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The Apple Watch Ultra 2, which came out in 2023, is Apple's latest and most expensive smartwatch. After Apple's latest event and the release of the new Apple Watch 10, it was expected the Ultra 2 would drop in price. As is the case with most Apple flagship products, the discounts aren't massive, but at this price point, anything helps. The GPS + Cellular Apple Watch Ultra 2 is currently $679 (originally $799), the lowest price it has been since its release, according to price-tracking tools. Apple Watch Ultra 2 [GPS + Cellular 49mm] Smartwatch with Rugged Titanium Case & Blue Ocean Band One Size. $679.99 at Amazon $799.00 Save $119.01 Get Deal Get Deal $679.99 at Amazon $799.00 Save $119.01 The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is different than the first-generation Apple Watch Ultra and the Apple Watch Series 10 (although for most people, the Series 10 is the best choice). It's the most premium Apple watch, with the biggest case size (screen), brightest screen (3,000 nits), deepest water resistance of 100 meters, and longest battery life of up to 36 hours. The Apple Watch Ultra 2 is packed with fitness-focused features, but even if you aren’t a health nut, it still has a lot of great features for casual users as well. People who want a reliable sleep tracker can learn a lot about their sleep habits with the Ultra 2 as long as they keep it well-charged. There are other features not highlighted on the event like nap detection, a translation app, and a feature for Ultra users only that helps you keep track of your current progress in the gym. The model currently available for $679 is the cellular version, meaning you have an independent cellular signal on your smartwatch and can leave your phone behind on runs and still listen to music or make calls. View the full article

The company more than doubled results over comparable periods and exceeded estimates due to stronger economies of scale and valuation adjustments in its favor. View the full article

Japanese technology company SoftBank Group Corp. reported a 369.2 billion yen ($2.4 billion) loss for the fiscal third quarter as it racked up red ink from its Vision Fund investments. That’s compared to a 950 billion yen profit in October-December 2023. Quarterly sales rose 3% from the previous year to 1.83 trillion yen ($11.9 billion), the Tokyo-based company said Wednesday. The report comes barely a month after Masayoshi Son, the founder and chief executive, appeared with President Donald Trump in Washington, as well as with Sam Altman of OpenAI and Larry Ellison of Oracle, to announce an investment of up to $500 billion into an artificial intelligence project called Stargate. Son has repeatedly said the company is banking on a future in artificial intelligence. SoftBank Group invests in an array of companies that it sees as holding long-term potential, including unlisted upstarts, so its financial performance tends to swing wildly. For the nine months of this fiscal year through December, it recorded a profit of 636 billion yen ($4 billion), a reversal from a loss of 459 billion for the previous year. Investment gains were recorded in its holdings in Chinese e-commerce company Alibaba; Coupang, a South Korean retailer based in the U.S.; a mobility service provider DiDi Global and Grab Holdings, a Singaporean technology company, while improved sales came in its British semiconductor company Arm’s business. Some of the investment gains from the earlier months of this fiscal year were erased in the latest quarter. The company does not issue an annual forecast. Yuri Kageyama is on Theads: https://www.threads.net/@yurikageyama —Yuri Kageyama, AP Business Writer View the full article

The latest refinance surge helped lift total application activity up for a second straight week, even as purchases fell, the Mortgage Bankers Association said. View the full article

“Blocked by robots.txt.” “Indexed, though blocked by robots.txt.” These two responses from Google Search Console have divided SEO professionals since Google Search Console (GSC) error reports became a thing. It needs to be settled once and for all. Game on. What’s the difference between ‘Blocked by robots.txt’ vs. ‘Indexed, though blocked by robots.txt’? There is one major difference between “Blocked by robots.txt” and “Indexed, though blocked by robots.txt.” The indexing. “Blocked by robots.txt” means your URLs will not appear in Google search. “Indexed, though blocked by robots.txt” means your URLs are indexed and will appear in Google search even though you attempted to block the URLs in the robots.txt file. Is my URL really blocked from search engines if I disallow it in the robots.txt file? The answer: No. No URL is entirely blocked from search engines indexing if you disallow the URL in the robots.txt file. The scuttlebutt between SEO professionals and these Google Search Console errors is that search engines don’t completely ignore your URL if it’s listed as a disallow and blocked in the robots.txt file. In its help documents, Google states it does not guarantee the page won’t be indexed if blocked by robots.txt. I’ve seen this happen on websites I manage, and other SEO professionals as well. Lily Ray shares how pages blocked by robots.txt files are eligible to appear in AI Overviews with a snippet. This just in: pages blocked by robots.txt are eligible to appear in AI Overviews. With a snippet. Normally, when Google serves blocked pages in its search results, it shows “No information available for this page” in the description. But with AIO, apparently Google shows a… pic.twitter.com/JrlSwWGJH9 — Lily Ray (@lilyraynyc) November 19, 2024 Ray continues to show an example from Goodreads. One URL is currently blocked by robots.txt. Something I see a lot of in AIO: seems like when a certain site is deemed as a good resource on the topic, that site might get 3-5 links within AIO. In this example, Goodreads has 5 different URLs cited in the response (including one currently blocked by robots.txt ) pic.twitter.com/Akilxvrk8v — Lily Ray (@lilyraynyc) November 19, 2024 Patrick Stox highlighted a URL blocked by robots.txt can be indexed if there are links pointing to the URL. Pages blocked by robots.txt can be indexed and served on Google if they have links pointing to them.@danielwaisberg can you make this clearer in the live test warning in GSC? pic.twitter.com/6AybwEU8Bf — Patrick Stox (@patrickstox) February 3, 2023 How do I fix ‘Blocked by robots.txt’ in Google Search Console? Manually review all the pages flagged in the ‘Blocked by robots.txt’report First, I manually reviewed all the pages flagged in the Google Search Console “Blocked by robots.txt” report. To access the report, go to Google Search Console > Pages > and look under the section Blocked by robots.txt. Then, export the data to Google Sheets, Excel, or CSV to filter it. Determine if you meant to block the URL from search engines Scan your export document for high-priority URLs that are meant to be seen by search engines. When you see the error “Blocked by robots.txt” it tells Google not to crawl the URL because you implemented a disallow directive in the robots.txt file for a specific purpose. It’s completely normal to block a URL from search engines. For example, you may block thank you pages from search engines. Or lead generation pages meant only for sales teams. Your goal as an SEO professional is to determine if the URLs listed in the report are truly meant to be blocked and avoided by search engines. If you intentionally added the disallow in the robots.txt, the report will be accurate, and no actions will be needed on your end. If you added the disallow in the robots.txt on accident, keep reading. Remove the disallow directive from the robots.txt if you accidentally added it by mistake If you accidentally added a disallow directive to a URL by mistake, remove the disallow directive manually from the robots.txt file. After you remove the disallow directive from the robots.txt file, submit the URL to the Inspect URL bar at the top of the Google Search Console. Then, click Request indexing. If you have multiple URLs under a whole directory, start with the first directory URL. It will have the biggest impact. The goal is to have search engines recrawl these pages and index the URLs again. Request to recrawl your robots.txt file Another way to signal Google to crawl your accidentally disallowed pages is to Request a recrawl in Google Search Console. In Google Search Console, go to Settings > robots.txt. Then, select the three dots next to the robots.txt file you want Google to recrawl and select Request a recrawl. Track the performance of before and after Once you’ve cleaned up your robots.txt file disallow directives, and submitted your URLs to be recrawled, use the Wayback Machine to check when your robots.txt file was last updated. This can give you an idea of the disallow directive’s potential impact on a specific URL. Then, report on the performance for at least 90 days after indexing the URL. Get the newsletter search marketers rely on. Business email address Sign me up! Processing... See terms. How do I fix ‘Indexed, though blocked by robots.txt’ in Google Search Console? Manually review all the pages flagged in the ‘Indexed, though blocked by robots.txt’ report Again, jump in and manually review all the pages flagged in the Google Search Console “Indexed, though blocked by robots.txt” report. To access the report, go to Google Search Console > Pages > and look under the section Indexed, though blocked by robots.txt. Export the data to filter it to Google Sheets, Excel, or CSV. Determine if you meant to block the URL from search engines Ask yourself: Should this URL really be indexed? Is there any valuable content for people searching on search engines? If this URL is meant to be blocked by search engines, no actions need to be taken. This report is valid. If this URL is not meant to be blocked by search engines, keep reading. Remove the disallow directive from the robots.txt and request to recrawl if you want the page indexed If you mistakenly added a disallow directive to a URL by accident, remove the disallow directive manually from the robots.txt file. After you remove the disallow directive from the robots.txt file, submit the URL to the Inspect URL bar at the top of the Google Search Console. Then, click Request indexing. Then, in Google Search Console, go to Settings > robots.txt > Request a recrawl. You want Google to recrawl these pages to index the URLs and generate traffic. Add a noindex tag if you want the page completely removed from search engines If you don’t want the page indexed, consider adding a noindex tag instead of using the disallow directive in the robots.txt. You still need to remove the disallow directive from robots.txt. If you keep both, the “Indexed, though blocked by robots.txt” error report in Google Search Console will continue to grow, and you will never solve the issue. Why would I add a noindex tag instead of using a disallow directive in the robots.txt? If you want a URL completely removed from search engines, you must include a noindex tag. The disallow in the robots.txt file doesn’t guarantee a page will not get indexed. Robots.txt files are not used to control indexed. Robots.txt files are used to control crawling. Should I include both a noindex tag and a disallow directive to the same URL? No. If you’re using a noindex tag on a URL, do not disallow the same URL in the robots.txt. You need to let search engines crawl the noindex tag to detect it. If you include the same URL in the disallow directive in the robots.txt file, search engines will have a hard time crawling that URL to identify that the noindex tag exists. Creating a clear crawling strategy for your website is the way to avoid the robots.txt errors in Google Search Console When you see either of the robots.txt error reports in Google Search Console spike, you may be tempted to renege on your stances for why you chose to block search engines from a specific URL. I mean, can’t a URL just be blocked from search engines? Yes, a URL should and can be blocked from search engines for a reason. Not all URLs have thoughtful, engaging content meant for search engines. The natural, panacea to this error report in Google Search Console is always to audit your pages and determine if the content is meant for search engine eyes to see. View the full article

