Town & Country: Living Off the Grid
Ease Your Tax Burden in 2011
The cash generated from selling off cattle may be counted as taxable income unless farmers take advantage of tax laws allowing up to a $500,000 deduction for qualifying equipment such as livestock handling equipment, hay trailers, fencing and corral materials. Currently, the $500,000 is scheduled to drop to $125,000 in 2012, thus it is important to act in 2011.
A Honey of a Hobby
Have you ever dreamed of harvesting your own honey to drizzle on biscuits? Have you imagined seeing your garden pollinated by your own bees? Many farmers are turning their interests to beekeeping.
Preparing Sheep for Winter
Sheep, like most farm animals, prefer cool weather that is not too wet. Dr. Jodie Pennington said, “Sheep generally do best at about 55 degrees, with a range from 40 to 75 degrees.” Dr. Pennington is the regional small ruminant educator with the Lincoln University Extension at the Newton County Extension Center in Neosho, Mo.
Conditioning Cattle During a Drought
It’s been a rough year for area cattle producers, and many will have to make decisions this season to help keep their herds viable into 2012.
Partnering in Conservation
"Farmers are a huge partner for the Missouri Department of Conservation,” said Francis Skalicky, media specialist with the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC).