While no one wants to think about a disaster happening, it is important to have a plan in place before disaster strikes. Depending on the type of disaster (windstorm, roof collapse, flood, etc.), you may need to follow a different plan. Having a comprehensive plan in place will help you be better prepared for a disaster, so you can continue operating and get back on your feet faster.

Smartphones are becoming an indispensable part of farming operations. From special apps that control the GPS in your irrigation system to time trackers and weather alerts, farmers are increasingly leveraging the power of technology. 

For farmers who work long hours, smartphones are a valuable link between home and work but with that convenience, comes added danger.  

For sports fans, it's the definition of "the big game." For casual viewers, it's a chance to see which ads are setting the standard for comedy and creativity. But for those attending a Super Bowl party, it's a chance to tackle some indulgent treats. 

Snacking is inherently part of any viewing party, but the variety of dishes and the longevity of the game can put your guests at risk of food-borne illness. 

Many livestock owners need to spread manure, even during the winter months. But winter snowfall and spring thaws can create challenges for manure management. When manure isn't effectively absorbed into the soil, it can run off into surface water, ditches, and streams.

The first hunter education course was offered at a 4-H camp in 1944. But states were slow to require any kind of hunter safety program until the 1960s and '70s when the idea really caught on. Now nearly every state requires hunters to take an approved safety course in order to buy a hunting license. 

Even if you've already taken such a course, or if you were exempt because of age or military service, it's still a good idea to give hunting safety another look.