The era of the free internet is over: In recent years, countless websites have added paywalls. This means if you want to read their articles, you have to sign up and pay a monthly subscription fee. Some sites have a “metered” paywall—meaning you can read a certain number of articles for free before they ask for money—and others have a hard paywall, where you’ll have to pay to read even one article. Paywalls are mostly a thing with news websites, largely because relying on advertising income alone isn’t a viable strategy anymore, forcing these companies to pursue direct revenue sources like monthly subscriptions. In that sense, paywalls aren't a bad thing—it’s wonderful to support journalism you find valuable. If nothing else, I hope you support the websites that you read regularly—especially your friendly local news outlet. But sometimes you just need to get around a paywall quickly. Maybe you've lost your password, haven’t saved it on your phone, are in a rush, or are strapped for cash and swear to yourself that you’ll subscribe later. If one of these exceptions applies, there are many ways to bypass paywalls on the internet—though not nearly as many as there used to be. Many once-reliable methods of bypassing paywalls have stopped working almost entirely (pour one out for pasting the headline into Google and opening the link in a private browsing window). The methods discussed below are more robust—and thus, more likely to work. I'll start with my favorite, which has served me well for the past year or so. But a word of caution: You may be able to use some of these methods successfully today, but that could change in the future as websites clamp down on bypass methods. (This article is regularly updated as some methods stop working and others pop up.) Archive.today is the best, most reliable option for bypassing paywalls Credit: Screenshot by Joel Cunningham Archive.today is the fastest, most reliable way to quickly bypass a paywall that I've found, and I've been using it successfully for the past year across a wide range of sites. It's a site that will create an archived version of any website you paste into the search bar. (Think of an archived version like taking a screenshot of any website with a time stamp—a self-described “time capsule,” if you will.) Archive.today “saves a text and a graphical copy of the page for better accuracy” and gives you a short link to an unalterable record of any web page. Yes, yes—but as a bonus, you can often use this functionality to bypass a paywall and read an entire paywalled article without issue. Just paste your article link into the black “I want to search the archive for saved snapshots” bar and you'll be taken to a page where you can view earlier archived versions. If the article you’re trying to bypass isn’t already archived, then put the URL into the red “My URL is alive and I want to archive its content” bar. The site will then begin generating the archived version, which usually only takes a few minutes. You'll be sent straight to this archived version once it's ready, and you can come back to it later by copying the new URL from your browser's nav bar. You can also add browser extension to Chrome that will create a button in your browser toolbar you can click to instantly create an archived of any web page. The archived version will even automatically open up in a new tab. I've only had this site fail me once or twice. Usually, there's already an existing archived version for anything I want to read, but creating a new one only takes a minute or two. Still, if it doesn't work, try the next option. More free, easy methods to try to get around a paywallUse 12ft.io12ft.io is a simple website created with the sole purpose of breaking through paywalls—and like Archive.today, it's simple to use: Simply paste the paywalled link in the text field and hit “Submit.” (Alternately, you can type “https://12ft.io/” before the URL in your browser bar.) The site will then show you the cached, “unpaywalled version” of the page. The only problem is that the site doesn't always work on all websites (The Wall Street Journal being a notable example; I also can't get it to show me anything from Crain's Chicago Business). If you get the “access denied” message, try another method on this list. Explore the web 'shackle-free'If 12ft.io isn't working for you, there's a similar alternative, shacklefree.in. You can either visit that site and paste your link into the address bar, or you can type shacklefree.in/, and paste the article link directly into the browser bar after the slash. The service claims to work with "150+ websites." Spaywall promises to "legally bypass paywalls"Another site that works similarly to 12ft.io and Archive.today, Spaywall states that the site "legally [bypasses] paywalls by redirecting you to archived news and research papers." In testing links, it appears it takes the site a big longer to archive pages than some of your other options, so it's probably best for reading older articles. Use smry to read the article (or an AI-generated summary)A newer tool I found while poking around "get around a paywall" Reddit, smry.ai is a tool that works similarly to 12ft.io and Archive.today, in that it shows you a cached version of the article page (pulled, according to the developer, from either the Internet Wayback Machine or Google cache), which allows you to read the entire thing. What sets this one apart is AI integration: Click the purple "generate" button on the results page to get an AI-generated summary of the article's key points. In practice, I found the summaries to be more akin to social media posts than an outline (for example, a 7,000-word New York Magazine article about the recent assassination attempts on the life of former President Donald Trump was trimmed to a single short paragraph), but if you're just looking for the gist—or trying to decide if you want to read the entire article at all—it's a nice little addition. Try Remove Paywalls (but don't pay for the browser extension)Another site that works similarly to 12ft.io and Archive.today, Remove Paywall promises to provide access to archived versions of webpages and get you around most any paywall. In testing, it seemed to work just as well as the aforementioned options: You simply navigate to the website and paste the URL of the article you're trying to read into the search box. Unlike the other options, Remove Paywall also offers a browser extension that purports to be able to get you around paywalls automatically. There's a catch, though: It requires a one-time purchase of $80, a steep cost for something you can easily do for free with minimal extra effort, and it isn't available on the Google Play Store because it doesn't align with the storefront's current requirements. Side-loading extensions is generally a no for me. More complex solutions to your paywall problemsIf you're willing to try solutions that are a little more technical than a mere copy and paste, one of these options might work for you. Disable JavaScript in your browserSome websites use JavaScript to hide content behind paywalls, and you can circumvent those blocks by disabling JavaScript in your browser. Note that disabling JavaScript can (and will) break most websites—some may not let you view comments, while others may not load at all. But it’s worth trying if you just need to read the content of the post. Ideally, you’d use a separate browser for this so that you don’t have to keep enabling and disabling JavaScript. Once you’ve chosen your secondary browser, check out our guide to disabling JavaScript in various ones. Use a VPNSome paywalled sites, like The Washington Post, will let you read a limited number of articles for free each month, then throw up the wall once you've hit the limit. You can use a VPN to change up your IP address and trick the site into giving you more freebies. This method won't help you on sites that don't offer any free access, but it's worth trying, and will work with both paid and free VPNs. Try another browser add-onThere are lots of browser extensions that allow you to bypass paywalls on many websites. For academic articles, Unpaywall (Firefox, Chrome) is a good choice. For Chrome or Edge, you can also try Postlight Reader, which can also do you the favor of cleaning away the clutter of ads and generally making online content easier to read. Edit a couple of elements on the webpageIf you understand a bit of HTML and CSS, you can edit elements using your browser to go past some paywalls. Essentially, you’re editing the page to remove the banners that lock content behind a subscription. It’s a lot like opening the curtains to reveal the nice view outside your window. It works with some websites, but others have added a hard block that reveals the article only if you’ve signed in with a paid account. Still, it’s worth trying once to see if it works: On any website, right-click the banner just below the last visible sentence of the article and select Inspect Element. This will open up a console where you can search for the offending elements and hide or change them. The exact element varies from site to site, but it’s often labeled display, paywall, or subscribe. Here’s a neat GIF on Reddit that shows you how to get it done. Use a paywall bypass shortcut on AndroidIf you are trying to read a paywalled article on an Android phone, you can get around it with the Bypass Paywalls Clean browser extension. This extension used to be available for Firefox but has been removed from the Mozilla store. However, you can add it to a different browser; Reddit users recommend trying the Kiwi browser. Use a paywall bypass shortcut on iPhoneThe last method on our list works only on iPhones: Apple’s free Shortcuts app lets you run automation routines on your iPhone, and its tools have been used to bypass paywalls on various websites. There are plenty of these shortcuts, and they may all not work with all websites. Get started by trying AntiPaywall, Bypass Paywall, Paywall and Cookie Bypass, or Unpaywall. Two totally legal, ethical ways to get around paywallsCheck if your local library provides accessMany libraries offer access to paid magazine and newspaper subscriptions online. Typically you'll have to go to your library's website, log in with your card number or account details, and then access different publications indirectly, via the library's portal (for example, if you live in Marin County, California, you can easily read the Washington Post for free). There are too many library systems out there to count, so you may or may not be lucky enough to be in one that offers this perk, but it's worth a shot; since the library is paying the publication for the service, you don't even need to feel guilty. (Not sure if your system has a news portal? Ask your local librarian!) Ask a subscriber for a "gift article"This one isn't likely to be feasible often, but it's worth a shot for when you're trying to read that one paywalled article that's going viral: Many publications allow paid subscribers to "gift" a copy of a certain number of articles every month (The Washington Post and The New York Times each allows gifting 10 articles per month, for example). If you know your aunt subscribes to the New York Times, it can't hurt to ask if she's willing to gift you the occasional read. View the full article

This post was written by Alison Green and published on Ask a Manager. Here’s part 2 of questions from federal workers who are currently under attack by the administration, as well as others affected by the fall-out. Part 1 (and an explanation of what’s going on) was here. 1. For those of us staying, how do we deal with this? For those of us choosing to stay and continue defending the constitution, any advice? What are ways to deal with uncertainties, short notice changes, conflicting information, being short handed, and low morale? I hope many of us still feel that service and putting others before ourselves is good and the right thing to do. I wish there was a good answer for this. Much of what’s happening is designed to get you to leave on your own. It’s going to be a rough ride for a while, and it will help to expect that. You’ll still be blindsided by things — you can’t be prepared for all of it — but you can brace yourself to know that it’s going to be rocky for a while. While things are so chaotic and volatile, the more unflappable you can be — the more you can simply roll with things like conflicting and constantly changing info, or being short-staffed, or how uncertain everything is — the less seasick you’ll be through all of it. It’s not a great answer, I know. But for people who are staying, know how many of us are very grateful to you. Thank you for doing what you can to hold the line. 2. Encouraging staff to leave before they’re laid off I’m in one of the nonprofit sectors being heavily impacted by the executive orders. Even though they haven’t taken away our funding yet, upper management is sufficiently terrified to start saying we’re not renewing contracts in that work (in case funding gets clawed back). We are looking at significant decreases or the elimination of our department over the next 4-6 months. I am the manager of a double-digit-sized team, who are all very passionate about the population we work with and our department. A few of them have loudly said they will go down with the metaphorical ship. Alison, I don’t want that! They’re all very talented and competent, and I would rather they find somewhere to land safely while I play Nearer My God to Thee. Any time I see a job I think they would be well suited for I will send it their way, but it feels awkward to do so. How do I walk the line between “you are an integral part of this team and sorely missed” and “get out while you still can”? Be up-front with people! “I appreciate your dedication, but there are many ways to do good work in the world that don’t require you to go down with the ship. I want you to take care of yourself and your family, and I cannot in good faith discourage you from looking for a safe landing spot.” You don’t need to nudge them every day to job search, but you should be clear that you support them in looking and believe they should look, and that there’s no special valor in refusing to. 3. Applying for a federal job in the middle of this I’m a long-time federal employee. A month before January 20, I began an interview process for an internal transfer. I completed the final interview shortly before the hiring freeze. I sent out thank-you notes, received a couple of polite acknowledgements, and it’s been radio silence ever since. Ordinarily, I would assume that I wasn’t picked and move on, but this is such an odd situation. I’ve heard that internal transfers will eventually be allowed. I suppose there’s a chance that the position will be eliminated or I will be fired, although I’m aware that I’m very fortunate not to be in my probationary period. I’ve not followed up at all since my thank-you notes. There’s been so much chaos and confusion that I felt like it would be inappropriate and insensitive. But … should I? If so, when? and what on earth do I say? Don’t follow up right now. There’s a federal hiring freeze (with the exception of a small number of exempted positions), and following up will make you look strangely oblivious to that. At most you could send a note saying, “I understand things are most likely on hold right now, but if you do return to filling the position, I’d love to talk further.” But it’s not really needed; it would be more about your own desire to close the loop in some way than anything likely to have a practical impact on next steps. I’d just sit tight for now and see how things develop. 4. Resume when I just got promoted but am already job-searching Like many federal employees, I am expecting Reduction in Force in the upcoming weeks and am trying to prepare by updating my resume (thanks for the great resume advice, by the way!). The problem is that I was just promoted to a new position two months ago. I’m not sure how I should address this, if at all. I saw your advice to not include a short-term position unless it was intended as such from the beginning (e.g., a campaign), and I appreciate that advice. But I haven’t technically been laid off yet, and the promotion was a pretty substantial upgrade in terms of title (and expected responsibilities), and I’m reluctant to not highlight that on what are effectively marketing materials for myself. But I certainly haven’t been in the position long enough to have any “accomplishments.” Do I leave it off my resume and address it in my cover letter? I have to imagine that there have been other people in my position, federal employees or not, but can’t seem to find any good advice online. Leave the promotion on your resume, and you don’t need to address the short nature of it in your cover letter. It will be clear to anyone in touch with hiring right now why you’re leaving. More broadly, the advice about not including short-term positions that weren’t intended to be short-term is really about when you held a single short-lived position at a single company. It never applied to promotions at an existing company, even short-term ones! 5. Free job-hunting help for federal employees I would love to pay for copies of your How To Get A Job ebook for a few of the federal employees who are undergoing such horrendous job conditions right now, many of whom I suspect may not have much job searching experience and possibly also not outside government jobs. It’s an outstanding resource. Any suggestions on a way to do this? Maybe there are other readers with the same impulse? That is a lovely offer, and it makes me want to send it for free to any federal worker who wants it. Federal workers: Email me with whatever evidence of federal employment you’re comfortable providing and I’ll send you a copy. View the full article

