Christmas Tree Farms Benefit the Environment

The Christmas Trees we grow benefit the environment.

Choose & Cut Christmas Tree Farms, such as Lovell Tree Farm, benefit the environment long before you take home the tree for the Holidays.

Real Christmas trees are a benefit to the environment from the time they are planted until after the holiday season when they can be recycled.

While growing,Real Christmas trees support life by absorbing carbon dioxide and other gases and emitting fresh oxygen. This helps prevent the earth-warming greenhouse effect.

Every acre of Christmas trees grown produces the daily oxygen requirement for 18 people. In the United States there are approximately 1 million acres of growing Christmas trees; that means that 18 million people a day are supplied with oxygen thanks to Christmas trees.

The farms that grow Christmas trees stabilize soil, protect water supplies, and provide refuge for wildlife while creating scenic green belts. Often, Christmas trees are grown on soil that are marginal for other crop.

After Christmas, Real Christmas trees are often recycled and have many uses.

Christmas trees are biodegradable — the trunk and branches can be used as mulch for gardens, parks or in animal stalls. The mulch provides a protective barrier for the roots of other plants and vegetation while preventing weeds from growing. The mulch then decomposes, providing the nutrients plants need to thrive.

Recycling programs are a fast – growing trend in communities throughout the nation. Ask the tree farmer where you purchase a tree.

Some communities use Christmas trees to make effective sand and soil erosion barriers, especially at beaches and on river beds. Sunk into private fish ponds trees make excellent refuge and feeding areas for fish.

Before recycling, Christmas trees can be used to make bird feeders, adding color and excitement to the winter garden. Utilize orange slices, suet, and seed to attract the birds. They will come for the food and stay for the shelter in the branches.

REMEMBER TO ALWAYS REMOVE DECORATIONS, ORNAMENTS, AND WIRES FROM THE TREE YOU ARE RECYCLING.

mnfamilyfarmlawproject.org assisted by: Tart Burner | Tiny Laptop | Trampette

Worm Farming and Its Important Contributions in the Environment

Worm farming is technically known as (vermiculture == based on wiktionary, It is the keeping of worms, for example for commercial or horticultural reasons ).. Worm farming is surely a good way to naturally compost waste and other discarded materials. As a resulting end products, nutrient rich soil is produced and can be exploited in flower beds, crops, and gardens.

Regardless of all the reading and exploration one does, challenges may arise with regards to excessive waste materials and can cause some negative impact on the surroundings. With regards to this matter, worm farming is one of the best and cost effective solutions.

Working with a worm farm can be a method to recycle waste products as well as other non-food waste.  Fruits, vegetables and stuffy food scraps just like bread, pasta and also oatmeal are very good to nourish the worms.  Almost one-third of household waste products can truly end up to being recycled by worm farms and also the resulting end substances produced by worm farm can be a better source of fertilizers for vegetation or for agriculture

Worm farming has existed for many years till no for various reasons. While the reasons for worm farming are not widely familiar, those who participate are big believers in the benefits that worm farming have on the environment.

Through worm farming, in fact not only can you support to lessen the amount of waste that goes into landfill but also you can help to cut back contamination and even greenhouse gases as a pollution.

Advantages of Worm Farming

As mentioned earlier, nearly one-third of many house waste materials is biodegradable. Most of this particular waste materials can be recycled by way of composting – turning of waste materials right into a rich soil product that is ideal to be used within your garden.

Making use of a worm farm is a means of producing healthful, natural compost fertilizer that is perfect to be used in the soil as well as for any type of gardening. With this kind of business, it is not important for you to have a big amount just to start and conduct it. Worm farm worms will supply a truly precious soil that benefits gardens, plants, flower beds and even lawns.

For more information, Click here to visit Worm Farming — Building a Worm farm, Composting, Worm foods. etc

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How To Make A Worm Farm- Can Commercial Worm Farming Earn You A Respectable Living?

Have you ever considered starting your own worm farm as a part time business? Did you know that you can start a worm farm in you own basement or even out of your garage? It can be a little difficult at first but once you have the entire process setup it can be a very lucrative business to own.

In order to build a successful worm farm you need to know the right process of from start to finish to make sure you have positive income right away to ensure you are successful. Once you have properly setup your farm you can then harvest and sell your worms for a very lucrative profit.

