Rural Life

Producers and Veterinarians Are Taking Back Agriculture’s Story Online

Mon, 15 Dec 2025 21:31:45 GMT

“In agriculture, if we don’t tell our story, someone else will, and they’re not telling it right,” says sixth-generation rancher Tucker Brown .

Most Americans have never set foot on a cattle operation, yet millions scroll past videos every day telling them how livestock are raised, what antibiotics do and whether beef belongs on their plate. Increasingly, that information isn’t coming from veterinarians or producers. It’s coming from influencers, activists and algorithm-fueled accounts that often get the facts wrong.

At the same time, consumer curiosity about animal welfare and food safety has never been higher. Nearly 70% of U.S. consumers say animal welfare is very important to their purchasing decisions. However, there exists a gap between what people think happens in cattle health and what is actually occurring on farms.

Meet the Experts: Real-Life Ranchers and Vets on Instagram

Ranchers Brown and Emma Coffman recently sat down at a Stockmanship and Stewardship event to discuss the importance of online advocacy, building trust and making an impact through educational content on social media.

Brown is a rancher at R.A. Brown ranch in Throckmorton, Texas. With nearly 200,000 followers on Instagram , he has been using his platform to educate, entertain and build trust with consumers for over seven years. Although admittedly, Brown’s purpose for posting shifted from his original intent.

“At first, it was just to help me sell more registered bulls,” he says. “But what ended up happening was there were more consumers watching my stuff than bull customers, and so, this trust was being built between consumers and myself and other ranchers.”

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A post shared by Tucker Brown (@tuckerbrownrab)

Coffman, the founder and owner of Double E Ranch Advocacy , is a first-generation agriculturalist. Her passion for public agricultural education began when she discovered just how much information was never communicated to consumers.

“When I started getting an interest in agriculture through 4-H and FFA, I had a lot of questions,” she says. “I realized there was a lot of what I thought was very simple, basic one-on-one information about how our food is grown and the labeling behind it that we weren’t talking about to consumers.”

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A post shared by Double E Ranch (@double_e_ranch_)

Both Brown and Coffman agree the people with mud on their boots and dirt on their hands from the farm should be the ones to answer consumer questions where their food comes from and how it’s grown.

Bovine veterinarian Dr. Erika Nagorske, who has amassed almost 17,000 followers on Instagram , takes a highly educational approach. She’ll often post about unique cases asking vet students for their diagnosis, following up with the answer a couple weeks later.

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A post shared by Dr. Erika Nagorske (@docnagorske)

“The reason why I keep doing it is the educational piece, especially for veterinary students. I love teaching vet students and I really like teaching producers who want the extra information,” Nagorske says. “Nobody wins if the vet doesn’t explain what they’re doing and what they’re thinking. It’s a teaching platform.”

Brown, Coffman and Nagorske view what they do as a way to increase public understanding of where their food comes from and the role of veterinarians in agriculture.

“In the ag space, it’s so hard. I think we always complain that nobody understands us,” Nagorske says. “I grew up in a city, fell in love with the industry, and I want to share it. If we don’t share it, we can’t complain that people don’t know.”

Getting Started: 4 Tips for Effective Ag Social Media

Are you thinking about sharing on social media? Coffman and Brown had the following recommendations:

Remember the why: Your goal should be in the front of your mind
Don’t worry about being polished: Being relatable is more important
Use your personality: People often connect with the human before the information
Keep it simple: Answer one question per post

“It’s really about trying to take complex subjects, bring it down to a baseline level and then build your advocacy off of that,” Coffman says. “And don’t be afraid to repeat yourself.”

In cattle production, there are a number of commonly asked questions. Coffman advises going back to these topics with varying approaches to get the message across. Further, there are a lot of everyday on-farm activities that consumers have never seen before. Above all, conveying the information in a way the audience will understand is most important.

Winning Trust: How to Handle Negative Comments Online

As with all social media, there is the potential for negative interactions. How you handle them can be very impactful.

“I always suggest that when you get a negative comment on what you’re sharing … to respond with facts rather than emotion,” Brown says. “It helps you look better, helps you be more relatable and more trustworthy to the 90% of watchers that will be silent.”

The goal isn’t to “win,” but to build trust, he says.

In the end, the public only sees what we share. Misinformation thrives in silence, not in the presence of experts. When agriculture professionals speak openly, transparently and compassionately on social media, the industry benefits.

“When we tell the truth, ranching wins,” Brown says. “That’s all you have to do. You don’t have to come up with a story. All you have to do is tell the truth.”

For these professionals, transparency means allowing the public to see the core values of their work, a view Nagorske summarizes by focusing on veterinarians’ dedication.

“I want them to take away the deep rooted passion that veterinarians have for animals. Even if it’s livestock. Even if the end goal is to consume them,” Nagorske says.

Breaking Boundaries Event Helps All Kids Shine in the Pig Show Ring

Mon, 28 Jul 2025 22:38:17 GMT

An inclusive event at the Ohio State Fair offers participants between the ages of 9 and 22 with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities the opportunity to shine inside the swine show arena.

This is the third annual Breaking Boundaries Pig Show, which is presented by the Ohio Pork Council (OPC).

Dozens of youth mentors from across the state, who are part of OPC’s OH-PIGS swine exhibition program, are paired with a Breaking Boundaries participant. These mentors offer individualized and appropriate instructions on how to care for, handle, and show a pig in front of a live audience of supporters, guest judges, and the show’s emcee, Ohio Department of Agriculture Director Brian Baldridge.

“We’re so thrilled to have these special youth and their families come out and be a part of this program each year,” says Kelly Morgan, OH-PIGS director. “We are also so proud of youth mentors who truly want to serve in this role to be able to bond with these youth who can often be the same age. It just shows how much the pig community cares.”

Youth from across Ohio participated in the third-annual Breaking Boundaries show at the Ohio State Fair, presented by the Ohio Pork Council. Cheryl Day, Ohio Pork Council Executive Vice President (in blue shirt center), was surrounded by the excited youth mentors and participants along with key supporters, such as Nathan Shroeder, OPC President, and Kelly Morgan, OH-PIGS Director (both back right).

(Ohio Pork Council)

Echoing this sentiment is Ava Genter, an OH-PIGS mentor, she sums up her feelings on behalf of her peers.

“This program highlights how agriculture, and the pork industry in particular, has a strong sense of community,” she says. “It’s comforting to know that we all look out for each other, including new friends. Breaking Boundaries allows us to demonstrate this and show others that we’re here to support them no matter the circumstances. We’re here to cheer them on and give them the resources they need to succeed.”

Mentors and their families from the OH-PIGS program provide the event’s show pigs and share knowledge and expertise during their time with the youth participants.

It’s an opportunity for Ohio pig farming families to give back to their communities.

“It’s just a true honor to be in the show arena with these special young people and everyone who is giving of their time and talents to make a difference to these families,” says Cheryl Day, OPC executive vice president. “We’re incredibly pleased to bring this to the state fair each year and bring some true joy to people.”

How the Trending #FarmGirlSummer Is Educating Viewers About Rural Living

Wed, 23 Jul 2025 13:34:27 GMT

Sporting dirty boots and a deep-rooted love for the land, a new wave of female farmers is making waves on social media under the trending hashtag #FarmGirlSummer. Step beyond the sunsets and tractor selfies, and this viral movement is offering something deeper: a window into the real day-to-day of agricultural life.

The Packer spoke with four influencers who are using their platforms to share more than just aesthetic glimpses — they’re educating followers about rural realities, farm work and what it truly means to live off the land.

Miranda Neville and her husband, Douglas, are dairy farmers in Pennsylvania on his family farm.

(Photo courtesy of Miranda Neville)

Miranda Neville, Dairy Farmer

I want others to see my content and know that even though we work long, tiring days, it’s still important to make time for the things we enjoy.

Miranda Neville and her husband, Douglas, are dairy farmers in Pennsylvania on his family farm. In addition to farming, she also works an off-farm job in agricultural conservation, while balancing family life. Neville says she enjoys sharing her life on the farm on social media and all of the joyful chaos that comes with it.

The Packer: What does #FarmGirlSummer mean to you personally?

Neville: There is rarely a slow day living on a farm, especially if you have livestock. For me, #FarmGirlSummer is about finding the peaceful moments during the busiest time of year. Some examples of that might look like unloading hay in the summer heat but then watching animals graze on the lush, green pasture. Showing dairy cattle at county fairs while making memories that will last a lifetime with friends. Working tirelessly to get crops planted but making time to deliver meals to the field and having a sunset ride in the tractor. Farming can be difficult, so #FarmGirlSummer is about romanticizing my life while doing farm chores and appreciating the land that surrounds me.

How do you think social media is shaping the way people see farm life or rural living?

Historically, there have been so many misconceptions about farmers and ‘country life.’ With social media, we are able to show firsthand what we do and why we do it. Yes, it’s a simpler life — in that we aren’t living in a busy city and bustling traffic— but we work long, hard days to improve the lives of our families, our livestock and crops. We are able to share ideas, educate and build connections with so many different people from all walks of life. It’s giving a voice to farm life and rural living in a way that has been limited in the past.

What message or feeling are you trying to share when you post with #FarmGirlSummer?

Through my social media, I show the realities and struggles of life on our dairy farm, but I also try to focus on the most beautiful parts of farm life — particularly in the summer. I want others to see my content and know that even though we work long, tiring days, it’s still important to make time for the things we enjoy.
Follow Miranda: Tiktok (Miranda.neville); Instagram (Miranda.neville1)

Erica Loesel balances a career as an oncology nurse with Michigan farming.

(Photo courtesy of Erica Loesel)

Erica Loesel, FarmHer

Even if the photos are pretty, the message is: this is real. Real effort. Real life. Real beauty in the mess and the mud and the moments between.

Erica Loesel balances a career as an oncology nurse with Michigan farming.

The Packer: What does #FarmGirlSummer mean to you personally?

Loesel: For me, #FarmGirlSummer evokes a vivid, grounded kind of freedom. It’s not just a hashtag — it feels like a celebration of hands-in-the-dirt simplicity, sun-kissed days and a deeper connection to the land and hard work.

Personally, it looks like:

Early mornings with dew on the fields and coffee steaming in a Yeti cup.
Cutoff jeans, dusty boots and tan lines from hours in the sun.
Quiet, golden sunsets after long, labor-heavy days — and a satisfaction that city summers just don’t offer.

It’s about living a little slower, working a little harder and feeling a whole lot more connected to what matters.

How do you think social media is shaping the way people see farm life or rural living?

Social media is massively reshaping how people perceive farm life and rural living.

