Everything is hard right now. I know that, you know that. What’s worse is that it’s all out of our control. In times like these, I need two things. First, someone to vent to — a close...

My brother, Pat, died 25 years ago on April 10, 1995, and to say he is missed would be a huge understatement. Pat was killed driving a water truck, for an off-the-farm job, due to three faulty brakes

I hate watching the news. But the other day, I was stuck watching the news and I literally shuddered at all the depressing stuff going on in the world right now

Looking at our farm here in East Moline, Ill., it is business as usual. Cows still have to be milked three times a day

As farmers, we’re uniquely fortunate when it comes to being quarantined for long periods of time. I don’t know about you, but before it was encouraged or legally enforced, I used to spend weeks...

The world’s top milk production cow, Selz-Pralle Aftershock 3918, is just one of the 450 registered Holsteins at her central Wisconsin dairy

Concerns surrounding coronavirus are impacting people across the United States and around the world. As I write this blog, events are being canceled and travel is highly discouraged — all in an attempt...

As the Martina McBride song goes, “This one's for all you girls about 13. High school can be so rough, can be so mean.” I’ll add that farm girls are far and few in-between. Or at least...

What’s an influencer? In marketing, it’s an individual who has the power to impact others’ thoughts or purchases. In agriculture, I’ve heard it described as an advocate, AGvocate,...

A few years ago, I purchased a cattle shed for my kids. We call it "Grandpa Bob's shed," as I used some of my inheritance money to purchase it

I’m just going to say it, we have to stop playing the victim. Do I love agriculture? Yes. Do I lose my temper when someone makes a disparaging comment? Yes

In dairy’s labor availability crisis, many farms have focused on doing a great job of training whether they are hiring someone with limited or extensive experience

Urbanization is a tricky subject. It affects each state, region, county, and town differently, and there are certainly benefits to expanding our communities

Michael Steele, University of Guelph, presented “Nutritional regulation of gut function in calves: colostrum and milk.” He shared the details about rearing newborn calves, and why those processes...

Most farmers are passionate about their animals and the food they produce. Some farms turn that passion into a business, selling products directly to consumers. To stand out among the crowd, it

I get it; I really do. My husband and I are super frugal, and some actually might call us cheap, so the idea of spending extra money on flowers or candy just because the calendar tells us to is something...

Last Sunday, Joaquin Phoenix used his fame to denounce dairy farming to millions of people. If I’m being completely honest, I’m a little impressed that he was able to slip the phrase “artificial...

This past week in one of my English classes, the concept of thank-you notes was brought up in reference to what some choose to do after an interview as they aim to leave a positive, lasting impression

Just because it is on the internet or television does not mean it is factual

Kobe Bryant's death has been all over the media. While an NBA superstar's life has little effect on us dairy farmers, the harsh reminder of his tragic passing is that life is way too short