https://www.agproud.com/rss en-us ryandennis@themilkhouse.org Un peu partout, Noël se fête différemment. Cela dit, la plupart des Noël nord-américains ont en commun les trois choses suivantes : un jambon, un oncle pompette et un échange de cadeaux. Les plus chanceux auront peut-être droit à une fête de bureau ponctuée des derniers potins. Un peu partout, Noël se fête différemment. Cela dit, la plupart des Noël nord-américains ont en commun les trois choses suivantes : un jambon, un oncle pompette et un échange de cadeaux. Les plus chanceux auront peut-être droit à une fête de bureau ponctuée des derniers potins.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/31/post/62462 Mon, 22 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/31-la-laiterie/post/62462-la-laiterie-osons-faire-comme-les-romains It’s that time of year in the Faber household where the calendar turned over to November and Mrs. Faber and the three girls decided that it’s time for Christmas. It’s that time of year in the Faber household where the calendar turned over to November and Mrs. Faber and the three girls decided that it’s time for Christmas.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/29/post/62511 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/29-progressive-dairy-faber-s-food-for-thought/post/62511-fabers-food-for-thought-christmas-trees-in-november-and-life faber.png kimmi@agproud.com Last December, a Florida dairy farm transformed into a winter wonderland full of Christmas trees, festive music, 40,000 lights and fun activities for the entire family, including photos with Santa, a snow tubing hill and artificial snow. Last December, a Florida dairy farm transformed into a winter wonderland full of Christmas trees, festive music, 40,000 lights and fun activities for the entire family, including photos with Santa, a snow tubing hill and artificial snow.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62440 Fri, 12 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62440-dakin-dairy-brings-christmas-cheer-to-local-community 62440-devaney-santa.jpg ryandennis@themilkhouse.org 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.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/62359 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 milk-house.png audrey@agproud.com Every year, a festively decorated silage bag is proudly displayed along Route 30, Lincoln Way, in St. Thomas, Pennsylvania, visible from the road and brightening the holidays for passing drivers. As a cherished tradition, members of the Meyers family work together to generate ideas and create the design. Every year, a festively decorated silage bag is proudly displayed along Route 30, Lincoln Way, in St. Thomas, Pennsylvania, visible from the road and brightening the holidays for passing drivers. As a cherished tradition, members of the Meyers family work together to generate ideas and create the design.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62382 Tue, 02 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62382-meyers-brothers-dairy-holiday-silage-bag-tradition 62382-schmitz-2024-1.jpg Taking the familiar Christmas pageant to the next level, living nativities seek to immerse visitors in the events surrounding Jesus’s birth, without ever leaving Idaho. And behind the scenes of many of these living nativities are the ranches and pet owners that contribute animals – and the sights, sounds, textures and smells that they bring – to the experience. Taking the familiar Christmas pageant to the next level, living nativities seek to immerse visitors in the events surrounding Jesus’s birth, without ever leaving Idaho. And behind the scenes of many of these living nativities are the ranches and pet owners that contribute animals – and the sights, sounds, textures and smells that they bring – to the experience.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62450 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62450-while-shepherds-watched-their-flocks-by-night 62450-mccarthy-tfln6.jpg matti@agproud.com Age changes a lot of your preferences. I willingly order Brussels sprouts as a side at restaurants, and I think 5-year-old me would pass out at the mere thought of consuming a vegetable. I won’t leave my house without Chapstick or a water bottle of sorts, and as a teenager I couldn’t be bothered to go out with anything but a wad of cash and my cellphone. Age changes a lot of your preferences. I willingly order Brussels sprouts as a side at restaurants, and I think 5-year-old me would pass out at the mere thought of consuming a vegetable. I won’t leave my house without Chapstick or a water bottle of sorts, and as a teenager I couldn’t be bothered to go out with anything but a wad of cash and my cellphone.