By romanticizing the rural lifestyle, platforms like Instagram and TikTok have popularized the ‘aesthetic’ of farm life — think slow mornings, tractor rides, sunsets over fields of gold. It’s drawing people into appreciating a simpler, more grounded way of living.

Visibility and connection. Farmers, especially women and younger people, are sharing real stories and daily routines, creating communities and challenging outdated stereotypes (like the idea that farming is only for older men or men in general).

And through education and awareness, audiences get to see how food is grown, the labor involved and the realities of sustainable or ethical agriculture. It helps bridge the urban-rural disconnect.

What message or feeling are you trying to share when you post with #FarmGirlSummer?

When I post with #FarmGirlSummer, the message I’m trying to share is a blend of realness and reverence — a celebration of resilience, connection to the land and the gritty joy that comes from a life rooted in tradition.

Here’s what I hope comes across:

Grounded joy: Not everything is picture-perfect — there’s sweat, dirt and sometimes hard days — but there’s real joy in that. A joy that comes from doing something meaningful with your hands and heart.

Empowerment: #FarmGirlSummer isn’t about being delicate or curated — it’s about being strong, capable and unafraid to show up exactly as you are, whether you’re driving tractors or making homemade jam. It’s femininity without fragility.

Simplicity with soul: It’s about slow mornings, honest work and choosing presence over polish. It’s a lifestyle, not a filter.

Authenticity over aesthetic: Even if the photos are pretty, the message is: This is real. Real effort. Real life. Real beauty in the mess and the mud and the moments between.

In short, it’s not just “look at this cute farm outfit,” it’s “here’s what it means to live close to the earth, close to the truth and be dang proud of it.”

Follow Erica on TikTok (thecodebluefarmher)

Anne Sneller lives in Earlham, Iowa with her husband, John, and 11-year-old son.

(Photo courtesy of Anne Sneller)

Anne Sneller, Ag Advocate

I am passionate about advocating for agriculture and the opportunities 4-H and FFA offer youth and the skills they can learn from participating.

Anne Sneller lives in Earlham, Iowa. She works as a fraud and claims operations senior manager for Wells Fargo, leads a 4-H club of 75 members called Penn Prize Winners, and is also active supporting FFA, from mentoring members to judging contests at State FFA. Her husband, John, and she have an 11-year-old son who shows pigs and goats.

The Packer: What does #FarmGirlSummer mean to you personally?

Sneller: #FarmGirlSummer to me is helping my son with his show livestock, running on the pavement and gravel roads of Madison County, enjoying the agriculture, helping on my family’s cattle and row crop farm, and fishing and four-wheeling with my son any chance we get.

I am passionate about advocating for agriculture and the opportunities 4-H and FFA offer youth and the skills they can learn from participating.

Follow Anne on TikTok (chasingthatrunnershigh)

At home, you’ll find Topanga Dailey raising her 8-month-old son Owen while helping her husband farm wheat, soybeans and milo in McPherson, Kans.

(Photo courtesy of Topanga Dailey)

Topanga Dailey, Farmer

It’s a reminder — to myself, my family and my community — that life is bigger than your newsfeed. It’s proof that I’ve stepped away from the trap of constant scrolling and hopefully encourages others to slow down, take a breath and enjoy the moment.

Topanga Dailey is a senior digital marketing specialist. At home, you’ll find her raising her 8-month-old son Owen while helping her husband farm wheat, soybeans and milo in McPherson, Kans.

The Packer: What does #FarmGirlSummer mean to you personally?

Dailey: To me, #FarmGirlSummer is a conscious choice to be more in touch with the real world — making things from scratch, getting soil under your fingernails, embracing natural materials, wearing less makeup, stepping away from screens and reconnecting with what real work looks and feels like. Life can feel stressful, exhausting and even scary when you’re glued to a computer all day. The farm reminds you that life moves in seasons — some good, some hard — and that things take time and nothing is permanent.

How do you think social media is shaping the way people see farm life or rural living?

Social media has helped romanticize the farm. #FarmGirlSummer is one of the latest “vibes” people are chasing — a form of escapism and a search for meaning in what can feel like an overwhelming world. Now, people can see farms and rural life right from their phones and reframe what was once seen as an undesirable lifestyle into something idyllic — especially for those feeling overstimulated by city life. Rural living is naturally beautiful and social media has made it easier than ever to show just how special it is.

What message or feeling are you trying to share when you post with #FarmGirlSummer?

It’s a reminder — to myself, my family and my community — that life is bigger than your feed. It’s proof that I’ve stepped away from the trap of constant scrolling and hopefully encourages others to slow down, take a breath and enjoy the moment. Farm life offers that shift in perspective perfectly.

Follow Topanga on Instagram (reallifetopangadailey).

The Iowa Gallivant: Finding the Food and People Who Make Up the Best of Rural America

Mon, 07 Jul 2025 13:55:41 GMT

Rural American. Stand-up comedian. Chef. Travel blogger. Fan of pork tenderloins. What do any of these have in common? They all offer a glimpse into the life of JayJay Goodvin, better known as The Iowa Gallivant , who has a cult-like following after traveling through all 99 Iowa counties to find the best pork tenderloin .

His love of rural America and the importance of supporting local food places throughout the country motivate him to bring those passions to light through his blog, The Iowa Gallivant.

Goodvin grew up in the Cedar Rapids area, but his parents were from rural Iowa so visiting small towns and farms was part of his childhood.

“Growing up in the metro areas, that was my fantasy land when I would visit the farm or the small town,” Goodvin says. “It’s been a part of my travels since I was a baby. I’m still just as excited to get out to small-town Iowa and small-town America whenever I can.”

In the late 90s, Goodvin left Iowa and traveled the country to Arizona, Cape Cod, the Florida Keys, Montana, Austin, Texas, the Black Hills of South Dakota and Central Illinois. He lived in Phoenix because he wanted to be close to Las Vegas and L.A. — to try his hand at comedy. He said it didn’t pay very well while he was starting out, but he could always find a job as a cook and found himself gravitating toward the restaurant industry.

“I ended up really loving that culture,” he says. “I think it was Anthony Bourdain that said, ‘it’s like, pirate culture — we’re all a bunch of scallywags in the kitchen and things like that.’ And I just learned how to make great food under really great chefs.”

He says it was a great way to see the country, too.

“I worked with a lot of other cooks, but there was just all sorts of things that happened due to those travels, due to working in that industry that made for some very positive outcomes,” he says.

In 2010, Goodvin came back home and combined his love of food, traveling and family into his blog. What started as a family scrapbooking project on WordPress turned into a travel vlog and now has taken on a life of its own.

“It morphed into my first book, Rural Iowa Sausage , from another project that we did, which is very pork related, called Iowa’s Wurst Road Trip — Casing the State for the Best Sausage ,” Goodvin says.

This trip was a bit of a full circle moment for him as his grandfather had his own meat locker in northwest Iowa.

“As we went along with Iowa’s Wurst Road Trip, I realized just how vital that industry was and needs to be,” he explains. “I learned in the 1970s at its peak, we had over 400 lockers statewide. Now we’re just north of a hundred. COVID actually gave it a renaissance period because a lot of people realize how important it is.”

He says more people want to know where their meat comes from.

“You can literally go to one of our local lockers and shake the hand of the person that you’re helping to keep employed. And that’s huge,” he says. “The revenue mileage on buying a pack of brats at our local lockers goes a lot further, it seems. Because when you when you can actually see how that’s helping somebody put their own food on their table, it’s like, come in and eat, or we all go hungry.”

To hear more of Goodvin’s adventures, upcoming projects and why he finds it so important to share about the food and communities of rural America, watch the latest episode of The PORK Podcast here or on your favorite podcast channels.

Lighting the Spark: Why Investing in Youth Is Vital to the Future of the Swine Industry

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 16:25:11 GMT

By Paul Ayers

What was your spark?

For many of us, our path into the swine industry wasn’t forged by accident. It was ignited by a spark that lit out passion for agriculture. In 4-H, a “spark” is defined as something that gives a young person’s life purpose, direction and meaning. It’s the thing that excites them, challenges them and keeps them coming back for more.

For me, that spark came from a local 4-H extension agent who challenged me to get involved in swine projects. I still remember a hands-on activity during a Pork Quality Assurance (PQA) training session in which he made complex concepts feel real and relevant. That experience didn’t just teach me about pigs – it sparked my curiosity and inspired me to pursue a career in swine production.

Recently, I had the chance to lead a similar PQA activity with our local 4-H youth. Watching their curiosity grow, I couldn’t help but hope it might light a spark for them the way it once did for me.

Investing in Tomorrow’s Leaders
Our industry’s future depends on people – innovators, caretakers, leaders – and they don’t appear overnight. They’re developed through early exposure, guidance and mentorship. Programs like 4-H and FFA teach far more than animal care; they instill responsibility, leadership and resilience. But these programs only thrive when adults invest time and energy into them.

That’s why I’m proud to work at The Maschhoffs, where our purpose is “feeding families and building communities.” That purpose isn’t just a tagline, it’s something we live out every day. One of the ways we do that is by giving every employee a paid volunteer day to support causes they’re passionate about. For many of us, that means showing up for youth in agriculture. Whether that’s mentoring a local 4-H’er or volunteering at a fair, we all can be the spark for someone else.

A Call to Action: Be the Spark
So here’s my challenge to you: think about who sparked your interest in this industry. Reach out and thank them. Then, pay it forward. Volunteer at a youth livestock show, speak to a local ag class, or invite a young person to your farm. Even the smallest gesture can make a lifelong impact.

Our barns will need managers. Our companies will need innovators. Our industry will need leaders. And they’re out there – right now – waiting for someone to believe in them. The future of pork production doesn’t just lie in our genetics or technology; it lies in the hearts and hands of the next generation. Let’s make sure they find their spark.

Paul Ayers is the animal care programs manager for The Maschhoffs.

Your Next Read: Show Pig Exhibitors: Future Talent the U.S. Pork Industry Needs

Overcoming Burnout in the Agriculture Industry

Thu, 03 Jul 2025 15:28:15 GMT

Burnout isn’t always about doing too much. Sometimes it’s about doing the wrong mix of work or carrying all of the mental load on top of the physical. That’s according to Kacee Bohle, who runs AgriMinds , a group coaching business for members of the agriculture industry.

“You can still have a full plate and feel fine, especially if you’re doing stuff that energizes you,” she says. “But what happens when every single part of your day feels like a chore, even the stuff that you used to love? That’s when you know stuff is starting to get off. You can feel burnt out, even when you love or loved the type of work that you do.”

For business owners, farmers, ranchers and ag professionals, Bohle says people often judge themselves for having negative thoughts about the work they have chosen to do in a field they love. There is pressure to carry on the family legacy and love every part of it, and to feel proud of the work.

