If you're in the farming business, you'll need to consider agriculture magazines and journals pricing and costs. Farming methods are constantly changing, enabling you to earn more and produce a better product. Agronomy is ever-changing, too, with new research guiding the way to new trends and better profits. And in today's technological world, business practices are also forever on the move. To keep up with it all, you need agriculture magazines and journals.

But the cost of keeping yourself educated with agricultural trade journals can be high. Which agricultural magazines and journals you choose depends a great deal on your education, your specific niche in the agriculture world and your personal interests. However, there are three broad areas of farming magazines we'll look at:

1. Farm magazines focusing on the business side of things
2. Agriculture journals focusing on science
3. Farming journals published by agricultural organizations

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Research farm journals with business information

For great general information, including innovative ideas on running the business side of your farm and views and reviews of new products and technology that can save you time and money, you'll want to look into general farm magazines. Many provide free information online, but to read the entire magazine, you must subscribe. Subscriptions vary in price from about $11 to $30.

I recommend: Agriculture Online is a magazine covering the business side of agriculture, plus new products and technology. Top Producer is considered a leading business magazine for those in agriculture. Farm Industry News offers product news and technology for Midwest farmers. Each of these magazines is under $30 a year.

Choose print and online agriculture journals focusing on science

To keep up more specifically with breakthroughs in agricultural science, you'll want to read journals. Choose peer-reviewed science journals in the specific areas that interest you; there are journals covering everything from genetics to veterinary science. Science journals generally cost a bit more--around $50 to $100 or more per journal--but you may also be able to read them for free online.

I recommend: The USDA publishes Agricultural Research and makes it available for free if you read it online; you may also order a print edition. Poultry Science is the premiere publication of its kind and is available free online.

Consider a journal of agriculture published by an association

There are many agriculture associations and organizations in the United States and abroad, and almost all of them publish one or more journals packed with quality information difficult to find elsewhere. Sometimes non-members may order copies of these journals--but at a significantly higher price. Consider joining associations to obtain free (or cheaper) journals while enjoying other membership benefits. Costs among association journals vary widely, but a good example is Agronomy Journal, which is $50 for members but $650 for non-members.

I recommend: Agronomy Journal is published by the American Society of Agronomy and covers agriculture and natural resource sciences. The Council for Agriculture Science and Technology provides a number of publications, usually free to members but up to $85 for non-members.

Farming may be one of the oldest professions in the world, but the methods and strategy are constantly evolving. One of the easiest and most accessible ways to stay up to date on the latest farming industry news is by regularly reading agriculture magazines and journals. From farming magazines to agriculture journals, these periodicals are mandatory reading for the industry's elite.

You can use trade journals on agriculture to find out the latest news and trends, get equipment and method ideas and learn new ways to preserve, maintain and grow crops. When choosing which publications to add to your research arsenal, consider the following:

1. Farm magazines will offer great blanket industry information in a timely manner on a regular basis throughout the year.
2. Ag magazines and agriculture journals can help you research the latest equipment and methodology available for helping you grow healthy, abundant crops.
3. Agricultural magazines and farming journals often focus on general farming life, which can help you find out what other farmers in your industry or area of expertise are doing to stay successful.
   

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Check out ag magazines that showcase agriculture products and ideas

Many useful ag articles explaining the latest agricultural innovations and products can be found in a number of agricultural magazines. These are useful sources of information--and inspiration--for today's farmers.

I recommend: Farm Show Magazine shows off the latest products and ideas in agriculture. Progressive Farmer is a magazine dedicated to the business and lifestyle issues of today's farmers.

Troll through ag journals for agriculture news

A number of agricultural journals prove to be perfect sources of up-to-the-minute agriculture news that can affect your business. Look to these publications for help when market conditions or food prices force you to readjust your game plan.

I recommend: The High Plains Journal contains news and links to all sorts of agricultural resources. Farm Times/Ag Weekly provides the latest agriculture news and lifestyle information.

Find farm journals and magazines that speak directly to you

Agriculture publications written by farmers for farmers offer some of the best insights and tips for making farm life happy and productive.

I recommend: American Small Farm addresses the needs of the small business farmer. Field Crops Research is a journal that will provide you with the latest innovations in preserving and maintaining crops.

Tips & Tactics

Helpful advice for making the most of this Guide

• •  Farming publications aren't just a source of industry information--they can be a source of new business. Peruse the publications above for advertising opportunities to help bring new attention to your farming operation, or pitch yourself as a source for future articles.

Agriculture magazines and journals can serve many purposes for your business. Hard copy and online agriculture journals can help you keep up to date on the latest commodity information. Agricultural magazines and journals can help you learn about advances in equipment that will not only speed up your processing, but bring in higher revenue.

