Yearly Archives: 2026
Cattle handling: The VITAL framework for better stockmanship
Effective cattle handling requires both physical skill and emotional awareness. Ohio State University Extension dairy specialist Jason Hartschuh details the VITAL framework—covering values, knowledge, execution, situational awareness, and learning—to help farmers build safer, low-stress livestock handling habits.
Part 4: Civil War letters home send hope that the war will soon be...
In part 4 of Civil War letters home, 18-year-old Stephen Boyd of Ashland County, Ohio, writes from Tennessee about camp conditions, the fall of Vicksburg, Morgan's Raid, and his optimistic hopes that the war will end in time to return to Jeromesville for the fall corn harvest.
Could a GPS collar replace a roll of wire? Exploring remote grazing technologies
Remote grazing technologies like virtual fencing and GPS livestock tracking offer potential labor savings and better pasture management. Learn the key benefits, costs, and connectivity challenges producers must consider before adopting precision livestock tools on their farm from Ohio State Extension's Heather Neikirk.
Virtual fencing expands opportunities for western Pa. beef farm
Pennsylvania's Kolehmainen Cattle Company is using GPS collars and virtual fencing to streamline rotational grazing across 800 acres. Discover how smart technology saves time, opens up cover crops for grazing, and advances farm conservation in Enon Valley.
Neighbor talk: Why I adore the everyday drama of rural Facebook pages
While many love to hate social media, rural Facebook "Talk" pages offer essential local news you can't find anywhere else. Kymberly Foster Seabolt takes a humorous look at lost goats, mystery booms, misdelivered packages, and the everyday drama that keeps small towns connected.
How small changes in car care can protect local waterways
Your car provides convenience, but runoff from road salt, fluid leaks, and driveway washing harms local streams. Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District shares simple habits to prevent stormwater pollution and keep northeast Ohio waterways clean year-round.
Inclusive livestock shows open door to more fair families
Inclusive livestock shows are expanding across Ohio county fairs, pairing children with disabilities with 4-H mentors to provide accessible opportunities in the show ring.
Pa. Farm Bureau appoints Stoltzfus as vice president
Glenn Stoltzfus was appointed to serve as interim vice president of Pennsylvania Farm Bureau after Tommy Nagle vacated the position to become president after Chris Hoffman resigned in July. Hoffman was recently appointed to serve as state director of USDA Rural Development.
Pa.’s oldest Izaak Walton League conservation group celebrates 100 years
The Oil City Chapter of the Izaak Walton League, Pennsylvania's oldest chapter, recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1926 to protect local waterways, the group hosted an 'Envirobash' event featuring stream monitoring, wildlife education and history to inspire conservation.
Pa. hunters donate record amount of venison to feed hungry families
Pennsylvania hunters donated a record 294,844 pounds of venison during the 2025-26 season through Hunters Sharing the Harvest, the group recently shared. The effort equates to 1.2 million servings distributed to food-insecure families across the state.
