The latest news from our volunteers
Articles
Ag Technology
Celebrating Earth Day 2022
The world is focused on the environment and carbon reduction as never before. CommonGround volunteers Kelly Witte, Joan Ruskamp, Wendi Emanual, Rene Blauhorn, and I were onsite at Earth Day Omaha in Elmwood Park Saturday, April 23, to meet and greet...
What the New “Bioengineered” Label Tells You about Food.
Labels: we use them to organize and identify what is in a container. Sometimes we cut them out of the neckline of a shirt because they are itchy. In math or science class, it is important to put the label with your answer to a problem. There are so many types of...
GMOs Q & A
I have spent my entire life in agriculture! Growing up on a Nebraska family farm, we raised corn, soybeans, alfalfa, cattle and hogs. Lots of things have changed through the years, but the passion to grow and raise quality agricultural products remains. Today, my...
Animal Health
High-tech Chicken Barns? You Bet!
While most of us are aware of the latest and greatest technologies available for our homes, such as Wi-Fi thermostats and video doorbells, would you believe that a lot of this same technology is available in modern livestock barns? When we decided in 2016 to...
New Year: Protein Front and Center
Happy New Year! A new year can often bring hope for changes in our health, finances and relationships. I don’t know how many times in my life I’ve made New Year’s resolutions to exercise more and eat healthier foods. When I think about eating...
Upcycling: Cows Do It!
“Upcycling.” Most often we think of this word in connection with home furnishings or clothing. On our farm we think of upcycling whenever we get our cow herd out on cornstalk fields after harvest. As soon as possible after our corn is harvested, we put up temporary...
Sustainable Ag
Celebrating Earth Day 2022
The world is focused on the environment and carbon reduction as never before. CommonGround volunteers Kelly Witte, Joan Ruskamp, Wendi Emanual, Rene Blauhorn, and I were onsite at Earth Day Omaha in Elmwood Park Saturday, April 23, to meet and greet...
Prescribed Burning: Why Farmers Do It
Prescribed burning. It may sound like an oxymoron, but a prescribed burn is a valuable tool for farmers and ranchers as they manage grass and rangeland for grazing. By definition, a prescribed burn is a planned fire; it is also sometimes called a “controlled...
Upcycling: Cows Do It!
“Upcycling.” Most often we think of this word in connection with home furnishings or clothing. On our farm we think of upcycling whenever we get our cow herd out on cornstalk fields after harvest. As soon as possible after our corn is harvested, we put up temporary...
Farming Methods
Prescribed Burning: Why Farmers Do It
Prescribed burning. It may sound like an oxymoron, but a prescribed burn is a valuable tool for farmers and ranchers as they manage grass and rangeland for grazing. By definition, a prescribed burn is a planned fire; it is also sometimes called a “controlled...
High-tech Chicken Barns? You Bet!
While most of us are aware of the latest and greatest technologies available for our homes, such as Wi-Fi thermostats and video doorbells, would you believe that a lot of this same technology is available in modern livestock barns? When we decided in 2016 to...
Marching Towards Planting Season
March is one of my favorite months. First, March reminds us spring is just around the corner. Second, I get to celebrate another birthday! With a birthday at the end of the month, I have enjoyed many celebrations with spring-like weather, but I have had...