It is the time of year when harvest seasons from garden and fields crash and collide. It is time to start chopping corn silage, press grapes, process tomatoes and find new ways to use extra zucchini …
The farm bill came up short in the Senate Agriculture Committee. Farm Bill 2.0 failed to get enough votes to move forward. Differences remain over the handling of the Supplemental Nutrition …
We hear about the importance of achieving balance in nearly every aspect of life; we all know how difficult that is. Finding that balance on a family-owned and operated dairy farm can be even more …
The farm bill came up short in the Senate Agriculture Committee. Farm Bill 2.0 failed to get enough votes to move forward. Differences remain over the handling of the Supplemental Nutrition …
How can it be the middle of August already? Producers coming into the office find themselves actively planning for the 2026 harvest. Soon, we will see choppers taking off the corn crop, and it could …
You know what it takes to get milk into the tank. You know the early mornings, long days and hundreds of decisions that go into keeping a herd healthy and a dairy moving forward. You know the work …
Not too many fathers get a phone call that goes like this: “Hey, Dad,” said our oldest son, Paul. “Want to go to a steam threshing show?” It’s our own fault. When Paul was a …
While much of the Midwest is close to ideal moisture and crops look promising, some are dealing with moderate to severe drought this summer. This has led to substandard hay growth and early corn …
Whenever I walk into the shop at my family farm in Illinois, I see the sign that points out the way our family celebrates anniversaries of our country’s founding. Someone painted a white piece of …
We’re at the top of the mountain regarding the 4-H year; our county fair was a couple of weeks ago, and the state fair is right around the corner. After the state fair, we’ll move back …
At the Wisconsin State fair each year, those farms that have been owned and operated by the same family for 100 or 150 years are honored. This year, Susan Crane, who was a member of the state fair …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture left its 2026 milk production estimate unchanged in this week’s World Agricultural Supply and Demand Estimates report but lowered its 2027 estimate. Based on the …
I’d like to introduce you to one of our newest farm staff members, Maple. Unfortunately, it’s not really possible for you to meet Ms. Maple unless you stop by our farm, but I’ll do my best …
I’m writing this in the middle of our county fair, which means I don’t know what day it is or where I am. I’m one day away from everyone in my family running out of clean underwear, and my …
As the last column described my emergency visit to the local hospital in 1995, this column will explain the next phase. My first helicopter ride was cold but fast, and in 20 minutes, I was in …
The Federal Reserve, to the president’s chagrin, elected to hold interest rates steady for the time being, though there was some dissension among the ranks concerned over rising inflation. …
Our grandson, Ethan, loves coming to the farm and hanging out with Grandpa, but spending the night hasn’t been on his priority list. Earlier last month, there was a week-long break in his …
During her appearance in Congress, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told senators the administration’s supplemental farm assistance request is intended to help farmers weather today’s …
The best investment on a dairy farm isn’t always a new piece of equipment. Sometimes it’s the decision to invest in knowledge and financial skills that will lead to better decisions for years to …
During her appearance in Congress, Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins told senators the administration’s supplemental farm assistance request is intended to help farmers weather today’s …