This time, the giant schnauzer went the full Monty. After coming close in the last two years, Monty the giant schnauzer won the top prize at the Westminster Kennel Club dog show Tuesday night, leaving handler and co-owner Katie Bernardin almost too emotional to speak. “He always tries so hard, and we’re just proud of him,” she told the crowd at Madison Square Garden. The spirited schnauzer bested six other finalists to become the first of his breed tapped as Westminster’s best in show, the most prestigious prize in the U.S. dog show world. The dog won the huge American Kennel Club championship in December, and he’d been a Westminster twice before. A standout because of “everything from his attitude to his structure,” Monty is bold, cocky and fun, according to co-owner Sandy Nordstrom. “He’s just a really cool dog,” she said in an interview before his win, which will be his last. The 5-year-old is retiring from showing. The runner-up was, for the third time, a whippet known as Bourbon. Other finalists included a bichon frisé called Neal, a Skye terrier named Archer, and a shih tzu called Comet who’s been a finalist before. Also in the mix were a German shepherd named Mercedes, who came in second last year, and an English springer spaniel called Freddie. Each dog at Westminster is judged according to how closely it matches the ideal for its breed. Winners get a trophy, ribbons and bragging rights, but no cash prize. During a break between semifinal rounds, security personnel surrounded and ousted someone along the sidelines of the ring. The group People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals, which has protested the dog show for years, said on X that a supporter was removed after holding a sign. Westminster says it celebrates all dogs. The show champions that compete also are household pets, and some do therapy work, search-and-rescue or other canine jobs. “A good German shepherd is an all-purpose dog,” said Mercedes’ co-breeder and co-owner Sheree Moses Combs of Wardensville, West Virginia. Some of her pups have become service dogs for wounded veterans, she said. “Dog shows are fun, but that is what our breed is all about,” she said. While Monty got this year’s trophy, other hopefuls also scored points with spectators. During two nights of semifinals, spectators shouted out breeds and names of canine competitors as if they played for one of the pro teams that call the Garden home, the NBA’s New York Knicks and NHL’s New York Rangers. “Love you, Lumpy!” someone yelled to a Pekingese named Lumpy, who earned laughs for his ambling gait. The arena erupted with cheers for Penny the Doberman pinscher and for a golden retriever named Tuffy, a representative of a popular breed that has never won. She also got some recognition from the judge, as did another crowd favorite, Calaco the Xoloitzcuintli. His breed (pronounced shoh-loh-eets-KWEEN’-tlees) are hairless dogs with deep roots in Mexico. A trip to Westminster is a reminder of dogs’ variety, even just among purebreds. While big, “working” dogs had their day at Westminster on Tuesday, so did terriers. First-round competitor Brina, for instance, is a 158-pound (71.6 kilogram) Neapolitan mastiff. The jowly breed was developed to be an imposing guard dog, but Brina’s owner, Yves Belmont, Ph.D., said he also is impressed by its intelligence. He keeps several of the dogs at his Atlanta-area home. “I’ve been struck by this breed since I was 12. … They’re so unique,” Belmont said as Brina napped in her crate, equipped with a two-gallon (7.5-liter) water bucket. Meanwhile, Tyra the miniature bull terrier also strutted her stuff in a first-round ring. Formally called GCH CH Rnr’s Top Model, she’s named after fashion model Tyra Banks. The hardy terrier breed is “a big dog in a small package, but they always keep you smiling,” said owner and co-breeder Jessica Harrison of Austin, Texas. Asked where the 2-year-old Tyra falls on the mischief meter, Harrison smiled, “like a nine, for sure.” “You can’t be upset with them because they’re just so cute,” she said as Tyra rolled on her back to get a belly rub from a passerby at the Javits Center, the convention venue that hosted the first-round judging of each breed. Westminster also featured agility and obedience championships, held Saturday. The agility prize went to a border collie named Vanish, and an Australian shepherd called Willie triumphed in obedience. —Jennifer Peltz, Associated Press View the full article

I have a lot of apps on my phone. Many of these are there because I want them to be; some are there because I test them out for work; and others are a total mystery. What's worse, some of those—and even some of the ones I enjoy, but don't need—pull money out of my bank account monthly, quarterly, or annually ... and I have no idea. For me, agreeing to a "free trial" is ultimately just a guarantee that I'll lose money because I'm never going to actually check on that app's subscription status again. Or, at least, I didn't used to. I thought it was too hard to scrape through my bank statement, identify recurring charges that only show up as "Apple.com," figure out what app they might be for, open up the corresponding app, and cancel my subscription. It turns out, the iPhone makes it all a lot easier than that. There are actually two spots where every subscription you pay for is lined up in a list: your Settings and the App Store. Find and manage subscriptions in the App Store When you open the App Store, look for your Apple ID photo in the top right. Tap on that and you'll get a menu: Apps, Subscriptions, Purchase History, and Notifications. Tapping Subscriptions will bring you to a page that shows them all, including the app name and icon, its price, and the next time it's going to automatically renew. Credit: Lindsey Ellefson In the top right, you can sort how they appear, whether by name, price, or renewal date. You can tap the name of an app and be taken to a page that breaks down its details and gives you the option to cancel. If you choose to cancel, the page will then update to show you how many days you have left to use the subscription until it expires. If you scroll down, you can also see all of your inactive subscriptions, so you can re-subscribe without opening the apps directly or just see what you've paid for in the past. Find and manage subscriptions in SettingsOpen Settings and tap your Apple ID at the top. You'll see a list of Personal Information, Sign-In & Security, Payment & Shipping, and Subscriptions. Tapping the last one will take you to the same page you can access through the App Store, with the list of your active and inactive subscriptions. Whether you access through the App Store or your Settings, this page is the same. What to keep in mind about managing iPhone app subscriptionsBear in mind that these two methods will only show you subscriptions you've purchased through an app itself, not subscriptions you obtained elsewhere and then signed into an app to get. These are the subscriptions that show up as "Apple.com" on your bank statement, so go through your withdrawals to identify recurring charges from other sources. You'll have to cancel those directly through their provider. My Peacock and MLB.TV subscriptions, for instance, were acquired through the app, so they show up as "Apple.com" on my monthly card statement, but my Netflix sub was purchased directly through Netflix, so that shows up separately and isn't accessible using the App Store or Settings. From the Subscriptions page, you can also toggle on Renewal Receipt Emails. Scroll to the bottom of the page, beneath your active and inactive subscriptions, and make sure this is on so you get a receipt emailed to the account associated with your Apple ID whenever one renews. That can also help you keep track of what is being withdrawn from your account and when, as the emails break down the charges with more detail, unlike the bank statement entry. Each email will tell you exactly which app pulled money and how much it took. How to request a refund from AppleIf you didn't mean to buy an app or renew a subscription, you can always try asking Apple for a refund. Head back to the home page of the App Store and find the "Apps" tab, which is on the bottom of your screen. Scroll down—way down—until you get to "Quick Links." Near the bottom of the links, you'll see "Request a Refund." You deal directly with Apple, not the app developer, which makes this process pretty easy. Tapping the link takes you to a browser page that outlines your next steps: Sign in to reportaproblem.apple.com using your Apple ID. Tap "I'd like to," then select "Request a refund." Select the reason you want a refund from the dropdown menu provided under "Tell us more..." Some reasons they provide include that you didn't want to buy it or a minor made the purchase without permission, but you can also just press "other." Identify the app or subscription you want the refund for and hit Submit. You'll have an update on your request after 24 to 48 hours. It may not work, but it's worth a shot. View the full article

Apple renamed the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America on its maps Tuesday after an order by President Donald Trump was made official by the U.S. Geographic Names Information System. The move follows Google, which announced last month that it would make the change once the official listing was updated and wrote in a blog post Sunday that it had begun rolling out the change. In Google’s case, the company said people in the U.S. will see Gulf of America and people in Mexico will see Gulf of Mexico. Everyone else will see both names. After taking office, Trump ordered that the water bordered by the Southern United States, Mexico and Cuba be renamed. The U.S. Geographic Names Information System officially updated the name late Sunday. Microsoft has also made the name change on its Bing maps. The Associated Press, which provides news around the world to multiple audiences, will refer to the Gulf of Mexico by its original name, which it has carried for 400 years, while acknowledging the name Gulf of America. View the full article

