Author

Hunter Stone, Senior Staff Agronomist

Hunter is a senior staff agronomist at FBN focusing on data and technology. He grew up in northwest Alabama surrounded by upland cotton and terra rosa soils. Hunter attended Auburn University earning a bachelor's degree in agronomy and soils and a master's degree in soil science. He has a blended applied and data science background with expertise in agricultural systems modeling, commodity markets, GIS and remote sensing, machine learning and statistics, precision agronomy, and software development. Hunter is a certified crop adviser with wide-ranging experience in field and specialty crop agronomy practice.


Jan 03, 2024

by Heather Stone

From the slip hazard of icy grain-bin ladders to trucks skidding on snow, winter can pose dangerous risks to people and equipment on farms. Winter incidents may include frostbite and hypothermia, falls, drowning in an unmarked body of frozen water that cracked, and equipment that doesn’t start easil


Oct 05, 2023

by Heather Stone

Despite the best safety precautions, farming leads to a significant number of accidents every year that can affect farmers' health, well-being and agricultural productivity. It's crucial to respond to these incidents swiftly and effectively to minimize injuries and prevent further damage. Create a s


Sep 06, 2023

by Heather Stone

Farming takes great planning, forecasting, research and hard work to maximize potential profit. Farmers face many hazards and risks during harvest. Farming safely requires a significant effort to ensure you go home unharmed to your family daily. Reducing Risk for a Safe Harvest As harvest gets under



Aug 14, 2023

by Heather Stone

Ranching and farming are physically demanding and rewarding occupations, but there are inherent risks when working with livestock. Large animals, such as cattle, horses, sheep and pigs, can be unpredictable and potentially dangerous if not handled carefully. Understanding the common risks and implem


Jun 15, 2022

by Heather Stone

Farming is a dangerous profession. It’s a high risk environment for children, young people and adults. While farms are both your workplace and your home, the thought of a child or young person getting injured or worse is unfathomable. That’s why it’s important to be proactive about safety on the far


We hear a lot of questions about applying herbicides during warm weather. Crops are currently battling with summer annuals like waterhemp, which emerge, grow and thrive in hot conditions and are naturally drought tolerant. The optimum temperature for photosynthesis in waterhemp ranges from 68 -104°F


Articles Practices

How to Control Winter Weeds

We all know that weeds during the growing season can have a negative impact on crop yields. It is important to remember, though, that winter annuals—such as marestail, henbit, downy brome, field pennycress, annual ryegrass and shepherd’s purse—can also be detrimental to your operation. Winter weeds