agproud.com is the digital home of Progressive Dairy, Progressive Cattle, Progressive Forage and Ag Proud Idaho magazines. We offer content for dairy farmers, cattle ranchers and hay and forage growers in the U.S. and Canada. Subscribe to podcasts, newsletters or magazines offered on dairy, beef, and forage at agproud.com https://www.agproud.com/rss/articles My wife sometimes asks why I keep ordering wings where we live, even if I know they won’t be good. In the end, I believe it’s a way to explain to myself where I come from and how that place has shaped me. My wife sometimes asks why I keep ordering wings where we live, even if I know they won’t be good. In the end, I believe it’s a way to explain to myself where I come from and how that place has shaped me.

]]> Fri, 12 Jun 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/63368-the-milk-house-confessions-of-an-addict http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/63368 Part of being on a farm in the last three or four decades, I would argue, is the feeling of being misunderstood – or worse, forgotten. The harder it became to make a living in the industry, the more it felt like no one cared. The sense of tribalism, at least my participation in it, was to reassure myself that there were others like me and my family and that we still mattered. Part of being on a farm in the last three or four decades, I would argue, is the feeling of being misunderstood – or worse, forgotten. The harder it became to make a living in the industry, the more it felt like no one cared. The sense of tribalism, at least my participation in it, was to reassure myself that there were others like me and my family and that we still mattered. 

]]> Mon, 25 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/63340-the-milk-house-lessons-from-the-streets http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/63340 Growing up, our garden was less a place of vegetables than a weedier portion of our lawn. Whatever enthusiasm my parents found on a warm spring day to scatter seeds had usually evaporated by the time fieldwork took off. Growing up, our garden was less a place of vegetables than a weedier portion of our lawn. Whatever enthusiasm my parents found on a warm spring day to scatter seeds had usually evaporated by the time fieldwork took off.

]]> Thu, 07 May 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/63242-the-milk-house-on-destructive-behavior-toward-houseplants http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/63242 Even if they weren’t going to be farmers, the Gibson Brothers worked the same as any other farm kids, sent from one task to another whenever they weren’t in school. They brought that work ethic with them to the music industry, which they joked was much like farming with its uncertainties and stresses. Even if they weren’t going to be farmers, the Gibson Brothers worked the same as any other farm kids, sent from one task to another whenever they weren’t in school. They brought that work ethic with them to the music industry, which they joked was much like farming with its uncertainties and stresses.

]]> Sun, 19 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/63001-the-milk-house-the-gibson-brothers-and-their-farm-of-yesterday http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/63001 When it comes to agricultural policy, there are many reasons to support the viability of family farms. One of them is to recognize the ability of farms to help sustain the communities around them. Family agriculture keeps money and people in the area, improving the local economy and ultimately empowering its rural residents. When it comes to agricultural policy, there are many reasons to support the viability of family farms. One of them is to recognize the ability of farms to help sustain the communities around them. Family agriculture keeps money and people in the area, improving the local economy and ultimately empowering its rural residents.

]]> Wed, 01 Apr 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/62951-the-milk-house-food-as-the-frontlines http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/62951 I’ve always admired barn cats for their savvy. At any one time, we’d have between 10 and 20 cats making a home of sorts in our old tiestall barn. We’d pour milk from a treated cow into a dish once a day, but otherwise, it was up to them to navigate the world. They had to keep themselves from cattle hooves, tractor tires and the attention of coyotes. I’ve always admired barn cats for their savvy. At any one time, we’d have between 10 and 20 cats making a home of sorts in our old tiestall barn. We’d pour milk from a treated cow into a dish once a day, but otherwise, it was up to them to navigate the world. They had to keep themselves from cattle hooves, tractor tires and the attention of coyotes.

]]> Thu, 12 Mar 2026 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/62885-the-milk-house-a-good-public-catitude http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/62885 So far, most of the reaction to AI-generation in artistic pursuits has been one of repulsion, and that’s not surprising. My age group and upward grew up before cell phones, so it goes to reason that, for most of us, AI performers are a bridge too far. However, I suspect that what matters most will be what younger generations think. So far, most of the reaction to AI-generation in artistic pursuits has been one of repulsion, and that’s not surprising. My age group and upward grew up before cell phones, so it goes to reason that, for most of us, AI performers are a bridge too far. However, I suspect that what matters most will be what younger generations think.