What most people did not know is that you fan feed worms your food scraps and they multiply so rapidly that you will be able to keep selling your worms over and over. My neighbor has been running his own worm farm for years and he told me that running his business costs hardly no money and it practically runs itself.

The main problem you will deal with is decided what section you will setup your farm and how to make a worm farm. Once that is established then you will need to decide what food you can feed the worms to ensure they remain healthy and grow. After you have figured out these two issues it is nearly an automated business other than farming your worms and having them sold.

Learn How To Make A Worm Farm Here

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Farming Cattle – 4 Simple Ways To Get Started in Raising Cattle

Much like the Facebook application, FarmVille, farming cattle can be quite a chore for farmers, since they need to spend all day tending to their cows. This is done alongside tending to other animals such as sheep, horses and other livestock which are either used as food or sold as goods. In the application, the farmer (which would be the Facebook user) uses money earned from harvesting milk from dairy cows and getting meat from beef cattle to buy more farm equipment, for farm expansion, and to meet other needs that the farm may have.

To avoid the fuss associated with building a farm for cattle, farming cattle can be done in a few simple ways:

1.    Know which kind of cattle or breed of cows is needed. There are over 800 different breeds of cattle, which are categorized into taurine cattle, the zebus, and the hybrids;
2.    Have enough money to buy every housing material, equipment, and feeds needed for the farm;
3.    Build fencing for the farm, either using wood or steel, and using electrical wirings to trap out any unwanted visitors; and lastly,
4.    Have enough money to buy the cattle, whether beef or dairy cattle. Since the cost of livestock is multiplying, it is cheaper to get them by the bulk than buying them one by one.

Knowing which type of cattle through the type of feeds they eat is simple. Grass-fed cattle are most likely the best type of breed for cattle since grass is easily accessible around any farming lot. Other than that it is easy to acquire, and easy to grow. Grain-fed cattle require fresh grain crops such as corn and other crops, which also provide other nutrients needed by the cows, especially if they are milking or beef cattle.

A basic farming requirement would be stalls that separate different breeds of cows – that is, those that eat hay and grass from those that require more sophisticated feeds – and fences that secure the whole area of the farm. Containers, pails, water supply, and feeding beds are needed to complete the farm and for you to start farming cattle for mass production.

Learning how to farm cattle shouldn’t be difficult if farmers have gained experience through previous farming work, and have experience working with animals. A basic knowledge about the cows’ lactation processes, when to tend the herd, when to feed and what to feed, is essential to have a successful farming cattle business. Improved ways of farming cattle have already been developed to meet the needs of farmers worldwide and many farmers have found alternative feeds and means for keeping their cattle healthy and well-fed.

Organic Farming in India

Organic Farming in India

December 15, 2010

It is important to understand the term ‘organic farming ‘before we take into account organic farming practices in India.  The term ‘organic farming’ means farming methods that are carried out without the use of artificial fertilizers and pesticides. Organic farming is being practiced in India for the last few decades. Studies conducted by Rabo India on organic farming reveal that around 65% of India’s farms are organic by default. The irony lies in the fact that most of the small farmers coming from remote areas have no access to chemical fertilizers or some continue to pursue the same farming practices as their forefathers did and as a result their farms are organic. While in other cases natural pesticides and fertilizers are so costly that farmers cannot afford them. This implies that most of our country’s farm produce is organic. We then wonder whether all the food that we consume is organic. The fact of the matter is that conventionally we do not consume organic food. If no, the next question that comes to our minds is why do we not consume organic food?

There has been an ongoing debate on whether organic food is much healthier, more pure and superior in taste than the conventional food we consume. Different people may have different views but it is necessary to address certain problems that the organic industry faces in India.

Certification

Organic food in order to prove that it is organic needs certification. In India even if farms are organic, farmers find it difficult to sell their produce since they lack the certification. Since certification in India requires farmers to pay hefty fees and secondly due to the process being cumbersome, most of the farms in India are organic but uncertified. So the crux of the problem here is proving that the products are organic.

Exports

The world market for organic foods is estimated at approximately billion dollars. Responding to this demand, the Indian Central Government had formed the National Institute of Organic farming in October 2003 in the town of Ghaziabad in Madhya Pradesh with an intention of formulating rules, regulations and standards of certification for organic products that would be at par with international norms. But as mentioned above, certification being mandatory for exports, India’s share in global exports remains miniscule. But exports have been rising considerably after the Tenth Planning Commission gave a priority status to this particular sector. Exports rose to 5 m from m in a period of eight years.