Hay farming is an agricultural practice that has been around for centuries. It involves the growing and harvesting of hay, which is used primarily as feed for livestock. Hay is a critical component of the agricultural industry and plays a vital role in sustaining the livelihoods of farmers across the world. In this article, we will discuss what a hay farm is, the different types of hay that are commonly grown, and how to start a farm that produces hay. What is a Hay Farm? A hay farm is a type of agricultural operation that focuses primarily on the growing and harvesting of hay. Hay is a type of grass or legume that is cut and dried for use as animal feed. It is typically grown in large fields and harvested using specialized equipment, such as hay balers and mowers. Hay farms can be found all over the world, from small family-run operations to large commercial enterprises. How to Start a Hay Farm: Practical Steps to Follow Research and Plan Conduct thorough research on hay farming, focusing on different types of hay that thrive in your area. Decide on the type of hay you plan to grow based on the local climate, soil type, and market demand. Create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your farming objectives, identifies your target market, and provides financial forecasts. Selecting the Right Hay Varieties Choose hay varieties that are well-suited to your region’s climate and soil conditions. Consider the needs of your potential customers, whether they require alfalfa, timothy, clover, or Bermuda grass hay. Securing Suitable Land Look for land that has the right soil type for your chosen hay variety, ideally well-draining, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Ensure the land has adequate sunlight and access to water sources for irrigation if needed. Understanding Soil Health and Fertility Test the soil to determine its nutrient levels and pH balance. Amend the soil based on test results to create the optimal growing conditions for your hay crop. Preparing the Land Till the land to create a smooth seedbed for planting. Remove any weeds or debris to minimize competition and pest risks. Planting the Hay Plant your selected hay variety according to the best practices for seeding rates and depths. Consider using a no-till drill or broadcast seeding method, depending on your land and equipment. Irrigation and Water Management Establish an effective irrigation system to guarantee that your hay farm receives adequate water, particularly during dry spells. Monitor moisture levels regularly to avoid over or under-watering. Pest and Disease Management Apply integrated pest management strategies to control pests and diseases. Regularly inspect your crop for signs of infestation or illness and take action as needed. Harvest Timing and Techniques Identify the best time to harvest your hay, which is typically during the early bloom stage for legumes and the late boot to early head stage for grasses. Use sharp, well-maintained harvesting equipment to ensure a clean cut and minimize losses. Post-Harvest Handling and Storage Bale the hay at the correct moisture level to prevent mold and spoilage. Store the hay bales in a dry, well-ventilated area, off the ground, to maintain their quality. Marketing and Selling Your Hay Develop a marketing strategy to sell your hay, targeting local farmers, livestock owners, and feed stores. Build relationships with your customers to encourage repeat business and referrals. Evaluating and Adjusting Your Practices After each growing season, evaluate the success of your hay farm by analyzing yields, customer feedback, and financial performance. Adjust your farming practices as necessary to improve efficiency, yield, and profitability. By following these steps, you can establish a successful hay farming operation that produces high-quality hay for your target market while managing resources efficiently and sustainably. The Business Side: Simple Steps to Start a Hay Farm Business Starting a hay farm business involves several steps to ensure success. Here are simple steps to help you establish and grow your hay farm business. Name and Brand Your Hay Farm Business Choosing a name and brand for your hay farm business is an important step. The name should be easy to remember, and it should accurately represent your business. You should also consider trademark and domain availability before finalizing your decision. Your brand should reflect your target audience and the values of your business. Form a Legal Entity and Register Your Hay Business To protect your personal assets and comply with legal requirements, you should register your hay farm business as an LLC or corporation. This also helps establish credibility and trust with potential customers and partners. You should also obtain any necessary licenses and permits for your business and make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. Sort Out Taxes, Licenses, Permits, and Insurance When starting a hay farm business, you need to familiarize yourself with tax requirements, obtain any necessary licenses and permits, and ensure you have adequate insurance coverage. This helps you comply with legal requirements, protect your business and assets, and avoid any potential fines or penalties. Create a Hay Farm Business Plan Creating a business plan is essential for any successful hay farm business. It defines your business objectives, target market, marketing strategies, and financial projections. Your business plan should also identify potential challenges and solutions and include a clear roadmap for the future growth of your business. Market Research Conducting market research is crucial to understanding your target market and competition. You need to identify market trends and potential customers and assess demand and pricing in your area. This helps you tailor your marketing strategies to effectively reach and engage with your target audience. Buy the Necessary Equipment for Baling Hay To operate a successful hay farm business, you need to invest in the necessary equipment, including tractors, mowers, balers, and storage facilities. You can purchase or lease equipment, depending on your budget and long-term goals. It’s important to research and compare options to ensure you get the best value for your investment. Open a Business Bank Account Opening a separate business bank account is important for managing your finances and keeping accurate records. It also helps you separate your personal and business finances, making it easier to track expenses, monitor cash flow, and prepare tax returns. You can also access financial services and benefits specifically designed for small businesses. Market the Business Developing a comprehensive marketing strategy is crucial to the success of your hay farm business. This should include a mix of online and offline tactics to reach and engage with your target audience. You can use social media, email marketing, content marketing, and advertising to increase brand awareness and drive sales. Choose Where to Sell Your Products Identifying potential buyers and sales channels is an important step in growing your hay farm business. This includes feed stores, horse stables, and livestock auctions, as well as offering delivery services to customers who need it. You should also consider building relationships with potential buyers to establish long-term partnerships. Expand Your Hay Farm Business Exploring opportunities to expand your hay farm business is key to sustained growth. This can include diversifying your product line, increasing production, or offering value-added services. You should also continuously monitor market trends and adapt your strategies to meet the evolving needs of your customers. What is Needed to Start a Hay Farm and How Much Does it Cost? Starting a hay farm requires suitable land, equipment, and baling machinery. The costs of starting a hay farm depend on factors such as land availability and equipment quality. A small hay farm can cost between $10,000 to $20,000, while a large one can easily cost hundreds of thousands. Suitable Land: Hay farming requires land that is suitable for growing hay. The ideal soil type should be well-draining and have a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The land should also receive adequate sunlight and have access to water. The cost of purchasing or leasing suitable land varies depending on location and size. Equipment: Starting a hay farm requires a significant investment in equipment. This includes a tractor, mower, tedder hay rake, and baling equipment. The cost of equipment depends on the size and quality. Used equipment can be a cost-effective option for beginners. Tractor: A tractor is essential for every hay farm. It facilitates tasks such as plowing, tilling, planting, and harvesting. The price of a new tractor typically falls between $20,000 and $100,000, whereas a used tractor usually costs between $5,000 and $30,000. Mower: A mower is used to cut the hay before it is baled. The cost of a new mower can range from $2,000 to $10,000, while a used mower can cost between $500 to $5,000. Tedder & Hay Rake: Once the hay is cut, it must be dried before baling. A tedder helps to aerate the hay, ensuring it dries evenly. After that, a hay rake is employed to collect the dried hay into rows for baling. The price for a new tedder and hay rake typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, whereas used equipment can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. Baling Equipment: Baling equipment is used to compress the hay into bales for storage or transport. The cost of a new baler can range from $10,000 to $50,000, while a used baler can cost between $2,000 to $10,000. Other baling equipment includes wagons, trailers, and wrappers, which can add additional costs. The Hay Farm Industry in the United States The hay farming industry in the United States is a significant sector of the agriculture industry. Hay is an essential feed source for livestock, making it a crucial element for the country’s meat and dairy production. The United States is the world’s largest hay producer, with over 53 million acres of hay harvested annually. The top hay-producing states in the U.S. include California, Texas, South Dakota, Montana, and North Dakota. The industry has been growing steadily over the years, and advancements in technology and farming techniques have improved the efficiency and profitability of hay farming operations. The demand for hay continues to rise, and the industry is expected to remain an important contributor to the U.S. agriculture industry. Deciding What Type of Hay Farm to Run Choosing the right type of hay to grow on your hay farm is essential to your farm’s overall success. By considering your livestock’s nutritional needs, soil type and climate, market demand, and cost and labor, you can make an informed decision that will benefit both your farm and your livestock. Common Plants to Grow for Hay Production There are several different types of hay that are commonly grown on hay farms. These include: Timothy Hay: Timothy hay is a variety of grass hay commonly cultivated in North America. It is recognized for its rich nutritional value and is frequently used as feed for horses. Alfalfa Hay: Alfalfa hay is a legume hay that is high in protein and other essential nutrients. It is commonly used as feed for dairy cows and other livestock. Clover Hay: Clover hay is another type of legume hay that is commonly grown on hay farms. It is high in protein and is often used as feed for horses, sheep, and other livestock. Bermuda Grass Hay: Bermuda grass hay is a warm-season grass hay that is commonly grown in the southern United States. It is known for its high yields and is often used as feed for cattle and other livestock. Growing Hay for DIY on a Family Farm or Growing Hay to Sell You can either grow and let your livestock eat hay on your own farm, or you can grow hay to sell to other farmers and livestock owners. Consider factors such as soil type, climate, and market demand when choosing which type of hay to grow. How to Source Equipment to Grow Hay and For Harvesting Hay Sourcing equipment is essential to growing and harvesting hay. The process involves finding the right equipment that matches your needs, budget, and timeline. There are three main ways to source equipment: New: Buying new equipment is an option if you have a higher budget and want to invest in equipment that will last for years. Many farm equipment suppliers offer warranties on new equipment, and you can customize purchases to your specific needs. However, it’s more expensive than used or rented equipment. Used: Buying used farm equipment is a cost-effective option. However, it’s crucial to inspect the equipment carefully to ensure it’s in good condition. Look for reputable sellers, and research the equipment’s maintenance history before buying. Used equipment may have a shorter lifespan than new equipment. Rent: Renting equipment is an option if you don’t want to invest in equipment or only need it for a short period. Renting allows you to use high-quality equipment without the upfront costs of buying. However, it may be more expensive in the long run if you need equipment for extended periods. Renting is also subject to availability, so plan accordingly. The Steps in Making a Hay Crop Understanding the steps in making a hay crop can help farmers achieve maximum yield and quality. Let’s look at what the process involves… Preparing the Soil Soil preparation is essential for the success of the hay crop. This process includes tilling the soil to create a smooth seedbed, applying fertilizers and lime to adjust the soil pH, and clearing away any weeds or debris. Planting and Growing After the soil is prepared, the hay crop is planted and grown. The seed is spread evenly across the prepared seedbed and then covered with a layer of soil. The crop is then allowed to grow, and farmers must monitor it for weed growth and disease. Mowing Mowing is a crucial step in the hay crop process. Farmers must wait until the crop reaches the optimal height before mowing. This typically occurs when the crop is in the mid to late bud stage. Tedding Tedding involves fluffing and spreading the cut hay out to dry. This step helps to ensure the hay is dry and ready for raking. Raking Raking is the process of gathering the hay into rows to facilitate drying and baling. Farmers use specialized machinery, such as a rake or tedder, to move and shape the hay into neat rows. Stacking and Baling in Round Bales or Square Bales The final step in the hay crop process involves stacking and baling so there’s no loose hay. Farmers can choose to bale hay in either round or square bales, depending on their preference and the type of machinery they have. The farmer can then store hay so it’s ready for transport. StepDescription Preparing the SoilTilling, adding fertilizers, and correcting pH to create a suitable seedbed. Removing weeds. Planting and GrowingSpreading seed evenly, covering with soil, monitoring growth, and managing weed and disease. MowingCutting the hay crop at the optimal height, usually in the mid to late bud stage. TeddingFluffing and spreading cut hay to aid in drying and moisture evaporation. RakingGathering hay into neat rows to facilitate drying and baling using specialized machinery. Stacking and BalingCreating bales (round or square) from the dried hay. Stacking bales for storage or transport. Hay Farm: Downsides to Consider Despite its benefits, hay farming has downsides to consider. Weather conditions, such as drought or excessive rain, can reduce hay quality and yield. Hay storage can also be a challenge, and the cost of equipment and labor can be high. Hay Farming: A Sustainable Business Venture In conclusion, starting a hay farm represents a promising and sustainable business venture in the agricultural sector. With careful planning, appropriate land selection, and adherence to best farming practices, hay farming can yield significant returns while contributing to the agricultural community and supporting livestock nutrition. Achieving success in this area demands a commitment to soil health, effective crop management, and a thorough understanding of the market. However, for those who are prepared to invest the necessary time and resources, the rewards can be substantial. As the demand for quality animal feed continues, hay farming stands out as a valuable and enduring business idea. Whether you’re looking to support your own livestock or supply to local farmers and businesses, a well-managed hay farm can serve as a robust foundation for a thriving agricultural business. Hay Farm FAQs What is the Difference Between Hay and Straw? Hay is a forage crop harvested for livestock feed, while straw is a byproduct of harvested grains used primarily for bedding and other non-feed purposes. How Hard is Hay Farming? Hay farming can be physically demanding and time-consuming, requiring specialized equipment and knowledge. However, it can also be a rewarding and profitable industry. Can a Hay Farm be Profitable? Yes, a well-managed hay farm can be profitable. Factors such as crop yield, market demand, and operational efficiency can impact profitability. Is Hay Easy to Grow? Hay requires specific soil, moisture, and weather conditions for optimal growth. However, with proper preparation and care, hay can be successfully grown in many regions. How Much Hay Can 1 Acre Produce a Year? The amount of hay 1 acre can produce in a year varies depending on factors such as soil quality, crop variety, and weather conditions. On average, 1 acre can produce 1-4 tons of hay per year. Is it Worth it to Grow Hay? Whether growing hay is worth it depends on factors such as market demand, crop yield, and operational costs. With proper management, growing hay can be a profitable endeavor. How Should Hay Bales be Stacked to Reduce Waste? Hay bales should be stacked on a well-drained surface, preferably with a moisture barrier, and kept out of direct sunlight to prevent spoilage. Stacking bales in a crisscross pattern can also help reduce waste. Are Round Bales or Square Bales Better for Hay? The choice between a round bale and small square bales or large square bales depends on factors such as storage space, feeding method, and equipment availability. Round bales are generally better for outdoor storage, while square bales are easier to handle and stack. Image: Depositphotos This article, "How to Start a Hay Farm" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Hay farming is an agricultural practice that has been around for centuries. It involves the growing and harvesting of hay, which is used primarily as feed for livestock. Hay is a critical component of the agricultural industry and plays a vital role in sustaining the livelihoods of farmers across the world. In this article, we will discuss what a hay farm is, the different types of hay that are commonly grown, and how to start a farm that produces hay. What is a Hay Farm? A hay farm is a type of agricultural operation that focuses primarily on the growing and harvesting of hay. Hay is a type of grass or legume that is cut and dried for use as animal feed. It is typically grown in large fields and harvested using specialized equipment, such as hay balers and mowers. Hay farms can be found all over the world, from small family-run operations to large commercial enterprises. How to Start a Hay Farm: Practical Steps to Follow Research and Plan Conduct thorough research on hay farming, focusing on different types of hay that thrive in your area. Decide on the type of hay you plan to grow based on the local climate, soil type, and market demand. Create a comprehensive business plan that outlines your farming objectives, identifies your target market, and provides financial forecasts. Selecting the Right Hay Varieties Choose hay varieties that are well-suited to your region’s climate and soil conditions. Consider the needs of your potential customers, whether they require alfalfa, timothy, clover, or Bermuda grass hay. Securing Suitable Land Look for land that has the right soil type for your chosen hay variety, ideally well-draining, with a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. Ensure the land has adequate sunlight and access to water sources for irrigation if needed. Understanding Soil Health and Fertility Test the soil to determine its nutrient levels and pH balance. Amend the soil based on test results to create the optimal growing conditions for your hay crop. Preparing the Land Till the land to create a smooth seedbed for planting. Remove any weeds or debris to minimize competition and pest risks. Planting the Hay Plant your selected hay variety according to the best practices for seeding rates and depths. Consider using a no-till drill or broadcast seeding method, depending on your land and equipment. Irrigation and Water Management Establish an effective irrigation system to guarantee that your hay farm receives adequate water, particularly during dry spells. Monitor moisture levels regularly to avoid over or under-watering. Pest and Disease Management Apply integrated pest management strategies to control pests and diseases. Regularly inspect your crop for signs of infestation or illness and take action as needed. Harvest Timing and Techniques Identify the best time to harvest your hay, which is typically during the early bloom stage for legumes and the late boot to early head stage for grasses. Use sharp, well-maintained harvesting equipment to ensure a clean cut and minimize losses. Post-Harvest Handling and Storage Bale the hay at the correct moisture level to prevent mold and spoilage. Store the hay bales in a dry, well-ventilated area, off the ground, to maintain their quality. Marketing and Selling Your Hay Develop a marketing strategy to sell your hay, targeting local farmers, livestock owners, and feed stores. Build relationships with your customers to encourage repeat business and referrals. Evaluating and Adjusting Your Practices After each growing season, evaluate the success of your hay farm by analyzing yields, customer feedback, and financial performance. Adjust your farming practices as necessary to improve efficiency, yield, and profitability. By following these steps, you can establish a successful hay farming operation that produces high-quality hay for your target market while managing resources efficiently and sustainably. The Business Side: Simple Steps to Start a Hay Farm Business Starting a hay farm business involves several steps to ensure success. Here are simple steps to help you establish and grow your hay farm business. Name and Brand Your Hay Farm Business Choosing a name and brand for your hay farm business is an important step. The name should be easy to remember, and it should accurately represent your business. You should also consider trademark and domain availability before finalizing your decision. Your brand should reflect your target audience and the values of your business. Form a Legal Entity and Register Your Hay Business To protect your personal assets and comply with legal requirements, you should register your hay farm business as an LLC or corporation. This also helps establish credibility and trust with potential customers and partners. You should also obtain any necessary licenses and permits for your business and make sure you have adequate insurance coverage. Sort Out Taxes, Licenses, Permits, and Insurance When starting a hay farm business, you need to familiarize yourself with tax requirements, obtain any necessary licenses and permits, and ensure you have adequate insurance coverage. This helps you comply with legal requirements, protect your business and assets, and avoid any potential fines or penalties. Create a Hay Farm Business Plan Creating a business plan is essential for any successful hay farm business. It defines your business objectives, target market, marketing strategies, and financial projections. Your business plan should also identify potential challenges and solutions and include a clear roadmap for the future growth of your business. Market Research Conducting market research is crucial to understanding your target market and competition. You need to identify market trends and potential customers and assess demand and pricing in your area. This helps you tailor your marketing strategies to effectively reach and engage with your target audience. Buy the Necessary Equipment for Baling Hay To operate a successful hay farm business, you need to invest in the necessary equipment, including tractors, mowers, balers, and storage facilities. You can purchase or lease equipment, depending on your budget and long-term goals. It’s important to research and compare options to ensure you get the best value for your investment. Open a Business Bank Account Opening a separate business bank account is important for managing your finances and keeping accurate records. It also helps you separate your personal and business finances, making it easier to track expenses, monitor cash flow, and prepare tax returns. You can also access financial services and benefits specifically designed for small businesses. Market the Business Developing a comprehensive marketing strategy is crucial to the success of your hay farm business. This should include a mix of online and offline tactics to reach and engage with your target audience. You can use social media, email marketing, content marketing, and advertising to increase brand awareness and drive sales. Choose Where to Sell Your Products Identifying potential buyers and sales channels is an important step in growing your hay farm business. This includes feed stores, horse stables, and livestock auctions, as well as offering delivery services to customers who need it. You should also consider building relationships with potential buyers to establish long-term partnerships. Expand Your Hay Farm Business Exploring opportunities to expand your hay farm business is key to sustained growth. This can include diversifying your product line, increasing production, or offering value-added services. You should also continuously monitor market trends and adapt your strategies to meet the evolving needs of your customers. What is Needed to Start a Hay Farm and How Much Does it Cost? Starting a hay farm requires suitable land, equipment, and baling machinery. The costs of starting a hay farm depend on factors such as land availability and equipment quality. A small hay farm can cost between $10,000 to $20,000, while a large one can easily cost hundreds of thousands. Suitable Land: Hay farming requires land that is suitable for growing hay. The ideal soil type should be well-draining and have a pH between 6.0 and 7.5. The land should also receive adequate sunlight and have access to water. The cost of purchasing or leasing suitable land varies depending on location and size. Equipment: Starting a hay farm requires a significant investment in equipment. This includes a tractor, mower, tedder hay rake, and baling equipment. The cost of equipment depends on the size and quality. Used equipment can be a cost-effective option for beginners. Tractor: A tractor is essential for every hay farm. It facilitates tasks such as plowing, tilling, planting, and harvesting. The price of a new tractor typically falls between $20,000 and $100,000, whereas a used tractor usually costs between $5,000 and $30,000. Mower: A mower is used to cut the hay before it is baled. The cost of a new mower can range from $2,000 to $10,000, while a used mower can cost between $500 to $5,000. Tedder & Hay Rake: Once the hay is cut, it must be dried before baling. A tedder helps to aerate the hay, ensuring it dries evenly. After that, a hay rake is employed to collect the dried hay into rows for baling. The price for a new tedder and hay rake typically ranges from $5,000 to $15,000, whereas used equipment can cost anywhere from $1,000 to $5,000. Baling Equipment: Baling equipment is used to compress the hay into bales for storage or transport. The cost of a new baler can range from $10,000 to $50,000, while a used baler can cost between $2,000 to $10,000. Other baling equipment includes wagons, trailers, and wrappers, which can add additional costs. The Hay Farm Industry in the United States The hay farming industry in the United States is a significant sector of the agriculture industry. Hay is an essential feed source for livestock, making it a crucial element for the country’s meat and dairy production. The United States is the world’s largest hay producer, with over 53 million acres of hay harvested annually. The top hay-producing states in the U.S. include California, Texas, South Dakota, Montana, and North Dakota. The industry has been growing steadily over the years, and advancements in technology and farming techniques have improved the efficiency and profitability of hay farming operations. The demand for hay continues to rise, and the industry is expected to remain an important contributor to the U.S. agriculture industry. Deciding What Type of Hay Farm to Run Choosing the right type of hay to grow on your hay farm is essential to your farm’s overall success. By considering your livestock’s nutritional needs, soil type and climate, market demand, and cost and labor, you can make an informed decision that will benefit both your farm and your livestock. Common Plants to Grow for Hay Production There are several different types of hay that are commonly grown on hay farms. These include: Timothy Hay: Timothy hay is a variety of grass hay commonly cultivated in North America. It is recognized for its rich nutritional value and is frequently used as feed for horses. Alfalfa Hay: Alfalfa hay is a legume hay that is high in protein and other essential nutrients. It is commonly used as feed for dairy cows and other livestock. Clover Hay: Clover hay is another type of legume hay that is commonly grown on hay farms. It is high in protein and is often used as feed for horses, sheep, and other livestock. Bermuda Grass Hay: Bermuda grass hay is a warm-season grass hay that is commonly grown in the southern United States. It is known for its high yields and is often used as feed for cattle and other livestock. Growing Hay for DIY on a Family Farm or Growing Hay to Sell You can either grow and let your livestock eat hay on your own farm, or you can grow hay to sell to other farmers and livestock owners. Consider factors such as soil type, climate, and market demand when choosing which type of hay to grow. How to Source Equipment to Grow Hay and For Harvesting Hay Sourcing equipment is essential to growing and harvesting hay. The process involves finding the right equipment that matches your needs, budget, and timeline. There are three main ways to source equipment: New: Buying new equipment is an option if you have a higher budget and want to invest in equipment that will last for years. Many farm equipment suppliers offer warranties on new equipment, and you can customize purchases to your specific needs. However, it’s more expensive than used or rented equipment. Used: Buying used farm equipment is a cost-effective option. However, it’s crucial to inspect the equipment carefully to ensure it’s in good condition. Look for reputable sellers, and research the equipment’s maintenance history before buying. Used equipment may have a shorter lifespan than new equipment. Rent: Renting equipment is an option if you don’t want to invest in equipment or only need it for a short period. Renting allows you to use high-quality equipment without the upfront costs of buying. However, it may be more expensive in the long run if you need equipment for extended periods. Renting is also subject to availability, so plan accordingly. The Steps in Making a Hay Crop Understanding the steps in making a hay crop can help farmers achieve maximum yield and quality. Let’s look at what the process involves… Preparing the Soil Soil preparation is essential for the success of the hay crop. This process includes tilling the soil to create a smooth seedbed, applying fertilizers and lime to adjust the soil pH, and clearing away any weeds or debris. Planting and Growing After the soil is prepared, the hay crop is planted and grown. The seed is spread evenly across the prepared seedbed and then covered with a layer of soil. The crop is then allowed to grow, and farmers must monitor it for weed growth and disease. Mowing Mowing is a crucial step in the hay crop process. Farmers must wait until the crop reaches the optimal height before mowing. This typically occurs when the crop is in the mid to late bud stage. Tedding Tedding involves fluffing and spreading the cut hay out to dry. This step helps to ensure the hay is dry and ready for raking. Raking Raking is the process of gathering the hay into rows to facilitate drying and baling. Farmers use specialized machinery, such as a rake or tedder, to move and shape the hay into neat rows. Stacking and Baling in Round Bales or Square Bales The final step in the hay crop process involves stacking and baling so there’s no loose hay. Farmers can choose to bale hay in either round or square bales, depending on their preference and the type of machinery they have. The farmer can then store hay so it’s ready for transport. StepDescription Preparing the SoilTilling, adding fertilizers, and correcting pH to create a suitable seedbed. Removing weeds. Planting and GrowingSpreading seed evenly, covering with soil, monitoring growth, and managing weed and disease. MowingCutting the hay crop at the optimal height, usually in the mid to late bud stage. TeddingFluffing and spreading cut hay to aid in drying and moisture evaporation. RakingGathering hay into neat rows to facilitate drying and baling using specialized machinery. Stacking and BalingCreating bales (round or square) from the dried hay. Stacking bales for storage or transport. Hay Farm: Downsides to Consider Despite its benefits, hay farming has downsides to consider. Weather conditions, such as drought or excessive rain, can reduce hay quality and yield. Hay storage can also be a challenge, and the cost of equipment and labor can be high. Hay Farming: A Sustainable Business Venture In conclusion, starting a hay farm represents a promising and sustainable business venture in the agricultural sector. With careful planning, appropriate land selection, and adherence to best farming practices, hay farming can yield significant returns while contributing to the agricultural community and supporting livestock nutrition. Achieving success in this area demands a commitment to soil health, effective crop management, and a thorough understanding of the market. However, for those who are prepared to invest the necessary time and resources, the rewards can be substantial. As the demand for quality animal feed continues, hay farming stands out as a valuable and enduring business idea. Whether you’re looking to support your own livestock or supply to local farmers and businesses, a well-managed hay farm can serve as a robust foundation for a thriving agricultural business. Hay Farm FAQs What is the Difference Between Hay and Straw? Hay is a forage crop harvested for livestock feed, while straw is a byproduct of harvested grains used primarily for bedding and other non-feed purposes. How Hard is Hay Farming? Hay farming can be physically demanding and time-consuming, requiring specialized equipment and knowledge. However, it can also be a rewarding and profitable industry. Can a Hay Farm be Profitable? Yes, a well-managed hay farm can be profitable. Factors such as crop yield, market demand, and operational efficiency can impact profitability. Is Hay Easy to Grow? Hay requires specific soil, moisture, and weather conditions for optimal growth. However, with proper preparation and care, hay can be successfully grown in many regions. How Much Hay Can 1 Acre Produce a Year? The amount of hay 1 acre can produce in a year varies depending on factors such as soil quality, crop variety, and weather conditions. On average, 1 acre can produce 1-4 tons of hay per year. Is it Worth it to Grow Hay? Whether growing hay is worth it depends on factors such as market demand, crop yield, and operational costs. With proper management, growing hay can be a profitable endeavor. How Should Hay Bales be Stacked to Reduce Waste? Hay bales should be stacked on a well-drained surface, preferably with a moisture barrier, and kept out of direct sunlight to prevent spoilage. Stacking bales in a crisscross pattern can also help reduce waste. Are Round Bales or Square Bales Better for Hay? The choice between a round bale and small square bales or large square bales depends on factors such as storage space, feeding method, and equipment availability. Round bales are generally better for outdoor storage, while square bales are easier to handle and stack. Image: Depositphotos This article, "How to Start a Hay Farm" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Donald Trump has vowed to end the almost three-year-long war as soon as possibleView the full article

