County teen completed hog projects in 4-H and then centered her swine production project on hogs in the FFA.
At the Pennsylvania Farm Show last month, McConn received the western regional Star in Agribusiness Award. Now, she’s headed to the Eastern States Expo in September to compete against 13 other individuals.
4. Pennsylvania protects another 27 farms in 18 counties
Pennsylvania’s Agricultural Land Preservation Board safeguarded an additional 2,412 acres of farmland on 27 farms Feb. 18. A total of five farms were preserved in the western Pennsylvania counties of Allegheny, Beaver, Erie and Mercer.
In addition, $31 million in state funding was approved for 2016 easement purchases.
5. #ThankstoFFA, my future is bright
Ohio FFA President Matthew Klopfenstein has a lot to thank FFA for. He is in his second year as an FFA officer and has had numerous experiences — like career development events (CDEs), building a supervised agricultural experience (SAE) and travel opportunities — that have grown him both personally and professionally.
Klopfenstein says, “Thanks to FFA, the future of agriculture, the future of our communities, and my future is brighter.”