]]> Wed, 25 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/62804-the-milk-house-the-fight-for-the-real-twang http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/62804 Something terrible happened in the American dairy industry. No matter how certain industry figures try to redress the last two-and-a-half decades, some people paid a high price to try to sustain the life they knew. The fact that it didn’t have to happen – specifically, that family dairy farming could have remained viable under different policies – only makes it more heinous. In the very least, these people deserve to have their story written down and talked about. I hope Barn Gothic starts to do that for them. Something terrible happened in the American dairy industry. No matter how certain industry figures try to redress the last two-and-a-half decades, some people paid a high price to try to sustain the life they knew. The fact that it didn’t have to happen – specifically, that family dairy farming could have remained viable under different policies – only makes it more heinous. In the very least, these people deserve to have their story written down and talked about. I hope Barn Gothic starts to do that for them.

]]> Sat, 07 Feb 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/62665-the-milk-house-the-last-gathering-of-old-farmers http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/62665 Average people and small companies found a way to help in a time of shared crisis. People looked to the simple things around them to make a difference, choosing to take a long shot at helping someone they didn’t know, even if it cost them an advertising opportunity on their packaging. Average people and small companies found a way to help in a time of shared crisis. People looked to the simple things around them to make a difference, choosing to take a long shot at helping someone they didn’t know, even if it cost them an advertising opportunity on their packaging. 

]]> Mon, 19 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/62572-the-milk-house-the-milk-carton-kids http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/62572 The cow retirement centers in Nepal are an example in which both people and wildlife can mutually benefit, and in which conservation can be an economic boon. Personally, I’m glad to see nature’s dead wagon back in action again, and even making the farmer a little pocket cash. The cow retirement centers in Nepal are an example in which both people and wildlife can mutually benefit, and in which conservation can be an economic boon. Personally, I’m glad to see nature’s dead wagon back in action again, and even making the farmer a little pocket cash.

]]> Thu, 01 Jan 2026 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/62447-the-milk-house-natures-dead-wagon http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/62447 Christmas is a fine opportunity to reconnect with family, friends and neighbors, and to even reach out to those who are less fortunate. It’s a season that can really bring out the best in all of us. However, to do so, maybe we need a way to let off a little steam. Maybe we need to also give a slight nod to the worst parts of human nature as well. Christmas is a fine opportunity to reconnect with family, friends and neighbors, and to even reach out to those who are less fortunate. It’s a season that can really bring out the best in all of us. However, to do so, maybe we need a way to let off a little steam. Maybe we need to also give a slight nod to the worst parts of human nature as well.

]]> Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/62359-the-milk-house-dark-christmas http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/62359 The ultimate gift of the farm journal is to remind us that we’re all in this thing called farming together. Thanks to the work of Progressive Dairy and the magazines that have come before it, thousands of farmers have a better understanding of what they do, one writer got his start, and some families out there never had a bare kitchen table. The ultimate gift of the farm journal is to remind us that we’re all in this thing called farming together. Thanks to the work of Progressive Dairy and the magazines that have come before it, thousands of farmers have a better understanding of what they do, one writer got his start, and some families out there never had a bare kitchen table.

]]> Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/62311-the-milk-house-ode-to-the-farm-journals http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/62311 Barn Gothic explores how my dad, my grandfather and I tried to be fathers and sons to each other while our livelihood fell apart, including the times that we failed. It chronicles the specific dramas of our farm, from dealing with accidents to the sinister actions of banks and other institutions trying to take the farm. It recounts the extraordinary lengths my father went through to keep farming, as well as how we tried to figure out who we were and what redemption there might be in what we were doing. Barn Gothic explores how my dad, my grandfather and I tried to be fathers and sons to each other while our livelihood fell apart, including the times that we failed. It chronicles the specific dramas of our farm, from dealing with accidents to the sinister actions of banks and other institutions trying to take the farm. It recounts the extraordinary lengths my father went through to keep farming, as well as how we tried to figure out who we were and what redemption there might be in what we were doing.

]]> Fri, 07 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/62254-the-milk-house-writing-barn-gothic http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/62254 It was clear that the Celts took the presence of the supernatural seriously, as it dictated some of their agricultural practices. All livestock were brought in from the pasture before the night of Oct. 31 in order to protect them from nefarious beings. Sometimes crops or cattle were burned in bonfires as a sacrifice to appease the spirits. If a cow dried off unexpectedly, it was usually attributed to some form of paranormal doings. It was clear that the Celts took the presence of the supernatural seriously, as it dictated some of their agricultural practices. All livestock were brought in from the pasture before the night of Oct. 31 in order to protect them from nefarious beings. Sometimes crops or cattle were burned in bonfires as a sacrifice to appease the spirits. If a cow dried off unexpectedly, it was usually attributed to some form of paranormal doings. 

