www.americasfarmers.com - The American farmer is the heart of rural America and that’s why it is no surprise that farmers have stepped up to fight hunger in their own communities with the Invest An Acre program.
The Invest An Acre program gives farmers the opportunity to donate the revenue from their crops to a local food bank in their community. There are about 3 million households in rural communities that can’t afford to feed their families but America’s farmers are stepping up and giving back to the communities they live and work in – 

Volunteer Corn in Soybean Fields Can Impact Next Year's Corn Management Decisions
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Todd Vagts, Agronomist ~ At the time I am writing this article, the line of Republican candidates vying for the presidential nomination looks similar to the many soybean fields I've observed this summer that are full of volunteer corn. Similar to the candidates, you may have a soybean field full of unwanted plants vying for your attention. Fortunately for the presidential nominations, as winter transitions into spring the candidate list will become smaller and the issues faced now will be forgotten. Yet this is not the desired outcome for soybean fields infested with volunteer corn....

Insects and Winter

Rich Peters, Agronomist ~ What is the prognosis for insect survival this winter? First of all, insects have been on this earth longer than humans and have developed many mechanisms to adapt to and survive varying weather conditions. Regardless of winter conditions, insect numbers may be reduced but the insect species will not be eliminated....

Fall Residue Management​
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Joe Bunck, Agronomist ~ Residue management begins at crop harvest. The most important residue tool, the chopper, is attached to the back of the combine. As yields increase....

In his recently released editorial, American Farm Bureau President Bob Stallman encourages American Farmers to share their story. Richards & Son Agri Supply aims to do just that. With the recent update to our website, the addition of this blog, our social media interactions, and our constant community support and advocacy we are reaching out to share the importance of farming in American life and culture, as well as share the advancements in technology and how they impact not only farming but the American way of life as a whole.

Stallman says, "Agriculture has a great story of sustainability to share. Conventional and organic alike--we're keeping America fed and preserving our valuable resources for generations to come. People need to hear it straight from the ones who know it best." 

Richards & Son agrees, getting the word out is important and there is nobody better suited to share that story than the ones who are living it daily. We hope you will continue to follow us as we keep you up to date on what is happening at Richards & Son and in the farming community. But we also hope you will share your own stories as well.

Read more of Bob Stallman's call to action here.

No matter where you grew up, you are likely familiar with monarch butterflies. You may have childhood memories from science class when you watched those peculiar green caterpillars transform into beautiful butterflies. Depending on where you live, you may have seen masses of their orange-and-black wings fluttering in the sky while the butterflies were on their annual cross-country migratory journey.

Today, the iconic monarch butterfly is under pressure. Habitat loss has led to a steady decrease in their numbers.

We’re working to reverse that trend. This year, USDA’s Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS) is launching a targeted effort in ten key states to create and enhance habitat for the iconic monarch on private lands. Through this effort, we’re partnering with farmers and ranchers to voluntarily establish habitat for the monarch on working lands while ensuring America’s farms and ranches stay productive.....


- See more at: http://blogs.usda.gov