U.S. inflation accelerated last month as the cost of groceries, gas, and used cars rose, a trend that will likely underscore the Federal Reserve’s resolve to delay any further interest rate cuts. The consumer price index increased 3% in January from a year ago, Wednesday’s report from the Labor Department showed, up from 2.9% the previous month. It has increased from a 3 1/2 year low of 2.4% in September. The figures show that after inflation steadily declined in 2023 and for much of last year, it has remained stubbornly above the Fed’s 2% target for roughly the past six months. Elevated prices created a major political problem for former President Joe Biden. President Donald Trump pledged to reduce prices in last year’s campaign, though most economists worry that his many proposed tariffs could at least temporarily increase costs. Excluding the volatile food and energy categories, core consumer prices rose 3.3% in January compared with a year ago, up from 3.2% in December. Economists closely watch core prices because they can provide a better read of inflation’s future path. Inflation also worsened on a monthly basis, with prices jumping 0.5% in January from December, the largest increase since August 2023. Core prices climed 0.4% last month, the most since March 2024. Inflation often jumps in January as many companies raise their prices at the beginning of the year, though the government’s seasonal adjustment process is supposed to filter out those effects. Later Wednesday, Federal Reserve Chair Jerome Powell will testify before the House Financial Services Committee, where he will likely be asked about inflation and the Fed’s response to it. The Fed raised its benchmark rate in 2022 and 2023 to a two-decade high of 5.3% to combat inflation. With inflation down significantly from its 9.1% peak in June 2022, it cut its rate to about 4.3% in its final three meetings last year. Early Wednesday, Trump said on social media that interest rates should be lowered, “something which would go hand in hand with upcoming Tariffs!!!” Yet the tick up in consumer prices makes it less likely the Fed will cut rates anytime soon. Fed officials are mostly confident that inflation over time will head lower, but they want to see further evidence that it is declining before cutting their key rate any further. The Fed’s rate typically influences other borrowing costs for things like mortgages, auto loans, and credit cards. Inflation’s recent uptick is a major reason the Federal Reserve has paused its interest rate cuts, after implementing three of them last year. On Tuesday, Fed Chair Jerome Powell said “we do not need to be in a hurry” to implement further reductions in testimony to the Senate Banking Committee. The Trump administration’s tariff policy could lift prices in the coming months. Trump on Monday imposed 25% taxes on steel and aluminum imports, and has pledged to impose more tariffs. Economists at Goldman Sachs forecast that yearly core inflation would fall almost a full percentage point, to 2.3%, by the end of this year, absent any import duties. But they expect tariffs will raise end-of-year inflation to 2.8%. On Tuesday, Fed Chair Powell acknowledged that higher tariffs could lift inflation and limit the central bank’s ability to cut rates, calling it “a possible outcome.” But he emphasized that it would depend on how many imports are hit with tariffs and for how long. “In some cases it doesn’t reach the consumer much, and in some cases it does,” Powell said. “And it really does depend on facts that we we haven’t seen yet.” —Christopher Rugaber, AP Economics Writer View the full article