Currently organic goods that enter the export market include nuts, spices, herbs, cocoa, oil crops, teas and non-food items like livestock, cut flowers, cotton and potted plants.

Pricing

In India, organic food costs about 20 to 30% higher than non-organic food. The reason why organic food is dearer than non-organic food is the usage of natural chemicals that reduces yield of the crop. Lower yields translate into lesser produce pushing up prices. The government’s ignorance towards this sector in terms of providing incentives is another factor. As mentioned above certification fees also have to be recovered which the end-users pay in the form of high prices. Consumers will not be ready to pay high prices till they are convinced that the product is superior. Thus the farmers face great difficulty in selling organic produce. Thus marketing these products has become very essential.

The main inhibitors to India’s organic production can be summarized as under-developed infrastructure, higher transaction costs and lengthy procedures for certification, low awareness about organic products in the markets and lack of marketing techniques.

Possible Solutions:

The government’s role is very important here. The Indian government who is so keen on making Indian agriculture organic needs to provide incentives to farmers in the form of subsidies for certification fees. Banks also need to provide insurance and easy loans to farmers. It is ironical that farmers who produce natural and healthy products need to pay more which in turn escalates prices of their products than farmers who produce inorganic food that could pose danger to health.

Today, if all conventional farming was to be substituted with organic farming the question that arises is whether pure organic food would suffice the growing population. If more and more people get convinced about the benefits of organic food the demand would outstrip the supply and organic yields would have to increase in order to cope up with the increasing demand. With advanced technologies, these issues could be addressed. The economic theory of production if implemented here correctly would help achieve increasing returns to scale that would increase production with lesser inputs. But in reality organic practices need to experiment with novel methods to achieve the above.  In a utopian model conventional produce could be used only as a buffer stock in times of emergency situations and inorganic farming could be phased out completely. Currently India ranks 7th in the world in terms of total land under organic farming, according to the FiBL & IFOAM survey statistics. So India has been a major organic producer for the last couple of years and the endeavor towards achieving less dependence on inorganic farming must continue.

Rashmi Ponkshe

No-Till Farming – The Proven Way For Better Yields

No-till farming is an innovative farming method that was socially introduced in 1960s after intensive research for many years. Since then, various studies have been conducted to confirm its benefits and today it is considered as the better alternative of traditional whole tillage farming method. This farming technique was innovated to reduce the erosion of topsoil from upper layer of cropland. Reduction in needed irrigation, better soil quality, less labor and considerably better production are just few benefits of no-till farming. Apart from these, its other benefits are also being realized by the farmers across the world. Now, when all the countries are concerned about the global warming and green house gases like terms and processes, the importance of no-till farming becomes more.

No-till farming doesn’t need mechanical churning of soil in- between the crops. Instead of being plowed thoroughly, agricultural waste is left on soil to decompose. As a result better composed soil suffers less erosion and retaining nutrients. This compact soil holds the water for longer period and thus reduces the need of irrigation. Because no-till farm land needs less use of heavy equipment, so it remains well-aerated. Less tilling means less labor, fuel consumption, pollution and overall farming cost.

According to a report released in 2006, “U.S. loses soil to erosion ten times faster than natural replenishment. Cropland erosion contributes largely to marine blooms, which create dead zones in Gulf of Mexico and other water bodies. For each pound of food that is sold in the grocery stores, 2 to 7 pounds of top farm soil is lost.”

After the proof of erosion reduction and significant environmental advantages, no-till farming is becoming popular rapidly all over the world. According to a survey, 18 % of U.S. farmland and 30% of Canadian farm land is under no-till category. South American countries too have adopted no-till farming method widely. According to a report released after the survey in 2004, almost half of farming in Brazil was being done through zero -till.

When the popularity of no-till farming is increasing in all the countries, you too should plan to adopt this innovative simple farming method. Although it seems simpler than traditional till farming but it too needs perfection at different stages. Every step should be taken with utmost care at accurate time. If you are new to no-till farming, do not take risk with quality or quantity of agriculture produce. There are many Government, Semi-government or Private organizations that offer help to willing farm owners. You may realize slight reduction in total production in very first year but this shortfall will deliver you multidimensional benefits lifelong.

