Archive for February, 2012

Interested to Own a Hobby Farm?

Planning for machinery and implement use can be easily forgotten when purchasing a hobby farm. Unless one is mechanically minded or relatively wealthy, issues related to purchasing and maintenance of required machinery should be taken very seriously. Second-hand machinery may appeal price wise, but can be more costly in the long run if mechanics need to travel a long distance in order to repair or service machines. Health and safety issues can also arise if machinery is not well maintained.

In many cases it is much more economical to hire a contractor for tasks such as earthmoving or cultivation, rather than try to do it yourself with inadequate equipment. The type of hobby farming will also have a great bearing on the range of machines required.

Weed control and removal of undergrowth in bushfire prone areas will require mowing or slashing equipment. Sheep, cattle or goats will do most of the weed control work, however, they require constant attention. This aspect of farming is appealing, but is often not practical when the owner does not live on the farm.

Sowing crops will require at the least the machinery to cultivate, fertilize and carry out harvesting. Contractors may be the best option here as the tasks are seasonal and may only be needed once in a year. A reliable vehicle will be needed if the farm is isolated and the ability to pass over rough unsealed roads may also be required.

A comprehensive range of small implements will be needed for small everyday tasks. These will also need to be maintained and housed. Such hand tools as post-hole diggers, sprayers, spades and secateurs should be kept clean and away from the elements if they are to have a long life.

If the farm is located in an isolated area, theft of machinery and livestock can be a concern. Items that can be easily dismantled and removed, such as pumps and pipes, will often be a target for thieves.

The range of available machinery is endless and only limited by one’s imagination and budget. Farming journals are usually crammed with advertisements, innovations and specials. Should you be unable to resist a bargain at a clearing sale or farming field day, make provisions for sheds in order to house these items.

Special care should be devoted to the maintenance of safety equipment. Spraying masks and protective clothing will be required when toxic chemicals are used. Regular checks and maintenance of all equipment is advised in order to reduce the risk of accidents. A carefree attitude towards the operation of equipment and machinery may result in an injury that will force the owner to leave the farm. Keeping this in mind, a good insurance policy should also be investigated.

Without care and planning, an idyllic dream can easily turn into a nightmare, greatly affecting one’s health as well as the bank balance!

Texas Agricultural and Mechanical School

Choosing a college can be very difficult with all of the accredited universities throughout the United States. And no state stretches further in educations than the great state of Texas. Texas A&M was the state’s first public institution of higher education and is deeply rooted in tradition, service, success and affordability. Here’s a little information about one of the largest schools in the south.

Texas A&M is one of the nation’s largest universities with a student body of over 49,000 and a campus that stretches over 5,500 acres. But, like any town in Texas, it still has that down home, southern hospitality feel to it. The city of College Station (as referred to in the name) surrounds the school and supports it. The atmosphere is all about supporting education and because of it, the school ranks first in student retention rates. The town also rallies around the school’s athletic program, the Aggies are a top rated club in many sports, including college football.

The college was created by way of the Morrill Act of 1862 which encouraged donation of public land to schools which provided higher education whose “leading object shall be without excluding other scientific and classical studies, and including military tactics, to teach such branches of learning as are related to agriculture and mechanic arts.” This agricultural and mechanical school created the Texas A&M University we know today, although the school has since greatly expanded its areas of study, including the only College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in Texas.

The highest of education is the focus at Texas A&M, the school holds a membership in the Association of American Universities, a membership that only 63 institutions carry that promotes high standards for teaching, research and scholarship at the undergraduate, graduate and professional levels. Leading the way for future research as well, the university holds the triple distinction of a Land Grant, Sea Grant and Space Grant designations.

Service to the United States is also very popular to students in this university, it has historically produced more officers than any other institution in the nation other than the actual military academies. And the Wall Street Journal named the university second in the nation among all universities both public and private in a survey of what graduates, recruiters prefer to hire.

The school offers a very wide range of intramural activities, clubs, associations and groups for students to become involved in “deep in the heart of Texas”. Students enjoy a wide range of opportunities to grow as a person as they expand their minds. Texas A&M is a top choice for students looking to join the collegiate world.