“Burnout doesn’t care who you are,” she says. “Burnout doesn’t care who’s in charge. It shows up when you’re over extended, misaligned, and you’re trying to carry all the things all the time without any support,” she explains.

Sometimes the work isn’t optional. The gate needs fixed. The field work needs done. The livestock need fed. Bohle points out even when the tasks can’t change, the conversation can. Sometimes it’s not the physical work that is causing burnout, but the mindset surrounding the work.

“What I mean is I want you to start noticing what expectations, pressure or guilt that you’ve been piling on top of the already heavy stuff,” she explains. “Sometimes what’s extinguishing you isn’t the work, it’s the story that you’re telling yourself about the work.”

For example, it could look like thoughts that are similar to: I should be able to handle this. I shouldn’t be tired. I chose this. I don’t have time to feel burnt out. I just need to push through this. It’ll eventually go away.

As Bohle points out, pushing through only works so long.

“There’s only so much you can brush under the rug before it starts seeping out, bulging and tripping you up,” Bohle says. “Eventually, your energy runs out, and if your mindset isn’t giving you any grace or flexibility, everything is just going to continue to feel harder.”

Can you extinguish burnout? Start with what you can control.

An exercise to address burnout is to create two lists. Write down what gives you energy and what drains you, Bohle suggests.

Notice one item on this list that drains you that you can shift or do differently, she says. Then look at the list of things that gives you energy and intentionally add back in something that gives you energy — even if it’s for just five minutes.

“This is not about trying to fix everything,” she explains. “It’s not even about trying to fix stuff overnight. This exercise is just about noticing what’s going on beneath the surface, giving yourself permission to make some small shifts here. Control what you can control.”

Four mindset shifts to keep in mind:

You’re not lazy or failing.
You’re likely mentally, physically, and emotionally maxed out.
Focus on awareness and small, intentional changes.
Remember, the goal is not to fix everything overnight, but to start noticing and making small, manageable changes.

Your next read: Overcome the No. 1 Challenge in Passing Down Your Family Farm

BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark Raises $20,000 for Iowa Food Banks

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 17:49:03 GMT

Events like BBQ & Brew at the Ballpark, held June 21 in Des Moines, show the strength of communities, says Doug Gruver, Iowa Pork Producers Association (IPPA) board member and two-time event volunteer.

“Giving back is at the heart of what we do as pork producers,” Gruver says. “Whether it’s raising food or raising funds, we’re proud to serve Iowans beyond the farm. This event is also a great opportunity to showcase the high-quality product we raise in Iowa and the incredible BBQ talent and passion of the teams who compete.”

Hundreds of Iowans gathered at Principal Park for the third annual event, raising more than $20,000 to support food banks across the state. IPPA partners with the Iowa Cubs and Fareway Stores to host the competition.

Two dozen backyard barbecue teams competed for $12,000 in prize money across three pork categories: loin, ribs, and butt.

Attendees were treated to pork samples provided by BBQ competition contestants.

(Ginnie Coleman/Ginnie Coleman/For Iowa Pork Producers )

Attendees were able to sample pork provided by Iowa Machine Shed, the Ames and Beaverdale Fareway Meat Markets, Story County Pork Producers and local BBQ enthusiast Joe Osbrink.

Backroad BBQ of Ames earned the title of grand champion, while Brown Dog BBQ from Stuart was named reserve grand champion. Slap Your Bacon BBQ from Ankeny placed third overall and won the People’s Choice Award, securing $1,000 in prize money and directing a $1,000 donation to the North Polk Comet Cupboard food pantry in Polk City.

“This donation was such a blessing and came at a time of real need,” said Dixie Bequeaith of the North Polk Comet Cupboard. “Food insecurity doesn’t take a summer break, especially for families with kids out of school. Running a pantry often means wondering how we’ll keep the shelves stocked, but time and again, generous people and businesses step up. We’re incredibly grateful for this support from the winning team, and it will go a long way in helping our community.”

Click here to view full contest results.

Your next read: Boost for U.S. Pork: China Approves More Plants for Exports

Questions to Ask Yourself When it Comes to Evaluating Mental Well-Being

Thu, 29 May 2025 17:44:23 GMT

Avoiding self-judgment, recognizing individual differences, focusing on personal needs and being proactive about mental health management are important for the agriculture industry to continue making progress in addressing well being and health.

Ted Matthews, director of Minnesota Rural Mental Health , has been helping farmers and farm families for more than 30 years. As a recent guest on “AgriTalk,” Matthews shared that when it comes to mental health people need to realize everyone is different, their needs are different and how they take care of their mental health will look different. The importance is understanding what that looks like for each individual.

“Because we are all different, we have to look at how we handle things personally, and not what we should do based on what other people do,” Matthews says. “We need to focus on what our mind needs, and then, as a family member, what are the family members’ needs, not what they should be. I think that’s a huge part of understanding mental health.”

Matthews says a positive step is that people are starting to understand that mental health is a huge part of physical health too.

“People need to [realize] that how you take care of yourself is by being nice to yourself,” he says. “Don’t beat yourself up for all the things you do wrong. Make sure that, if you’re going to keep score, you also score the things that you do right and the positive things you do and are.”

Based on Matthews’ advice, here are some self-evaluating questions farmers and ranchers could ask:

Self-Awareness

Am I being too judgmental toward myself?
What do I need to feel better?
Am I comparing myself unfairly to others?

Stress Management

How am I handling stress?
Are my stress levels impacting my physical health?
What specific strategies help me manage my mental well-being?

Personal Needs

What are my unique mental health needs?
How do I take care of myself differently from others?
Am I acknowledging both my challenges and my strengths?

Emotional Check-In

Am I giving myself credit for what I do right?
How am I processing difficult emotions?
Am I being kind to myself?

Support and Communication

Do I have people I can talk to about my mental health?
Am I comfortable discussing my feelings?
Would talking to a professional help me?

Check out the rest of the conversation where Matthews shares about parenting adolescents during this time of growth and development, and what people can do to navigate social media that helps protect their mental health.

Your next read: Rural Minds: Breaking the Silence Around Mental Health in Agriculture

Op-Ed: Secretary Rollins Announces Policy Proposals to Enhance Support for Family Farmers

Mon, 19 May 2025 15:11:36 GMT

Small family farms are the backbone of our nation. Throughout our history, they have secured the promise of liberty made by our Founders. And they are the indispensable foundation of democratic civics and republican virtues. As Thomas Jefferson wrote to James Madison in 1785, “small landholders are the most precious part of a state.”

Today, with my friend Governor Jim Pillen, we kicked off the Make Agriculture Great Again Initiative at Ohnoutka Family Farm in eastern Nebraska. This new policy initiative at USDA will address a series of issues within food, agriculture, and rural America but will specifically focus on challenges faced by small family farms.

We know these challenges, such as labor costs and availability, are not easy ones to address. But we are committed to focusing on the needs of Americans who operate small farms because of their patriotism and commitment to their land.

USDA Steps Up to Address Obstacles
During my time as Secretary of Agriculture, I’ve met with family farmers who have faced too many obstacles as they work to maintain or start new operations.

For example, many small farms lack reliable access to capital. At USDA, we are reforming the Farm Service Agency loan program to streamline delivery and increase program efficiency.

The acquisition of land for new farmers has also become increasingly difficult amid high costs and real estate development. That’s why we’re using prioritization points and regulatory action to disincentivize the use of federal funding for solar panels to be used on productive farmland. And we’re expanding permitting of unused or underused federal land for long-term leases to small farms and streamlining the federal land leasing process so the program works better for farmers and adjacent landowners.

We are also aware many new farmers lack access to infrastructure such as cold storage and processing facilities. To address this disparity, we are working to provide state-level grants for infrastructure tied to the needs of new farmers. And by the end of the year, we will ensure applications for every farmer-focused program are available for electronic submission.

And finally, we are working with governors and state legislators around the country to find solutions to the challenges small farms face. We recently signed a memorandum of understanding with the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture to find areas of collaboration between USDA and the states, which are the laboratories of democracy.

State and Federal Governments Must Work Together
Earlier this month, we hosted a roundtable at USDA’s headquarters in Washington, D.C., with small-farm operators from around the country. We had the privilege of welcoming hog farmers from Ohio, third-generation local producers from Virginia, first-generation dairy farmers from Mississippi, Amish and Mennonite farmers from Pennsylvania, and many others who have devoted much of their lives to the land and their customers.

The Founders did not chart the path of our nation so USDA bureaucrats in Washington can look over the shoulders of law-abiding American citizens.

As I was reminded by the witness of those who visited USDA, the Department of Agriculture was founded so every farming mother and father can raise their children, work their land, and spend time with their families and their God.

This is the mission of USDA, and now, under the leadership of President Trump, is the time to return to the fundamental work that will restore rural prosperity in forgotten communities across the nation.

Based on feedback from the hundreds of small family farmers I have met and talked to over the last 90 days, USDA is now making tangible changes to our policies to ensure family farmers can continue to work their land and new farmers can take on this way of life without obstruction.

While USDA has many programs to assist farmers, we know it takes government entities, non-profits, and the private sector focusing their efforts together to improve the viability and longevity of small family farms.

We were honored to announce this new policy initiative in Nebraska today. The existence and work of small farms are too central to our nation’s history, cultural heritage, and food supply to allow them to slowly disappear from our landscape. To steer clear of a problem that every American wants to avoid, it is imperative that federal and state governments provide proactive intervention so these small operations can preserve their inheritance for generations to come.

10 Tips to Make Work Less Stressful

Wed, 07 May 2025 16:15:32 GMT

Rural America is made up of hard working, strong individuals who take pride in raising food for themselves and the world. With that comes stress of managing a farm and family life. People in agriculture are not immune to mental health challenges, but may feel isolated or that they lack resources to find help, says Karen Funkenbusch, director of Missouri’s Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance program.

“That makes it especially important for people in rural communities to be aware of challenges friends, neighbors and acquaintances might experience in their everyday lives,” she says.

Sam Polly says he sees stressed-out farmers, ag industry professionals and colleagues through his work as a pesticide applicator training coordinator for University of Missouri Extension, but taking time to lend a listening ear or offer a kind word can make a difference.

During May, Mental Health Month, Polly and Funkenbusch offer 10 tips to lighten the load for others:

1. Encourage breaks. Set the example by taking a 15-minute walk occasionally. Ask a coworker to join you on a “walk-and-talk.”

2. Just say no. Set boundaries and accept that others have them also. Learn to say and accept “no.”

3. Check your judgment. “Offer a nonjudgmental listening ear,” says Polly. “Let them know they are not alone, and thank them for having the courage to face their challenges.”

4. Be the example. Encourage others to show kindness by setting an example. Lift others up by jotting a message on a sticky note and leaving it on a windshield, computer screen or mirror.

