Network security is the backbone of digital operations, and farming is no exception. As farming equipment becomes more interconnected, the potential for cybersecurity breaches increases. A breach could compromise a farm's operations, leading to substantial financial losses and even potential safety risks.
Read MoreIn Carter County lies the town of Grayson. It is home to McGlone Farms and Kee’s Farm Service. McGlone Farms has been in operation for six generations and traces its roots back to 1883. Kee’s Farm Service hasn’t been around nearly that long, but about ten years ago, it was purchased by Hannah and Jason McGlone, and business has certainly changed since Hannah took over.
Read MoreFarmers are always thinking, and many spend a great deal of time trying to figure out how to bring their kids back to the farm or how to make their operation such that there is enough cash flow to support the next generation. One component of the agriculture industry that is especially appealing to younger farmers is that of precision ag.
Read MoreErosion can be a very gradual process. Naturally, erosion occurs everywhere. Energy in rain drops or wind detaches particles at the soil surface, then moves these mineral and carbon particles downslope or down-wind to another location. In the Great Plains and further west, this energy is most often provided by the wind. But in the east, including Kentucky, the energy is provided in the form of raindrops.
Read MoreIf there’s a product more authentically Kentucky than bourbon, it’s country ham. Curing-savvy European immigrants came to America with hams aboard ship, and they continued that preservation tradition long after moving into what would become the Bluegrass State.
Read MoreScientists have collaborated to produce the first gene-edited calf with resistance to bovine viral diarrhea virus (BVDV), a virus that costs the U.S. cattle sector billions of dollars annually.
Read MoreWhile Kentucky conjures up images of Bourbon, college basketball, the Derby, and mint juleps, it also claims to be home to the first commercial vineyard in the United states (1799), and at one time the producer of half the nation’s wine.
Read MoreThe sun-dappled rolling fields of Kentucky host a unique set of challenges as summer approaches. Kentucky farmers must remain vigilant with rising temperatures, longer daylight hours, and changing patterns of pests and diseases.
Read MoreEquine therapy, also known as equine-assisted therapy (EAT), is a therapeutic approach that uses horses as a tool for emotional growth and learning. Therapists may work with individuals dealing with anxiety, depression, PTSD, autism, and more. The interaction with horses is designed to help clients build skills such as responsibility, self-confidence, communication, and problem-solving.
Read MoreIn agriculture, soil science is invaluable. It informs farmers about the composition of their soils, helping them understand what crops will thrive and what amendments might be needed for optimal plant health. It also aids in diagnosing and resolving soil health problems that can adversely affect crop production, such as nutrient deficiencies, pH imbalances, or issues with soil structure.
Read MoreWith the rise of digital technologies, the attack surface for potential cyber threats has expanded. Cybercriminals can exploit vulnerabilities in connected farming equipment, data storage systems, and digital supply chains to cause severe damage. This could range from disrupting farming operations and stealing sensitive data to holding an entire supply chain hostage via ransomware attacks.
Read MoreThe agriculture industry, once synonymous with traditional farming techniques and manual labor, has transformed dramatically in the 21st century. Today, it integrates sophisticated scientific methodologies, modern technologies, and innovative practices. The agricultural landscape in Kentucky, known for its rich farming history and diverse agricultural output, has become a fertile ground for budding scientific careers.
Read MoreIn the heart of Kentucky, where verdant fields stretch as far as the eye can see, a quiet revolution is unfolding. The traditional agriculture sector, once dominated by manual labor and basic machinery, is increasingly embracing technology. And with this shift, the demand for tech-savvy professionals in agriculture is growing exponentially.
Read MoreSeven horses died in the span of a week leading up to the Kentucky Derby, and two more passed away on Derby Day. Churchill Downs is looking into what has led to the deaths.
Read MoreIn the heart of the Bluegrass State, Kentucky, farmers are experiencing a technological revolution that is transforming their industry. Unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), commonly known as drones, have become indispensable tools in modern agriculture.
Read MoreChelsea Smither is a Project Manager at the Kentucky Office of Agricultural Policy and has been with them since May 2022. Prior to that, Chelsea attended the University of Kentucky and majored in Agricultural Education.
Read MoreThis tobacco update includes 2023 tobacco budgets for burley, dark air-cured, dark fire-cured, cigar wrapper tobaccos, a summary of USDA’s 2023 Prospective Plantings report, and an overview of recent prices and market factors.
Read MoreMay is almost here, which means backyard gardening, trips to agritourism venues, and farmers’ markets are about to be in full swing! The local, fresh fruits and vegetables we have been waiting for all winter are finally readily available to us. But have you ever wondered where to find it?
Read MoreFor many years in Kentucky, you mostly found H-2A workers on Kentucky tobacco farms. However, as many farmers have experienced a lack of dependable employees, more and more non-tobacco farms have shifted to the H-2A visa program to supplement labor needs during the year.
Read MoreThe 2023 Farm Bill debate continues to evolve in our nation’s capital amidst a lot of political challenges. The farm bill is a massive, comprehensive piece of legislation covering everything from farm programs, conservation, rural development, forestry, trade promotion, nutrition, and even ag research and education.
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