Because the Vermont name lends value to everything from maple syrup to apples to cheddar cheese, the state's economy is closely linked to agriculture, especially dairy farming. Vermont's $2 billion dairy industry was especially hard hit in 2006 due to severe rain damage to corn and hay crops, low milk prices plus high fuel, fertilizer and feed costs. Producing artisan cheese on the farm has allowed many small producers to hold onto the land, diversify their products, or begin farming anew....

Cattle for $100: The main ingredient in many cattle rations, this grain is also the staple of all those ethanol production plants that are popping up like mushrooms. Fewer soybean, sorghum, wheat and hay acres, higher land prices and more ethanol by-productsin cattle feed. So, of course, producers will respond by generating more cattle that grade Choice and higher. Fear Factor may keep producers from exploring the game of retained ownership on feed at home or in a commercial feedlot. Most...

Courtemanche lives a mile and a half from the site of a proposed 900,000-chicken farm, but she and other residents aren't putting out any welcome mats. As California's agricultural heartland becomes increasingly suburban, the state's egg production has fallen to its lowest level in 50 years. Residents like Courtemanche as well as developers of a nearby 11,000-home subdivision under construction don't want the stench of egg farms near their homes. SFGate Home Business Sports Entertainment...

Fitzpatrick said that his naturally fed cows contain less of the undesirable fatty acids found in most beef and are healthier than some seafood. Fitzpatrick decided to raise his cattle in a way that is entirely grass and forage-fed, yet keeps the land in a sustainable natural state; sometimes even restoring the habitat to its native state. The cattle he raises as part of his 5 Bar Beef brand are not the usual kind of cattle that become steaks one might find in the local supermarket. As...

Plant cover can protect the crown and root from freezing damage, and also protects the crown from the deception of warm early-spring temperatures that would stimulate early dormancy breakage. Healthy, well-hardened, dormant alfalfa is very cold tolerant; crowns and crown buds are thought to be able to withstand soil temperatures as low as 5 to 15 degrees. There may be more concern in low areas where water may have pooled and frozen for extended periods during the winter, on wind-swept hill...