Columns

A dream come true, thanks to you

One year ago, I stood on the stage on the evening before the opening day of the Minnesota State Fair along with nine incredible dairy women about to start a journey that I had dreamed about for my …

Princess memories

I will never forget the feeling inside as I said to myself, “You are walking forward,” as my name was called as a top three finalist for the 66th Princess Kay of the Milky Way. I remember …

Surviving chaos

Peter’s text to me Friday morning said, “If chaos has a fuel gauge, today it would show ‘FULL.’” He was not wrong.   We had picked the day two weeks earlier to …

Everyone needs water in summer heat

The weather this spring and summer has been surprising us with rain, heat, high humidity and storms. When fog is hanging over the alfalfa field, I can usually see it will be a high-humidity day. Some …

No apologies

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 …

You deserve an ice cream treat

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. …

An expert?

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 …

The James gang legend

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. …

Wily Wagyu

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 …

Aprons on the clothesline

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 …

Escape to Wisconsin

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 …

Dairy prices continue recent strength

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 …

Milk continues to go up

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 …

Summer salads

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 …

More than just milk

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 …

Rain rain go away

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 …

Well, that was fun

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 …

A Sunday airshow

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 …

A very busy national dairy month

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. …

« Prev | 1 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 24 | Next »
Currently viewing stories posted within the past 2 years.
For all older stories, please use our advanced search.