Guebert: There’s nothing we won’t do for cheap food
The 2026 House Farm Bill shifts billions from food assistance to subsidies. Alan Guebert examines the disconnect between D.C. policy and agricultural reality, from the DOJ’s probe into Big Four meatpackers to the surge of Brazilian beef imports despite corruption concerns.
Bag Lady
Kymberly Foster Seabolt pretends to be a "small purse girlie," but a trip to the ER exposed her secret. From clementines and gimbals to thrifted frames and literal rocks, see how a hospital security search turned her "hands-free" day into a high-stakes game of purse bingo.
Wet dogs and dry flies
As the "sands fall through the funnel of time," Jim Abrams shares poignant reflections on the dogs, gear, and mentors that shaped his life outdoors. Discover why a 50-year-old fly rod and the memory of a wet dog in the truck are worth more than any modern upgrade.
Hedging your bets: The vital role of native windbreaks and buffers
From the flooded Midwest to the battlefields of Normandy, hedgerows play a vital role. Portage SWCD's Lynn Vogel explains how these "edgy" conservation practices reduce runoff and support pollinators. Learn why choosing native species is key to protecting Ohio’s soil, water and wildlife habitat.
How to select cows for better feed efficiency and lower costs
Feed accounts for 65% of cow maintenance costs. OSU Extension expert John Yost explores how mature cow size impacts stocking rates and profit. Learn how to use genetic tools and on-farm evaluations to select for feed efficiency and reduce production expenses.
Drowning worms, coaxing cats and catching memories
Relive the magic of summer nights with outdoors columnist Jim Abrams and discover Ohio’s top spots for channel, blue, and flathead catfish. He shares expert tips for night fishing success and record cats.
How to protect spring calves from disease in muddy conditions
Spring calving in mud increases the risk of scours, navel ill and coccidiosis. Ohio State University Extension's Dan Lima talk about why colostrum is king and how to protect your calves from environmental pathogens.
Building character — one awful farm chore at a time
From scrubbing pipelines to bucket-breaking rodeo calves, farm chores were never just work. They were character building, at least that's what columnist Judith Sutherland's dad said.
The secret to tree survival:Why tree tubes are worth the cost
How do you keep deer from destroying your trees? From repellents to motion sensors, options vary—but tree tubes offer the highest survival rates. While initial prices range from $3 to $6, they pay for themselves by boosting survival rates from 50% to nearly 100%. Protect your investment from deer, drought and maintenance stress with expert tips from Ohio’s 2024 Tree Farm of the Year.
Checking a major ‘bucket’ off the list
Can playing with Barbie dolls lead to a career? Kymberly Foster Seabolt explores how childhood "puttering" paved the way for her latest obsession: operating the big tractor. Learn why moving a yard of mulch with a bucket is the ultimate adult milestone and how she finally crossed it off her "bucket list."