5. Accommodate. When possible, build flexibility into your work and home environment.

6. Give grace. Before your colleague even arrives at work, they may have already done a day’s work: getting kids to school, cooking breakfast, throwing in a load of laundry. They might have had to deal with forgotten homework or lunch money, a flat tire, an escaped pet. Before you add to their anxiety, pause and remember that employees are people whose days sometimes get off to a rough start. Ask yourself if their performance is helped or hurt by how you react, and give grace where you can, says Funkenbusch.

7. Put elephant on the menu. Step back and break tasks into manageable portions. Think about, “How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time.”

8. Start the day with gratitude. When you see a coworker struggling, suggest that they write down three things they are grateful for each morning. Make it a morning habit to think of three things or people you are grateful for while you brush your teeth.

9. Seek awe every day. Take a walk and relish in the little things like icicles on the barn, the smell of freshly cut hay, spring flowers, fall color or the bawl of a newborn calf. Polly calls it “medicine for the mind.”

10. Use available resources. Find resources in the Mental Health Toolkit, from MU Extension and the Farm and Ranch Stress Assistance Center, at http://muext.us/MentalHealthToolkit

Your Next Read: Join the Conversation Around Mental Health: You Just Might Save a Life

Grit, Grease, and Gears: Meet the Colorado Teen Breathing New Life into Old Tractors

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 20:01:34 GMT

Colorado teenager Tyson Hansen is a shining example of that old saying “If you start them young…”

That’s because Hansen, 17, has cultivated a rare passion for buying and restoring classic tractors. It is a passion passed down from his great grandfather, who started the Hansen family farm and pieced together a massive tractor fleet over the years.

“He had over 200-some tractors, mostly two-cylinder, and when he passed, they had the big auction and my dad bought one to remember him by, and well now it’s our family tractor,” Hansen remembers. “My dad still talks about the first day he let me drive it, and he always says since that first ride, I was just hooked.”

The tractor that launched his lifelong love for tractors - the 1934 John Deere GP in all its glory.

(Photo courtesy of Mecum Auctions)

That first taste of classic tractor heaven was on the hardened steel green seat of a 1934 John Deere GP, a popular two-plow row crop setup John Deere built and sold from 1928 to 1935.

The high school junior says he’s wrenched on about 16 to 17 classic tractors at this point, all while participating in his high school FFA program and wrestling for the varsity team. And it’s not a hobby he tackles alone in a dusty, dark barn – his dad, stepmom, and brother all pitch in and help out. Because everyone knows nothing brings a family closer than bonding over busted knuckles and stripped chassis bolts.

Tyson says his family is “pretty much a John Deere family” but that he has started to feel the pull from other legacy brands.

“I started out as a John Deere guy, but I don’t even actually own any John Deeres,” he says, adding that right now his personal collection consists of two classic Case IH tractors and two Farmalls.

That doesn’t mean a young man can’t dream big, though, and Tyson’s big dream restoration project is to someday fix up a John Deere Model R.

He purchased his latest tractor, a Case 400 Super Diesel Western Special Edition with a hand clutch – one of only eight ever built, he says – with the goal of fixing it up and flipping it to raise enough cash to make that dream a reality.

“Once I got that tractor I went online and looked up some Facebook groups where the guys are all about Case, and I didn’t know anything about them at the time, so I just started asking guys for help and next thing I know within an hour I had about seven or eight texts from guys asking to buy that thing off me,” he says. “That’s when I realized that 400 is a little rarer than I figured it would have been.”

His Case 400 is also going to end up helping his fellow students in the FFA program. Tyson’s FFA teacher has asked him to bring the 400 in and is going to let the young man lead his classmates through a lesson on how diesel engines work.

Work is a key word in any farming family, and the Hansen family is no different.

“I don’t know why, my dad always tells me I won’t like it when I am out of high school, but I like to work,” Hansen says. “I guess I’ve just got a working mindset – I’m not the biggest fan of sitting in the house.”

Check out Tyson Hansen’s latest Tractor Tales spotlight below, where the teen shows off his rebuilt Case 400 tractor. And subscribe to the Farm Journal YouTube channel to get all of the latest Tractor Tale videos.

Also keep an eye on U.S. Farm Report every Saturday morning for the debut of the newest Tractor Tales feature.

Your Next Read: 2001 John Deere Smashes Record With $132,500 Price Tag

Steve and Barb Determan: Hogs and Kisses

Wed, 12 Feb 2025 15:14:51 GMT

When Steve Determan met Barb Campbell at the American Pork Congress in Kansas City in March of 1981, it didn’t take him long to decide she was the one he wanted to marry.

“I was working for Smith Kline as a sales representative and Steve was a pork producer from Early, Iowa,” Barb explains. “Steve and his feed dealer were looking for the rep who covered the territory because of a product trial they were running.”

A convenient excuse to start a conversation? Maybe. But it worked. Steve sent her flowers the following week and the rest is history.

Steve and Barb got married on Sept. 26, 1981, in Little York, Ill., where Barb grew up on a family farming operation.

“Both of us were passionate about the industry at the county level and from there it grew,” Barb says. “Steve supported me in all the state and national committees, offices and activities from then on.”

As a former National Pork Producers Council president and president of Heartland Marketing Group, Barb travels a lot in her work for the pork industry. Although Steve often stays home to run the farm in Early, Iowa, he enjoys traveling with her when he can.

“I admire Barb’s passion for agriculture and still caring about our community and our family,” Steve says. “We work together and understand the ups and downs of ag (remember the 1980s!) and a small business.”

Steve has farmed for over 50 years. They raised pigs for many years but are entirely focused on grain farming now. When he’s not busy on the farm, he does the accounting for the farm and Heartland Marketing Group.

“I really appreciate Steve’s support of all my responsibilities and travel for the pork industry, my business and our family,” she says. “He wears many hats in our operations and family. He’s the organizer, keeps all the machinery going and is the sports booster for everyone.”

It’s that special teamwork they share that allows them to experience so much joy in life.

“Our family, community (especially 4-H and the youth), faith and the pork industry have been our focus through our almost 44 years of marriage,” Steve says.

Keep reading our #porklovestories series: Larry and Tammy Brink: A County Fair Love Story

Garrett and Marisa See: Show Ring Sweethearts

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 15:01:13 GMT

There’s just something about competition that often results in the perfect match. For Garrett and Marisa See of Benson, N.C., it was their shared love for livestock judging, skillathon competitions and livestock shows that brought them together years ago.

“After a livestock judging contest one year, I got a Facebook message from Garrett asking if I would be showing at the North Carolina State Fair so he could have the opportunity to redeem himself (I had won more awards that year). Fast forward to several shows and contests later, and he (finally) asked me out,” Marisa says.

Too Busy Talking in the Holding Pen
Although Garrett often won showmanship, Marisa is quick to point out she usually beat him in the skillathon.

“One time the judge even called us out at a show to ask if his placings would be a problem,” she laughs. “Many of our dates were spent at shows and hauling pigs. In fact, I remember one show where we were too busy talking to each other in the holding pen that we didn’t even notice the judge was waiting for us to enter the ring.”

It was no surprise to anyone when Garrett proposed and the two became one on May 19, 2018.

“I think having a shared passion is always nice in a relationship,” Marisa says. “Not only does it give you something to talk about, but we bond over it. Although we are in different sectors of the pork industry, we still bounce ideas off each other and discuss industry happenings.”

Garrett pursued his PhD in Nebraska. After that, they lived in Indiana for a couple years, and now they are back closer to family in North Carolina. Marisa says all that travel helped them learn to depend on each other.

Dinner Dialogue
Their joint understanding and passion for the pork industry continues to provide opportunities for some pretty interesting conversations, she says.

“Garrett has been known to draw diagrams on napkins on a date to explain hormone differences in males and females,” Marisa says. “We’ve both been guilty of comparing our knowledge of pigs to pregnancy and having children.”

The couple has one daughter, Isla, 2, and a baby on the way. Garrett is a swine geneticist for AcuFast and Marisa works in communications for the pork industry.

“I love how Garrett both pushes me and keeps me grounded in life,” Marisa says. “He is not afraid to call me out but does so in the most supportive and caring way of anyone I know. This bleeds into his willingness to go on adventures but be completely content playing board games at the house.”

For Garrett, watching his wife become a mother has been an amazing experience.

“I really appreciate how Marisa is such a loving, charismatic and patient mother,” Garrett says. “It doesn’t hurt that she’s a tremendously good cook.”

The competitors now turned couple will never forget what the pork industry has done for their lives.

“We are forever grateful to pigs for giving us a passion, letting us travel, providing us with careers, and most importantly, helping us find each other.”

Keep reading our #porklovestories series: Zach and Katlyn Cain: A Hog-Wild Partnership

Larry and Tammy Brink: A County Fair Love Story

Mon, 10 Feb 2025 20:30:00 GMT

When Tammy Leroy first met Larry Brink at a county fair showing pigs, she didn’t think much of it. For these two farm kids from southern Illinois, showing purebred swine was their passion. Tammy showed Yorkshires and Larry showed Hampshires and Yorkshires.

“For years we knew of each other and would see or recognize each other in the barn, but with a bit of an age gap, dating wasn’t a consideration,” Tammy says. “It wasn’t until the summer of 1981 that we became more than friends.”

They had their first date during the Madison County Fair and by the Illinois State Fair, they were ‘more serious,’ she says. On Dec. 25, 1981, they got engaged.

The Couple That Survives Fairs Together Stays Together
The next summer, Millard Leroy gave his daughter a string of Yorkshire pigs and sent her and Larry off to show that summer. He said, “If you can make it through these county fairs and learn how to work together, you can probably survive marriage!”

So, that’s what they did. They spent the summer showing at county fairs and at the Illinois State Fair. The winnings they made that summer paid for their wedding on Dec. 17, 1982.

Larry served as a meat inspector for 33 years and Tammy as a seamstress and homemaker. Together they continued to grow their farm in various ways within the pork industry. It was only natural they pass on their passion for showing pigs to their children Travis, Emmalee and Caleb.

“We spent many summers showing at county fairs,” Tammy says. “It was a family affair. One summer, we attended 13 county fairs, two state fairs and four national shows. Larry and the kids loaded up and brought pigs to the fairs, while I stayed home to do chores and take care of the sows.”

Berkshire Business Blooms
As the kids’ 4-H projects grew in size, so did their love for the Berkshire breed of swine. When the kids aged out of 4-H, Tammy and Larry continued on with the Berkshire business, creating a niche market to restaurants in the St. Louis area.