This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/ As a freelancer, your online security isn’t just personal—it’s your livelihood. But with cyber threats evolving daily, staying secure online isn’t just about protecting your data; it’s about safeguarding your career, reputation, and income. Unlike employees in traditional workplaces with dedicated IT teams, freelancers are their first and last line of defense. Cybercriminals target independent professionals because they often work remotely, juggle multiple accounts, and may not have corporate-level security protections. With the rise of data breaches, phishing scams, and hacked accounts, taking control of your digital hygiene is crucial. That’s why we’ve compiled a freelancer-specific cybersecurity checklist to help you protect your digital workspace, client data, and financial transactions. This checklist includes five essential timeframes to gradually implement strong security practices and keep your business safe year-round. Awareness and action are the best defenses against cyber threats. Save this checklist and share it with fellow freelancers, clients, and industry peers—because keeping the digital world safe is a shared responsibility. View the full article

This article is posted with permission from our partner MacPaw. MacPaw makes Mac + iOS apps that have been installed on over 30 million devices worldwide. Freelancers Union members receive 30 days of free unlimited access to CleanMyMacX and Setapp: https://freelancersunion.org/resources/perks/macpaw/ As a freelancer, your online security isn’t just personal—it’s your livelihood. But with cyber threats evolving daily, staying secure online isn’t just about protecting your data; it’s about safeguarding your career, reputation, and income. Unlike employees in traditional workplaces with dedicated IT teams, freelancers are their first and last line of defense. Cybercriminals target independent professionals because they often work remotely, juggle multiple accounts, and may not have corporate-level security protections. With the rise of data breaches, phishing scams, and hacked accounts, taking control of your digital hygiene is crucial. That’s why we’ve compiled a freelancer-specific cybersecurity checklist to help you protect your digital workspace, client data, and financial transactions. This checklist includes five essential timeframes to gradually implement strong security practices and keep your business safe year-round. Awareness and action are the best defenses against cyber threats. Save this checklist and share it with fellow freelancers, clients, and industry peers—because keeping the digital world safe is a shared responsibility. View the full article

Reduce audit time by 20% without reducing quality. By Alan Anderson, CPA Transforming Audit for the Future Go PRO for members-only access to more Alan Anderson. View the full article

Reduce audit time by 20% without reducing quality. By Alan Anderson, CPA Transforming Audit for the Future Go PRO for members-only access to more Alan Anderson. View the full article

Welcome to our weekly Search Engine Land series, Everything you need to know about Google Ads in less than 3 minutes. Every Wednesday, I’m highlighting a different Google Ads feature, and what you need to know to get the best results from it – all in a quick 3-minute read (or, you can scroll down to watch the video). Let’s explore Target CPA bidding, one of the four Smart Bidding strategies in Google Ads. If you’re looking to gain more control over your Google Ads campaign costs, Target CPA may be the right bidding solution for you. I’ll cover: What is Target CPA bidding? How does Target CPA bidding work? How to set up Target CPA bidding in your Google Ads campaigns Tips for optimizing Target CPA for better results When to use Target CPA bidding When not to use Target CPA bidding Alternatives to Target CPA bidding What is Target CPA bidding? Target CPA is a Smart Bidding strategy. That means that Google will automatically set your bids for each and every auction to help you get as many conversions as possible, at the target cost-per-action (CPA) you set. How does Target CPA bidding work? With Target CPA bidding, you simply tell Google Ads the average amount you want to pay for each conversion – your target CPA. Then, Google Ads analyzes millions of signals at auction time. Based on expected conversion, Google will bid up or down to try to achieve your target. That means: For some keywords, you may see astronomically high CPCs. For other keywords, you may see zero impressions. Target CPA works across your campaign to drive the most efficient conversions it can, within your budget. How to set up Target CPA bidding in your Google Ads campaigns To use Target CPA bidding, you either need to create a new campaign or go to your campaign settings. Scroll down to the “Bidding” section and select “Target CPA.” Note that Target CPA bidding is compatible with Search, Display, Demand Gen, Performance Max and App campaigns. You cannot use Target CPA bidding in Shopping or Video campaigns. Then, you’ll then need to enter your target CPA. This is the average amount you’re looking to pay for each conversion. The Google Ads interface will sometimes make a recommendation, which you can accept or reject. If in doubt, set your target CPA at your actual 30-day CPA. For example, if the campaign has been achieving a CPA of $52 over the last 30 days, set your target CPA at $52. Tips for optimizing Target CPA for better results Target CPA is a powerful bid strategy for scaling results, but it has a lot of potential pitfalls. Here’s what I recommend to get the best results out of Target CPA bidding: Give your campaign time to collect data. Don’t make changes to your target CPA too frequently, as this can interfere with the algorithm’s ability to learn and optimize your bids. Set it, and let it simmer. Set a realistic target CPA. If you set your target CPA too low, you could throttle your campaign into not spending at all. Adjust your target CPA gradually. Increase or decrease your target in 10-20% increments at a time, and collect at least 20-30 conversions at this new target before adjusting further. Monitor your search impression share. If you’re losing a lot of search impression share due to rank, it could be because your quality score is too low or your target CPA bid is too low. Try increasing your target by 10% to see how this impacts your impressions. When to use Target CPA bidding Target CPA bidding is a good option if you have a specific cost per action goal in mind and your campaign has a history of achieving it. It’s also a good option if you’re looking to scale your campaigns and you want to ensure that you’re not overspending. When not to use Target CPA bidding Target CPA bidding is not a good option if you don’t have a specific cost per action goal in mind. It’s also not a good option if you’re not getting at least 30 conversions in 30 days, or if your conversion data is not reliable. Alternatives to Target CPA bidding If Target CPA bidding is not right for you, there are other Smart Bidding strategies that may be a better option, such as: Maximize Conversions: This bidding strategy automatically sets your bids to help you get as many conversions as possible within your budget. Ideal for smaller budget campaigns. Maximize Conversion Value: This bidding strategy automatically sets your bids to help you get as much revenue as possible within your budget. Ideal for ecommerce campaigns that advertise products with many different prices. Target ROAS: This bidding strategy automatically sets your bids to help you achieve a specific return on ad spend (ROAS), rather than a specific cost per action. Ideal for campaigns with 50+ conversions in 30 days, and specific ROI objectives. View the full article

Here is a recap of what happened in the search forums today, through the eyes of the Search Engine Roundtable and other search forums on the web. The Google reviews bug seems to be fixed...View the full article

I first learned that my American identity was a matter of public perception rather than personal history about a decade ago. I was at journalism school in New York City and meeting with a career counselor. “You should print U.S. citizen at the top of your résumé,” she said as soon as I sat down. I did not understand. I was born and brought up in the United States. At the time, my very short résumé consisted of college in the U.S., two years of federal government service, and one year teaching English in Malaysia under the auspices of a Fulbright grant, which also requires U.S. citizenship. “Look at you,” the counselor continued. “It’s not obvious.” The light started to dawn on me. Ethnically, I’m half-Chinese-Indonesian and half-Indian, which is to say I’m as brown as a chocolate-chip-cookie. I’ve been mistaken for Hispanic, Black, and a dozen varieties of Asian. Still, I speak English with an American twang, and in Malaysia my students had cooed over how I sounded like Miley Cyrus. (I decided it was a compliment.) What’s more American than being a racial mutt with a valley girl accent? In the end, my practical side won out. The counselor was an immigrant herself and it was clear that she had my best interests at heart. I decided getting a job was more important than any tender feelings I had about race and identity, and printed “U.S. citizen” on my résumé right under my name. It turned out to be good advice. At one of my first job interviews, and editor hemmed and hawed and then came out straight with it. “Look,” she said. “You seem great, but I need to ask. Are you cleared to work in the U.S.?” I pointed to the “U.S. citizen” under my name. “Oh,” she said. “I missed that.” Later, I checked with a white friend who was half-French and half-American. She’d grown up in South America, Africa, and Southeast Asia, and then completed her undergrad degree in the U.K. Had anyone asked her for her citizenship during job interviews? I asked. Never, she said. Despite my skin color, or perhaps because of my career counselor’s advice, I did manage to land a job. On the first day, I brought in my passport and gave it to HR. A few hours later, I received a note—HR had some questions. “I need to see proof of citizenship,” the man said. He’d somehow managed to ignore the cover of my passport—which read United States of America—and missed the front page with all of my identifying information including birthplace, and skipped to the very middle where my Malaysian visa was buried. “Are you Malaysian?” he asked. It’s not just about feelings You could argue these matters of perception aren’t important in the large scheme of things—and for a long time that’s what I told myself. So what if my feelings were hurt? I had deeply talented colleagues who were struggling to get hired because they didn’t have U.S. citizenship. At the end of the day, HR eventually apologized and I kept the job. I had the birthright and the papers. Yet, it turns out these questions do matter because they get to the heart of who the government wants to stay and who people are willing to protect. While President Trump is ostensibly only going after people who are “illegally” in the United States, fundamentally he’s asking a question that’s been simmering in the background of the American psyche for both Democrats and Republicans: Who is an American? Who deserves access to job opportunities and government benefits? The answers to the question who “belongs” in America is complicated. According to new data from Pew Research Center, about 52% of Americans (whoever we are) believe this has to do with where you are born, 79% say it has to do with language (bad news for naturalized citizens like my parents who speak with heavy accents), and 70% say it has to do with culture and tradition—which is a tricky statement for a colonized country made up of immigrants. Discourse aside, we’re already seeing some answers at play. In the wake of Trump’s executive order, which attempts to rescind birthright citizenship from children born in the United States to parents who are not citizens or green card holders, Native Americans—who are indubitably more American than anyone else in the country—are getting harassed by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE). There are also reports of citizens getting swept up in ICE raids: Between 2015 and 2020, over 650 citizens were detained in such raids. This becomes even more pressing when you consider that Missouri state Senator David Gregory has introduced a bill that would give people a $1,000 reward for turning in “illegal aliens.” However, there is no punishment for turning in a legitimate citizen. If this bill should come to pass, the question becomes who seems like they don’t belong? It’s tempting to rage (and believe me I have) at the current administration, but there are larger questions all of us need to confront. We’re in a country made up of immigrants, built ostensibly for immigrants, where the population is becoming increasingly browner and race relations are becoming worse, not better, according to survey data from Pew Research. What will it take for us to stop linking American identity to skin color? What will it take for us to treat all Americans equally? Should Missouri’s bill come to pass, I doubt people will be turning in white people, although they do make up about 20% of illegal immigrants. There is no way to tell just by looking at someone whether they are an American citizen or legally here, but I do know who will be looked at with suspicion: me and people who look like me. View the full article

