Benes Service

What Happens In A Cattle Feedlot

So what really takes place at a cattle feedlot? Many folks refer to these places of business as factory farms. … More

Beloved Mikey the lawn-mower-man killed in Harrison crash

A beloved Harrison icon, who was known for his trips into and around town on his lawn tractor, was hit and killed in an accident Thursday night while riding his

Why we will no longer be a welcoming church

We’ve decided to quit being a welcoming church. No kidding. We’re giving it up. Like so many congregations, we’ve sunk an amazing amount of time and energy into becoming a welcoming church. We changed worship styles, trained greeters and ushers, wore name tags, brewed coffee, went to workshops on hospitality and put our friendliest people …

4 tips for feeding poor quality hay

What should producers do with all of that rained on hay? What other feedstuffs can be added to dilute poor-quality hay? Here are 4 tips for feeding low-quality forages to cattle this winter.

Farm Loans 101

“Let us not forget that the cultivation of the earth is the most important labor of man. When tillage begins, other arts will follow. The farmers, therefore, are the founders of civilization” (Daniel Webster). We love our farmers and believe they are the backbone of this nation. If you are new to farming or if it has been in your family for years, it’s important that you know about farm loans. Here are the basics you should be familiar with<br>FSA<br>When talking…

Why humans struggled to make 'f' and 'v' sounds until farming came along

Love to drop F-bombs? Thank the shift to agriculture.

How engineers developed the rubber-belted tractor

A casual stroll through a farm machinery show this year revealed an obvious manufacturer trend toward tractors with rubber-belted track systems, with more options in store.

Fertilizer and liming practices for grain crops

Dry fertilizers can be safely and quickly applied in the fall. Some tillage will help ensure nutrients are placed below the soil surface. This will help reduce stratification and lower the concentration of dissolved P i

Grain Farmer & Artisan Baker Build Network

Knowledge is power, in so many things. For artisan baker Lori Sands, she wants her customers to understand what she puts into her hearth-baked breads and why it is important

Farmers urged to improve on-farm grain storage techniques

With on-farm grain storage growing in popularity, just how well are crops being managed post-harvest?

Are grain farmers losing to oil for rail service?

A record harvest will likely cause financial hardships on grain farmers due to a lack of rail service. Some point the finger at the oil industry for the problem.

Can Human Urine Replace Chemical Fertilizers?

Urine contains nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium -- essential plant nutrients that are usually mined from the earth or the air for agricultural use. The Rich Earth Institute is collecting thousands of gallons of urine, hoping to make potentially harmful waste substance into a boon for crop production.

Plants Need a Little Vigor? How to Choose a Good Fertilizer

State grain farmers seeing benefits of selling silage to bigger dairies

As grain prices show no signs of improving, more farmers are growing corn for silage to pay the bills.

Improving Farmer Access to Quality Fertilizer for Increased Yields

A major factor limiting use of quality fertilizers for enhanced agricultural productivity is the unavailability of properly packaged and labeled fertilizers in quantities small-scale farmers can af…

What is going on with fertilizer prices?

Farmers are faced with prices that won’t drop soon and a laundry list of new decisions to make.

Why farmers and homeowners alike should check the weather before using fertilizer

A Fox Lake farmer is showing how she is not just feeding America, but protecting it.

Grain Angles: Contract growing benefits

Contract growing pigs has been a solution for many farmers who want to build equity and position themselves to take advantage of future opportunities.

Could Algae Replace Grain in Cattle’s Diet?

The Definitive Guide to Grains

Amber Waves of Pain Order up! Yes, folks, it?s definitive guide time again. I?ve read your requests and am happy (as always) to oblige. Grab your coffee (o