“The chefs loved the quality of the pork,” Larry says. “We enjoyed getting to see the results. Recently, the farm has become much smaller. The barns that used to hold a full showstring of show pigs and sows just holds a few pigs here and there to keep us and our granddaughters going out to do chores.”

They are both proud to have the fourth generation of their family showing at county fairs now. Travis and Emmalee both have careers in the swine industry, and all three kids have children of their own that will be deeply rooted in 4-H and animal agriculture, Tammy says.

They are grateful for the achievements and opportunities they have been able to attain together over the years, including Swine Family of the Year at the Illinois State Fair in 2003, 2011 Premier Berkshire Breeder Award at the Summer Type Conference and 2015 Illinois Pork Promoters Award.

However, what they treasure most are the little things they do for each other every day. Larry supports Tammy in her sewing business and Tammy supports Larry in his passion to build and make their lives and farm better.

“When everyone is home, you can guarantee the old stories of farrowing sows or talking about the pork industry will be the main discussion at the dinner table,” Tammy says. “The pork industry is how we got together and it’s how we have stayed together.”

Keep reading our #porklovestories series: Zach and Katlyn Cain: A Hog-Wild Partnership

8 Things Farmers Can Do Now to Improve Heart Health

Wed, 05 Feb 2025 16:01:22 GMT

For farmers, managing high levels of stress is part of the job. From weather and market fluctuations to equipment malfunctions and animal health challenges, balancing it all can be tough.

A recent review published in the scientific journal Cureus collected data from 12 studies that looked at the relationship between cardiovascular disease and farmers. The researchers found that male farmers aged 45 and up have an increased risk of heart disease compared to their non-farming peers.

Tawnie Larson, a project consultant for the Kansas Agriculture Safety and Health program at Kansas State University, says women in rural areas are also at an increased risk for heart disease. In addition, living in rural communities often results in decreased access to health care, “or (farmers) do not see their doctor on a regular basis,” Larson adds in a K-State release .

According to the National Institutes of Health, up to 44% of women in the U.S. are living with some sort of heart disease -- for many of the same reasons that men suffer from heart disease.

“Blood pressure tends to rise in women earlier than men,” Larson says. “Early signs of hypertension for women include fatigue, sleeping issues, bloating, headaches and blurred vision or dizziness. Don’t write these symptoms off; talk to your doctor before you have a problem.”

She encourages men and women to check their blood pressure on a regular basis; if you can’t get by the doctor’s office regularly, take advantage of blood pressure machines often available at a local pharmacy or other location.

Other conditions that affect heart health include high cholesterol, diabetes, kidney disease, smoking, excessive use of alcohol, poor diet, obesity, limited cardiovascular activity and hearing loss.

“People, in general, may also ignore or downplay their susceptibility to heart disease and put off necessary actions to improve their wellness,” Larson says. “Poor heart health can lead to heart attack or stroke.”

Larson offers eight things farmers can do now to improve heart health:

• Make healthy choices, such as eating a healthy diet, being more active and maintaining a healthy weight.

• Make small changes. Set one goal per week, rather many changes at once.

• Reduce stress by focusing on what you can control.

• Find a favorite stress-reducing activity and do it regularly.

• Start a regular walking routine. Listen to music or a podcast.

• Read books.

• Spend time with family or friends.

• Take up an activity that gets your heart rate up, and gradually build to higher rates of activity.

Your Next Read: Passing on Values (and the Business) from One Generation to the Next

Lessons from a Small Town

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:22:57 GMT

“Well, I was born in a small town, and I live in a small town…”

It’s easy to take small town life for granted. I admit there were times I thought small town life was boring. When I moved off to college, I thought it was amazing to live down the street from a Dairy Queen and be less than 10 minutes from multiple shops and stores. The best part? Walking a few houses down the street to see my friends.

But as time wore on, I longed to be back in rural America. There’s nothing like it – especially if your small town embraces the concept of community.

I think that’s what drew me into learning more about the story behind Audubon, Iowa. The thought of a small town of 2,100 people coming together to make their community an inviting place to raise a family was simply a story I couldn’t pass up.

One of Audubon’s residents, Kate Hargens , said something that really struck me.

“In order to continue to recruit people back into rural communities for jobs, we need to support the growth and essential businesses like a grocery store and stores that improve quality of life such as a rec center, coffee shop or movie theater,” she says. “Young professionals currently entering the workforce with young families are not willing to sacrifice the comforts of a larger town or city when looking for a job.”

Animal agriculture needs small towns that thrive to attract the right kind of people. It’s true that you aren’t just recruiting people to a job – you are recruiting them to a life.

I thought about the small town that I live in today. It’s not very big, and it’s not perfect. But I’m proud of the work community members have done to improve the park, rally around our local 4-H club, and support a local restaurant that has delicious (and enormous) tenderloins that draw people in from hundreds of miles away. I appreciate that my neighbors cheer on our kids and would not falter to step in and help if needed.

I’ll never forget what our community was preparing to do 11 years ago. We were bracing for what was later named “Snowmageddon,” and most importantly, I was preparing for the birth of our youngest child. The forecast for our induction day looked awful so we decided to head to the big city early and stay at a hotel until it was time.

A neighbor later told me that they were prepared for the Shike baby to come in the storm and had outlined a plan for the trucks to clear our road if needed. I think they were a little disappointed we didn’t put them to test!

My point is this doesn’t just happen everywhere. But that’s not uncommon in a small town.

Regardless of where you live, I challenge you to be a Kate or a Jason or a Steve or a Nicki. Be someone who thinks about others and puts the needs of the whole above their own. There’s no question there’s an upside for these Audubon, Iowa, community members. But the reality is they didn’t have to spend their evenings and weekends raising money, writing grants and cleaning up their town – literally and figuratively.

In the paraphrased words of John Mellencamp, if you had the privilege of growing up in a small town, don’t forget where you came from.

Your Next Read: The Power of Community in Rural America

The Value of Networking

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 16:00:00 GMT

Networking can be defined as the practice of building relationships and exchanging information with others to create mutually beneficial connections. I recognized the value of networking at a young age and have tried to instill that understanding in my children as well.

Many have reminded me that who you know can get you in the door, and what you know will keep you there. I have seen evidence of this in my career.

Thank you, 4-H
I credit much of this skill of networking to my years in 4-H and being on our county horse judging team. Our coach would take us across my home state of Kansas to compete, and we would travel to national contests in Texas and Oklahoma. I was building relationships with my peers and adults within the industry.

My first college adviser was one of those people I met while being on the judging team. Decades later in Idaho, I was having my horse shod and the farrier was good friends with that adviser when they lived in Manhattan. Talk about a small world. Making connections like this happens a lot within the agriculture industry.

It goes both ways
While I have benefited from building relationships, I also want to be able to reciprocate. As I’ve gotten older and further in my career, I find it just as satisfying to reach into my network and share that knowledge with others. It’s gratifying to see someone with a need and be able to guide them to a resource. Recently, I saw an announcement for contract video work and reached out to someone whose work I follow and admire. I thought he would be a good fit for the position and sent him the notice.

The road to success
It’s the ability to introduce yourself and meet other people and their willingness to build those relationships as well that keep the world moving forward in a positive direction.

None of us operate in this industry as an island, and learning how to collaborate, communicate and exchange ideas respectfully are the skills needed to maintain good relationships that lead to success for all of us.

As you look to the final weeks of the year and into 2025, think about your personal and professional network. How can you use it to meet your individual goals, and how can you be a relationship builder for others?

Your next read: Finding Peace: Managing Mental Health During the Holiday Season

A Winning Mentality Motivates This Illinois Livestock Industry Teacher, Coach and Mentor

Fri, 20 Dec 2024 20:28:25 GMT

An advocate for the livestock industry who wears many hats including teacher, coach, mentor, advisor, husband and father, Dan Shike, joins The PORK Podcast for the final episode of 2024. Shike grew up on a diversified farm in Illinois and now serves as a professor and interim department head in animal sciences at the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana. He has a passion for livestock, livestock judging and helping the next generation of young people.

When it comes to coaching young people and helping his own kids with their livestock, Shike says, “I will always push hard because if we’re not trying to do this at a high level, then why are we doing it? I’m going to try and help you be competitive. We’re not always going to win, and in some cases, it might be a long time before we’re good enough to truly be in a position to win. But if we’re not trying, then we’re probably wasting each other’s time.”

Shike also reminds the youth and students he works with that when they don’t have the results they wanted, that’s not what defines them.

“Their value is not in what they’re placing at that contest or how many times they have won,” Shike says. “There are bigger things in life than that. Learning how to work hard, be committed and dedicated to something, and be humble when you do win, and own it when you don’t, are important life skills.”

These traits Shike shares with young people come from the experiences he had being mentored by others.

“I think establishing that mentoring relationship is one of the most impactful things that we can do,” Shike says. “It was impactful in my life to have my mentors, the people who decided to invest in me — from my county coaches and high school ag teachers to my college coaches and instructors at Black Hawk and Kansas State to my research advisors and faculty advisors at the University of Illinois.”

Speaking of mentors, Shike says Doug Parrett, former University of Illinois beef professor, influenced him deeply, personally and professionally.

“Not only was Dr. Parrett my coaching and judging mentor, but his career in extension, in teaching and in working with young people and producers, made a big impression on my life,” Shike says. “I got to see him work with those audiences and see how he approached them. He was one of the most relatable people that anyone knew.”

Shike has made an impression of his own on others. Craig Beckmier, a close friend and instructor/livestock judging team coach at Lincoln Land Community College, says Dan shares many of the same characteristics of his mentor.

“His ability to relate to all aspects of the livestock industry is second to no one,” Beckmier says. “He always has had the gift of being one of the smartest people in the room and one of the most relatable. That has provided him with a unique skill set to share his knowledge and wisdom with all ages and backgrounds.”

Former graduate student Parker Henley, who is now a professor and livestock judging coach at Oklahoma State University, had this to say about his former graduate school advisor and mentor.

“Dan excels at connecting the dots between basic research and practical applications,” Henley says. “He’s one of those rare academics who can take a producer’s problem and dive deep into the science to find solutions. His work in nutritional efficiency, specifically quantifying beef cow intake, has had a significant impact on genetic evaluations and the beef industry.”

Although Shike is humbled by those words, being able to provide research that directly applies to producers’ needs is his goal as an animal scientist.

“My research has always been focused on practical application,” he says. “We have people who are working at the very basic end of the spectrum — understanding fundamental mechanisms and what’s going on at the cellular level, and that is absolutely essential to moving science forward. But we also have people at the other end of the spectrum who are working on developing on-farm solutions where the results of a particular experiment could be adopted by a producer tomorrow and have an impact on their bottom line or on their production output. That’s where I sit in the spectrum of research.”