Google Search may now be faster when you use Chrome for Google Search. Google is leveraging Speculation Rules API to prefetch results, ultimately making the overall Google Search experience faster. “Google Search has been making use of the Speculation Rules API to improve navigation speed from the search results page to the result links and they’ve been using a few features of the API that may be of interest to other site owners,” Google wrote on the Chrome Developers blog. More details. Google will prefetch the first two search results to speed up the search experience. Google said it does this through using the requires configuration, to ensure prefetches use the private prefetch proxy in Chrome and by using the referrer_policy setting to ensure no details encoded in the search page’s URL are sent to the site in the referer HTTP header. The results. Google wrote they “saw significant improvements in Largest Contentful Paint (LCP)” for the first two results. On Chrome for Android, LCP for clicks from Google Search were reduced by 67 milliseconds. Desktop Chrome resulted in a similar improvement in LCP of 58.6 milliseconds. Beyond the first two results, here are the gains Google posted: Desktop Chrome reduced First Contentful Paint (FCP) for navigations from Google Search by 7.6 milliseconds and LCP by 9.5 milliseconds (as shown by A/B testing). These represent smaller gains compared to the 58.6 milliseconds improvements seen in the first two results, but that’s not surprising given the smaller lead time as they are not prefetched as eagerly. Why we care. A faster Google experience may lead to more users, more traffic and hopefully happier and higher converting customers. But again, that is if your site has visibility in Google Search. That being said, you can read more about the technical details in this Google blog post. View the full article

Invoice financing, also known as accounts receivable financing, is a financial solution where businesses use their unpaid invoices as collateral to obtain immediate working capital from lenders or financing companies. Instead of waiting for customers to pay invoices, businesses can access a significant portion of the invoice value upfront, which helps improve cash flow and allows them to meet immediate financial obligations or invest in growth opportunities. What is Invoice Financing? Invoice financing is a form of short-term borrowing that enables businesses to unlock the value of their accounts receivable by selling unpaid invoices to a third-party financing company at a discount in exchange for immediate cash. https://youtube.com/watch?v=NdTBkvfCssg%3Fsi%3DjaPaug92KOJT-KEO How Invoice Financing Works Let’s say a small business provides goods or services to a client with invoice payment terms of net 30 days. However, the business needs immediate funds to cover operational expenses or invest in expansion. Instead of waiting for 30 days to receive payment, the business can choose to sell its unpaid invoice to an invoice financing company. The financing company may advance around 80-90% of the invoice value upfront, minus a fee (discount rate), and hold the remaining amount as a reserve. Once the client pays the invoice, the financing company releases the reserve amount to the business minus any fees or charges. The Role of Invoice Financing Companies Invoice financing companies are essential in the business landscape, as they provide vital liquidity to companies experiencing cash flow challenges caused by slow-paying customers. These firms serve as intermediaries, connecting businesses that require immediate cash with investors or lenders who are interested in purchasing invoices at a discounted rate. These companies assess the creditworthiness of the invoices and the businesses issuing them, determine the risk involved, and offer financing solutions tailored to the needs of different businesses. By offering timely access to working capital, invoice financing companies help businesses maintain operations, manage growth, seize opportunities, and avoid the pitfalls of late payments. Invoice Financing vs. factoring Here are the differences in two key categories: Ownership of Invoices: In invoice financing, the business retains ownership of the invoices, using them as collateral to secure a loan. In contrast, invoice factoring involves selling the invoices outright to a third-party factor. Responsibility for Collection: In invoice financing, the business usually handles the collection of payments from its customers. Conversely, in invoice factoring, the factor assumes the responsibility for collecting these payments. Invoice Factoring Invoice factoring is a financial arrangement in which a business sells its accounts receivable (invoices) to a third-party financial entity, referred to as a factor, at a discounted rate. The factor provides an upfront advance, usually covering about 70-90% of the invoice value, and proceeds to collect payments directly from the business’s customers. After the customers fulfill their payments on the invoices, the factor disburses the remaining balance to the business, deducting a fee or discount rate. The Role of Factoring Companies Invoice factoring companies provide a valuable service to businesses by offering immediate access to cash flow without taking on additional debt. They help businesses maintain stable cash flow, manage expenses, and seize growth opportunities by converting accounts receivable into immediate working capital. Additionally, invoice factoring companies often provide services such as credit checks on customers, collections management, and credit insurance, which can help mitigate the risk of non-payment and improve overall financial efficiency for businesses. By outsourcing accounts receivable management and providing flexible financing solutions, invoice factoring companies play a crucial role in supporting the growth and stability of businesses across various industries. FeatureInvoice FinancingInvoice Factoring DefinitionA way for businesses to borrow money against the amounts due from customers without selling the invoices.A financial transaction where a business sells its invoices to a third party at a discount to improve cash flow. Control of InvoicesThe business retains control over the collection of payments.The factor (third-party) takes control of the accounts receivable and the collection process. ConfidentialityUsually confidential, customers may not be aware that financing is being used.Often not confidential, customers are aware as they make payments directly to the factoring company. CostFees are based on the amount of financing and the time it takes for customers to pay.Fees include a factoring fee based on a percentage of the invoice, along with additional fees for the service provided. Speed of FundingFunds can be available quickly, often within 24-48 hours of approval.Similar to invoice financing, funds are typically available quickly after selling the invoices. CreditworthinessDepends more on the creditworthiness of the borrowing company.Depends on the creditworthiness of the customers (debtors) and the quality of the invoices. Risk and ResponsibilityThe business remains responsible for the collection of payments and any bad debts.The factor assumes the risk of non-payment (in non-recourse factoring), reducing the risk for the original business. Relationship with ClientDirect relationship with the client is maintained as the business continues to handle its accounts receivable.The factor may interact directly with clients, which could affect the business's relationship with its clients. FlexibilityMore flexible, as businesses can choose which invoices to finance.Less flexible, as factors often require a commitment to factor a minimum amount or all invoices from selected customers. PurposePrimarily used to improve cash flow without taking on new debt.Used to outsource sales ledger management and improve cash flow, while also potentially offloading credit risk. Benefits of Invoice Financing for Small Business Improved Cash Flow: Invoice financing offers businesses immediate access to cash, enabling them to fulfill financial obligations, pay employees and suppliers, and invest in growth initiatives without having to wait for customer payments on invoices. Flexible Financing: Unlike traditional loans, invoice financing does not require collateral beyond the invoices themselves, making it accessible to businesses with limited assets. It’s also typically easier and quicker to obtain compared to traditional financing options. Risk Mitigation: Invoice financing can help businesses mitigate the risk of late payments or non-payment by providing a steady stream of cash flow based on their accounts receivable. Opportunity for Growth: With improved cash flow, businesses can take advantage of growth opportunities, such as expanding operations, launching new products or services, or pursuing new markets. Eligibility Criteria for Invoice Financing Business Stability: Lenders typically prefer businesses with a history of operations and a proven track record of invoicing and collecting payments. Creditworthiness of Invoices: The invoices being financed should be from creditworthy customers to minimize the risk for the financing company. Minimum Invoice Value: Some lenders may have minimum requirements for the value of invoices eligible for financing. Absence of Legal Issues: Businesses should not have any pending legal issues or disputes related to the invoices being financed. Steps to Secure Invoice Financing Application: The business submits an application to the invoice financing company, providing details about their business, invoices to be financed, and financial history. Due Diligence: The financing company conducts due diligence to assess the creditworthiness of the invoices and the business, which may include credit checks on customers and a review of financial statements. Agreement: Once approved, the business and the financing company enter into an agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the financing arrangement. Submission of Invoices: The business submits the invoices to the financing company for verification. Funding: After verification, the financing company advances a percentage of the invoice value to the business. Payment Collection: The financing company may collect payments directly from customers or allow the business to collect payments, depending on the type of invoice financing. Invoice Financing Costs Discount Rate or Fee: Companies that offer invoice financing impose a fee or discount rate, usually calculated as a percentage of the invoice’s total value, for their financing services. Additional Charges: There may be additional charges, such as processing fees or administrative fees, associated with invoice financing. Interest: In some cases, invoice financing may involve interest charges, particularly if the financing arrangement extends beyond a certain period. Late Payment Penalties: Companies could face penalties or extra charges due to delayed payments or failure to pay invoices. Choosing the Right Invoice Financing Company or Invoice Factoring Company Here are some factors to consider when choosing an invoice financing or factoring company: Control Over Collections: If a business prefers to maintain control over collections and customer relationships, invoice financing might be more suitable. On the other hand, if the business wants to offload collections responsibilities and streamline cash flow, invoice factoring might be preferred. Cost Considerations: It is essential for businesses to evaluate the costs linked to invoice financing versus invoice factoring. This includes analyzing discount rates, fees, and any other charges to identify the most cost-effective choice. Customer Perception: Some businesses may be concerned about how their customers will perceive invoice financing or factoring. Invoice financing allows businesses to maintain direct relationships with customers, while invoice factoring involves customer notification of the financing arrangement. Common Misconceptions About Invoice Financing Only for Desperate Businesses: One common misconception is that invoice financing is only for struggling or desperate businesses. In reality, it’s a common and legitimate financing option used by businesses of all sizes to manage cash flow effectively. High Cost: Yes, there is an invoice financing cost. While there are costs associated with invoice financing, they can be offset by the benefits of improved cash flow and access to working capital, making it a cost-effective solution for many businesses. Complexity: Some businesses may perceive invoice financing as a complex or cumbersome process. However, with streamlined online platforms and efficient processes, invoice financing can be relatively straightforward and accessible. Invoice Discounting: An Alternative Approach Invoice discounting is a type of invoice financing where a business retains control over collections and customer relationships. Instead of selling invoices outright to a financing company, the business borrows against the value of its unpaid invoices, using them as collateral to secure a loan. The lender advances a percentage of the invoice value upfront, typically 70-90%, minus a discount or interest rate. The business retains responsibility for collecting payments from customers and repays the loan, along with any fees or interest, once the invoices are paid. Invoice Financing Explained Given the advantages of invoice financing, including improved cash flow, flexibility, and accessibility, it’s likely to remain a popular financing option for businesses in the future. As technology continues to advance and streamline financial processes, invoice financing may become even more accessible and efficient, further driving its adoption among businesses. FAQs: Invoice Financing How does accounts receivable financing help manage outstanding invoices? Accounts receivables financing helps manage outstanding invoices by providing immediate cash flow based on the value of unpaid invoices. By converting accounts receivable into cash, businesses can meet immediate financial obligations, invest in growth initiatives, and avoid the negative impacts of late payments or cash flow gaps. What’s the difference between accounts receivable financing and traditional loans? Collateral: Traditional loans often require tangible collateral, such as real estate or equipment, while accounts receivable financing uses invoices as collateral. Approval Process: Traditional loans may involve a lengthy approval process, including credit checks, financial assessments, and documentation requirements. Accounts receivable financing can be faster and more accessible, based primarily on the creditworthiness of invoices and customers. Repayment Structure: Traditional loans have fixed repayment terms, including principal and interest payments over a set period. Accounts receivable financing is more flexible, with repayment typically tied to the collection of invoices. Risk Sharing: Accounts receivable financing companies assume some of the risk associated with unpaid invoices, whereas traditional lenders may require businesses to bear the full risk of non-payment. Read More: What is an Invoice? How to Create an Invoice Image: Envato Elements This article, "What is Invoice Financing and How Does it Work?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