No-Till Farming – Adopt It To Get More Yields With Reduced Inputs

Every country is experiencing the population explosion and is suffering with the multidimensional impacts over the economy. One of the major concerns that is related with ever increasing population is the more demand of food items. So getting more yield from the same farming land has become the primary focus of every country. All the governments are supporting the R&D work of farming techniques and are encouraging the farm owners to adopt those techniques. No-till farming is one of such techniques that has succeeded to draw attention of thousands of farmers worldwide.

No-till farming delivers multidimensional benefits to the farmers irrespective to their farm land. Under this technique, agricultural waste is left to decompose on the soil Instead of plowing thoroughly. Such composed soil retains nutrients better and suffers less erosion. Water retaining capacity of better composed soil is more than tilled farm soil. It needs less use of fuel driven heavy agricultural equipments. All such proven results of no-till farming deliver the advantage of low capital investment and reduced production cost.

The benefits of no-till farming are being experienced by the farmers of all the countries. Till few years back, this method was not such popular as it is nowadays. The popularity of no-tillage farming is increasing in all the countries. A recently released report states that almost 30% of Canadian farm land and 18 % of U.S. farmland is under no-tillage farming category.

Although, many farmers in some countries are using no-till farming method since centuries but its benefits were certified just decades before. No-till farming seems an easy and convenient method of farming but this too needs proper care, if one wants to get the real advantage as are being claimed by the scientists. The very first concern of the willing farmers is switching over period. They can switch over to no-till farming any time after having the main crop and before planting the next one. Weather conditions, existing soil conditions, crop planning and irrigation facilities etc are the other factors that are also essential to take into the account.

Switching over from traditional farming to no-till farming method is not as simple as it seems, you need expert guidance for grant success that is available free of cost in most of the countries. If you succeed in switching over, you will definitely feel the hike in total yield with reduced investment.

More Farm Articles

Pack Your Muck Boots, Kids! Take an Unforgettable Vacation with Your Family: Visit a Farm

As you are planning your next vacation do you get sticker
shock from the cost of accommodations, airfare and meals?
Are you tired of the usual resort or theme-park destinations
where you are passively entertained (and constantly opening
your wallet)? Are you searching for a vacation that will be
relaxing for you and an unforgettable experience for the
kids? Do you want to be at a place that is real and not
manufactured?

What you need is a good old-fashioned farm vacation.

Staying at a farm – even if you just stay a weekend – is an
experience your family will never forget. If you have kids,
it is a chance for them to experience firsthand where food
comes from and even help with farm chores, such as feeding
baby lambs and collecting eggs. It a way out of the hustle
and bustle of modern life; it is a retreat that brings you
and your family back to America’s farm roots and a calmer,
simpler way of life.

Farm vacations are not new. In fact, 50 years ago city
dwellers who needed a break would call their country cousins
for a respite from urban life. However, today, with less
than 2% of the U.S. population now living on working farms,
finding a relative with a farm is unlikely for most people.
But now more than ever — with the frenetic pace of suburban
& urban life at full tilt — we all desperately need a
vacation “away from it all.”

Luckily there still many farmers who, in addition to
farming, love to play host to their urban “cousins.” These
farmers are part of an ever-growing trend of agri-tourism.
According to a recent article in the Boston Globe the farm
vacation is increasingly becoming a popular getaway among
suburban families. This trend is being fueled by a surging
interest in environmentally-conscious tourism and the
increased enthusiasm for local organic food among
suburbanites and urban dwellers – who rightly believe that
children ought to know and understand where food comes from.

What’s it like to stay on a farm?

Imagine for a moment waking to the sound of the rooster
crowing and chickens clucking. How about rolling out of bed
and collecting fresh eggs with your kids for your breakfast?
You can then stroll around the farm, go fishing, milk a cow,
sip lemonade on the rocking chair on the porch, feed a baby
lamb out of a bottle, or go for a hayride.

The pace and pressures of everyday life slip away. This is a
place you can really “let go” on vacation, participate in
some real down-to-earth activities, eat wholesome home-grown
& cooked meals, and probably have the best sleep you’ve had
in years.

Many parents who have taken a farm vacation report that it
is more relaxing than a traditional vacation (such as at a
Club Med or Disney World), plus farm vacations promote
simpler values they want to instill in their children – like
hard work and respect for nature.

