Unlike cash-crop farmers, who face the uncertainty of yo-yoing prices when they sell their crops, dairy farmers rely on a quota system that provides their regular income. In effect, a dairy farmer has a licence, or quota, which they must buy, to sell a certain amount of milk to the market each month at a set price. Andy Beattie stands between 12 Holstein cows, six in stations on each side, as he disinfects and hooks automatic milkers, or vacuum-like tubes, to their teats. The cows know...

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Department of Agriculture showed that 94% of the corn in the top-producing 18 states has been harvested. The report also showed that the core producer price index, which excludes food and energy prices, came in unchanged after rising 0.1 percent in the previous month. On the economic front Wednesday morning, the Department of Labor released its report on wholesale price inflation in the month of October, showing that prices rose less than expected due in part to a drop in energy prices....

Scientists are now calling for a fresh debate about GM crops, which they claim will reduce prices and mitigate the impact of farming on the world's environment. However, some experts believe Scotland must reconsider its position on GM crops if prices are to stay low and food remain in plentiful supply. but Anthony Trewavas, a professor of plant science and fellow of the Royal Society of Edinburgh, who gave evidence on the GM debate at a committee of the Scottish Parliament, insists the...

Because of the losses they take on turkeys, it's impossible for retailers "to allow people to come in and buy as many as they want," he added "Everyone includes turkeys in their ad, so it's just a matter of how low a retailer is willing to go," Kolavo said. Because of the losses they take on turkeys, it's impossible for retailers "to allow people to come in and buy as many as they want," he added "Everyone includes turkeys in their ad, so it's just a matter of how low a retailer is willing...

John Deere dealer Tim Larkin has tripled his order for wheat-harvesting equipment -- the most in a decade -- in anticipation of sales to wheat farmers flush from record grain prices. This month the grain hit highs of $9 a bushel on the spot market, three times the going price of just a few years ago. You can keep it going for several years, but this windfall will mean they'll all be able to upgrade, and replace some older equipment. By "windfall," Larkin referred to the unusually high...