Invoice financing, also known as accounts receivable financing, is a financial solution where businesses use their unpaid invoices as collateral to obtain immediate working capital from lenders or financing companies. Instead of waiting for customers to pay invoices, businesses can access a significant portion of the invoice value upfront, which helps improve cash flow and allows them to meet immediate financial obligations or invest in growth opportunities. What is Invoice Financing? Invoice financing is a form of short-term borrowing that enables businesses to unlock the value of their accounts receivable by selling unpaid invoices to a third-party financing company at a discount in exchange for immediate cash. https://youtube.com/watch?v=NdTBkvfCssg%3Fsi%3DjaPaug92KOJT-KEO How Invoice Financing Works Let’s say a small business provides goods or services to a client with invoice payment terms of net 30 days. However, the business needs immediate funds to cover operational expenses or invest in expansion. Instead of waiting for 30 days to receive payment, the business can choose to sell its unpaid invoice to an invoice financing company. The financing company may advance around 80-90% of the invoice value upfront, minus a fee (discount rate), and hold the remaining amount as a reserve. Once the client pays the invoice, the financing company releases the reserve amount to the business minus any fees or charges. The Role of Invoice Financing Companies Invoice financing companies are essential in the business landscape, as they provide vital liquidity to companies experiencing cash flow challenges caused by slow-paying customers. These firms serve as intermediaries, connecting businesses that require immediate cash with investors or lenders who are interested in purchasing invoices at a discounted rate. These companies assess the creditworthiness of the invoices and the businesses issuing them, determine the risk involved, and offer financing solutions tailored to the needs of different businesses. By offering timely access to working capital, invoice financing companies help businesses maintain operations, manage growth, seize opportunities, and avoid the pitfalls of late payments. Invoice Financing vs. factoring Here are the differences in two key categories: Ownership of Invoices: In invoice financing, the business retains ownership of the invoices, using them as collateral to secure a loan. In contrast, invoice factoring involves selling the invoices outright to a third-party factor. Responsibility for Collection: In invoice financing, the business usually handles the collection of payments from its customers. Conversely, in invoice factoring, the factor assumes the responsibility for collecting these payments. Invoice Factoring Invoice factoring is a financial arrangement in which a business sells its accounts receivable (invoices) to a third-party financial entity, referred to as a factor, at a discounted rate. The factor provides an upfront advance, usually covering about 70-90% of the invoice value, and proceeds to collect payments directly from the business’s customers. After the customers fulfill their payments on the invoices, the factor disburses the remaining balance to the business, deducting a fee or discount rate. The Role of Factoring Companies Invoice factoring companies provide a valuable service to businesses by offering immediate access to cash flow without taking on additional debt. They help businesses maintain stable cash flow, manage expenses, and seize growth opportunities by converting accounts receivable into immediate working capital. Additionally, invoice factoring companies often provide services such as credit checks on customers, collections management, and credit insurance, which can help mitigate the risk of non-payment and improve overall financial efficiency for businesses. By outsourcing accounts receivable management and providing flexible financing solutions, invoice factoring companies play a crucial role in supporting the growth and stability of businesses across various industries. FeatureInvoice FinancingInvoice Factoring DefinitionA way for businesses to borrow money against the amounts due from customers without selling the invoices.A financial transaction where a business sells its invoices to a third party at a discount to improve cash flow. Control of InvoicesThe business retains control over the collection of payments.The factor (third-party) takes control of the accounts receivable and the collection process. ConfidentialityUsually confidential, customers may not be aware that financing is being used.Often not confidential, customers are aware as they make payments directly to the factoring company. CostFees are based on the amount of financing and the time it takes for customers to pay.Fees include a factoring fee based on a percentage of the invoice, along with additional fees for the service provided. Speed of FundingFunds can be available quickly, often within 24-48 hours of approval.Similar to invoice financing, funds are typically available quickly after selling the invoices. CreditworthinessDepends more on the creditworthiness of the borrowing company.Depends on the creditworthiness of the customers (debtors) and the quality of the invoices. Risk and ResponsibilityThe business remains responsible for the collection of payments and any bad debts.The factor assumes the risk of non-payment (in non-recourse factoring), reducing the risk for the original business. Relationship with ClientDirect relationship with the client is maintained as the business continues to handle its accounts receivable.The factor may interact directly with clients, which could affect the business's relationship with its clients. FlexibilityMore flexible, as businesses can choose which invoices to finance.Less flexible, as factors often require a commitment to factor a minimum amount or all invoices from selected customers. PurposePrimarily used to improve cash flow without taking on new debt.Used to outsource sales ledger management and improve cash flow, while also potentially offloading credit risk. Benefits of Invoice Financing for Small Business Improved Cash Flow: Invoice financing offers businesses immediate access to cash, enabling them to fulfill financial obligations, pay employees and suppliers, and invest in growth initiatives without having to wait for customer payments on invoices. Flexible Financing: Unlike traditional loans, invoice financing does not require collateral beyond the invoices themselves, making it accessible to businesses with limited assets. It’s also typically easier and quicker to obtain compared to traditional financing options. Risk Mitigation: Invoice financing can help businesses mitigate the risk of late payments or non-payment by providing a steady stream of cash flow based on their accounts receivable. Opportunity for Growth: With improved cash flow, businesses can take advantage of growth opportunities, such as expanding operations, launching new products or services, or pursuing new markets. Eligibility Criteria for Invoice Financing Business Stability: Lenders typically prefer businesses with a history of operations and a proven track record of invoicing and collecting payments. Creditworthiness of Invoices: The invoices being financed should be from creditworthy customers to minimize the risk for the financing company. Minimum Invoice Value: Some lenders may have minimum requirements for the value of invoices eligible for financing. Absence of Legal Issues: Businesses should not have any pending legal issues or disputes related to the invoices being financed. Steps to Secure Invoice Financing Application: The business submits an application to the invoice financing company, providing details about their business, invoices to be financed, and financial history. Due Diligence: The financing company conducts due diligence to assess the creditworthiness of the invoices and the business, which may include credit checks on customers and a review of financial statements. Agreement: Once approved, the business and the financing company enter into an agreement outlining the terms and conditions of the financing arrangement. Submission of Invoices: The business submits the invoices to the financing company for verification. Funding: After verification, the financing company advances a percentage of the invoice value to the business. Payment Collection: The financing company may collect payments directly from customers or allow the business to collect payments, depending on the type of invoice financing. Invoice Financing Costs Discount Rate or Fee: Companies that offer invoice financing impose a fee or discount rate, usually calculated as a percentage of the invoice’s total value, for their financing services. Additional Charges: There may be additional charges, such as processing fees or administrative fees, associated with invoice financing. Interest: In some cases, invoice financing may involve interest charges, particularly if the financing arrangement extends beyond a certain period. Late Payment Penalties: Companies could face penalties or extra charges due to delayed payments or failure to pay invoices. Choosing the Right Invoice Financing Company or Invoice Factoring Company Here are some factors to consider when choosing an invoice financing or factoring company: Control Over Collections: If a business prefers to maintain control over collections and customer relationships, invoice financing might be more suitable. On the other hand, if the business wants to offload collections responsibilities and streamline cash flow, invoice factoring might be preferred. Cost Considerations: It is essential for businesses to evaluate the costs linked to invoice financing versus invoice factoring. This includes analyzing discount rates, fees, and any other charges to identify the most cost-effective choice. Customer Perception: Some businesses may be concerned about how their customers will perceive invoice financing or factoring. Invoice financing allows businesses to maintain direct relationships with customers, while invoice factoring involves customer notification of the financing arrangement. Common Misconceptions About Invoice Financing Only for Desperate Businesses: One common misconception is that invoice financing is only for struggling or desperate businesses. In reality, it’s a common and legitimate financing option used by businesses of all sizes to manage cash flow effectively. High Cost: Yes, there is an invoice financing cost. While there are costs associated with invoice financing, they can be offset by the benefits of improved cash flow and access to working capital, making it a cost-effective solution for many businesses. Complexity: Some businesses may perceive invoice financing as a complex or cumbersome process. However, with streamlined online platforms and efficient processes, invoice financing can be relatively straightforward and accessible. Invoice Discounting: An Alternative Approach Invoice discounting is a type of invoice financing where a business retains control over collections and customer relationships. Instead of selling invoices outright to a financing company, the business borrows against the value of its unpaid invoices, using them as collateral to secure a loan. The lender advances a percentage of the invoice value upfront, typically 70-90%, minus a discount or interest rate. The business retains responsibility for collecting payments from customers and repays the loan, along with any fees or interest, once the invoices are paid. Invoice Financing Explained Given the advantages of invoice financing, including improved cash flow, flexibility, and accessibility, it’s likely to remain a popular financing option for businesses in the future. As technology continues to advance and streamline financial processes, invoice financing may become even more accessible and efficient, further driving its adoption among businesses. FAQs: Invoice Financing How does accounts receivable financing help manage outstanding invoices? Accounts receivables financing helps manage outstanding invoices by providing immediate cash flow based on the value of unpaid invoices. By converting accounts receivable into cash, businesses can meet immediate financial obligations, invest in growth initiatives, and avoid the negative impacts of late payments or cash flow gaps. What’s the difference between accounts receivable financing and traditional loans? Collateral: Traditional loans often require tangible collateral, such as real estate or equipment, while accounts receivable financing uses invoices as collateral. Approval Process: Traditional loans may involve a lengthy approval process, including credit checks, financial assessments, and documentation requirements. Accounts receivable financing can be faster and more accessible, based primarily on the creditworthiness of invoices and customers. Repayment Structure: Traditional loans have fixed repayment terms, including principal and interest payments over a set period. Accounts receivable financing is more flexible, with repayment typically tied to the collection of invoices. Risk Sharing: Accounts receivable financing companies assume some of the risk associated with unpaid invoices, whereas traditional lenders may require businesses to bear the full risk of non-payment. Read More: What is an Invoice? How to Create an Invoice Image: Envato Elements This article, "What is Invoice Financing and How Does it Work?" was first published on Small Business Trends View the full article

President Donald Trump’s tariffs on steel imports this week could wreak havoc on American auto manufacturing, industry leaders say. The moves align with the Trump administration’s aggressive global trade agenda and ambitions to strengthen U.S. industry, but they could have an inverse effect. On March 12, all steel imports will be taxed at a minimum of 25%, the result of two orders the president signed Monday that also include a 25% tariff on aluminum. That could have a serious impact on domestic auto companies including Ford, GM and Stellantis — and make these companies’ vehicles more expensive for the nation’s car buyers. Tariffs on crucial products coming from outside of the U.S. places pressure on domestic sourcing of the materials, experts say. The basic rules of supply and demand could drive up costs. “Steel producers have to find ways to increase capacity, and aluminum and steel might be in short supply in the short term,” said Sam Fiorani, analyst at AutoForecast Solutions, which studies the industry. “Producing vehicles has a lot of moving parts, and raising the price of what is among the most important components of the vehicle is only going to raise the price of an already expensive product.” The average transaction price for a new vehicle in the U.S. in January was $48,641, according to auto-buying resource Kelley Blue Book — a hefty investment for an inflation-sensitive consumer. “Tariffs such as these do nothing to enhance the automotive industry directly,” Fiorani said. To Ford CEO Jim Farley, Trump’s early actions in office — which also include 25% tariffs on goods coming from Mexico and Canada, although delayed by a month — are already challenging the Dearborn, Michigan, automaker. The Trump administration has also upended electric vehicle policy put in place under former President Joe Biden, targeted EV charging infrastructure, as well as directed review of vehicle emissions and fuel economy rules — all of which could play a role in automaker plans to decarbonize. Already, auto companies have pulled back some electrification plans amid shifts in the market. Most of the three automakers’ steel and aluminum already comes from North America, Ford included; CFO Sherry House noted Tuesday during a Wolfe Research conference that 90% of the company’s steel comes from the U.S., and that aluminum is also not that competitive. Still, Farley said Tuesday during the same conference that “So far what we’re seeing is a lot of cost, and a lot of chaos.” Farley said: “The reality is, though, our suppliers have international sources for aluminum steel. So that price will come through and it may be a speculative part in the market where price would come up because the tariffs are even rumored.” A spokesperson for Ford deferred to Farley’s comments when reached out to for additional comment. A spokesperson for Stellantis declined to comment. GM did not respond to request for comment before publication. “We’re concerned about the downstream effects on consumer products like automobiles,” said Glenn Stevens Jr., executive director of MichAuto, a state auto industry association. “The concern whenever you have a scenario like this, and I’m not an economist, but I follow this very closely, is that the short-term benefits of higher prices for steel and aluminum for domestic production are outweighed by a decrease in downstream effects.” “The auto industry, it’s a very competitive business,” he added. “You can’t change supply chains very quickly and you certainly can’t change manufacturing locations very quickly.” Trump also placed tariffs on steel and aluminum in 2018 during his first stint in the White House. Automakers had to revise their financial plans for the year as their outlooks fell as a result, according to Fiorani. “Industries like automotive have built their entire financial plan based on sourcing products where they can; locally, if it’s possible, globally, if it makes the most sense,” he added. “Interfering with the natural order of things slows down the progress and raises costs.” ___ Associated Press reporter Isabella Volmert contributed to this report from Lansing, Mich. ___ Alexa St. John is an Associated Press climate solutions reporter. Follow her on X: @alexa_stjohn. Reach her at ast.john@ap.org. ___ Read more of AP’s climate coverage at http://www.apnews.com/climate-and-environment ___ The Associated Press’ climate and environmental coverage receives financial support from multiple private foundations. AP is solely responsible for all content. Find AP’s standards for working with philanthropies, a list of supporters and funded coverage areas at AP.org. —Alexa St. John, Associated Press View the full article