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<umbBlogPost id="75508" key="74af1eef-4ffa-4a7a-88d1-de4f663a3146" parentID="75498" level="5" creatorID="10" sortOrder="2" createDate="2018-12-10T13:38:21" updateDate="2018-12-11T11:31:31" nodeName="Stress Management Tips for the Most Wonderful Time of the Year" urlName="stress-management-tips-for-the-most-wonderful-time-of-the-year" path="-1,1069,1057,72426,75498,75508" isDoc="" nodeType="1053" creatorName="Pink Tractor" writerName="Pink Tractor" writerID="10" template="1046" nodeTypeAlias="umbBlogPost" isPublished="true"><PostDate>2018-12-10T00:00:00</PostDate><blogHeadline>Stress Management Tips for the Most Wonderful Time of the Year</blogHeadline><bodyText>Cuddling up under a warm blanket with your hot cocoa by the fireplace, children in matching Christmas pajamas playing nicely with toys by the decorated tree, exchanging the perfect gifts within our budget for each family member wrapped in festive paper, having time coordinated to visit with all of our loved ones, eating just enough pecan pie to not have to loosen your belt loop.
 
Is that not the beginning of an unrealistic vision of the holidays?
According to the American Psychological Association, the holiday season can be a time when many people report they have their highest stress. Feelings of sadness, loneliness, fatigue, and irritability can come with the rat race that can become the holiday season. Many of us have multiple holiday events, family, work, church and civic groups, where presents are exchanged and meals are prepared often located miles and miles apart. Creating realistic expectations of your holiday time is the first step to actually enjoying the most wonderful time of the year.
 
Here are some ideas to help you get your holiday season going on the right track.
 
<ul>
<li>Set realistic expectations for the season.</li>
</ul>
It might be physically impossible for you to make it to every holiday celebration. Look at your calendar in advance and plan out your time so that you feel that you can adequately cover all the ground in the best way possible. Think about those who you have not seen as frequently around the holidays. Can you share your time with all groups? Also, if your meal looks a little more like Stouffer’s than Pioneer Woman, understand that everyone will be fed just the same. You might not be able to find the perfect present for everyone, but hopefully you can show everyone that you care.
 
<ul>
<li>Pay attention to your health and well-being.</li>
</ul>
With all the holiday meals can come delightful options in food choices. If you are making the rounds to all of the parties and events, try to have a smaller portion size of your “must-have” treat. Can you schedule in some physical activity? Excess sugar in our diet can leave us feeling drained and bloated. In the long run, it is better to judge what you have eaten “meal by meal,” more than what you have eaten “that week.” Give yourself the gift of good health one step at a time.
 
<ul>
<li>Practice gratitude in all situations.</li>
</ul>
Instead of focusing on what is not happening, try to shift your focus to what is happening that is going well. What have you accomplished on your to-do list? Who have you been able to visit? What happiness you can find in your current situation? What can you do to show others you are thankful for them? Gratitude starts with your heart and truly appreciating life’s simple pleasures and the people around you. If something is upsetting you, try to let go of what you cannot change and move on. Find joy and thankfulness wherever you can and cling to it when your stress wheel is spinning.
 
Eight out of 10 Americans report being afflicted by stress on a daily basis. We certainly cannot stop our life and the difficult situations that come with it, but we can manage how we cope. Ask your support system for help and create strategies that work for you.
 
References:
Gallup. (2017). Well-being in America Survey. Retrieved from: https://news.gallup.com/poll/224336/eight-americans-afflicted-stress.aspx
 