]]> Sun, 19 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/62121-the-milk-house-the-natural-thing-about-the-supernatural http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/62121 Kim Bean, the founder and president of Wolf and Wildlife Advocates, has experimented with hazing techniques, such as blasting Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” loudly from drone speakers, as well as a recording of her yelling “Bad dog! You’re just a bad dog, go away!” Kim Bean, the founder and president of Wolf and Wildlife Advocates, has experimented with hazing techniques, such as blasting Ozzy Osbourne’s “Crazy Train” loudly from drone speakers, as well as a recording of her yelling “Bad dog! You’re just a bad dog, go away!”

]]> Wed, 01 Oct 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/62028-the-milk-house-hazing-for-grazing http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/62028 Agrihood is part of an increasing recognition that the way food is produced is important, and while many residents may still not be getting their hands dirty, they are at least encouraging local, small-scale production. The model allows some farming ventures to make a reasonable income while bridging the urban-rural divide. In total, agrihoods are a growing option for those who want to be closer to civic agriculture. Agrihood is part of an increasing recognition that the way food is produced is important, and while many residents may still not be getting their hands dirty, they are at least encouraging local, small-scale production. The model allows some farming ventures to make a reasonable income while bridging the urban-rural divide. In total, agrihoods are a growing option for those who want to be closer to civic agriculture.

]]> Fri, 12 Sep 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/61926-the-milk-house-living-in-the-hood http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/61926 Monaghan became one of the first escargot (edible land snail) farmers in Ireland, a group that presently includes about 30 people. He now raises three million snails a year and has recently opened the first snail processing plant in Ireland. Monaghan became one of the first escargot (edible land snail) farmers in Ireland, a group that presently includes about 30 people. He now raises three million snails a year and has recently opened the first snail processing plant in Ireland.

]]> Mon, 25 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/61847-the-milk-house-a-heli-curious-thing-to-farm http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/61847 In my head, I practiced the lines that worked out so well for Liam Neeson. When his daughter was abducted by Albanian human traffickers in Taken, he was smooth in getting her out of trouble. I just hoped I didn’t have to explain that my very particular skills, whatever I have of them, were related to farming. In my head, I practiced the lines that worked out so well for Liam Neeson. When his daughter was abducted by Albanian human traffickers in Taken, he was smooth in getting her out of trouble. I just hoped I didn’t have to explain that my very particular skills, whatever I have of them, were related to farming.

]]> Thu, 07 Aug 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/61798-the-milk-house-taken-to-a-bus-stop http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/61798 As each generation of the public understands farming a little less, there is more space to be taken up by the imagination regarding what happens in a barn. Perhaps, then, it is not surprising when such sites become hosts to urban legends, tall tales, ghost stories and the locations of paranormal activity. As each generation of the public understands farming a little less, there is more space to be taken up by the imagination regarding what happens in a barn. Perhaps, then, it is not surprising when such sites become hosts to urban legends, tall tales, ghost stories and the locations of paranormal activity.

]]> Sat, 19 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/61634-the-milk-house-a-ghost-story http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/61634 At the moment, most commercial sales of wool pellets are to organic gardeners and hobbyists. However, those in the young industry are hoping the product will see more widespread application in agriculture, especially as word continues to get out about its advantages and more research continues to support its efficacy. At the moment, most commercial sales of wool pellets are to organic gardeners and hobbyists. However, those in the young industry are hoping the product will see more widespread application in agriculture, especially as word continues to get out about its advantages and more research continues to support its efficacy.

]]> Tue, 01 Jul 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/61548-the-milk-house-shear-innovation http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/61548 Despite the numerous sources of anxiety that can affect those in agriculture, farmers tend to be reluctant to ask for help. While there is still sometimes an unfortunate stigma around addressing mental health issues, farmers are also conditioned to be independent. Despite the numerous sources of anxiety that can affect those in agriculture, farmers tend to be reluctant to ask for help. While there is still sometimes an unfortunate stigma around addressing mental health issues, farmers are also conditioned to be independent.

]]> Thu, 12 Jun 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/61454-the-milk-house-what-a-farmer-feels http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/61454 As in many places, the size of ranches in Australia – or stations, as they’re called Down Under – have increased. One change that has allowed stations to grow that big is the use of the helicopter to herd, or “muster,” the cattle. When cattle need to be brought back to the station, a team of trained helicopter musterers are deployed in the air. As in many places, the size of ranches in Australia – or stations, as they’re called Down Under – have increased. One change that has allowed stations to grow that big is the use of the helicopter to herd, or “muster,” the cattle. When cattle need to be brought back to the station, a team of trained helicopter musterers are deployed in the air.