A farm vacation is not only relaxing, but it is a true
bargain. The average middle income American family spends
hundreds of dollars annually in its two weeks’ pursuit of
fun and relaxation. You probably lay out even more money on
camping equipment, special vehicles, boats, motorcycles,
gasoline, motels, restaurants, camping fees, portable TVs,
movies, liquor, repair bills and more. Sometimes you need a
vacation after your vacation to recover from the stress of
spending all that money and not really having a relaxing
time.

Your farm vacation helps not only your family, but small
family farms.

Taking a farm vacation not only benefits you and your family
- but farmers as well. For farmers – the influx of guests
who are willing to pay for lodging and the “farm experience”
is becoming vital to their economic survival and preserving
the rural landscape. In fact, farms who include some kind of
“agri-tourism” (such as farm stays) are managing to stay
afloat and even thrive.

With many independent farms on the verge of extinction,
cash-strapped farmers are finding a good stream of income
hosting urban/suburban guests…who actually want to milk
their cows and gather eggs!

So this season, instead of taking your usual vacation, pack
your bags, your muck boots, and your sense of adventure and head for the nearest farm. It will be an experience you and your kids will be talking about for years to come.

Pack Your Muck Boots, Kids! Take an Unforgettable Vacation with Your Family: Visit a Farm

As you are planning your next vacation do you get sticker
shock from the cost of accommodations, airfare and meals?
Are you tired of the usual resort or theme-park destinations
where you are passively entertained (and constantly opening
your wallet)? Are you searching for a vacation that will be
relaxing for you and an unforgettable experience for the
kids? Do you want to be at a place that is real and not
manufactured?

What you need is a good old-fashioned farm vacation.

Staying at a farm – even if you just stay a weekend – is an
experience your family will never forget. If you have kids,
it is a chance for them to experience firsthand where food
comes from and even help with farm chores, such as feeding
baby lambs and collecting eggs. It a way out of the hustle
and bustle of modern life; it is a retreat that brings you
and your family back to America’s farm roots and a calmer,
simpler way of life.

Farm vacations are not new. In fact, 50 years ago city
dwellers who needed a break would call their country cousins
for a respite from urban life. However, today, with less
than 2% of the U.S. population now living on working farms,
finding a relative with a farm is unlikely for most people.
But now more than ever — with the frenetic pace of suburban
& urban life at full tilt — we all desperately need a
vacation “away from it all.”

Luckily there still many farmers who, in addition to
farming, love to play host to their urban “cousins.” These
farmers are part of an ever-growing trend of agri-tourism.
According to a recent article in the Boston Globe the farm
vacation is increasingly becoming a popular getaway among
suburban families. This trend is being fueled by a surging
interest in environmentally-conscious tourism and the
increased enthusiasm for local organic food among
suburbanites and urban dwellers – who rightly believe that
children ought to know and understand where food comes from.

What’s it like to stay on a farm?

Imagine for a moment waking to the sound of the rooster
crowing and chickens clucking. How about rolling out of bed
and collecting fresh eggs with your kids for your breakfast?
You can then stroll around the farm, go fishing, milk a cow,
sip lemonade on the rocking chair on the porch, feed a baby
lamb out of a bottle, or go for a hayride.

The pace and pressures of everyday life slip away. This is a
place you can really “let go” on vacation, participate in
some real down-to-earth activities, eat wholesome home-grown
& cooked meals, and probably have the best sleep you’ve had
in years.

Many parents who have taken a farm vacation report that it
is more relaxing than a traditional vacation (such as at a
Club Med or Disney World), plus farm vacations promote
simpler values they want to instill in their children – like
hard work and respect for nature.

A farm vacation is not only relaxing, but it is a true
bargain. The average middle income American family spends
hundreds of dollars annually in its two weeks’ pursuit of
fun and relaxation. You probably lay out even more money on
camping equipment, special vehicles, boats, motorcycles,
gasoline, motels, restaurants, camping fees, portable TVs,
movies, liquor, repair bills and more. Sometimes you need a
vacation after your vacation to recover from the stress of
spending all that money and not really having a relaxing
time.

Your farm vacation helps not only your family, but small
family farms.