Marcos, A. (2017). The Most Stressful Time of the Year? Retrieved from: https://www2.calstate.edu/csu-system/news/Pages/The-Most-Stressful-Time-of-the-Year.aspx.</bodyText><tags>succession,leadership,fun</tags><seoTags>women in agriculture</seoTags><closeComments>0</closeComments><introduction>Believe it or not, the holiday season can be a time when people report their highest stress. Read this article on tips to manage holiday stress.</introduction><articleImage>75507</articleImage></umbBlogPost><umbBlogPost id="75511" key="10a249e3-e795-4ae5-8c6b-3e101552c2da" parentID="75498" level="5" creatorID="10" sortOrder="3" createDate="2018-12-18T12:43:38" updateDate="2018-12-18T13:06:30" nodeName="The Cover" urlName="the-cover" path="-1,1069,1057,72426,75498,75511" isDoc="" nodeType="1053" creatorName="Pink Tractor" writerName="Pink Tractor" writerID="10" template="1046" nodeTypeAlias="umbBlogPost" isPublished="true"><PostDate>2018-12-18T00:00:00</PostDate><blogHeadline>The Cover by Cheyenne Glade Wilson</blogHeadline><bodyText>Fall is in full swing here in southwestern South Dakota. I love the seasons we are blessed with as ranchers. It never ceases to amaze me how each year has its similarities, but when examining a bit closer there are so many unique things to discover. This reminds me of that old saying about judging a book by its cover. I learned a long time ago that it was best not to do that. The cover tells us only part of the story. It's up to us to open it up and delve a little deeper into the pages if you know what I mean.
After growing up in this industry I've come to have a huge appreciation for many female figures in ranching. They truly are the glue that holds so many of our operations together and I believe they deserve a little recognition. Who am I referring to? Well, I'm going to focus on the three that come to my mind due to their role on our place. I am talking about the cow, the mare, and the ranch wife.
When folks who don't ranch or who aren't involved in agriculture see a cow I know they don't "really" see her. I recently did a post on my blog to pay homage to our girls. Lord knows we wouldn't have a ranch if it weren't for them. Here is what my post said:  "You see a cow....I see five generations of dreams, desire, drive, and determination. I see a beautiful creature that never complains of the cold or heat. She knows her purpose and she thrives in it. I see heartiness, strength, and a grit like you've never felt before. I see an animal that has formed our livelihood for generations. She relies on us and we rely on her. We can learn much from cows. Speak less, listen more, be content, and no matter what....go on!"
Perhaps you've never thought about a cow like that before. I didn't used to either, but the older I get the more appreciation I have for pure truths in this life. To me, this is a big one, but it isn't only for cows. Mares have attributes similar to those, except perhaps they take things a step further. Mares are extremely protective of their young and they can definitely be ones to watch out for. They can at times be quite headstrong, but I've never met a pea-hearted mare. They will go strong for what they are after and they have a lot of try. Yes, sometimes they can kick or bite. However, if you know what you're doing with a mare you likely can get the best side of her to come out and stay there.
Gosh, as I'm writing this, a smile is spreading on my face. The cow and the mare have much in common with another female on the ranch. She is one of the most important of all. She is the ranch wife.
Ranch wives are such a unique group of people. They literally can be head to toe in mud and manure all day long helping with the herd. Give them a few minutes and they can turn into the most beautiful thing you've ever seen. Their words are full of wisdom, passion for this way of life, and experience. They are sometimes headstrong and opinionated, but a part of that credit most likely can be given to their father or their husband from working together too much. Or better yet, the credit goes to their own mother who was a ranch wife, and wasn't afraid to speak her mind.
Ranch wives can be found on the back of a horse moving cattle, in a pen helping with a prolapse, in the kitchen making lunch, killing a snake in the backyard to protect the kids, and attending a school board meeting at the end of a long day. The possibilities are as endless as their spirit. There truly isn't a list long enough to completely do justice for the description of ranch wife. They give and give and give, expecting little in return. We all have so much to be thankful for from the various ranch wives who have had an impact our lives. I honestly believe every single day is an opportunity to thank these gals for the size of their hearts, the range of their vision (goals), and for their never-ending desire to help get the job done.
I believe it's that maternal calling all females have in one form or another. I have it and boy am I glad I do. It took me until I hit my 30s to identify it, but I wouldn't trade it for the world. It's nothing to wake up at 4 a.m. to throw breakfast on, load vaccine and branding supplies, saddle and load my horse, round up, brand all day, get home to take care of my horse then serve lunch to our crew, clean up, take care of barn critters, take a shower, go to bed, and wake up the next day eager to do it again.
Speaking for all ranch wives now, I'd like to say that we love this life! There is no other way to explain how we do what we do. Loving life in general is what makes it the most enjoyable. There is no room for complaining, blaming, comparing or focusing on things that we can't change. We have the heartiness of being a female. We want to do things the right way, we don't like to quit and we protect the things we love with fierceness just like the cow and the mare. Don't ask us to change, and please whatever you do, don't judge us by our cover. For no matter the exterior, ranch wives are complex. We are ranchers. We are wives. We are mothers. We are cooks. We are owners. We are the best dang ranch hand anyone has ever had around. And lastly, we are just downright amazing! God bless us all!</bodyText><tags>Women in Agriculture</tags><closeComments>0</closeComments><introduction>When folks who don't ranch or who aren't involved in ag see a cow, they don't "really" see her.</introduction><articleImage>75510</articleImage></umbBlogPost><umbBlogPost id="75512" key="87e1a95e-5141-4657-addc-cddcf00e2463" parentID="75498" level="5" creatorID="10" sortOrder="4" createDate="2018-12-18T13:06:15" updateDate="2018-12-18T13:30:02" nodeName="Checking out a Campus?" urlName="checking-out-a-campus" path="-1,1069,1057,72426,75498,75512" isDoc="" nodeType="1053" creatorName="Pink Tractor" writerName="Pink Tractor" writerID="10" template="1046" nodeTypeAlias="umbBlogPost" isPublished="true"><PostDate>2018-12-18T00:00:00</PostDate><blogHeadline>What to Consider Before Making College Visits</blogHeadline><bodyText>Once the holiday wrapping paper is cleaned up and the page is turned on the calendar, many high school juniors, and even a few undecided seniors, will shift their attention toward planning college visits. It’s the time when prospective students, eager to write their next chapter, get a feel for life on campus as they begin the college selection process.
Recently, Pink Tractor talked to representatives of various universities with notable agriculture programs to ask them what students should consider when making campus visits.
 
