Ohio’s new oil and gas law sparks debate over expedited permitting
Ohio's newly signed Senate Bill 219 streamlines oil and gas drilling, shortening permit approval times and protecting the state's well-plugging fund. While industry advocates say it boosts competitiveness, environmentalists warn of rapid fracking on public lands with less oversight.
Obituary – William T. “Bill” McKarns
William T. “Bill” McKarns, 94, of Hanoverton, Ohio, died July 14. He was known as the "father of the qualified herdbook" for Holstein dairy cattle.
Farmers, butcher discuss meat processing bottlenecks with lawmaker
Congressman Chris Deluzio heard from local farmers and butchers in western Pennsylvania about the challenges they face with meat processing. A lack of USDA-inspected butcher shops and a shortage of qualified and willing individuals to staff these shops are hindering growth for local farms.
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau president resigns
Chris Hoffman resigns as Pennsylvania Farm Bureau president after nearly four years, following board concerns over staff turnover and an internal review.
WVDA warns Parkersburg farmers of potential feed contamination after warehouse fire
After the massive Parkersburg warehouse fire, the West Virginia Department of Agriculture is advising farmers to check livestock feed for smoke and ash contamination. Ag producers and home gardeners are urged to report impacts through a new online portal as the EPA begins on-site testing for environmental safety.
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.
Four injection wells in Washington County shut down due to brine migration
Four injection wells in Washington County, Ohio ceased operations on July 1 and 2 due to brine migration into oil and gas production wells.
The Racing Report: Push truck drivers
In Part 2 of The Racing Report, photojournalist Matthew Chasney rides along with Jeremy "Speedy" Durnwald. For 31 years, this volunteer push truck driver and his 1979 Ford Bronco have been the unsung heroes keeping Ohio sprint car racing alive—all for the love of the sport.
Farm and Dairy Weekly Rundown: Episode 65 (7-9-26)
In this week's Farm and Dairy Weekly Rundown, Editor Rachel Wagoner joins Reporter Liz Partsch discuss how a meatpacking facility is polluting a rural community's water wells. They also talk about the Senate's Farm Bill draft, a cat cafe in Johnstown that is saving animals and revitalizing the downtown and a lively discussion on the true nature of hot dogs.
Rusty Cat Cafe finds cats new homes, addresses animal control crisis in Johnstown
Johnstown, Pennsylvania's Rusty Cat Cafe is more than a cozy spot for coffee—it's helping solve a local animal control crisis. Partnering with the Johnstown Animal Welfare Society, the cafe serves as a foster hub to find loving homes for stray cats and revitalize the downtown community.