Taking a farm vacation not only benefits you and your family
- but farmers as well. For farmers – the influx of guests
who are willing to pay for lodging and the “farm experience”
is becoming vital to their economic survival and preserving
the rural landscape. In fact, farms who include some kind of
“agri-tourism” (such as farm stays) are managing to stay
afloat and even thrive.

With many independent farms on the verge of extinction,
cash-strapped farmers are finding a good stream of income
hosting urban/suburban guests…who actually want to milk
their cows and gather eggs!

So this season, instead of taking your usual vacation, pack
your bags, your muck boots, and your sense of adventure and head for the nearest farm. It will be an experience you and your kids will be talking about for years to come.

Farmer Insurance – Don’t Bet the Farm, Shield Yourself

Farming is a massive operation. Having farmer insurance is most necessary when you consider all the risk involved in owning and running a farm. Farm insurance can help protect you from the loss of a bad crop or the unforeseen disaster of the loss of a heard. Tragedy strikes at inconvenient times, but thankfully there is protection available.

Regardless of whether you inherited your farming business through your family, or decided to take the plunge and start a farm, the costs involved are enormous and the loss of a crop due to frost or hail can be devastating. Farmer insurance acts as protection against complete financial ruin if the unforeseen happens. Not only are crops and animals at risk, but the equipment needed for operation is also very costly. The term ‘farming’ encompasses many types of farm operation; thankfully there is farmer insurance available for each source of revenue.

Farmer insurance covers many potential incidents. Not only does it cover many accidents that may occur on the farm, but it guards against possible litigation. For instance, a consumer could purchase a jar of your jam, get ill and then decide to sue your business. Farmer insurance not only helps cover you in this instance, but will represent you in court if need be. A common policy coverage also involves accidents while operating your farm equipment or performing farming duties. When you stop to think about it, there truly are many ways that a farm is endangered to liability.

Available Farmer Insurance

Before choosing farmer insurance there are factors that must be considered. The most important issue is the type of farm that you operate. Also, how is business commenced? It may be best to write a list and include how many people you employ, the amount and types of equipment that need to be insured and possible liabilities that worry you. The following is a general list of items that need to be insured when operating a farmer.

Crop Insurance: Crop-yield and crop revenue are big concerns to farmers. Since the outcome of the crop determines the livelihood of the entire farm, coverage for the crop is paramount. Farmer insurance generally covers loss due to natural causes. This may include bugs, pests and hazardous weather.

Farm Contents: Most farm equipment is quite costly and can run into the hundreds of thousands. You will want insurance that lists specific equipment individually and provides comprehensive coverage for your equipment. Some policies also cover loss of livestock because of electrocution.

Theft: Theft coverage is not limited to stolen machinery. Often time’s theft on a farm involves livestock including cows, sheep, goats and hogs.

Employers Liability Insurance: If a farmer has one employee, he or she will need liability insurance. The employee needs not to be full-time, they can be an occasional work-hand, but accidents happen and this insurance will cover many potential liabilities.

Fatal Injury of Livestock: Many companies offer farmer insurance that covers the loss of an animal either while on the farm or even while in transit. If an animal dies coverage generally is available for a maximum amount per animal and a maximum per accident. Even working dogs, such as herding dogs, may be covered if fatally injured.

Sheep Coverage: This item helps to cover veterinary bills and loss of sheep due to injury or death.

Business Disruption: Farmer insurance will help protect a farmer when business costs either increase dramatically or profits are suddenly down due to unforeseen incidents.

Shipment of Goods: Your strawberries are safely on their way to market and boom, they’re gone. A loss of income due to crop damage while in transit is protected with this coverage. Loss of livestock is not covered under this coverage since animals are covered separately.

Personal Accident Coverage: If an accident that leads to injury occurs on a farm, this coverage protects against this. As a farmer you are entitled to a settlement if an injury occurs that effects your ability to run the farm as needed.

Personal House and Contents: The farmer’s residence and any additional buildings are covered. If specifically stated, the contents of the home may also be covered.

Summary:

When the protection of farm equipment, livestock and crops are in question, Farmer insurance must be purchased. Farmer insurance will safeguard against financial ruin due to unforeseen occurrences. Common coverage includes loss of income due to theft, crop failure and the death of livestock. A farmer’s personal home and contents are often included with this insurance. Farming is an important line of work and there is insurance available to help protect not only the farm, but the owner.