“There is an ever-increasing number of people, but the amount of land does not increase, therefore the amount of land per capita decreases, and one farm should offer both ownership and visitorship. Everyone needs — in fact, must have — occasional reacquaintance with the land.” — Rachel Peden, “The Land, The People” In 1966, when [...]
It goes without saying that some things have been such a simple little part of our life that each is not even recognized as the gifts that they are.
“In the good earth lies your richest blessing; ’tis the fortune of your life — you’ll want for naught; you’ll know no sighs nor sorrow; you’ll neither beg nor borrow; today provides for tomorrow; joy and honor is your portion and your lot.” – translation of Yiddish song at the turn of the century encouraging [...]
Home Economics was a required course for girls in our school in grades 7 and 8, while the boys were sent down the hall to Industrial Arts. The tomboy in me had absolutely no patience for such things as sitting behind a sewing machine, learning the intricate creation of something I would never, ever wear [...]
By JUDITH SUTHERLAND Farm and Dairy columnist In 1950, my dad graduated from high school and welcomed a young man who had just moved to this area. Both were setting sights toward crop farming and dairy farming. In the ensuing years, both would start young families while building successful, sustainable Holstein herds. Light-hearted While my [...]
A city friend recently commented she cannot imagine not having neighbors close by. What I have come to know is that closeness can carry very different meanings. Last weekend, a farm auction consumed the entire beautiful Saturday for my hubby and his brother. After purchasing a couple of traps at the sale for a good [...]
As the combine moves across the fields, closing in on the soybean harvest, our English Shepherd posts himself in the best place to observe, waiting patiently, watching the dust fly. When the combine stops, Billy moves closer to investigate, to see if his services are required. He retreats after the hopper is unloaded, but stays [...]
While we wait, the farm bill was left lying on the floor of a bickering Congress, like a bunch of defiant kids who refuse to pick up their toys, then get to go out for recess anyway. And in the face of it all, we are expected to believe that the title of the legislation [...]
The sun was low in the sky, evening coming on, when the buggy arrived. I stepped outside to see who was coming to visit, and it was a happy moment when I realized it was Anna, coming to say hello. As her father visited with my husband, I was so happy to get to talk [...]
Plugging along in this ultra-technologically advanced world of ours sometimes just makes a fellow long for a newly-sharpened yellow pencil with a fresh eraser. The very first pencil I ever called my own was a big, green fat one, standard issue to all first graders. I have no idea why I remember it so well, [...]
