Do you know what the deadliest animal in North America is? Harvest is winding down, so it is time for me to write an article about deer, grandchildren, combines and flat tires. I will also add some plagiarism of a famous Tom Hanks quote. Combines are harvesting the fields at Read more
Are you old enough to remember the anti-littering commercial showing an animal being slowly killed by strangulation from the plastic 6-pack beverage ring. How much more money would you spend to help protect the environment/ wildlife? The hay baler packs loose grass and legume crops into tight bundles for feeding Read more
I still remember what a meteorologists stated about 30 years ago concerning droughts. Is it still true? A simple definition of the word rustic is something made very plain and simple/primitive. Is that accurate? Read on if you want an explanation. Hocking Hills, Ohio is approximately a 6-hour drive from Read more
Bully pulpit: A term coined by President Roosevelt which meant a terrific platform to advocate an agenda, as paraphrased from Wikipedia. Speaking of presidents and elections, it is almost impossible to have an election without there being claims of election interference. Since this is an election year, I thought the Read more
Have you ever cried over spilled milk? When I wrote last week’s article, I received replies about gas cans and milk cans. Following is the knowledge I have gleaned about the evolution of fluid milk on farms like my dad’s and grandpa’s in Will County. When I was born in Read more
Have you ever read the warning written on the top of a stepladder? If you like to see innovative uses of old items, I may have an article for you. When I was a kid growing up on our farm in Joliet, there was an old cement block building called Read more
First, were you a fan of the Terminator movies starring Arnold Schwarzenegger. If writing an article about farming with a reference to the famous body builder, turned actor, turned politician was on my bucket list, I can now check that one off. I have considered venting in this bi-weekly column Read more
Do you know what nutritionist state is one of the healthiest condiments to eat? Can you guess what condiment I have shunned most of my entire life, until I met my wife Cora 4 years ago? Do you know what Elote is? Can a stubborn 60-year-old man of German lineage Read more
How many memories do you have of your childhood? I have a couple for this article. When I grew up on our farm outside of Joliet, just west of Rockdale, was about 15 years after livestock had left the farm. The old pastures, no longer occupied by grazing cattle had Read more
And just like that, summer is here and almost everyone’s yard/grass is becoming parched and possibly brown, unless they have been watering it. Now for a recap on the spring of 2024 so far. The rural landscape changes quickly this time of year. The planting process is crucial for success Read more