Yearly Archives: 2026
World Cup tourists are obsessed with American ranch dressing
The 2026 World Cup is bringing global visitors to the U.S., and social media is buzzing with their love for American culture. From the scale of our scenery to an unexpected obsession with ranch dressing that has the TSA on high alert, Kymberly Foster Seabolt highlights the fun.
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.
Shade and water: A cow’s best friends
High summer temperatures and heat indexes over 100 degrees put livestock at risk. Ohio State University Extension Educator Catelyn Turner shares practical tips on utilizing shade and managing water sources to reduce cattle heat stress, protect weight gains, and maintain reproductive health.
Senate farm bill cuts act forbidding states from setting livestock production laws
The U.S. Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry released its long-awaited draft farm bill on June 23 that cuts the Save Our Bacon Act.
New H-2A changes could ease dairy labor shortages
The Securing Agriculture’s Workforce Act of 2026 aims to end the crippling dairy labor shortage. By removing seasonal H-2A visa limits and stabilizing unpredictable wage rate fluctuations, this legislation would provide vital relief to struggling U.S. dairy operations.
Blood in the well: One town’s fight against the slaughterhouse polluting it
Trish Leigey's water ran brown with bovine DNA, leading to a legal battle against Nicholas Meat, a Pennsylvania slaughterhouse that spreads millions of gallons of animal waste on local fields each year. While a jury held the company liable, lenient regulations mean the fight for clean water is far from over.
Ohio releases 2026 sandhill crane count results
Volunteer observers reported 344 sandhill cranes in Ohio during the 2026 Midwest Crane Count, below last year's count and the three-year average.
Sweeping history: The art of early American splint brooms
Before modern stores, early Ohio settlers had to make their own household tools. Learn the laborious process of crafting splint brooms from a single hickory stick—an extraordinary early American craft that commands thousands of dollars at antique auctions today.
Friend or farm foe? Balancing groundhog benefits and damage
Whether you call them groundhogs, woodchucks or whistle-pigs, these critters have a mixed reputation. While their burrows threaten farm pastures and foundations, they also aerate soil and create wildlife habitats. Retired wildlife officer Jim Abrams weighs the pros and cons.
Earned wisdom: Learning when it is time to let go
Life is full of challenging situations, but finding peace requires surrendering our illusions of control. From laughing at life's craziness to retreating to the barn for a dose of fresh perspective, explore these heartfelt reflections on learning how to travel light.
