When I was 8 years old, a tiny, premature calf was born that I absolutely fell in love with. Her body was somewhat average in size, but her legs were short and stubby

Cow cooling, animal care, and a well-balanced ration all go a long way in in keeping cows healthy through hot weather.

The national dairy farmer checkoff was established to grow demand for milk, cheese, and other dairy foods and ingredients through research and promotion

For generations of Schmitt men (my grandpa, dad, brother, and hopefully, my nephews), their hands have told the story of dairy farming

As winter turns into spring, we try to catch up on many random projects around the farm

A Georgia family was able grant their farm’s patriarch one last wish after his passing

Much like a pop quiz, regular state and federal inspections keep dairy farmers on their toes

Whether it’s extreme heat in the summer, extended rainy periods in the spring, or plummeting temperatures in the winter, weather dictates every animal’s needs and a farmer’s daily routine

The other night, our robotic milkers called 36 times with one alarm or another. My dad got an early start on morning milking simply because he had been up since 11 p.m. the night prior tending to the robots

When will you be ready to go out to a restaurant with a group of family or friends to celebrate that birthday, anniversary, or big event?

The “farm kid” identity definitely carries a weighted list of stereotypes — some may be perceived as negative while others prove to be a positive in the job and internship search

On January 5, 2020, my friends and I were on our way to spend 10 days in China with the Cornell University Dairy Fellows program

Dear farmers/caretakers/blood, sweat and tear givers, I see you at the wee hours of the morning thawing waterers of ice.

Vaccinations are top of mind for most people right now, as the first COVID-19 vaccines for Americans were distributed this week

I’ve had the same sticker on the back window of my now-rusted-out Pontiac G6 for 10 years

I’m writing this through tears of anger, frustration, disbelief, and exhaustion. I am so tired of being a farmer

My view today is filled with rain, snow, sleet, and lots of fog (because that’s Midwest weather for you)

For many of us, the last Friday the 13th (back in March) was the last normal day we had, and the first day we realized how serious this pandemic really was

When my mother was sick and dying, my older sister, Cathy, did a lot to help take care of her

It seems like everything I see, hear, or read about these days is building momentum toward the impending holiday season