Why college visits are important
Courtney Hallenbeck, assistant director of recruitment programs at Kansas State University in Manhattan, said college visits are one of the most impactful experiences a student can have during the college search process. Kansas State University offers more than a dozen ag-related major and minor programs.
“Through a visit, you can truly get a feel for what life could be like as a student walking the halls at each institution,” Hallenbeck said. “Once high school students have a grasp on their priorities, I think it is a great time to start visiting colleges.”
The process should be initiated once students can articulate what they are looking for in a school, she said.
“I suggest that students visit campus while classes are in session so they can see the campus during peak times,” Hallenbeck added. “However, colleges know that visiting when classes are in session is not always possible, and should be willing to work with you on scheduling a visit that best fits the needs of your family.”
At Kansas State, students are invited to schedule a personalized campus visit or attend an event day. On a personalized visit, students typically meet with representatives of academic areas of interest, a financial aid representative and an admissions counselor who can explain the application and scholarship process. Appointments and tours are held individually or in a small-group setting.
Elle Huff, co-director of the admissions call center at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana, said the school offers four student-led, three-hour campus tours each weekday. Purdue offers nearly 40 ag-related undergraduate programs.
The walking tours at Purdue include a 45-minute session with representatives of the admissions office, as well as stops at academic facilities and residence halls. When reserving a spot for the tours online, prospective students have the option to customize their visit so they can get a closer look at specific schools such as the College of Agriculture.
“That will help you get a better idea if your intended major is appropriate and if the school is really a good fit for you,” Huff said.
And if a prospective student is undecided on a major or a specific career, that’s OK, too, said Charlotte Emerson, director of student development and recruitment for the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences at the University of Florida in Gainesville. The university offers guided tours and prospective students have the opportunity to meet with one of the 23 advisors who oversee each of the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences’ 23 major programs.
“Some students are scared to say because they feel like if they verbalize it, then they’re locked into it,” Emerson said. “If you are 17 or 18 years old, the sky’s the limit. The point of college should be to have a lot of different interests, and then try to figure out from there what it is you want to do.”
Emerson said students coming into college today tend to be much more prepared than students who showed up on campus a couple decades ago.
“With dual-enrollment and (advanced placement) credits, some of these kids are arriving with 60 credit hours,” Emerson said. “What we try to help them with is a better understanding of where they fit in and exploring the the breadth of the major.”
 
