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  • 68° Rain

Opinion

Established farmers advise the next generation

Established farmers advise the next generation

    Editor’s note: This column was originally published on Nov. 1, 2004.

    Solar power helps keep Illinois farms alive

    Solar power helps keep Illinois farms alive

    • By Terry Rasmussen, Jubilee Creek Farm

    Whether you’re an individual or a business, you need to constantly evolve.

    Carrying hope into the growing season

    Carrying hope into the growing season

      We’re living in the season of hope. Welcome to spring!

      A history of outhouses — it’s where everyone went

      A history of outhouses — it’s where everyone went

        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.

        Human intervention sought in age of AI

        Human intervention sought in age of AI

          I have a confession to make: I do not follow social media, but I do some doomscrolling.

          Hands-on learning in life, land

          Hands-on learning in life, land

            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.

            Funerals are for paying respect, offering support

            Funerals are for paying respect, offering support

            • By Arvid Huisman

            As I have grown older, I have witnessed an increasing frequency of funerals. 

            Enjoying a non-irritating and full retirement

            Enjoying a non-irritating and full retirement

            • By Arvid Huisman

            Compared with a lot of men, I’m a rather boring guy. I have no major hobbies.

            25 years of observations on technology

            25 years of observations on technology

              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. 

              Flashback 1979: Facing another cliff

              Flashback 1979: Facing another cliff

              • By Jonathan Coppess, University of Illinois

              ‘The more birthdays you have…’

              ‘The more birthdays you have…’

                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.

                When discussion becomes negotiation

                When discussion becomes negotiation

                  Only one time in my 33-year career have I witnessed an heir negotiate their own inheritance before the death of a parent.

                  When discussion becomes negotiation

                  When discussion becomes negotiation

                    Only one time in my 33-year career have I witnessed an heir negotiate their own inheritance before the death of a parent.

                    Love of farming comes with pain

                    Love of farming comes with pain

                      Author’s note: Over the past 14 years since retirement, I consciously removed myself from the front lines on helping rural families with their life challenges — especially in the realm of economic crisis, which some farmers are now facing again.

                      To see a person with a disability as more

                      To see a person with a disability as more

                        As a society, we are too often preoccupied with the superficial. Good looks and athletic ability too often carry more weight than a pleasant personality, a caring heart and mental acuity.

                        When the quiet season doesn’t feel quiet

                        When the quiet season doesn’t feel quiet

                          As I continue to plod my way through winter, I’ve been mindful in trying to follow my own recommendations when it comes to managing mental health.

                          Leaders react to tariff decision

                          Leaders react to tariff decision

                          • By Tom Barton, Lee-Gazette Des Moines Bureau

                          Farmers and business leaders say the U.S. Supreme Court’s decision striking down President Donald Trump’s sweeping tariffs Feb. 20 underscores the need for stability in trade policy, while also amplifying concerns about the economic strain tariffs have placed on agriculture and manufacturing…

                          Winning the culture war at home

                          Winning the culture war at home

                            I am 85 years old. I’ve been around the block for a while.

                            Letter writing has become a lost art in age of instant messages

                            Letter writing has become a lost art in age of instant messages

                              Back in 1935 when Fats Waller recorded “I’m Going to Sit Right Down and Right Myself a Letter” he had no idea that the written letter — a common means of communication for centuries — would be an endangered art form 90 years later.

                              Fifty-nine days of the winter months

                              Fifty-nine days of the winter months

                                I think it was the winter of 1977-78, one of the coldest and snowiest winters on record. I still remember the “treat” of being snowed in on a Thursday and Friday, so we kids had a four-day weekend.

                                Reflections on the ones who taught readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic

                                Reflections on the ones who taught readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic

                                  Some time back I saw a bumper sticker that read, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” I quietly mumbled, “Amen.”

                                  Strengthening family bonds in life’s second half

                                  Strengthening family bonds in life’s second half

                                    We just celebrated our 60th wedding anniversary by taking a four-day cruise from New Orleans to Cozumel, Mexico. On a cruise ship, we had a captive audience, prepared meals, lots of entertainment venues and fun activities for every age group.

                                    Old perspectives for the new year

                                      Today was a hard day. Even though we are in a new calendar year, for some folks it may not be easy to start fresh. We are supposed have “resolutions” and a positive outlook for the new year.

                                      Reflections on readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic

                                      Reflections on readin’, writin’ and ’rithmetic

                                        Some time back I saw a bumper sticker that read, “If you can read this, thank a teacher.” I quietly mumbled, “Amen.”

                                        Growing older? Continue to make memories

                                        Growing older? Continue to make memories

                                          Editor’s note: This was originally published July 29, 2010.

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