What an interesting year it has been for farming. Weather experts have reported an increase in the number of heavy rains and intense weather episodes contributed to climate change. I have read and heard numerous news reports about record heat and threats of intense drought affecting the planet and the Read more
What is a tourist trap? Does it have a different meaning than a touristy area? How well do you value a dollar? Does misery love company? First, two weeks ago I wrote briefly about my 2-day trip to the Wisconsin Dells. I made a reference to visiting some tourist traps. Read more
I dedicate this article to my friend George. Do you know what a zerk is? I bet George does. I do, but until several days I ago I never knew why it was called a zerk. Sunday the 9th of August, I headed to the Wisconsin Dells for the first Read more
Let me repeat the topic I started to write about 3 weeks ago. Are you a friend of agriculture? I recently participated in the Illinois Farm Bureau Activator program. We were tasked with reviewing local politicians’ voting records to decide if they should receive endorsements and possible campaign contributions in Read more
Are you a friend of agriculture? I recently participated in the Farm Bureau Activator program. We were… stop. I need to change gears to a topic that is more relevant time wise. Is it hot enough for you? Meteorologists claim that the 3rd week of July is usually the hottest Read more
After the weather prevented hay cutting for 25 days on my farm, I prepared for a 4-day long weekend trip to Galena, Illinois and Dubuque, Iowa. It was suggested that since the rain had finally abated 2 days before I left, I should cancel and make hay instead. I replied, Read more
Tonight I intend to write about a prickly subject. It is not about too much rain or data centers or solar facilities. I would also like to ask a serious question about your health; when was the last time you had a stress test? The Canadian thistle has been a Read more
When I took algebra in the 8th grade, I was thoroughly convinced there was no way it would ever be useful for the rest of my life. Did you feel the same? For most of my life safety experts have claimed that agriculture is a very dangerous job. Let’s see Read more
Once again the nation has paused to honor those who have secured and guaranteed the freedoms we use and unfortunately sometime abuse. I have repurposed an article I originally wrote in 2013 about 3 local farmers as we celebrate Memorial Day on the year of our 250th year of Independence. Read more
In 2005 I traveled to New Zealand as a participant in the Illinois Farm Bureau’s market study Program. New Zealand agriculture had previously become heavily subsidized. In the 1980’s they transitioned away from government support. Earlier today I found a small notebook with my notes from the trip. Here are Read more