Do your research
Before even setting foot on a college campus, students should research each of their possible choices, considering what factors are important to them. This will help them weed out unrealistic options, which is especially important if those options are a great distance from home.
“These factors could include, for example, academic programs, size, location, campus atmosphere, available support resources, just to name a few,” Hallenbeck said. “If you can, check out how any dual-credit or AP classes transfer to the institution you are visiting.”
Huff said typically schools such as Purdue have a four-year plan-of-study on the admissions section of their website. This allows students to see all the required courses they will need to take in order to complete their degree. She urges prospective students to delve into course descriptions for those major courses, as well as required electives, to get a feel for the subject matter.
“You need to make sure that you’ll be OK with what you’ll be doing for the next four years,” Huff said.
Emerson added that students should have a good understanding of what the college’s requirements for graduation are and should delve into individual course descriptions within the majors. For instance, at the University of Florida, students who come through the College of Agricultural and Life Sciences, are required to complete a chemistry or biology course. They must also take courses in economics, public speaking and technical writing, so they enter the workforce well rounded.
Emerson added that prospective students should have a good handle on scholarship and internship opportunities before making their campus visit, so once on campus they can ask specific questions about those programs.
She also encourages undecided students to consider what she calls “under-enrolled” ag majors, such as food science.
“The need is always going to be there,” Emerson said. “As a result, the jobs will always be there.”
 
Make the most of the time on campus
Before arriving on campus, be sure to schedule a tour over the phone or online. Emerson said that unexpected pop-ins will not be an effective way of getting the whole picture.
“Don’t show up from Minnesota the day of and say ‘We were just in the area and wondered if we could have a tour,’” Emerson said. “It’s not that we won’t accommodate you, but it is just hard to coordinate everything at the spur of the moment. We really encourage students to prearrange their visits.”
Hallenbeck said that while prospective students are on campus they should interact with current students and ask them to be candid about their experience at the school.
“I challenge visitors to stop students on the sidewalk and ask these questions,” she said. “Having that honest, firsthand response is so important.”
She also suggests asking current students what their favorite places on campus are, and then going there to check them out. Also, make a list of educational and experiential priorities, and then visit locations that correspond with that list.
“Find out what the school is known for, what makes them stand out, and travel to that location,” Hallenbeck said. “This may be student unions, libraries or recreation centers.”
College should be about broadening horizons, Emerson said. Students should consider what it would be like to open their world to new experiences and new points of view.
“College is a melting pot of students,” Emerson said. “It should push you out of your comfort zone.”
Emerson added that prospective students also should investigate clubs and activities that could tie into their major and help them stand out once they enter the job market. Those programs also will help instill vital skills such as communication, time management and conflict resolution.
“The more a student is exposed to, the more they have to offer a potential employer,” Emerson said. “It’s what will set you apart from everyone else. You need to continue to grow yourself and make yourself interesting.”
 
Ask ‘a lot’ of questions
Merideth Sherlin, the director of admission at North Dakota State University in Fargo, said “no question is out of bounds” when it comes to her and her staff. Each year they field many queries from the university’s approximately 2,500 incoming freshmen students.
“A guided tour is a great opportunity to ask a lot of questions,” Sherlin said. “Ask ‘Do students typically graduate in four years?’ ‘Am I going to be in the library doing research every night?’ ‘Are there opportunities to do internships?’”
She said it also is appropriate to ask questions about tuition costs or campus culture. And ag students should ask about opportunities to become involved in research projects through extension services. Also, ask the school about seeing research facilities, barns or labs.
“Don’t just assume they are going to be included in the tours,” Sherlin said. “Always ask, and most schools are happy to accommodate.”
 
After the visit
The car ride home is a time when many prospective students and their parents discuss what they liked and did not like about a particular school. Sherlin also suggests talking to recent graduates and other alums to gain their perspective. If those conversations spawn questions, then be sure to reach out to admissions representatives by phone, email, or even text and social media.
“We try to make the experience robust and meaningful for students,” Sherlin said. “It can be overwhelming at 16 or 17 years old because you’re hearing a different vocabulary and it’s a different environment from what you’re used to.”
If an interest in the school remains following the visit, K-State’s Hallenbeck recommends reaching out to a school admissions representative who works with students in the area in which the student lives.
“Their job is to be a connection between the institution and you, so leverage their knowledge and build a personal relationship with them,” Hallenbeck said. “As a higher education professional, we find great joy in helping prospective students find their best fit and seeing the spark in a student’s eyes when they connect with a college.” She also recommends that prospective students keep the business cards of college representatives they meet during campus visits so they can follow up with thank you notes.
“It is a simple way to leave a big impact,” Hallenbeck said.
Huff said that if a prospective student comes away interested in a school, they need to promptly research all application deadlines. Often, students do not pay attention to those deadlines and miss important opportunities to apply for admission, aid and scholarships.
She also reminds high school students that while they are on campus they need to remember to pick up an absence excuse note if their school requires one. She also reminds them to make use of their prospective college or university’s admissions website.
“I feel like it is underutilized and there are so many great resources on there,” Huff said. “It really answers a lot of the common questions we receive about deadlines and majors, and it also contains a freshman class profile that can be helpful to students when they are making their decision.”</bodyText><tags>featured,Women in Agriculture</tags><closeComments>0</closeComments><introduction>It’s the time when eager students get a feel for life on campus as they begin the college selection process.</introduction><articleImage>75514</articleImage></umbBlogPost><umbBlogPost id="75521" key="19cda305-60f3-4e46-aac2-e0852b0c6e7b" parentID="75498" level="5" creatorID="10" sortOrder="5" createDate="2018-12-20T12:55:09" updateDate="2019-01-03T11:56:18" nodeName="A Nature of Being Human" urlName="a-nature-of-being-human" path="-1,1069,1057,72426,75498,75521" isDoc="" nodeType="1053" creatorName="Pink Tractor" writerName="Pink Tractor" writerID="10" template="1046" nodeTypeAlias="umbBlogPost" isPublished="true"><PostDate>2018-12-20T00:00:00</PostDate><blogHeadline>Focusing on your HAVES, instead of your HAVE NOTS...</blogHeadline><bodyText>Dear Friends,
 
