Farm and Dairy Weekly Rundown: Episode 42 (1-29-26)
Reporters Liz Partsch and Paul Rowley give a rundown of the top stories in Farm and Dairy newspaper for the week of Jan. 29, 2026.
Should I buy, lease or rent farm equipment?
Don’t let a big purchase drain your cash reserves. Learn when it’s better to lease for flexibility or buy for equity to keep your farm viable this year.
The Hunter’s Honor System: Why some states are banning trail cameras
Are trail cameras and live feeds giving hunters an unfair edge? Retired Ohio Game Warden and Outdoors Columnist Jim Abrams explores the "Fair Chase" doctrine and why self-restraint is the heart of hunting.
H5N1 bird flu outbreak enters fourth year in U.S.
The H5N1 bird flu outbreak is entering its fourth year. This week, writer Patrick Cooley looks at the latest defense strategies—from the $2 million push for edible vaccines at West Virginia University to the strict biosecurity protocols necessary to protect your bottom line. He also breaks down why traditional vaccines remain a hurdle for international trade and what producers should do now to prepare for the spring migration.
Where Ohio’s front-runners for governor stand on ag, energy and the environment
As the 2026 Ohio gubernatorial race begins to take shape, the front-runner candidates are outlining their priorities for the state’s future. From agricultural endorsements to public health initiatives and energy reform, we take an objective look at the platforms of Vivek Ramaswamy, Dr. Amy Acton and Casey Putsch. Get the full breakdown of their positions on land use, water quality and Ohio's farm economy from writer Jake Zajkowski.
‘A really scary place to be:’ Ohio farmers react to E15 setback
Ohio corn growers are reeling after a provision for nationwide, year-round E15 sales was stripped from the latest federal funding bill. Despite months of bipartisan negotiations, the sudden move has left farmers feeling sidelined as the budget bills faces a looming Jan. 30 deadline.
2026 Ag Outlook: What’s moving the needle for Ohio farmers?
As we look ahead to the 2026 season, Ohio’s agricultural community is closely watching a shifting "scoreboard" of economic indicators. From the USDA’s latest crop production estimates to the long-term drought conditions persisting in the Maumee River Basin, the start of the year has already brought significant surprises.
ODNR: 715 bald eagles reported in Ohio during January count
The Ohio Department of Natural Resources Division of Wildlife requested the public’s help in a midwinter survey to count the national bird. Over 15 days, the agency received observations of 592 adult and 123 immature eagles.
The stark contrast between a morning snowfall and the tragedy in Minneapolis
Longtime Farm and Dairy Columnist Judith Sutherland has spent years finding beauty in the everyday, but today her view is stark. Following the tragic shooting of Alex Pretti by ICE agents in Minneapolis, Judith weighs in on the tactics she describes as embarrassing and cruel.
No such thing as bad weather: A farmer’s guide to dressing for the cold
Is your winter gear working as hard as you are? Rachel Wagoner, Farm and Dairy editor and livestock farmer, shares her essential principles for surviving a cold snap. Whether you're tending sheep or just shoveling the drive, learn why mobility is just as important as insulation and get Rachel’s "real-world" take on the three-layer method.