Farming journals and farm magazines can help you learn about your rights as a farmer, educate yourself in the field and the industry as well as keep up-to-date on the latest news and information. You can also find out what to do in case of a natural disaster as far as long term tips and assistance in addition to finding out who are the best resources to answer your farming questions.

To find out more about agriculture magazines and journals types and styles:

1. Focus on financial farming magazines to study the business side of the agriculture industry.

2. Select trade journals on agriculture by region to keep up with the information in your area.

3. Purchase agriculture magazines and journals to stay knowledgeable on current farming equipment for your business.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Find the latest financial farming magazines and agriculture journals

Keep up with the latest industry analysis by reading the most up-to-date agriculture magazines and journals. Stay abreast of the commodity market news and keep pulse of the overall industry.

I recommend: Read AGProfessional, or subscribe to their weekly newsletter. Find newsroom and market information as well as crop fertility and weather news. Check out commodity market news on STATpub.com.

Choose your Ag magazines by region

Keep up with the latest news in your area by selecting your agricultural magazines based on the region that you live in.

I recommend: Subscribe to the Midwestern publication Farm Industry News. While you are there, you can also sign up for Farm Industry News Buyer's Express e-newsletter or the Precision Pays e-newsletter. Sign up for the Delta Farm Press print magazine. While you are there, take a few moments to also sign up for any of the following publications: Delta Farm Press Daily e-newsletter, Southeast Farm Press Daily e-newsletter, Southwest Farm Press Daily e-newsletter or the Western Farm Press Daily e-newsletter.

Use farming magazines to purchase equipment for your business

Subscribe to agriculture magazines and journals to determine what kind of and where to find the latest and best buys in agriculture equipment and materials for your farm.

I recommend: Purchase a subscription to Farm Equipment Guide Magazine. Use it to learn where to find farming equipment products, dealers, parts and accessories for your farm business. Check out the current issue of FARM EQUIPMENT. While you are on their website, also take the time to read their exclusive online content.

The agricultural industry, like any other industry, is constantly making technological advances. In order to stay current of such changes, it is important for farmers to read agricultural magazines and journals. By reading agricultural magazines and journals, individuals can learn about the latest equipment designed to increase efficiency and productivity such as utility tractors and robotic milkers. One can also gain insight on herd management, crop disease, legislative initiatives and issues influencing agricultural market prices.

Action Steps
The best contacts and resources to help you get it done

Farming equipment

Farming equipment is constantly undergoing technological advances ranging from tractors equipped with GPS to self-propelling sprayers that provide increased efficiency in farming operations.

I recommend: Stay abreast of the latest in mowing and shredding equipment, GPS technology, tractors, fertilizer and spraying equipment by reading Farm Equipment magazine.

Dairy Herd Management

Dairy farming is a labor-intensive occupation that requires farmers giving special care and attention to their herd for their cows' health is dependent on their financial health. Farmers take measures to improve milk production in their herd such as keeping cows cool and keeping the milk parlor and other areas clean to prevent mastitis. A dairy farmer's work takes place off the farm as well attending meetings pertaining to the dairy industry and milk marketing.

I recommend: Read Dairy Herd Management to learn about issues affecting the dairy industry such as milk and feed prices, dairy industry marketing efforts and artificial insemination.

Pasture/Ranges Grazing Programs

There is much more to pasture and range grazing than just letting beef cattle out to do their thing. Farmers must ensure their pastures have enough quality grasses to support their cattle's diet and perhaps just as important, have quality fencing to contain their cattle.

I recommend: Learn the latest issues facing the industry by reading Beef Magazine.

Farm Journal Magazine

A farmer's financial well being is often dependent on the prices they receive at market for their products whether it is corn, wheat, milk or beef. Factors such as weather, crop disease or health alerts can positively or negatively influence market prices.

I recommend: Stay current on the factors influencing agricultural market prices by reading the online Farm Journal Magazine.

Agriculture Law

Legislators in Washington DC and state capitols are almost constantly laboring over legislation ranging from reducing greenhouse gas emissions to hen farming that will affect the agricultural community. To keep the agricultural industries best interests at heart, lobbyists work on the farmers behalf.

I recommend: Read Agriculture Law magazine to stay informed on the latest agricultural legislative initiatives.

Progressive Farmer

Farmers in order to remain successful in the industry must be aware of a variety of issues such as new technology, government regulations, research on drought and disease resistant crops and market prices.

I recommend: Progressive Farmer online magazine is a convenient way for farmers to receive up to date information on market prices, weather and other issues facing the agricultural community.