As a fifth-generation Iowa farmer, I understand the importance of making decisions that sustain a farm for future generations. My family has been farming and raising pigs in central Iowa for more than 155 years.
- By Krista Swanson and Sean Arians, National Corn Growers Association
America celebrates its 250th anniversary this year. And if we’ve learned anything in the last 250 years, it’s that America is really good at growing corn.
On a recent Saturday morning, my wife and I had run a few errands when she reminded me she had been given a gift card for a new business. Neither of us were familiar with the place but gathered from the name that they sold cookies.
Afew months ago, I was at my brother’s farm for a quick visit. Rudi, my German Shepherd, and I were enjoying the warm, sunny spring day by going for a long walk.
Years ago, on an airplane, I found myself in conversation with a business executive from Texas Instruments. He was generous enough to share his formula for success: Find a need, fill it with quality and market to those who have the need.
God made a wise decision when He decided females would serve as mothers. Men generally just can’t do mommy things as well as mommies.
Editor’s note: This column was originally published July 19, 2000.
What the world needs now is love, sweet love…” Jackie DeShannon’s 1965 hit record spoke a truth. The world always needs more love.
I have a quarterly project with Rudi, my 3-year-old, wonderful German Shepherd. We take a bag while walking so we can collect garbage.
At the outset, let me use a common term in today’s vernacular to describe the experience: Amazing! Absolutely amazing! All you want to know and are not afraid to ask. The fruit of scientific discovery, the best practices and the wisdom and knowledge of the world’s best thinkers is accessible to us.
Editor’s note: This column was originally published on Nov. 1, 2004.
- By Terry Rasmussen, Jubilee Creek Farm
Whether you’re an individual or a business, you need to constantly evolve.
There are few memories of long-ago farm days that bring as many reactions as recollections of old outhouses. One mention of the little building out back brings both smiles and turned up noses.
I have a confession to make: I do not follow social media, but I do some doomscrolling.
My parents were the best educators in life lessons, whether it was in 4-H, religion, on the farm or with family. We always knew where we stood and we always had a stellar example to follow.
- By Arvid Huisman
As I have grown older, I have witnessed an increasing frequency of funerals.
DENVER, Colo. — The U.S. economy has continued to perform reasonably well despite a growing constellation of warning signs. However, surging energy costs and extreme volatility in oil markets resulting from the ongoing Middle East conflict could shift the trajectory of the U.S. economy for t…
Editor’s note: This was originally published May 30, 2005.
- By Darla Tyler-McSherry
Every time I travel back to Lonesome Prairie, I am so acutely aware of its appropriate name.
- By Arvid Huisman
Compared with a lot of men, I’m a rather boring guy. I have no major hobbies.
I marvel at the ability of artificial intelligence to express coherent summaries of content. The world's storehouse of knowledge is indeed at our fingertips.
Years ago a somewhat wise person told me the more birthdays you have, the longer you live. This came to mind recently when I celebrated another birthday.
Only one time in my 33-year career have I witnessed an heir negotiate their own inheritance before the death of a parent.