Happy Holidays! I am sure, by the time you read this, things will be in full swing at your house.  Cookies will be in the oven, decorations will be scattered all over the house and the snow will be starting to fall. In between chores and holiday commitments you will be wrapping gifts, trimming the tree, hanging stockings and checking things off the list.
And, you will be longing for a moment to come when you can finally put your feet up with a cup of coffee, glass of wine or hot chocolate. And when you do, I ask, “What is it that you are going to think about? Are you going to set your sights on the New Year?”
One of the traditions that the kids and I have is that somewhere between Christmas Day and New Year’s Day we sit around the kitchen table, each of us with a piece of paper, and write down the things that we want to do in the coming year. I try to lead them to set goals in different areas of their lives: school goals, fun goals, family goals, etc. Our lives are multi-faceted and giving attention to different compartments is important. You really have to be intentional.
During this time we also have fun pulling out the goals from the previous years and checking what we did against what we set out to do. It’s all a work in progress in my book and carrying over goals is totally, 100 percent acceptable.
The Christmas season always brings in a new year for me, too. I am reminded that the clock keeps ticking, when my age goes up by another year, and I get reflective. I think about the dreams and goals I have had in the past. I realize that some of those goals morphed into good intentions rather than resolutions that hit the mark. Is that ok?
Well, change does happen and morphing is ok, too. It’s perfectly fine to change your mind.  After all, we are women.  It’s our prerogative. 
Something I have found to be super helpful in getting me closer toward my goals and intentions is finding a word or phrase that I want to define the year ahead with. I find that it sets a good tone moving forward, and the word or phrase ends up to be my guiding light to see me through it all with every choice and fork in the road. Every decision is met with the test as to whether or not it supports the word. The word or phrase is my escort, ushering me toward the next year.
So last year, as the kids and I were sitting around the living room figuring things out for 2018, I decided to choose this phrase: “The Haves.” 
This was an idea that stemmed from my couch. As I was sitting on the couch, I was writing down some of the things that I wanted out of the coming year and one of the things that I had written down was to buy a new couch. And I thought, “Do I really need a new couch?”
You see, I have one of the most dated, sort-of-ugliest couches in the world. I really do. It is quite the joke with the kids and I, our family and close friends. But, like all jokes, there always seems to be a thread of truth, of insecurity that is hidden behind the giggles and laughs. I will be speaking in total honesty here, baring my soul, but I have always been kind of sensitive about my couch, making excuses whenever someone new walks into the living room.
You can laugh. It is ridiculous, right? Why am I even sharing this with all of you? Such a menial thing to get stuck on when there are school shootings, poverty, disease…yup, simply dumb, and I am kind of embarrassed to even own up to this.
But I have to share, because I think my couch tells a little something about the nature of being human that maybe some of you can relate to.
Many of you are thinking I should just go out and buy a new couch, right? In today’s world of plastic and home equity credit lines you would think that would be the course of action for a 43 year old woman who is sensitive about the look of her couch.
But really, it’s not the answer right now. Spending money on the couch is not the most responsible thing to do, and that is what I am trying to teach my children. There are much more pressing matters in our old home that are on the list to be addressed. Things like electrical grounding issues and bathroom repairs. These are home improvements that come in much higher on the priority list over the vanity issues that I have with my couch.
What I figured out, while I was sitting on the couch last December, is that when I had a bad day, or I didn’t feel like things were going quite right, it seemed that the couch took the brunt of all of my frustrations, and I tended to focus in like a laser on it’s pure ugliness. 
 