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/62391 Mon, 01 Dec 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/62391-a-grown-up-christmas-list tyrell@agproud.com Maggie eased her tired joints into the old wingback chair. Nick had hated that chair. For years, he teased her that it was the most uncomfortable piece of furniture his rear end ever had the displeasure of coming in contact with. Maggie eased her tired joints into the old wingback chair. Nick had hated that chair. For years, he teased her that it was the most uncomfortable piece of furniture his rear end ever had the displeasure of coming in contact with.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62408 Sun, 30 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62408-sweetly-singing-oer-the-plains 62408-marchant-christmas.jpg audrey@agproud.com It isn’t the tree or the presents under it that define the holiday. It’s the people who gather around, the shared stories and the traditions passed year to year from generation to generation. And it’s that sense of family and of gratitude that truly fills the heart. It isn’t the tree or the presents under it that define the holiday. It’s the people who gather around, the shared stories and the traditions passed year to year from generation to generation. And it’s that sense of family and of gratitude that truly fills the heart.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/1/post/62348 Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/1-progressive-dairy-from-the-editor/post/62348-its-not-the-tree-its-the-people audrey@agproud.com One blizzardy night nearly two decades ago left sixth-generation dairy farmer Sara Bremer Hewitt stranded in town. Seventeen years later, that spontaneous shopping trip has grown from a small yard display into a magical half-mile drive-through Christmas experience at Bremer Farms in Hastings, Minnesota. One blizzardy night nearly two decades ago left sixth-generation dairy farmer Sara Bremer Hewitt stranded in town. Seventeen years later, that spontaneous shopping trip has grown from a small yard display into a magical half-mile drive-through Christmas experience at Bremer Farms in Hastings, Minnesota.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62331 Tue, 25 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62331-bremer-farms-lights-drive-through-holiday-experience 62331-schmitz-santa.jpg audrey@agproud.com Last Christmas, Randy and Chelsea DuVall wanted to give their daughter, Harper, a gift that reflected their shared passion showing dairy cattle, would last longer than any toy and be more personal than a store-bought present. Last Christmas, Randy and Chelsea DuVall wanted to give their daughter, Harper, a gift that reflected their shared passion showing dairy cattle, would last longer than any toy and be more personal than a store-bought present.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62399 Mon, 24 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62399-a-christmas-gift-to-last-a-lifetime 62399-schmitz-1907.jpg sfonnesbeck@uidaho.edu For a long time, there has been a stigma around mental health topics. This is nothing to be ashamed of. We are all going through tough times. However, there is always something positive to look forward to. For a long time, there has been a stigma around mental health topics. This is nothing to be ashamed of. We are all going through tough times. However, there is always something positive to look forward to.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62430 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62430-west-winter-blues-and-mental-health matti@agproud.com “As dairy producers, we need to make bringing people to the farm part of our job,” says Kevin MacLean, owner of Ripplebrook Farms. For MacLean, building consumer relationships isn’t just about an occasional conversation with consumers, it’s a conscious effort to connect them with the source of their food. “As dairy producers, we need to make bringing people to the farm part of our job,” says Kevin MacLean, owner of Ripplebrook Farms. For MacLean, building consumer relationships isn’t just about an occasional conversation with consumers, it’s a conscious effort to connect them with the source of their food.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/62365 Wed, 19 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/62365-consumers-christmas-and-cows-ripplebrook-farms-provides-opportunities-to-connect 62365-mcbride-6702.jpg Her dad shook her shoulder lightly. She slowly opened her eyes; the transition to the bright overhead light he’d flipped on was jarring. Then, she remembered with a quick rise of her pulse, it was Christmas. Had she slept in? Where were Clara and Ethan? Her dad shook her shoulder lightly. She slowly opened her eyes; the transition to the bright overhead light he’d flipped on was jarring. Then, she remembered with a quick rise of her pulse, it was Christmas. Had she slept in? Where were Clara and Ethan?

