Friday, February 13, 2026

Around the Table

How did pioneers bake bread for large families? Columnist Paul Locher explores the history of the dough box—a distinctive piece of early American furniture used by settlers to knead and rise dough.

How-To's

Is your winter gear working as hard as you are? Rachel Wagoner, Farm and Dairy editor and livestock farmer, shares her essential principles for surviving a cold snap. Whether you're tending sheep or just shoveling the drive, learn why mobility is just as important as insulation and get Rachel’s "real-world" take on the three-layer method.

Speaking of birds... Learn how live-cut Christmas trees can be recycled after the holidays to create habitat for Ohio’s birds, fish, and wildlife across the state. Plus find drop-off locations across Ohio and western Pennsylvania.
Powering a Nation

Columns

From GPS to variable-rate tech, discover how manure is becoming a precision-driven nutrient powerhouse. Join Ashland SWCD for a deep dive into modern application.

Before snowplows, Ohioans relished the snow. Explore the history of pioneer sleighing with history columnist Paul Locher, from foot warmers to sleigh bells and community caravans.

Learn how extreme cold, ice, and frost heaving impact pastures. OSU’s Emma Matcham explains what to look for during green-up to identify forage winterkill.
corn field

While corn growers warn of a farm crisis without E15, rising cancer rates and pipeline costs raise questions about the true price of Iowa's ethanol push.

Beyond the butterflies: Learn why long-term marriage thrives on service, humor, and choosing your partner through life's ordinary "Tuesdays."

Ice safety is about more than just your own recreation—it’s about the safety of those who are called to help when things go wrong, according to outdoors columnist Jim Abrams. As the tragic events at Rocky Fork State Park in 2021 reminded us, poor judgment on frozen water can have fatal consequences for both victims and rescuers. Learn the technical standards for ice thickness and the essential gear that can mean the difference between a close call and a tragedy in Jim's latest column:

Recipes