Farm policy illusions: Inside milk jargon, DOGE and Big Ag
From confusing Federal Milk Marketing Order jargon to the deadly dismantling of USAID food programs by DOGE, Alan Guebert cuts through the noise. Explore why Big Ag continues to push outdated ethanol solutions while independent farmers are left scraping by.
Stinkhorn: The phallus of the forest
The elegant stinkhorn turns heads with its suggestive appearance and unforgettable smell. Tami Gingrich takes readers into the woods to discover why this peculiar fungus looks the way it does and how its stench helps ensure the next generation.
From sonar to apps: Fishing tech at the fingertips
Technology has revolutionized fishing. From advanced sonar fish finders to Ohio's interactive digital tools like the DataOhio Portal and HuntFish OH app, anglers can now use data-driven insights to map out their next successful trip and locate the state's best fishing spots.
Part four: The water game is different for Western farmers
Moving from Jeromesville, Ohio, to Utah changed Jordan Martin’s view on agriculture. From relying on mountain snowfall to managing strict water shares amidst urban sprawl and neighborhood scrutiny, this Ohio-born rancher opens up about the realities of western desert farming.
Babysitting the robot: Why my new vacuum isn’t ready for a coup
Columnist Kymberly Foster Seabolt shares her hilarious struggles with a new robot vacuum. From an immediate counter-diving incident to constantly getting stuck under the living room sofa, this "smart" tech requires far too much adult babysitting.
Summer manure application: How to protect your nutrients and neighbor relations
Summer manure application after wheat harvest is a great way to recycle nutrients, but it requires a plan. Ashland SWCD's Jane Houin talks about how pairing manure with cover crops protects water quality, stretches your fertilizer dollar and how proactive communication keeps neighbor relations strong.
Good luck with eating that cotton sandwich
While the Trump administration rolls out the "Great American Cotton Plan" to bail out a shrinking, synthetic-dominated cotton market, U.S. wheat farmers face historic droughts and crop abandonment with little federal support. A look at the paradox in modern American farm policy.
What does it really mean to ‘use nitrogen strategically’
Nitrogen is a major driver of grass growth, but timing is everything. Learn how to strategically apply fertilizer to maximize pasture productivity, determine the right application rates for your forage and avoid applying nitrogen when plants can't efficiently use it.
Tips for hiring better farm labor
Finding reliable farm help takes more than just looking for "someone with a pulse." Ohio State University Extension's Lee Beers shares essential tips for creating clear job descriptions, targeted recruiting, and professional management to attract and retain great employees.
The best fishing partners have a wagging tail —and a closed mouth
From learning when to keep his "beak shut" about secret honey holes to mastering the classic fish story, Jim Abrams reflects on a lifetime of angling. Discover why human partners often talk too much, and why a loyal dog makes the ultimate, trustworthy fishing companion.
