How-To Library

As agriculture professionals return to fields to prepare for planting season, they should set aside time to ensure their operations are sufficiently protected from the myriad hazards faced throughout the year. Nationwide, the country's leading insurer of farms and ranches1, stands ready to help members prevent losses on their farms. Today, the company released its list of the top preventable insurance claims on farms and ranches in 2019.

You can easily provide chicks with a healthy, balanced diet using pre-formulated, store-bought feed. Usually sold as chick starter feed or chick starter mash, these formulations provide all the chicks' necessary nutrients from day one until their eighth week.

Start with this checklist to begin planning your garden!

Finding the best spots for your bird feeders requires more consideration than you might think. This article includes recommendations on placement height, avoiding predators and other threats, preventing window collisions and how location can help limit squirrel feeding. Locate your feeders properly, and you'll have birds flocking to your backyard in no time.

A good brooder provides your chicks a safe, clean home with plenty of airflow, warmth, food and water. You can purchase new brooder elements, or you can use items around your house to build a happy home for your new chicks.

Various methods of preserving food in mason jars in the home kitchen are described.

Birdwatching is great for children because it provides opportunities to be outdoors and instills an appreciation for science and nature that can last a lifetime. It is a hobby that all members of the family can enjoy. You can foster a love for wild birds by teaching your children about the types of birds that visit your backyard feeder.

Do you have a bird feeder in your yard? Birdwatching is a great activity for family members of all ages. Make birdwatching a family event at your house and keep a wild bird journal to record all the different types of birds that visit your backyard feeder.

If you are trying home canning for the first time or just need a great reference guide, the USDA offers a Complete Guide To Home Canning. Download the full canning guide here.

Start a garden early by sowing seeds in containers indoors. Any container that drains well can be used, but many gardeners prefer peat pots or pellets placed in flats or plastic flats with many sections that are sold specifically for the purpose.

More and more people each year become interested in raising a small flock of chickens for a hobby or to help lower the family food bills. Get your backyard flock off to a good start with this step-by-step guide on what to do after you bring your new chicks home. This article covers details on preparing your chicks' brooder, tips on feeding and watering and advice on keeping your chicks healthy and disease free.

a few considerations for sustainable-minded growers