Ag-Visors

As a woman working in the agricultural world, I have found it to be very interesting to note the changes in the industry, both on and off farm, in just the short 15 years I have been involved.

In a remarkable decision, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a Tax Court opinion dealing with a Thoroughbred racehorse owner’s activities. This case is important to the livestock industry because IRS hobby loss regulations, the subject of the opinion, apply to livestock as well as horse activities.

In a remarkable decision, the 7th Circuit Court of Appeals reversed a Tax Court opinion dealing with a Thoroughbred racehorse owner’s activities. This case is important to the livestock industry because IRS hobby loss regulations, the subject of the opinion, apply to livestock as well as horse activities.

With the current rainfall we have had, our pastures have grown.

With the current rainfall we have had, our pastures have grown.

Ownership of sheep and goats seems to be on the upswing in the area over the last several years, and with that comes increased opportunities to provide health care for new clients. While many of the diseases seen in sheep and goats are similar to those seen in cattle, there are some unique differences that can make medicating small ruminants challenging.

My grandpa Alvin was a full time farmer and saw a lot of change during his 99 years. We loved to listen to his stories about riding to school on horse-back and then using the same horses to pull a binder and wagons full of wheat shocks during summer harvest. Old family pictures document the evolution from threshing machines to pull-type combines and then self-propelled combines. Many farm families likely have similar albums, documenting the advancement in technology and sharing the pride taken each time an advance was made.

My grandpa Alvin was a full time farmer and saw a lot of change during his 99 years. We loved to listen to his stories about riding to school on horse-back and then using the same horses to pull a binder and wagons full of wheat shocks during summer harvest. Old family pictures document the evolution from threshing machines to pull-type combines and then self-propelled combines. Many farm families likely have similar albums, documenting the advancement in technology and sharing the pride taken each time an advance was made.

The year is flying by. When this article is published, we will be past our last frost date and the infamous tax day, and be knocking on the first day of spring. Already we have jonquils popping up everywhere, the pastures are starting to green up, and the wheat crop is off to a good start.

The year is flying by. When this article is published, we will be past our last frost date and the infamous tax day, and be knocking on the first day of spring. Already we have jonquils popping up everywhere, the pastures are starting to green up, and the wheat crop is off to a good start.