"As Editor-in-Chief, I am sometimes tempted to emphasize with more detail an idea that absolutely matters or engages my past experiences," writes Successful Farming magazine Editor-in-Chief Loren Kruse. "So forgive the old editor for finally yielding to the temptation. Here are a few stories from this issue in which I couldn't resist adding a personal observation or additional thought."

"If you don't use cornstalks as part of your feeding plan, you have your reasons -- fences, labor, and cheap hay," writes Successful Farming magazine Contributing Editor Gene Johnston. "Cheap hay is a thing of the past, and $200 worth of good electric fence supplies will go a long way toward fencing off the stalks."

"While I am concerned about getting the overall U.S. economy back on track, farmers are in a good position to grow profits. The risks are higher, but the opportunities are still good in the years ahead," writes market analyst Alan Kluis. "Take a look at what caused the downturn and how long is it likely to last."