Did you miss some news this week? We’ve got you covered. Here’s a collection of the top headlines in agriculture.
Tips to curb the combine fire epidemic
Fire risk is high across much of the heartland this fall. Mechanical failure is a leading cause of combine fires, and three-fourths start in the engine compartment. However, a combustible material is also needed to fuel a fire. That’s where debris buildup comes into play. Check out 10 expert tips to reduce the risk of combine fires and minimize damage if one occurs. – Nebraska Farmer
Court decision affects life insurance strategy
Many family farm businesses with multiple owners purchase life insurance through the business entity to fund a buyout of a deceased owner’s interest in the business. In Connelly v. United States, the U.S. Supreme Court ruled that a life insurance policy payable to a business for the purpose of buying out a deceased owner’s interest should be included for estate tax purposes as part of the company’s value. Learn more about what this means. – Ohio Farmer
McDonald’s investigates onions as source of E. coli outbreak
McDonald’s is facing questions over food safety after the Center for Disease Control on Tuesday tied an E. coli outbreak to Quarter Pounders. According to the CDC, 49 people across 10 states became sick, and most of the affected consumers were from Colorado or Nebraska. Ten people were hospitalized and one individual died. – Agriculture Dive
Mississippi River dries up at worst time for farmers
The Mississippi River is suffering from low waters for the third straight autumn. Limited rainfall has left the river so shallow that barges are starting to run aground, even after shippers started running lighter loads to prevent boats from hitting the river bottom. Shipping costs are currently about 55% above the average for the past five years, creating a disadvantage for the world market. – Bloomberg
Poultry workers contract avian flu in Washington
The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention confirmed two of the four presumptive bird flu cases among poultry farm workers in Washington state. The agency also ruled out bird flu infections among healthcare workers who tended to a person who contracted the virus in Missouri. All but one of the 31 confirmed U.S. human cases of bird flu have been among farm workers who had contact with infected poultry or dairy cows. – Reuters
The search for your next mower
With winter on the horizon, now is the time to start planning for next season. Farm Progress staff fanned out across this year’s Farm Progress Show and Husker Harvest Days to find the latest and largest mowers on the market. From autonomous machines to flex-wings, modern mowers prioritize user experience and comfort — without skimping on efficiency. – Farm Progress
Is this a repeat of the ‘80s?
The Farm Financial Crisis of the 1980s is seemingly manifested with each disheartening report of low farm income or high interest rates, slim margins or poor prices. In contrast, bankers, economists and financial advisors looking at today’s numbers see significant differences – largely positive advantages – for farmers to weather the current financial storm. – Farm Futures
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