Truthfully, the ugliness was coming from within me.
 
This is a couch that I never had to pay for. I acquired it from a family member when I moved into my house. It was clean, barely used and has been successfully filling a need: a place to sit. It is extremely functional and appropriate for three boys who on occasion spill something and a dog that once in a while gets over excited in play and pops her front paws up on it. 
So last year, as I was sitting on it, planning the intentions of 2018, I decided that enough was enough with the couch. I took a deeper look within myself and announced to the kids that I was done being so hard on the couch. We were going to focus on the fact that we had a couch. They kind of laughed at me and rolled their eyes, but I think that they got what I was saying.
The fact is I focused way too much negative energy on calling out the ugly couch when life handed me challenges. So when 2018 came rushing through the door I decided that it was going to stop. And it did.
I shifted my thinking to focus on the fact that I have a couch instead of dreaming about the couch that I have not. It was more about the daily gratitude for all the things that are in my life rather than what I didn’t have. And all of those obstacles and challenges that I faced on a daily basis, yeah well, they just needed to be faced with patience and love because in the end it all adds up to one great big blessing: life.
This thankfulness is a fundamental that I knew, was raised with and always try to instill in my children, but when life just keeps coming at you, it’s easy to lose sight and let something like a couch bug you. By setting a word for myself that I used as my focus for the year, things shifted, the tone was changed, and now when I have a bad day I look at my couch and say “thank you” instead of snarling at the poor thing.
I share this story with you at the holiday season, as we get ready to jump into 2019, because I am sure that there is something in your life that gets the negative attention when you are at war with yourself or the world around you. Maybe it’s the squeaky door, or the tractor that needs a tweak every time you start it up. Is it a cupboard that won’t close right, getting into a cold car in the winter, or the short days and long nights?  
We are all human beings, give yourself that. It’s ok to find these silly little things frustrating. But now, with this piece of knowledge, try to be better. Do yourself a favor and let those have nots, or just not rights go. And when you do, you will find the beauty in your haves instead and the whole world will look a lot brighter.
You may use my 2018 intention for the year if it applies to you. Or, figure out one that is more appropriate. Use it as a guide to help you be the best you possible in the coming year.
Write it down and put it in a place where you will see it often, and perhaps, when you see it, you will be able to take pause and think about it for a moment, to remind yourself to keep driving toward your intentions always with your word or words in mind.  
The years are rolling by.  We need to make the most of each and every one of them. Enjoy the season of giving. Try not to stress too much over all the little details. I guarantee a sit in your comfy chair by the tree, singing Christmas carols at church and decorating cookies with your kids is far more important than running around like a mad woman trying to sew up all the loose ends. Miraculously, it always comes together.
Cheers to 2019! So many things to do and share, with the best heart that you have.  
And please, don’t hold the silliness of the couch against me!  My reflection in 2018 made me see it clearly again.
<img style="width: 500px; height: 281.64px; display: block; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" src="/media/316171/1-family.jpg?width=500&amp;height=281.6399286987522" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/3ced508269d74161a3cf395d3cd82642" />
With love and thought,
 
