Reflections from the Farm: A Year of Change, Challenge and Gratitude
Our family’s journey through 2024 has been filled with changes, challenges and lessons that have left a lasting mark on my heart.
Winter on the Farm
For those of us who raise livestock, there’s a lot of work to do in winter — especially when it comes to caring for our animals.
Level Setting Expectations for Purchasing Local Meat in Bulk
Buying meat in bulk from a local producer or locker can take time and effort. Many affairs must be lined up, including finding a source, finances to cover the purchase and long-term storage.
Utilizing Specific Beef Cuts in Winter Months
By: Amanda Beierman As warmer weather transitions into cooler weather, we naturally crave warmer meals, known as comfort meals. These comfort meals often look like slow-cooker meals, cooked in roaster kettles on the stovetop and most of them involve cooking low and slow. This type of cooking usually consists of different cuts of meat that […]
Weaning Calves: The Journey
By: Cathrine Frerichs Fall is a busy time between back to school, the holidays and a new routine to settle into. This time of year is even busier for the agricultural community, as many days and nights for farmers are spent harvesting. The fall is also busy for those who raise cattle, as many juggle […]
Balancing our Soil Fertility for 2025
By: Molly Aden Prepping for the next growing season has begun! My husband, Jared, and I farm and ranch outside Farnam, Nebraska. One of my jobs on our farm is creating a fertility plan for our crop acres. I enjoy learning something new every year about each field by reviewing our soil samples and yield […]
A Stockman’s Date Night: Pastures & Passion
By: Katy Wolff When I first met my future husband, three things sealed the deal on our relationship: our mutual love for eating peanut butter out of the jar, Star Wars and a passion for livestock. In fact, my grand marriage proposal was in the lambing barn on a cold January Saturday night. I know, […]
Rainfall Effects: Yield for Row Crops
By: Jordan Classen We grow both corn and soybeans on our farm in Central Nebraska. Corn typically needs about 20-25 inches of water during its growing season, and adequate rainfall is crucial during key growth stages like pollination. On the other hand, soybeans require roughly 15-20 inches of water and are more tolerant of dry […]
The Weaning Way: Weaning Lambs on the Ranch
By: Megan Landes-Murphy It’s the loudest time of year on the ranch—weaning day. Weaning separates the ewes (female sheep) from their lambs (baby sheep). While it may seem harsh, it’s essential for the well-being of both the ewes and the lambs. It’s a bittersweet time when the lambs are ready to go out independently, and […]