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Sept. 30 2021
For 7-year-old Maple Fudge Of 12 Oak and her leadswoman, Ashley Brandel, an invite to the Supreme Champion selection is nothing new, but it is just as rewarding
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Sept. 20 2021
If you see cows, writing, and America’s Dairyland in your future, consider applying for the Hoard’s Dairyman editorial internship
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Sept. 17 2021
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
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Sept. 3 2021
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
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Aug. 23 2021
Holtz Dairy uses a rotational grazing system to help feed their organic dairy herd. They converted 150 acres to this system after being unable to grow crops on the soil
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Aug. 20 2021
Farmers usually have to do a lot more than the average person to prepare for a vacation day away from the farm
Dad and Grandpa
Aug. 19 2021
Family members and employees, past and present, have helped shape our dairy farm
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Aug. 5 2021
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
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July 23 2021
With a small, four person staff strictly made up of family, formal business meetings are replaced by spontaneous planning sessions in passing, at the dinner table, or while working cattle on our dairy...
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July 14 2021
Coping with the stress of farming is necessary
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July 9 2021
Whether it’s a quick farm fix or entertainment for the grandkids, farmers are masters at creating just about anything out of random finds around the farm
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July 8 2021
I wouldn’t trade my farm life for anything, and I thank God every day for it
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July 6 2021
Battling heat, fire, and ice over the last year, dairy farmers are still doing their best to care for their animals
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June 25 2021
Farmers tend to be most enthusiastic and tell our best anecdotes to fellow farmers; however, paring down stories or biting our tongue on details about our farm can be a true disservice to the consumer...
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June 11 2021
Small jobs on the farm can create big learning opportunities for children
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June 3 2021
Perhaps you are a person who works full time at another job but dreams of owning a small farm someday. Or maybe you already operate a farm but want to add another enterprise or start a side busi
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May 28 2021
“What do you want to be when you grow up?” We all know the question. The question can be greeted with inaudible rumblings, flustered body language, or a decisive answer
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May 27 2021
Time seemed to be traveling at a weird speed through this past pandemic year. Yet, somehow, we are already in the last week of May
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May 14 2021
There’s one job on our farm that everyone gets involved with at one point or another. It’s a looming, tedious task that rears its head in the midst of spring planting, school wrapping up, and...
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April 30 2021
It’s dairy banquet season, at least in Iowa. It’s the season where dairy producers and supporters come together to honor outstanding farming families, recognize friends of the industry