My son and I worked calves the other day. Not many, just enough to get hot and sweaty.

Poliomyelitis (polio) was mostly associated with childhood in summer months. While humans produce natural antibodies to the virus, a compromised immune system or poor nutrition provided an environment that encouraged virus development through the bloodstream and central nervous system (through contaminated water and/or food).

What’s the common thread between food producers (you), grocery consumers and me (based on a poll)? Answer: Our impatience is increasing. (This isn’t particularly surprising information, but popular press acted like it was.)

Dave keeps a shoebox on his closet shelf. He uses it to put his odds and ends in, things he empties out of or puts back into his pockets whenever he changes. Every so once in a while, when I get a spring-cleaning burr under my saddle, I’ll muck out the closet – and with it, the shoebox.

I am coming to understand there are things in life I just can’t have. Yardsticks, for example. I can’t have yardsticks.

I employ an organizational method I call “creative layering.” An example of my technique can be seen on my bookshelves. Where the books are low-profile, I have them double shelved – or rather, I have two rows of books per shelf.

All in all, farm life just wouldn’t be as rich without the cousins of every generation.

I’ve been told that some couples go on dates. At least I’ve heard rumors about a weekly date night ritual. I guess making time for each other is supposed to be good for a marriage, helps you bond or something. 

One of my favourite stories to tell is about the time my grandmother made pancakes with a dead mouse.

Some people spend their summers at the beach or on a lake. With second or third crop in by now, you’re probably thinking you’ve spent some significant time in a hayfield. 

You’ve been there, trying not to make your eyerolls too terribly obvious, as the guy who always, always has to make dang sure everyone knows just how much of a cowboy he is asserts control of the situation.
     

Unless you’ve been living under a rock recently, you’ll know that in most places, for most folks, times are tough. According to the national drought monitor as of Aug. 2, 2022, 43.16% of the U.S. and 51.39% of the lower 48 states are experiencing drought.

It was a beautiful, fall day, lots of sunshine and a clear, blue sky. Earlier that day, we had done our morning chores and then went to church.

In life, it seems like there is always something. Maybe you’re in the middle of a drought year and it decides to rain only after you cut your hay. Maybe you left the gate open and now your cows are in the neighbor’s yard.

“I wasn’t sure whether Mary had got home yet,” a perplexed Leo said, then went on with, “I was down in my basement tinkering with one of my firearms and experienced the ultimate embarrassment of having an accidental discharge. I sat in silence, and when no sounds came from upstairs, I deduced that Mary wasn’t home yet."

Parma, Idaho – 1955. The first year since we’d moved there in 1952 that the spring frosts had missed our huge old apricot tree. It was so loaded Dad thought it might break down.

When Adam and Eve were driven out of the Garden of Eden for eating the forbidden fruit, the Lord told Adam that the earth would be cursed for his sake.

As a grandmother, you often look back on yesterdays and discover gems that have influenced your thinking and shaped your life. It is often the simple things that have the most impact.

Several years ago, after my aunt’s funeral, we were in the forest where she was buried. We were ambling along the dirt road, and one of the little girls flew past me, her golden hair tickling the wind. She must have been about four years old dressed up in her Sunday best. “Where are you going so fast,” I asked. She looked back over her shoulder and grinned, “I am having a race!”

I’ll be honest, if it wasn’t for telemarketers my phone would never ring. Apparently, my student loan debt is due, my Amazon account needs attention, I’m part of a class-action law suit that needs my information, and I won a cruise to the Bahamas.

Most of us remember Mr. Whipple telling us, “Don’t squeeze the Charmin.” In recent years, Mr. Whipple has been replaced by a family of blue bears telling us how soft Charmin can be and to “Enjoy the go.”

If you smell something, it’s probably too late. Just ponder on that deep thought for a moment. You have to admit that, even for a C student like myself, that phrase alone should get me nominated for farmer of the year.

Biologist Allan Savory made an international stir nine years ago with this provocative statement:
“Only livestock can save us.” 

In July, I had an event with Leslie Danks Burke, a state senate candidate for the 52nd District in New York state. Held in Ithaca, New York, we discussed agriculture, climate change and literature in front of an engaged crowd. Before we were about to take our last question from the audience, Leslie leans over and whispers into my ear.

The couple stood in front of the counter. “Are you Frankie Manning, the dancer?”
“No sir,” he said. “I’m Frankie Manning, the postman.”

The efforts of five organizations suggest that American agriculture is at a crossroads. These organizations decided to do something about it. If you agree with what any of them are doing, you may want to take a closer look and consider getting involved. 

The Lord spoke to the heavy hearts
 that stood with hats in hand.
“Your sadness pains me deeply
and I know you’ll miss this man.

Investing a little time up-front in creating a plan to ensure clean data can return dividends.

Have you ever wanted access to a wide range of agricultural information and services without visiting numerous websites?

The one phrase that has stuck in my mind from all the industry meetings I’ve attended this summer was one I heard while moderating the first-ever Data and Innovation Summit held in conjunction with the National Holstein Convention in Sioux Falls, South Dakota.

It’s a threat every dairy producer is familiar with. One so familiar it doesn’t have much meaning after the 4 millionth time it rolls off your tongue. Usually, this phrase is brought to life by a particular animal that doesn’t want to cooperate, broken-down equipment or employees whose work ethic is less than efficient.