Several years ago, when Dave Kestel and I were working a Farm Bureau program, an attendee commented about our energy and our apparent youthful playfulness. That was when I coined the phrase, “The first 50 years of childhood are the best.” Now at the age of 61, have I grown Read more
Each year a venerable farm publication issues a call to their readers to submit their nominations for “farm dog of the year.” Since I have documented on social media many of the exploits and shenanigans of numerous farm dogs, I have friends that request I submit my dog. I have Read more
What kind of driver are you? Are you cautious and courteous or a speed demon who won’t slow down for anything? Here is a side-view mirror reflection of what I have seen the last month on the roads around my farm in Southern Will County while driving a combine or Read more
Now that our nation’s birthday has passed, we are truly into the heart of summer. Do you like broiling humidity and drought? How about pulling weeds or mowing grass? Do you like barbecue food, craft beer and country music? What is your definition of a weed? The simple definition of Read more
Last September my wife moved to my farm, and she has a complaint about farm life; it is too damn windy. Is she exaggerating or has it been windier than normal this year? I tried to tell her that Illinois is known as a prairie state, where the lack of Read more
Another summer is upon us; so, begins the challenge of living and farming with nature. This will be the first summer of living with my wife, Cora, on the farm. Mother Nature and wildlife has already thrown us many curve balls. My desire to provide wildlife habitat a home and Read more
By the time you read this, the planting season for Will County farmers will be winding down. Farmers have planted their crops a lot differently in the 6 decades since I was born. I witnessed two antiques of the industry planting on opposite sides of the road recently. To the Read more
Are you a cat or a dog person? I have started planting and not only am I hoping to raise a good crop of corn and soybeans, but I am also considering raising cats as livestock. I also have a bone to pick with Elon Musk and electric vehicles. Last Read more
Very soon it will be another crop year and another adventure for farmers in Will County. I suspect that most of us will welcome seeing old-man-winter in our rear-view mirror. How many more false springs will we see before true warmth arrives and our growing season begins? False spring is Read more