Kate
 
Kate Ziehm, President of <a href="https://www.morningagclips.com/">Morning Ag Clips</a>, is originally from New Hampshire. She is a 1997 Cornell University graduate with a degree in Animal Science and a concentration in Business Management and Marketing. Kate's love of agriculture began with her 4-H dairy cow project and has grown and diversified ever since. With the birth of her children she turned her efforts to motherhood while she took the opportunity to broaden her knowledge and understanding of the agricultural industry. Since 213 Kate has owned and operated the Morning Ag Clips, a daily e-Blast that gives the latest breaking local and national agricultural news to farmers and ag industry leaders across the United States. In addition she dabbles in writing to connect with her audience on the Just Me Kate page of the website. Currently Kate resides and works in Greenwich, NY with her 3 sons, Tyler, Jacob and Samuel. </bodyText><tags>Women in Agriculture,featured</tags><closeComments>0</closeComments><introduction>The Christmas season always brings in a new year. We are reminded in this blog the clock keeps ticking and we become reflective.</introduction><articleImage>75520</articleImage></umbBlogPost><umbBlogPost id="75523" key="1b4c2409-b8bc-44b8-b342-4bdaa40a0aeb" parentID="75498" level="5" creatorID="10" sortOrder="6" createDate="2019-01-02T13:12:43" updateDate="2019-01-02T13:13:18" nodeName="Machinery Breakdowns and How to Prevent Them" urlName="machinery-breakdowns-and-how-to-prevent-them" path="-1,1069,1057,72426,75498,75523" isDoc="" nodeType="1053" creatorName="Pink Tractor" writerName="Pink Tractor" writerID="10" template="1046" nodeTypeAlias="umbBlogPost" isPublished="true"><PostDate>2019-01-02T00:00:00</PostDate><blogHeadline>Machinery Breakdowns and How to Prevent Them</blogHeadline><bodyText>When <a href="/equipment-smarts.aspx">machinery</a> breaks down it can be extremely expensive to fix; however, if the breakdown occurs during a season when you need it the most, it’s going to cost much more than time and money to fix. This is why Pink Tractor is giving you the list of tips to help with any possible breakdowns in the future.
<ul>
<li>Forgetting to read the owner’s manual</li>
</ul>
Don’t think all of your <a href="/equipment-smarts.aspx">machinery</a> is easily fixed the same way. Always refer to the owner’s manual. Not looking at it when fixing broken down equipment is one thing owner’s fail to do and sometimes just assume “their way” is really what you need to do to fix the problem. The owner’s manual is also there for troubleshooting and pinpointing the problem.
<ul>
<li>Incorrect Maintenance</li>
</ul>
It’s important to keep up with the maintenance on your machinery. Whether it’s failing to oil chains, replace belts, or skipping a couple of locations when greasing a new machine. It’s necessary to perform a proper inspection of the equipment at the beginning of the day.
<ul>
<li>Poor Electrical Connections</li>
</ul>
Electrical problems are one of the major causes of <a href="/equipment-smarts.aspx">machinery</a> breakdowns. This is very common with newer machinery and technology on them today.  It’s also one of the hardest breakdowns to prevent. A couple of things you can do to make sure there isn’t any dust or dirt in the areas where the connectors are located is - always use compressed air instead of water to keep the moisture away from wires.
<ul>
<li>Pushing Your Machinery Over the Limit</li>
</ul>
Some farmers operate their machinery to its maximum capability. Doing so at a continued rate will cause the machinery to have future problems. Overrunning the machine can put a strain on all of the drives leading to future break downs.
<ul>
<li>Not Replacing Worn Parts When Needed</li>
</ul>
Usually when a part breaks on <a href="/equipment-smarts.aspx">machinery</a> only that part is replaced and the farmer fails to find the main source that contributed to that part breaking. By replacing that one part it could only fix the problem temporarily. It is always good to investigate and find the source.
<ul>
<li>Improper Storage</li>
</ul>
Improper Storage applies to combines and planters. After the harvest season wraps up farmers put their machinery in the barn and it sits there until next season without being properly cleaned. Debris left over on machinery can attract rodents which can nest inside the equipment and eat through wires. Dust built up on the machinery can interfere with the electrical components.
<ul>
<li>Pay attention to warning signals </li>
</ul>
It’s important not to ignore beeping or flashing signals that happen to go off on your machinery. Some farmers ignore it or even disconnect the signals so it will stop going off. Those signals could be engine temperature, hydraulic oil, shaft speeds, or other parts that aren’t turning at the right speed.
<ul>
<li>Make sure whoever operates the machinery is trained</li>
</ul>
This is one of the biggest causes of <a href="/equipment-smarts.aspx">machinery</a> breakdowns. Just because someone you know says they know how to operate certain machinery doesn’t mean they’ve been properly trained. Always train/show outside help how to operate your machinery before you place your most prized piece in their hands.
Once you determine it's time to replace a piece of equipment, new or used, start with <a href="http://www.pinktractor.com">PinkTractor.com.</a> </bodyText><tags>field</tags><closeComments>0</closeComments><introduction>Machinery breakdowns can be extremely expensive to fix - costing time and money. Pink Tractor provides a list of tips to help with future breakdowns.</introduction><articleImage>75522</articleImage></umbBlogPost>

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