Dan and Jennifer spend some time on the podcast sharing about their experiences livestock judging at Black Hawk College-East Campus and Kansas State University, making the decision to attend graduate school at the University of Illinois and establish a career, and of course, their family. The couple is raising their three children, Olivia, Hunter and Harper, to also have a passion for livestock and the industry.

Watch the full episode here or listen on your favorite podcast channels.

What the Next Generation Can Do to Prepare for Transition Planning

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 17:43:20 GMT

The interconnectedness of agriculture business and family relationships can make transition and estate planning feel challenging. Having the conversations and carrying out the legalities are two separate components that require great detail. Add on managing finances and what should be an exciting opportunity for the rising generation can quickly become overwhelming.

Jessica Groskopf, a Nebraska farmer and transition planning expert, talks about transition and estate planning in a different light. She spoke on the Casual Cattle Conversations podcast about how the next generation can prepare themselves. She recognizes the challenges that come with the process, but also sees the hidden opportunities that can help the rising generation build for the future.

“There is a big part of the message missing when it comes to talking about estate and transition planning,” Groskopf says. “That part of the message is what we can do as the younger generation to prepare ourselves for that eventual transfer.”

Jessica and her husband know firsthand what it is like to build for the future even when there has been a lack of transparency and communication from the senior generation. Together, they turned what looked like a less-than-ideal buy out to others into a great opportunity for themselves by using emergency funds, good debt, flexible investments, and alternative revenue.

Groskopf says, “Fifty percent of land owned by an operator was purchased from a non-relative.”

That means the younger generation needs to start preparing financially because the likelihood of them purchasing property is very high.

Financial preparation can include many components. The Groskopfs knew they wanted to buy farmland at some point regardless of if it was in the family or not. So, they started early to prepare for their unknown scenario of a down payment for property.

“The key to savings and investing is time,” Groskopfs says. “The younger you start saving and investing, the better off you will be especially if you are allowing that money to grow over a significant amount of time.”

About five years after they began saving and investing, Jessica and her husband bought into the family partnership with the money they had accumulated. The amount of time, and money needed for a down payment is unique to each individual person and family.

Emergency funds are the first step to financial security.

“For most farm and ranch families, I prefer they have three to six months worth of family living expenses on hand,” says Groskopf

Emergency funds are the safety net that families can use to safeguard against bad debt and continue to move forward financially. One smart practice with emergency funds is to make sure they are in an easily accessible account that earns interest. Two account examples to explore are high-yield savings accounts or money markets.

The next step is to tackle “bad” debt.

“Not all debt is bad and debt is certainly not dumb,” Groskopf says. “Debt is a tool…I think most people understand what bad debt is, but I want to provide a clear definition. Bad debt has a relatively high interest rate, usually over seven percent. Bad debt is also purchasing items that are not necessary.”

Other considerations to make about debt include depreciation, tax advantages and if the item putting you in debt is adding value in other areas of the business. It ultimately comes down to how you manage debt because even good debt can pile up and put farmers and ranchers in less-than-ideal financial positions.

Once you have an emergency fund, and have paid off “bad debt”, it’s time to focus on other savings and investments.

“If the money will be needed within three years, it should go into the savings bucket,” Groskopf says. “High-yield savings accounts, money markets and bonds are all examples of accounts that can be used for shorter-term savings. Accounts used for savings should earn enough interest to outpace inflation, look for options with an annual percentage yield of 3% or higher.”

Groskopf says to invest money that will not be needed in the short term. Investment accounts usually have higher rates of returns but require leaving the money in the accounts for long periods of time to receive the advantages of using them.

For farmers and ranchers aiming to secure their financial future, Jessica recommends investing in flexible accounts. When picking an investment account, considerations need made to what tax and penalties may apply upon withdrawal of the funds along with any other stipulations that come along with the account. Once you have selected the account, you will then need to select the investments within the account. Producers should look for lost cost, diversified options such as Index Funds, Mutual Funds or Exchange Traded Funds, she adds.

“If your head is spinning when it comes to all this information, I’d encourage you to sit down with a financial advisor and explain your situation. Share how long you’d like to invest and how accessible you need the funds to be,” Groskopf says.

Alternative revenue streams or town jobs are a common risk management strategy for farm and ranch families. Whether they pay for living expenses or even supplement the business during the beginning years, they can be a valuable tool.

“I’m someone who says that it has to fit with the farm or the ranch,” Groskopf says. “You have to make sure the seasonality of the business doesn’t conflict with the farm or ranch and that you have the flexibility you need to get everything done.”

Financial and non-financial considerations need to be made before committing to another form of revenue for your personal life or ranch.

Building for the future takes time and experience.

“No one has taught any of us how to do this finance stuff…it is not something you should inherently know,” Groskopf explains. “If you are starting from scratch, go back to your balance sheet. Write down what you do and don’t have in place and even what you don’t understand. Connect with an expert such as your local banker or a financial planner who can help you move forward.”

If you are not comfortable investing on your own, work closely with a Certified Financial Planner (CFP®) professional, Certified Public Accountant, tax preparer, and/or investment advisor.

Listen to the full conversation:

Your next read: Tax Turbulence: How Sunsetting Provisions Could Change Your Bottom Line

American Royal Association Receives Grant From Bayer Fund

Thu, 19 Dec 2024 11:28:00 GMT

The American Royal Association has received a grant for $20,000 from Bayer Fund, a philanthropic arm of Bayer in the U.S. The grant will be used to support the American Royal K-12 agricultural education programming in 2025.

“We appreciate the support of Bayer Fund as we strive to enhance our long-standing youth field trip experience and new programs, like AgStem camp, educational clinics and career development events,” says Lauren Luhrs, director of partnerships at the American Royal Association. “Since its founding in 1899, the American Royal has consistently weaved education into its programming. As we have expanded to host events year-round, our focus on education has also grown. This Bayer Fund grant will be tremendously beneficial as we work to impact the future of agriculture.”

The American Royal, whose purpose is to champion food and agriculture, will be using the grant funds to expand several of its education programs for students with minimal exposure to agriculture as well as youth with deep roots in the industry. The Bayer Fund grant will allow the American Royal to enhance these events with supplementary educational materials and take-home resources for participants, and offset costs for event setup, on-site medical care and security teams.

“Bayer Fund is proud to support the American Royal Association and their work to make real, sustainable impacts in the Kansas City area and beyond,” says Al Mitchell, president of Bayer Fund. “Programs like the American Royal’s youth education programs help our neighbors and make our community stronger.”

Bayer Fund supports Bayer, one of the country’s largest life-sciences companies, in achieving its mission of Health for all, Hunger for none by working with organizations and non-profits, like the American Royal Association, to support health and wellness and food and nutrition.

Learn more about the American Royal at americanroyal.com .

New Year, New Gloves: Here's How to Find the Right Glove for the Job

Wed, 18 Dec 2024 17:51:33 GMT

Leather work gloves are often considered “consumables” on farms and ranches due to the frequency with which they wear out or go missing. Farmers and ranchers can buy fewer gloves, that last longer, if they know how to match glove design and type of leather to their job description.

According to Mike McGuire, agricultural sales manager for Wells Lamont:

Cowhide leather is the standard for durability and comfort in farm and ranch gloves. Split cowhide is slightly more durable than smooth-grain cowhide.
Calfskin gloves are softer than cowhide, more supple than cowhide, but more prone to punctures and cuts.
Deerskin gloves are the top seller in many farm stores. Deerskin is by nature softer and more flexible than cowhide, but not as resistant to punctures and rough use.
Goatskin is thinner and nearly as tough as cowhide when it comes to abrasion, but susceptible to puncture by thorns or barbed wire.
Pigskin isn’t as supple as other leathers, but is breathable and relatively puncture resistant.
Buffalo-hide gloves, made from water buffalo leather, are noted for good durability, a stretchy “feel,” and are somewhat water resistant.

Design-wise, many leather gloves are labeled “drivers gloves,” not to be confused with “driving gloves.”

According to Clark Carlile, with Bear Knuckle Gloves, the driving glove made its appearance during the 1890s when auto drivers wore gloves because cars were unheated and steering wheels were made of bare metal. Cowboys adopted that style of gloves to protect their hands during cattle drives, and driver gloves became standard in farm and ranch work.

The leather in most driver gloves is between 0.9 mm and 1.1 mm thick. Carlile says his company offers 1.4 mm thick gloves made of cowhide.

“They’re durable,” he says. “Firefighters, brick-layers and guys working with barbed wire like the protection and toughness a thicker glove offers.”

Price is a fair indicator of quality. “Gimme gloves” gifted by seed corn dealers or other farm retailers cost around $12 per pair. Standard farm store gloves retail for between $15 to $25, depending on type of leather, reinforcing of fingers/palms, and other features. Fitted leather work gloves found on the internet sell for between $35 and $45 per pair.

“Economy gloves need to be broken in to be comfortable,” Carlile says. “If you buy quality gloves and match the type of leather to the work you’ll be doing, you’ll have comfortable, durable gloves that will last a long time.”

As for “lost” gloves — ask your dog.

Oklahoma Pig Farmers Tap Country Star Wyatt Flores to Give-A-Ham

Thu, 12 Dec 2024 20:41:12 GMT

Country music artist Wyatt Flores, Oklahoma Governor Kevin Stitt and Oklahoma State University’s Ferguson College of Agriculture Dean Jayson Lusk are just a few of the celebrities that have accepted the challenge to Give-A-Ham this month by members of the Oklahoma Pork Council.

“Their participation has drawn attention, sparked excitement, and inspired others in their networks to step up. These leaders showcase how influential voices can amplify the campaign’s reach and impact,” says Joe Locke, Tyson Foods Director of Operations and 2024-2025 Oklahoma Pork Council president.

It’s More Than a Meal
The Give-A-Ham effort aims to fight hunger by providing high-quality pork to families and individuals in need throughout the holiday season. The program serves two key purposes: addressing food insecurity and inspiring collective generosity.

“The #GiveAHam Challenge adds an exciting, interactive element by encouraging participants via social media to donate ham and challenge others to do the same. This ripple effect not only amplifies donations, but also brings communities together fostering a sense of shared purpose and engagement across Oklahoma and beyond,” Locke explains.

The Oklahoma Pork Council is playing a leading role on social media, bringing the Give-A-Ham challenge to life by inviting celebrities and leaders in the state to give back to their communities.

“The Oklahoma Pork Council is deeply committed to giving back to the communities we serve, which is why we participate in a series of giving events throughout the year,” Locke explains.

He says it’s a privilege to work with pork producers who share in this commitment and have a unique ability to address food insecurity directly.

“We’re not just donating meals – we’re building bridges. By feeding thousands of families, donating hundreds of hams and thousands of pounds of pork, and committing hours of service, we’re creating a movement of generosity that reaches far beyond our industry to impact lives across the state and country,” Locke says.

