The House Committee on Agriculture hosted a hearing on farm financial conditions before breaking for the August recess, but the session started with a spirited exchange over the farm bill. Chairman …
Sunday, July 21, was National Ice Cream Day. Enjoying a couple of scoops of my favorite summer time treat offered me a chance to reflect on some of the best aspects of this great industry. …
What makes someone an expert? Education? Experiences? Distance? It is sometimes hard to be an exper in your own backyard despite your advanced degrees or life experiences. Some people still see you …
After nearly 150 years, the James gang and their Northfield bank robbery still loom large in our collective imagination. Small-town celebrations have played a big part in keeping this legacy alive. …
After several years’ worth of experience with beef-on-dairy calves, I’m beginning to think that beef-cross calves aren’t suitable for calving on pasture. I absolutely love …
Colorful aprons on the line Were someone else’s — but now they’re mine I treasure them and the stains they show I smile in the sunshine and watch them blow I …
I have had the pleasure of hosting farm tours for nearly 27 years. All the tours are by reservation and often I am asked if rain cancels the tour. I don’t have a problem with sprinkles, and …
Avian influenza has been confirmed in 164 dairy herds in 13 states. Unlike poultry, this virus is not fatal in dairy cattle but can impact milk production. There is anecdotal evidence that H5N1 is …
As reported last week, the U.S. Department of Agriculture lowered its 2024 and 2025 milk production forecasts in the World Agriculture Supply and Demand Estimates, based on slower growth in milk per …
The June Federal Milk Marketing Order Class III benchmark milk price was announced at $19.87 per hundredweight, up $1.32 from May, $4.96 above June 2023, and the highest Class III price since …
There are some things that are just perfect summer combinations, like a dash of salt on watermelon to bring out the juicy sweetness. I replace the seeds of a cantaloupe half with a scoop of …
In a few weeks from now, the 2024 Summer Olympic Games will commence in Paris, France. Among the delegates representing the United States is none other than Elle Purrier St. Pierre. A Vermont dairy …
Three years of rain, then three years of drought, and now back to nonstop rain. If there is such a thing as a “normal” year, we haven’t even had anything close to the middle of the …
I was cleaning up while standing at the back of my SUV after my regular scheduled 7 a.m. Monday herd visit, when unknowingly I said, “Well, that was fun.” It was fun because I …
Like many Baby Boomers, I was raised on a steady diet of movies about the Second World War. I especially enjoyed films that were airplane centric. As a kid, I often pretended that I was an ace …
I hope all of you had a wonderful National Dairy Month. I know that I did. Of course, since June is Dairy Month, it gives you a free pass to eat as much ice cream as you want. I hope you indulged. …
The first column I ever wrote for Dairy Star described my journey of becoming a farmer. From watching a neighboring dairy farm make hay in the field across the road when I was 12, to attending Short …
No doubt many of you reading this are seasoned fairgoers and veteran animal exhibitors. We are still in the rookie stage of this — kids and most of the adults that are involved. If you recall …
Comfortable shoes and boots are a necessity in all professions. I realize different jobs require different looks and protections for our feet. I am not sitting at a desk. I don’t need to have a …
The U.S. Department of Agriculture has issued its draft decision of Federal Milk Marketing Orders. American Farm Bureau Federation chief economist Roger Cryan says important changes were made. …