There’s not much more that screams mental health day than five women, some dressed up in Goodwill rejects, getting into a metal stock tank in below freezing temperatures to head down the river in their hippy van stock tank with peace banners flying and Bob Marley playing.
The other day, for no reason I can explain, I remembered the time in high school when I won a silver medal for land judging. The only person more surprised than me was my vo-ag teacher.
"Thank goodness for winter coats, because almost every single one of those mean little creatures took a peck or three at my hand and arm."
We train for a lot of things out here on the farm. We teach our kids to drive a tractor before they can reach the pedals properly. We take first aid courses and keep our CPR certifications current because we know that in an emergency, the minutes before help arrives matter most. We prepare, …
“You're pretty lucky to be married to someone with the Welsh love of music in his bones,” I said. I don't remember exactly what my wife replied, but I think she agreed.
"I was impressed with the overall quality and found one bull that I would not have minded bringing back to Nebraska. Considering I swore I’d never buy bulls again, that’s a big statement."
"It is well worth your time to get BQA certified if you interact with cattle at all in your day-to-day life."
From international travel to remodels at home, Jaclyn provides an update on some of the projects that keep her spinning.
Dear Michael: We have a somewhat sizeable estate and would like to find a way to protect it. We have significant assets in qualified retirement accounts – over $700,000 – and know distributions will soon be required. Should we be looking at setting up a life estate on the land for our childr…
"Every kid my age remembers when the jeans and shirts would come in from the line frozen stiff."
I wish I had kept better records of the different annual FFA awards banquets around the region at which I was the speaker. For some 35 years it was at least five per year, and each was the same but different. I wish I knew what that meant.
"I know about axial tilt and the change of seasons ... but it never stops feeling magical on the first winter's day when the sun feels like it's bringing some heat to the party."
Rural communities value cooperation, helping your neighbor, and putting the good of the community first. These are beautiful values – until they become a trap that leaves you exhausted, resentful, and invisible in your own life.
"By the Product of USA label standards, we have all the pieces in place and can voluntarily label our product Product of Nebraska, which we did. ... I think it looks cool on a label."
Smithfield's new facility will be “highly automated.” Will each of the 3,200 workers that run the plant in central Sioux Falls still have a place at the new plant?
"I’m not a fighter, but one idle Sunday afternoon in Brown Hall, I got into what could have been a doozy."
Here’s what selected equine veterinarians are researching across our country right now and how you can be involved.
"Every minute was filled with educational opportunities, sitting in policy sessions, having face to face meetings with companies that could potentially add value to the ranch ..."
Dear Michael: Years ago you worked on my mother’s estate. She had a will that divided everything by 25 percent each to four children. One was – and still is – farming. My mom had set it up so our brother on the farm could buy out the other children on very favorable terms – low interest, con…
Cakes and bars, mints and pudding! We've got all the chocolate concoctions for your sweet Valentine!
"I can’t remember officially meeting either of the industry leaders, but it goes back a long time, which often happens when people are quietly making a difference."
The phone rings in the middle of the night. There's been an accident. Your spouse, your parent, your child, your friend, gone in an instant. No warning. No goodbye. No chance to prepare.
"There has been a time or two along the way that there may not have been a plan, and instead just pure determination (and maybe a little stupidity) was what pushed through, but for the most part – 'there’s always a plan!'"
"This week, step away from the drama, think about things that you are grateful for, have a conversation or two, and appreciate the many blessings we do have."
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