Doug Lathem and Chad Schoonover weren’t trying to prove any kind of point when they made the decision to convert their farming and beef cattle operation near Dalhart, in the Texas Panhandle, to organic production. But when they sat down and took a good, long look at their resources, operating costs and market, it became clear: If they wanted to give the next generation a shot at coming back and making a living on the place, the conventional route wasn’t going to cut it.

Most calves are born as nature intended, but some are determined to enter the world facing the wrong direction. For these occasional events, it’s critical to understand the anatomical and timing challenges presented.

It is that time of year again where open enrollment for health insurance and Medicare are all around us. It can be complex and confusing. The best advice is to find a knowledgeable agent to help.

The old tree was a reminder of hope and healing and redemption; a promise that the mistakes and the wounds from last spring or last year or even 10 or 20 years ago can heal – maybe not forgotten completely, but repaired and tucked away where they belong; a lesson, but not a life sentence.

The driveway became our culinary kitchen, far from anything flammable. What could possibly go wrong?

The next generation of agricultural producers, professionals and leaders will need a diverse set of skills to manage their businesses, farms and organizations.

Manure is the linchpin of biocircularity in dairy production systems, with the nutrients in cow manure recycled to the land to produce crops that are utilized as animal feed. 

As farmers prepare for 2026, they should be aware that the cost of health insurance is rising, and for dairy farmers, finding affordable and comprehensive coverage will be challenging.