Do sheep and goats grieve over lost "friends?"

An article in SouthCoast Today shows a study among animal behaviorists that herd animals, like sheep and goats, actually DO grieve over the loss of a fellow member of their herd. Would you agree? Read more.

I don't know about this one. Based on reactions by my herd animals, I am inclined to disagree with this less-than-statistical finding. My animals appear more interested in the "grain bucket" than in time spent grieving over a fellow herd animal, but I could be wrong.

Read the article.

Are chicken farms adding to algae problems in Chesapeake Bay?

The Eastern shore is known for its chicken farms. But a new report shows that the high amounts of nitrogen and phosphorus may actually be contributing to algae blooms, or higher amounts of algae being produced in the Chesapeake Bay. What will this mean for farmers? Read more.

Filly Wins Preakness Stakes!

Rachel Alexandra, the filly who was thwarted by a bunch of colt owners for even thinking of running in the Preakness Stakes, sure showed them on Saturday in an awesome victory!

Read more from the Washington Post.

In the News: The Preakness Stakes

All eyes turn to the Pimlico Racetrack in Maryland this weekend for the Preakness Stakes. The latest news includes:

- Washington Post: Fears of the Final Stretch at Pimlico

- Baltimore Sun: Preakness Truly a Gem

- New York Times: Trainers Hope Patience Pays Off at Preakness

Old Dominion Invests in Wind Power

Even Old Dominion is getting in on the wind power game. The electric cooperative is buying wind power from a Maryland wind farm. A shifting tide? Read more.

Maryland Wind Farms ... Waves of the Future?

It looks like legislation allowing wind farms across Maryland may finally be taking shape. What will this mean for "going green?"

Read more.

In light of Preakness, what is the future of Maryland horse racing?

With the Preakness Stakes this weekend, the Washington Examiner took a closer look at the horse racing industry in Maryland and what the future may hold. Read more.

Governors launch new efforts to clean up Chesapeake Bay

Maryland Governor Martin O'Malley and Virginia Governor Tim Kaine met with EPA Chief Lisa Jackson this week to kick off a renewed effort toward doing more in the next 2-5 years to clean up the Chesapeake Bay.

The Obama Administration's efforts will be tied to water pollution reduction and increased enforcement of banned substances to reverse the Bay's course.

Read more.

The Challenges of Farming in Maryland

A reporter with the Baltimore Business Examiner wrote on the challenges facing Maryland's farmers today. Among the highlights:

1. Farmland is worth more to develop than it is to farm
2. More food is needed to feed a growing population
3. Rising costs of farming are putting many out of business
4. Additional jobs are needed to supplement farmer's incomes

So what can be done? What can you do? Read more. These are some helpful tips for farmers and consumers to help today's farmers stay in business for many years to come.