U.S. dairy trends: Preparing farms for the journey to 2030
As the U.S. and Ohio dairy industries shift toward fewer but larger herds by 2030, producers must prepare for the journey ahead. Key focus areas including farm profitability, animal welfare, environmental sustainability, and technology adoption will keep farms resilient.
Cleaning up after the waters recede — who is responsible?
After heavy flooding, farmers face the task of clearing debris. Noble SWCD's Kirstin Roman talks about who is responsible for cleanup, key safety checks before turning livestock into pastures, and proper regulations for clearing stream log jams to protect your land and animals.
Hickory Horned Devils: Gentle giants of our deciduous forests
Despite its fierce name and massive size, the hickory horned devil is a harmless caterpillar that lives high in the forest canopy. Discover the fascinating life cycle of this gentle giant and its incredible transformation into the royal walnut moth, North America's heaviest moth.
Backyard conservation: Local SWCD grants can fund your home projects
Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCD) help property owners bring conservation home. Learn how local SWCD grants and cost-share programs provide the funding and technical assistance needed to build rain gardens, plant native trees, and create backyard wildlife habitats.
Caregiving crisis: A growing challenge for farm families
As the farming population ages, more agricultural families are forced to balance off-farm jobs, demanding daily chores, and caregiving for aging parents. Ohio State University Extension's LuAnn Duncan explains the impact of this chronic stress and why open communication and planning are vital for rural caregivers.
How flax became the forgotten cash crop of 19th-century Ohio
Long before modern synthetic fibers, flax was arguably the most vital crop across 19th-century Ohio. Learn about the history of this ancient plant, how settlers harvested it to make durable linen and linseed oil, and why its agricultural legacy is worth remembering today.
The world would be a better place if we followed Dolly’s example
Following the news of Dolly Parton's passing at age 80, this heartfelt tribute explores her incredible life. From fond childhood memories on the farm to her massive philanthropic efforts like the Imagination Library, discover why the world would be a better place if we all lived a little like Dolly.
Rethinking fall small grain planting dates in northeast Ohio
Delayed corn harvests in northeast Ohio have many farmers wondering if it is too late to plant fall small grains. Recent Ohio State University Extension trials tested various planting dates for rye, triticale, and barley to determine the best window for maximum spring forage yields.
Ohio wildlife history: The birth of ODNR and return of deer season
Explore Part 4 of Ohio's wildlife history. Learn how sportsmen helped establish dedicated funding, how game protectors formed the nation's first training academy, the return of deer hunting in 1943 and the creation of the Ohio Department of Natural Resources in 1949.
Childhood memories: The sensory scents of late summer
August brings a unique sensory blend of late summer and early fall. Kymberly Foster Seabolt reflects on the powerful nostalgia tied to everyday scents, from sunscreen and fresh pencils to Jergens lotion and old wood floors, proving that our childhood is often stored in the smells of the past.