]]> Sun, 25 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/61359-the-milk-house-cowboys-of-the-sky http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/61359 Determining what is allowed into the food chain is an important judgment that can affect the health of millions. Regardless of the approach, it’s imperative that the decisions are made based on unbiased data as much as possible and not the interests of corporations. Determining what is allowed into the food chain is an important judgment that can affect the health of millions. Regardless of the approach, it’s imperative that the decisions are made based on unbiased data as much as possible and not the interests of corporations.

]]> Wed, 07 May 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/61276-the-milk-house-food-reg-face-off http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/61276 Chillingham cattle have captivated the interests of scientists for several reasons. Being the only untamed breed of bovines, researchers can study them to learn about cattle’s natural behavior before being influenced by humans. Chillingham cattle have captivated the interests of scientists for several reasons. Being the only untamed breed of bovines, researchers can study them to learn about cattle’s natural behavior before being influenced by humans. 

]]> Sat, 19 Apr 2025 00:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/61175-the-milk-house-a-walk-on-the-wild-side http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/61175 With each year that passes, it feels less and less likely that full and accurate accountability will ever be reached for the students of the Ayotzinapa Rural Normal School. However, by refusing to allow the world to forget what happen in September 2014, the families of the victims proved that not all heinous acts by those in power can be brushed aside easily. With each year that passes, it feels less and less likely that full and accurate accountability will ever be reached for the students of the Ayotzinapa Rural Normal School. However, by refusing to allow the world to forget what happen in September 2014, the families of the victims proved that not all heinous acts by those in power can be brushed aside easily. 

]]> Mon, 31 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/61089-the-milk-house-the-43 http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/61089 Corn was not only created in Mexico, but it was the basis for human development there. Farmers in the central regions of the present-day borders began selectively breeding teosinte, a wild grass that looks very different than modern-day corn. Throughout the years, they were able to artificially select plants that had increasing nutritional value. Corn was not only created in Mexico, but it was the basis for human development there. Farmers in the central regions of the present-day borders began selectively breeding teosinte, a wild grass that looks very different than modern-day corn. Throughout the years, they were able to artificially select plants that had increasing nutritional value.

]]> Tue, 11 Mar 2025 23:00:00 -0400 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/60978-the-milk-house-corn-and-country http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/60978 I have no doubt that farming will look very different in 20 years than it does now. Whether the blockchain will be a part of agriculture’s future or not is something I can’t say. Whatever technology is implemented in the future, my only hope is that it benefits the farmer the most, instead of companies and middlemen making money off the farmer. I have no doubt that farming will look very different in 20 years than it does now. Whether the blockchain will be a part of agriculture’s future or not is something I can’t say. Whatever technology is implemented in the future, my only hope is that it benefits the farmer the most, instead of companies and middlemen making money off the farmer.

]]> Tue, 25 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/60928-the-milk-house-the-new-cows-on-the-blockchain http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/60928 This morning, as I write, Politico has pointed out that anti-immigrant sentiment has been on the rise the last decade in both the U.S. and Europe, something that surprises few citizens of either continent. The Dublin riots was a resounding indicator that Ireland hasn’t escaped this trend. This morning, as I write, Politico has pointed out that anti-immigrant sentiment has been on the rise the last decade in both the U.S. and Europe, something that surprises few citizens of either continent. The Dublin riots was a resounding indicator that Ireland hasn’t escaped this trend.

]]> Fri, 07 Feb 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/60927-the-milk-house-father-teds-bad-day http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/60927 As the National Farmers Union (NFU) often highlights, consolidation among agribusiness in American agriculture has had a disastrous effect on family farms. They point out how 85% of corn seed is controlled by only four firms, 85% of beef packing is likewise owned by four companies and 95% of large farm tractors are made by three multinationals. It’s worth pointing out that American farmers have come up against corporate interests before – and won. As the National Farmers Union (NFU) often highlights, consolidation among agribusiness in American agriculture has had a disastrous effect on family farms. They point out how 85% of corn seed is controlled by only four firms, 85% of beef packing is likewise owned by four companies and 95% of large farm tractors are made by three multinationals. It’s worth pointing out that American farmers have come up against corporate interests before – and won.

]]> Sun, 19 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/60728-the-milk-house-the-legacy-of-cooperation http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/60728 In October 2024, an establishment in London suffered the devastating theft of £300,000 (about $380,000) of inventory. It’s a loss that’s going to be tough to come back from. However, it wasn’t precious jewels or priceless artwork. It was cheese. In October 2024, an establishment in London suffered the devastating theft of £300,000 (about $380,000) of inventory. It’s a loss that’s going to be tough to come back from. However, it wasn’t precious jewels or priceless artwork. It was cheese.

]]> Wed, 01 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/60649-the-milk-house-its-cheddar-not-to-steal http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/60649