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/10/post/60854 Thu, 09 Jan 2025 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/10-outside-eden/post/60854-outside-eden-christmas-morning-for-cora louder-outside-eden.jpg “Feliz Navidad” was ringing through the Faber household as I sat down to write our Christmas article. Christmas music in the beginning of November seems a little early. Christmas celebrations should have a firm line in being celebrated post-Thanksgiving. “Feliz Navidad” was ringing through the Faber household as I sat down to write our Christmas article. Christmas music in the beginning of November seems a little early. Christmas celebrations should have a firm line in being celebrated post-Thanksgiving.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/29/post/60629 Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/29-progressive-dairy-faber-s-food-for-thought/post/60629-fabers-food-for-thought-faux-trees-and-ornaments faber.png In winter, I have often stood in the icicle air and gazed up at the starlit sky. The pinpricks of light shimmer and flicker in the velvet blackness, while their reflections, like millions of candles, dance across the frozen snow. The whole world sleeps under the warmth of an icy blanket. My soul is filled with indescribable peace as I marvel at the grandeur of it all. In winter, I have often stood in the icicle air and gazed up at the starlit sky. The pinpricks of light shimmer and flicker in the velvet blackness, while their reflections, like millions of candles, dance across the frozen snow. The whole world sleeps under the warmth of an icy blanket. My soul is filled with indescribable peace as I marvel at the grandeur of it all.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/6/post/60576 Thu, 12 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/6-progressive-dairy-just-dropping-by/post/60576-just-dropping-by-christmas-gifts tenney.png I was destined to love Christmas. With the name “Joy,” how could I not? For so much of my life, I believed that the reason I loved Christmas was some delicate balance of gifts and decor, and the wide variety of sweet treats, but as an adult, I see there’s so much more. I was destined to love Christmas. With the name “Joy,” how could I not? For so much of my life, I believed that the reason I loved Christmas was some delicate balance of gifts and decor, and the wide variety of sweet treats, but as an adult, I see there’s so much more.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/7/post/60640 Mon, 09 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/7-progressive-forage-editor-s-notes/post/60640-rejoice IMG_7757.jpg audrey@agproud.com This holiday season, Challenge Butter is proud to partner with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer to support its mission of improving treatments for pediatric cancer. This holiday season, Challenge Butter is proud to partner with Cookies for Kids’ Cancer to support its mission of improving treatments for pediatric cancer.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60646 Wed, 04 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60646-challenge-for-a-cure 60646-schmitz-1.jpg carrie.veselka@agproud.com I have thought quite a bit about Mary this Christmas season, especially the part at the end of the Christmas story we read in Luke 2: “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.” I have thought quite a bit about Mary this Christmas season, especially the part at the end of the Christmas story we read in Luke 2: “But Mary kept all these things and pondered them in her heart.”

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/14/post/60598 Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/14-progressive-cattle-from-the-editor/post/60598-pondering-the-past-hoping-for-the-future 60598-VESELKA-Peace.jpg Christmas is a special time of year, filled with sharing memories of Christmases past and spending time with friends and family. Progressive Cattle staff and a few of our regular contributors share Christmas memories that have a special place in their hearts. Christmas is a special time of year, filled with sharing memories of Christmases past and spending time with friends and family. Progressive Cattle staff and a few of our regular contributors share Christmas memories that have a special place in their hearts.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60572 Mon, 02 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60572-christmas-memories-that-last 60572-christmas-rich-machen-xmas.jpg matti@agproud.com It’s been said before, but I’ll say it again: The twinkle lights, shiny wrapping paper, elaborate gifts and noise of the holiday season don't matter. We celebrate because our Saviour came to Earth. It’s been said before, but I’ll say it again: The twinkle lights, shiny wrapping paper, elaborate gifts and noise of the holiday season don't matter. We celebrate because our Saviour came to Earth.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/18/post/60579 Sun, 01 Dec 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/18-progressive-dairy-canada-from-the-editor/post/60579-stars-hay-and-cattle As we celebrate the Christmas season, let’s not forget that light will always overcome darkness. Let’s try to illuminate that light for our fellow travelers on life’s unpredictable road. Appreciate and seek the one whose birth we honor this time of year, the one who would leave the 99 to find the one. As we celebrate the Christmas season, let’s not forget that light will always overcome darkness. Let’s try to illuminate that light for our fellow travelers on life’s unpredictable road. Appreciate and seek the one whose birth we honor this time of year, the one who would leave the 99 to find the one.