Our calf ear tag numbering and coloring system has gone off the rails due to production and supply chain issues throughout the country

Watching and guiding the next generation of dairy ambassadors and enthusiasts is truly an honor

There are some things in life that are just ridiculously satisfying. You may have seen those videos on social media where something so simple is strangely pleasing to watch

Whether playing music on the radio during milking or humming tunes to cows while training them, smooth melodies help keep our cows (and ourselves) calm

Everything farming-related seems to fall within a cycle of tasks, and there’s a blurred line between getting caught up, being ahead, or falling behind

We’re happiest at home in our old farmhouse that is surrounded by cattle murmurs, country fields, and starlit skies, so it was the perfect backdrop for a marriage proposal

The woods, minus 15°F temperatures, and calves on the run led to yet another unpredictable day as a dairy farmer

So far this winter, I’ve been donning a cozy knitted headband and the messiest of buns daily. Luckily for my ego, my main companions (our cows) seem to experience their own horrid hair days as well

As college students try to focus on final exams, they are missing their families and time spent celebrating the holidays

With fall field work behind us and cooler temperatures rolling in, we’ve been busy winterizing our dairy farm

When you farm full time, having a buddy that doubles as entertainment is a must. I’m an animal lover to the core, and farm dogs have a special place in my heart

Steven and Connie Schmitt’s commitment, passion, and hard work as a farming couple is evidenced by a collection of aerial farm photos proudly displayed

Meet my toddler niece, Everly. Her 2-year-old self has grown up spending countless hours out and about at our family dairy farm

Perusing my grandparents’ 1960s farm journals tells the story of farming in a different time and details our family’s history

A hard-working, dedicated, and passionate showman, this year’s Merle Howard Award honoree started her showing career by exhibiting grade cattle from a nearby neighbor

If you see cows, writing, and America’s Dairyland in your future, consider applying for the Hoard’s Dairyman editorial internship

Every farm must wait until conditions are right for harvesting the next crop, but when you see neighbors and friends roll out their choppers and combines, it is difficult to be patient

While I was working on chores in our robot barn the other morning, I watched as the sun began to wake up, slowly transforming the sky from a star-speckled deep denim blue to a magnificent display

Farmers usually have to do a lot more than the average person to prepare for a vacation day away from the farm

Our county fair, the Fayette County Fair in Northeast Iowa, was held a few weeks ago. While I haven’t participated as an exhibitor for a number of years, I’ve been fortunate to witness