Heavy hay inventories are colliding with deepening drought, wildfire losses and stalled late-spring pastures across major beef regions. As more cattle move into drylot management, stored forage is becoming a critical lifeline.

Tractors drive daily farm work, yet they’re linked to 218 U.S. deaths each year, nearly half from overturns.

Landon and Anne Plagge show how soil-first farming, community leadership and a willingness to innovate can expand conservation efforts far beyond their own acres.