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/9/post/60555 Tue, 26 Nov 2024 23:00:18 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/9-irons-in-the-fire/post/60555-irons-in-the-fire-just-one-calf 60555-marchant-1.jpg ryandennis@themilkhouse.org One of the consequences of marrying someone from a different culture and then living in a third country is that our Christmas plans vary wildly from year to year. Last year, we spent Christmas with my wife’s family in her birthplace of Taranto, in the heel of the Italian boot. One of the consequences of marrying someone from a different culture and then living in a third country is that our Christmas plans vary wildly from year to year. Last year, we spent Christmas with my wife’s family in her birthplace of Taranto, in the heel of the Italian boot.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/60536 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/60536-the-milk-house-christmas-in-southern-italy audrey@agproud.com Hansen Dairy’s "A Very Dairy Christmas" is a holiday event like no other, offering families a unique blend of festive cheer and farm life. Set in a cozy winter wonderland on Hansen’s dairy farm, this event goes beyond the typical holiday experience. Hansen Dairy’s "A Very Dairy Christmas" is a holiday event like no other, offering families a unique blend of festive cheer and farm life. Set in a cozy winter wonderland on Hansen’s dairy farm, this event goes beyond the typical holiday experience.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60533 Mon, 25 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60533-hansen-dairys-a-very-dairy-christmas-event-brings-farm-fun-to-the-holidays 60533-schmitz-2.jpg audrey@agproud.com The Christmas Calf by George Woodard captures the essence of a true holiday miracle through the perspective of a 9-year-old farm boy. On a cold Christmas Eve, this young boy's curiosity and care lead him to the barn, where a cow is expected to give birth. In the quiet, snowy night, he experiences the wonder and mystery of new life, illuminated by the magic of the season. Woodard’s storytelling transports readers to this heartwarming moment, making The Christmas Calf a memorable tale for all ages. The Christmas Calf by George Woodard captures the essence of a true holiday miracle through the perspective of a 9-year-old farm boy. On a cold Christmas Eve, this young boy's curiosity and care lead him to the barn, where a cow is expected to give birth. In the quiet, snowy night, he experiences the wonder and mystery of new life, illuminated by the magic of the season. Woodard’s storytelling transports readers to this heartwarming moment, making The Christmas Calf a memorable tale for all ages.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60559 Thu, 21 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60559-retired-vermont-dairy-farmer-writes-childrens-christmas-book 60559-schmitz-george-w.jpg matti@agproud.com Free hot chocolate and an opportunity to view dairy cattle brings people across southern Ontario to Summit Station Dairy of Lynden. Braving the unpredictable late December weather, attendees can enjoy a free tour of the 500-cow dairy during the annual Dairy Farm Open House. Free hot chocolate and an opportunity to view dairy cattle brings people across southern Ontario to Summit Station Dairy of Lynden. Braving the unpredictable late December weather, attendees can enjoy a free tour of the 500-cow dairy during the annual Dairy Farm Open House.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/60570 Wed, 20 Nov 2024 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/60570-hot-chocolate-and-holsteins-ontario-family-farm-hosts-annual-open-house 60570-mcbride-134418.jpg ryandennis@themilkhouse.org Everyone celebrates Christmas a little differently. However, most people in North America will have a ham, a drunk uncle and a time for exchanging gifts. The luckiest might get an office party with some good gossip. Everyone celebrates Christmas a little differently. However, most people in North America will have a ham, a drunk uncle and a time for exchanging gifts. The luckiest might get an office party with some good gossip.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/4/post/58557 Tue, 12 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/4-progressive-dairy-the-milk-house/post/58557-the-milk-house-do-as-the-romans-do audrey@agproud.com Nicknamed the cattle of the North, reindeer are similar to cows in a lot of ways. Like cows, reindeer have a four-chamber stomach to digest food and also chew their cud. Nicknamed the cattle of the North, reindeer are similar to cows in a lot of ways. Like cows, reindeer have a four-chamber stomach to digest food and also chew their cud.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58583 Thu, 07 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58583-from-tundra-to-pasture-mcintosh-dairy-is-home-to-riverdale-reindeer 58583-schmitz-image7.jpg My ignorance of sheep herding is surpassed only by my ignorance of Biblical hermeneutics, but even I know shepherds would not be tending their sheep in the hills of Bethlehem in the dead of winter … especially with all that great winter range just to the east. My ignorance of sheep herding is surpassed only by my ignorance of Biblical hermeneutics, but even I know shepherds would not be tending their sheep in the hills of Bethlehem in the dead of winter … especially with all that great winter range just to the east.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/blogs/22/post/58593 Fri, 01 Dec 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/blogs/22-the-outside-circle/post/58593-the-outside-circle-an-unorthodox-christmas audrey@agproud.com Choosing the right Christmas gift for farm employees is not only an opportunity to express your gratitude, but also a way to show that you understand and appreciate the challenges of their work. Choosing the right Christmas gift for farm employees is not only an opportunity to express your gratitude, but also a way to show that you understand and appreciate the challenges of their work.

]]> http://www.agproud.com/articles/58595 Mon, 27 Nov 2023 00:00:00 -0500 https://www.agproud.com/articles/58595-christmas-gift-ideas-for-your-hardworking-farm-employees 58595-schmitz-collage.jpg