New tariff bailouts balloon federal farm aid to record highs
Columnist Alan Guebert analyzes the rising dependency on federal subsidies as a new $11 billion request balloons 2026 farm program payments to $55.3 billion. The piece contrasts current tariff-driven taxpayer bailouts with historic net farm income data and export market trends.
Coming clean about clothes washing chores in the early Ohio Country
Before modern washing machines, early Ohio Country pioneers faced the grueling task of cleaning clothes in creeks and iron kettles. Columnist Paul Locher dives into the smelly history of 19th-century laundry chores and the evolution of the scrub sticks and patented washboards that followed.
Lake La Su An and the one that got away
Looking for giant bluegills and aggressive largemouth bass? Former wildlife officer Jim Abrams shares humorous angling tales from northwest Ohio's Lake La Su An Wildlife Area, along with the specific rules, limits, and season dates you need to know before planning your next trip.
Jeromesville honors Civil War heroes at heritage tree dedication
As part of the America 250-Ohio celebration, Jeromesville dedicated a native white oak tree to its history. In this column, the keynote speaker shares the moving stories and letters of three local Civil War brothers who left their Ashland County farm to fight for the Union.
3 strategies to overcome summer grazing challenges
Struggling with weeds, overgrazing or the midsummer pasture slump? Sandra Trushel of Ohio State University Extension outlines how to use flexible rotational grazing to break selective grazing cycles, fight weeds, and protect your grass through dry July and August weather.
New World Screwworm: A continuing problem on farms
The New World screwworm has been detected in the U.S. for the first time in over 50 years. While the pest thrives in warm climates, livestock transport makes Ohio herds vulnerable during summer. Ohio State University experts explain how to identify NWS, treat wounds, and protect your animals.
Congress is out to lunch: USDA proceeds with 23% job cuts
With lawmakers in session for only a handful of days this summer, Congress is failing to provide oversight for a sweeping USDA reorganization. Alan Guebert details how the agency plans to slash its workforce by 23% and move headquarters out of Washington, D.C., without a budget fight.
Don’t let your soil turn into chocolate milk
Recent summer rains are washing away valuable farm soil. Columbiana SWCD’s Pete Conkle breaks down how cover crops protect fields from erosion, improve soil health, and boost nutrients. Learn how to start small with an oat and radish mix and explore application methods like drone seeding.
Hose water and vinyl seats: How we survived 1970s summers
Remember when summer survival meant drinking from a garden hose, sliding down scorching metal slides, and riding in cars with sticky vinyl seats? Columnist Kymberly Foster Seabolt takes a nostalgic, humorous look at how we survived childhood heat waves in the 1970s without air conditioning.
Choosing fly fishing over golf did not save me any money
Former wildlife officer Jim Abrams looks back at his decision to skip golf and take up fly fishing instead. Inspired by Bing Crosby, a winter trip to an East Palestine sports shop started a lifelong passion that proved a "simple" rural hobby can still empty your wallet.