Show Pig Industry Leader to Challenge Flores
When celebrities and community leaders get involved, they bring visibility and credibility to the cause. Wyatt Flores, a rising country music star from Stillwater, Okla., will be challenged on Saturday by Danna Goss, a show pig breeder from Leedey, Okla., at the Northwest Oklahoma Show Pig Circuit jackpot in Woodward, Okla.

Goss will encourage each exhibitor and family to bring a ham to donate at the show. The goal is to collect around 100 hams for the Regional Food Bank of Oklahoma. The exhibitors who donate hams will also appear in Goss’ challenge video to Flores. She also plans to challenge Barber Dyson Ford, High Plains Technology Center and Goss Livestock.

Flores was recently named to Apple Music’s Up Next Class of 2024. He’s also well known in the stock show industry as he grew up showing livestock as well as developing his passion for music.

Every contribution makes an impact. But celebrities and community leaders can extend the campaign’s reach even further, Locke says, inspiring more people to join and increasing awareness about food insecurity.

“Their support not only highlights the importance of collective giving but also shines a light on the work of Oklahoma pig farmers and the value of pork as a meal option creating a positive connection between agriculture and the community,” he says.

Kylee Deniz, executive director of the Oklahoma Pork Council, says the Give-A-Ham sends an important message that extends beyond fighting hunger.

“Generosity has the power to transform lives. Through these donations, we hope to show how small, meaningful acts of kindness can make a significant impact,” she says. “By coming together as a community, we can provide hope, inspire change and demonstrate that everyone has the ability to make a difference not just during the holidays, but year-round.”

Why Pork?
Protein is one of the most requested but least donated items at food banks. Not only does it play a critical role in a healthy, balanced diet, but it’s a way to bring families together during the holidays.

“When families gather to share meals and celebrate, access to nutrient-rich pork can elevate those moments into something truly special. It’s more than food – it’s a gift of nourishment, comfort, and connection during a season that highlights gratitude and togetherness,” he says.

By participating in efforts like Give-A-Ham, Deniz says pork producers can connect with consumers, strengthen community ties, and showcase the pork industry’s commitment to addressing hunger.

“It’s a chance to lead by example and inspire others in agriculture to join in creating meaningful change,” she says. “Whether you’re a farmer, business leader, or individual, there’s a role for everyone to play. Together, we can brighten the holiday season for families in need and strengthen our communities.”

Stay tuned for an update on more big names to be “challenged” to Give-A-Ham this month. Learn more here.

Your Next Read: Will You Accept This Challenge?

Oh, Deer — What A Day on the Farm!

Fri, 22 Nov 2024 19:28:00 GMT

Deer are both majestic and maddening. They make for an exciting pursuit during hunting season, but they also wreak havoc on vehicles, tires and fields.

With approximately 36 million deer in the U.S., those who call rural America home know deer-vehicle collisions are common, especially in October, November and December. Based on this November 2022 study , around 2.1 million deer-vehicle collisions occur annually, causing more than $10 billion in economic losses.

According to State Farm annual analysis , the top 10 states for animal collision, of which deer are the leading cause, are:

West Virginia
Montana
Michigan
Pennsylvania
Wisconsin
Mississippi
Iowa
South Dakota
Virginia
Rhode Island

A Farm Journal reader shared this run-in with a buck.

Deer – semi collision

(Farm Journal)

The Buck Stops Here
In addition to vehicle damage, unsuspecting tractor tires are often no match for deer sheds hiding in fields. Can you relate to these photos shared by fellow farmers?

Deer shed in tire

(Farm Journal)

Deer shed in tire

(Farm Journal)

Deer sheds in tires

(Farm Journal)

If you’ve had one of those horrible, no good, very bad days, or captured someone else’s, share it with Farm Journal. Whether you picked up a deer shed or sunk a piece of machinery in a mudhole, email images to whataday@farmjournal.com.

Shoo Deer — Not In My Field

Deer are a real pest when they graze, trample and bed down in crop fields. Depending on your crop’s stage, this can have economic consequences.

“Deer will feed on immature corn tassel tissue in the whorl during mid- to late-June and also on developing ears in early- to mid-August at the milk stage,” says Bob Nieslen, a retired Purdue University Extension corn specialist. “The decapitated plants usually survive, and ear development will continue through pollination and on to maturity, though the ears are usually less than full size.”

Thieves In Search of Antler Treasure
Awaiting the annual guarantee of antler drop in late winter or early spring, thieves hop private property lines to steal from those who manage. Lust or greed, the lure of shed treasure is a powerful pull to the public, despite purple paint, posted signs and fences.

Whitetail legend Steve Snow is on alert for shed poachers. Like a hot-nose coonhound, he zigzags through timber looking for fresh boot prints — the telltale sign someone is up to no good.

Snow is in hot pursuit of stolen sheds — a dose of frontier justice.

READ: Monster Deer Madness: Iowa Farmer Nabs Antler Thieves, Busts Multistate Shed Ring

Monster Buck Finds Its Way Back Home
Speaking of thieves, when 14-year-old Dave Richmond’s monster buck was stolen , he never gave up hope finding the spectacular rack. Following 14 years of cold-nosing dead-end trails, Richmond was stunned to receive an anonymous message: “I know where your deer is.”

Dumbfounded, Richmond was unable to accept the claim: “Impossible. Just no way. I figured it had to be someone pranking me.”

Two days later, he received a second message, along with an unmistakable photo.

“The picture told it all,” Richmond says. “I was looking at my deer.”

Welcome to a tale of deceit trumped by the enduring faith of a 14-year-old.

Dave Richmond recovers stolen deer antlers

(Photo by Whitetail Obsession Outdoors)

READ: Monster Buck Antlers Stolen from Teen Deer Hunter Recovered After 14 Years

This Farm Girl Cooks: How a Farm Wife is Changing Lives Through Food

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 13:42:53 GMT

Deanne Frieders has always considered herself an introvert. So, if you would have told her she’d be a familiar face and influence in households across the country someday, she would have laughed at you.

However, in her late 30’s, she married her husband and left her corporate job so they could build their family of six on the farm in Waterman, Ill. Her new role included helping drop off meals, uncovering a passion that’s led her to start up “ This Farm Girl Cooks .”

“Little did I know my role change would help hundreds of thousands answer the question, ‘What’s for dinner?’” she says.

She created a tribe of farm wives to connect with and life has never been the same, she shares on her popular website.

“When I realized I can help others sort through the ins and outs of farm life, it really caused me to step outside of my comfort zone. Bringing people together with food as a common theme is so meaningful and important to me,” Frieders says.

Inviting the World into Her Farmhouse Kitchen
She won’t argue that it’s hard to feed a family every day, especially when you’re juggling a career or managing working at home with your family.

“I started sharing some of my field meals on my personal Facebook. People began asking me for ideas and recipes, which I hadn’t documented. I started to note them and now, here I am today!” Frieders laughs.

One of the first lessons she learned was what a field meal was and a what a field meal was not.

“A field meal is something that can easily be served without a table to eat at and without a knife,” Frieders says. “Many times, they’re handheld foods that can be eaten with one hand.”

Her favorite field meal is a good stir-fry where everything is in one bowl – protein, veggies and grain – and doesn’t have to be served piping hot.

“We work long hours on the farm, especially during our fall harvest. A balanced field meal nurtures us mind, body and soul,” Frieders says. “It’s important that we keep alert and healthy while dealing with all the heavy equipment operating.”

That’s where pork fits in so well as a healthy and nutritious protein.

Why Pork?
“We love eating pork in our family. My grandparents were hog farmers, but I never paid much attention to it as a little girl other than look at the pigs occasionally. While we don’t raise pork on our farm (we have a few beef cattle), I think I bring some outside perspective to pork,” she says. “I ask the questions consumers are thinking because I don’t know it all. And as a family, it helps to make a balanced diet for our busy lifestyles.”

As a cook, she loves how versatile pork is to cook with as it can take on so many flavor profiles from Italian to Tex-Mex to Asian. It’s also really good by itself, without adding other flavor profiles, she points out.

“It cooks quickly, it’s tender and juicy (use the 145°F rule when making pork chops and you’ll thank me!), and there are many different cuts,” Frieders says.

To help us kick off #PORKtober, Frieders is sharing her popular recipe for Pulled Pork Chili below.

“My pulled pork chili is full of flavor without being heavy,” she says. “And if I’m being honest, a sprinkling of cheddar cheese on top makes everything better.”

PULLED PORK CHILI
By This Farm Girl Cooks

“One of my all-time favorite chili recipes is pulled pork chili. The pork is cooked low and slow until it’s fall-apart tender, then it’s shredded into bite-sized pieces and added to the chili. This Instant Pot recipe also works great in a slow cooker (leave out oil) for 7 to 8 hours,” says Deanne Frieders of This Farm Girl Cooks.

Ingredients:
• 2½ – 3 lb. boneless pork loin roast
• Salt and pepper
• 1 Tbsp. olive oil
• ½ red onion, diced
• 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
• 1 Tbsp. chili powder
• 2 tsp. ground cumin
• 1 tsp. smoked paprika
• 1 tsp. garlic powder
• 2 tsp. dried oregano
• 1 cup black coffee
• 28 oz. can diced tomatoes with green chiles (undrained)
• 15 oz. can dark kidney beans (drained and rinsed)
• 5 oz. can Great Northern beans (drained and rinsed)

Prepare the Pork:
Trim excess fat from the pork roast and cut it into four pieces. Season with salt and pepper.

Sauté Spices:
In the Instant Pot, select “sauté” and heat olive oil. Add red onion, cocoa powder, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, oregano, salt and pepper. Cook until the onion softens and spices are fragrant, about 3 to 4 minutes.

Deglaze:
Add coffee and scrape the bottom of the pot to lift any bits stuck on the surface. (This is called deglazing.) Cancel “sauté” to stop cooking.

Cook:
Add diced tomatoes, beans and pork to the pot. Stir to combine. Secure the lid, set the valve to “seal,” and cook on high pressure for 45 minutes.

Finish:
After cooking, let the pressure release naturally for 15 minutes, then do a quick release for any remaining pressure. Shred the pork and stir. Let it cool slightly before serving with your favorite toppings.

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Your Next Read: How a Group of Veterinarians Helped Save a Rural Iowa Community

The Best Livestock-Themed Christmas Trees Full of Memories and Meaning

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 16:56:17 GMT

One of the things I love most about Christmas trees is the power they evoke to simply remember. To remember loved ones, past celebrations, milestones and more.

That’s one reason why the Crome family chose to design their Christmas tree with rosettes and ribbons commemorating their passion – showing pigs.

