Did you know that farmers continue to harvest crops across the nation despite their being some kind of political situation called a “government shutdown”. Did you know that I have entered a stage in my life that I am calling semi-retirement; it is like a partial shutdown. That means I Read more
About 15 years ago the owner of this paper, Michael Cleary, wrote about his love for the fall season. I had not begun writing this weekly column at that time, but I felt compelled to write a rebuttal and he published it in the paper. That was perhaps the beginning Read more
I fulfilled a bucket list item; I visited a Caribbean island for the first time in my life and found out what most of the world already knew, do not go to the Caribbean in the summer unless you like it sultry. It is hot, very hot; each day it Read more
Water, water, everywhere and not a drop to drink. I had to use an internet search to refresh myself what famous piece of literature that quote is from. Water is the most essential element to life and for most farmers essential for their livelihood. Let’s review the growing season of Read more
It was the 122nd Will County Fair, and it was the first time all 5 Kiefner children had been to the fair together in close to 50 years. It all started when my dad’s dad, Conrad, immigrated from Germany and entered Ellis Island on Sept 11, 1906. Lets not tell Read more
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