“It’s far too easy to lose track of the specifics of the moments that helped to shape the lives of our children,” says Aaron Crome, father of Megan and Thomas. “Each rosette sparked memories of the mountains of hard work it took for each one to be earned and then brought home to Marshall, Ill. More than anything, it was a great reminder of the time we were fortunate enough to spend as a family all year long working up to the shows. That will be ours forever.”

Nolan Lee of Wellington, Ill., began putting up this special tree in his room last year. He lives for showing cattle - just like his Papaw Bill Couch. The ribbons on his tree are some of Lee’s most special wins, and the hat used as the topper was his Papaw’s, who passed away five years ago.

The Johnson family of Maquoketa, Iowa, originally put up their ribbon tree in 2021 to show off the ribbons they had won throughout the year. But last year, Santa started a new tradition and brought metal photo ornaments for each child with their heifer for the year and five images of them at the backdrop over the course of the year, explains Ashley Johnson.

She admits they had no idea how significant Santa’s gift would be until they got out the decorations this year and started decorating the tree. They uncovered the ornament of their son Ty with his heifer Jorga from 2022.

“She had some success, and we were pretty proud of our bred-and-owned female,” Johnson says. “However, God had other plans and we lost her and her calf due to calving complications this past winter. Seeing the ornament and hanging her on the tree certainly brought a tear to our eyes as she is dearly missed and was a very memorable first heifer Ty showed at a junior national.”

After growing tired of the same decorations year after year, Lizzie Schafer of Owaneco, Ill., was inspired to think outside of the box one Christmas. She gathered mementoes from livestock event travels and went to work creating a tree that was more than just another tree.

“This tree is special to me and my entire family because to us, Christmas is a time to be together and to reflect back on the year. For us, the Christmas tree symbolizes far more than just the ribbons and plaques presented. It reminds us that nothing worthwhile comes easy and that we should be thankful each day for every single opportunity that we are given,” Schafer says. “When looking at the tree, we are reminded of how blessed we are to have the opportunity to be involved in agriculture and to be a part of these organizations that have shaped my brother and I into who we are today.”

Here are some special livestock-themed Christmas trees filled with memories to last a lifetime.

Tammy Heaton of Monroe, Iowa
“I love putting up Christmas trees and loved all of the time my son and I spent in the barn working on show animals. So when it came to decorating a tree in a room that already had pictures from our experiences, what better to do than a ribbon tree! I used 25 ear tags to represent the days in December until Christmas and some of the ribbons my son had won. It was also nice to be able to pull out the ribbons that represented all his hard work that otherwise get forgotten in a container.”

Rachel Torbert of Wapella, Illinois
“This tree is in my office. I work for an advertising agency which has agricultural clients. I’ve worked in ag my entire career, so an ag tree just made sense! Growing up on a farm, farm ornaments were always given as gifts so I had lots of decorations to go with it! I have many ornaments on my tree which have sentimental meaning: FFA (I was very active in FFA) ornaments, ornaments given to me by grandparents or other family, and ornaments that remind me of my time growing up on the farm.”

Marisa Winter, Idalou, Texas
“We wanted to have a tree to remember the great memories we made over Colter’s first stock show season. I added backdrop pictures from throughout the year to ornaments with what he won and his animal’s name on the back. We hope to continue to add each year to our ‘show’ tree.”

Nolan Lee of Wellington, Illinois
“Papaw Bill Couch instilled a love for the livestock industry within me, and it’s pretty special for me to have him be a part of my Christmas tree. The hat is just as it was when Papaw wore it -- sweat stained and dusty, just as he liked it.”

The Johnson Family – James, Ashley, Ty, Lane and Addie of Maquoketa, Iowa
“In addition to ribbons, the tree is adorned with blue, purple and champagne bulbs (the colors of first place, champions and what you drink to celebrate a victory), as well as a paper chain the kids made three years ago that they felt we needed for the tree. We also have a few little show steers purchased out of Canada last year, as well as cowhide flowers handmade by a lady in Wisconsin. It’s our cow tree and we are very proud of it and all the trips down Memory Lane it takes us and will continue to take us each year.”

Beth Gaines of Westmoreland, Kansas
“Christmas trees should be filled with memories. This one my daughter Kara decorated certainly fits that bill as it recollects livestock events, judging triumphs and even a dog show ribbon or two.”

Aaron Crome of Marshall, Illinois
“We are very fortunate to have an in-house creative team consisting of Mary Ann and Megan. We were cleaning out some ‘old’ boxes and came across quite a stash of ribbons and banners from the past 15 years. Megan also created the tree topper out of a variety of extra purple rosettes as a 4-H project that year.”

Wendy Greiner of Keota, Iowa
“We started using ribbons on our tree in 2016. We thought it was a fun idea because it shows what our family enjoys doing – showing sheep. Plus, we never know what to do with all the ribbons! It is so special to me because it shows the kids’ hard work and dedication to something they love.”

Lizzie Schafer of Owaneco, Ill.
“When designing the tree, I looked through every photo taken throughout the year and wrote down which mementos needed to be included. From there, I just put the awards on the tree in empty spaces until it was filled. I noticed that something was missing, so I added the cowboy hat as the star for a finishing touch.”

Heather Roeder of Aledo, Illinois
“I decorated this cheap, 6-ft. tree for my son Kade’s room. I added some burlap garland to fill in the holes, threw on some ribbons and various ornaments. Some of the ornaments were pictures of his cattle and others were cattle ornaments I picked up at shows. I even put ShowTimes stickers on cheap ornaments and our R/B brand. It’s nothing special, but he loves it.”

The McDonnell Sisters of Union City, Indiana
“We chose this theme to celebrate the success of our 2023 show season! We love sharing stories of our favorite pigs and moments with everyone that sees the tree. We even let Marka, age 2, hang her first banner on the tree this year. We don’t have a strategic way we decorate it, other than adding the banners and ribbons where they fit best.”

Amy Smith of Verona, Illinois
“Our kids’ love of their show animals comes out in everything they do. So naturally, they asked for a pig Christmas tree to combine two things they loved. It started with making pigs out of Christmas bulbs. The kids loved making the ornaments look like the different breeds. Then we added more the next year with traditional ornaments (each kid gets a wooden block ornament every year with a current picture) and made tree slice pig ornaments to add to the tree. They were even gifted a paint your own pig ornament kit and painted their ornaments this year to look like favorite show animals from the past. We have had a lot of fun making the ornaments and I love watching the family project come together.”

Jennifer Slagle of Grinnell, Iowa
“This tree is very ‘Anna’ and is one of my favorites. Initially she just wanted blue lights on her tree and then decided on her own to add her ribbons and banners from pig shows (already hanging on her walls). She also added a stuffed pig to the tip with a zip tie from her show box! Over the years, we have added blue and purple ornaments to complete the look. Every ribbon has a meaning and most importantly – a memory.”

Read More:

Green Shavings and High Heels: The High School ‘Lasts’ Aren’t Easy

The Best Halloween Costumes Tie Back to the Farm

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 14:46:03 GMT

Halloween: an opportunity for parents to squish their adorable children into itchy, feathery, sequin-filled works of art in an attempt to capture that perfect moment and share it on their social media feeds. Maybe it’s because I’m a farm kid at heart, but I think the best costume ideas come straight from the farm. And I’m not the only one on our team here at Farm Journal who feels that way.

In case you are still looking for that perfect costume for Halloween (or just enjoy cute kids on Halloween), here are some farm-friendly ideas shared by our team at Farm Journal.

“Farmer” aka Baylee from Indiana
Baylee’s mom, Joelle Orem, is the editor of AgFax and design director for The Scoop.

“The Pollinator” aka Hank from Texas
Hank’s mom, Kristin Lore, is the editor of The Packer.

“A Combine, Cowgirl & Cow” aka Hayden, Harper & Henley from Iowa
Their mom, Kayla Lichty, is the events manager at Farm Journal.

“Hungry Piglet” aka Harper from Illinois
Harper’s mom, Jennifer Shike, is the editor of Farm Journal’s PORK.

“Popeye holding a gallon of MILK” aka Tyler of Illinois
Tyler’s mom, Karen Bohnert, is the editor of Dairy Herd Management and Milk Business Quarterly.

“Combine” aka Grant of Wisconsin
Grant’s mom, Annie McCullough, is a national accounts manager for livestock at Farm Journal.

“Lil’ Corn Cob” aka Kinsler of Missouri
Kinsler’s mom, Tyne Morgan, is the host of U.S. Farm Report.

“A Pig Showman, Judge, Ninja Turtle and Pig” aka Curtis, Colin, Keegan and Crosby of Missouri
Their mom, Katie Humphreys, is the content director for Farm Journal.

We’d love to see your great “farm-themed” costumes. Tag us on social #FJHalloween.

Read More:

5 Tips for a Spooky, Safe Halloween

6 Spooktacular Beef, Pork and Dairy Treats for Halloween

Mistrial Declared in Arizona Rancher’s Murder Trial

Thu, 26 Sep 2024 18:42:45 GMT

An Arizona judge declared a mistrial in the murder case of rancher George Alan Kelly, 75, who was accused of fatally shooting a migrant on his property near the U.S.-Mexico border.

Superior Court Judge Thomas Fink said the decision was made after jurors failed to reach a unanimous decision after two full days of deliberation.

Following the declaration, Kelly’s defense attorney Kathy Lowthorp revealed outside the courthouse to the media that there had only been one guilty juror in the group, which was why the defense team pushed for deliberations to continue.

“There was one hold out for guilty, the rest were not guilty. So seven not guilty, one guilty,” Lowthorp stated. “We believe in our gut that there was no way the state proved beyond a reasonable doubt.”

Kelly had faced second-degree murder in the Jan. 30, 2023, shooting of Gabriel Cuen-Buitimea, 48, who lived just south of the border in Nogales, Mexico. Kelly had earlier rejected an agreement with prosecutors that would have reduced the charge to one count of negligent homicide if he pleaded guilty.

“It is what it is, and it will be what it will be. Let me go home, okay? That alright with y’all?” Kelly told reporters outside the courthouse following the mistrial. “I will keep fighting forever. I won’t stop.”

Judge Fink had told jurors that if they could not reach a verdict on the second-degree murder charge, they could try for a unanimous decision on a lesser charge of reckless manslaughter or negligent homicide.

The Santa Cruz County Attorney’s Office can still decide whether to retry Kelly for any charge or drop the case all together.

A status hearing was scheduled for next Monday afternoon, when prosecutors could inform the judge if they plan to refile the case.

Related:

Arizona Rancher Rejects Plea Deal in Death of Migrant

Arizona Border Rancher Accused of Killing Migrant, Now Held With $1 Million Bond