Yearly Archives: 2026
Part four: The water game is different for Western farmers
Moving from Jeromesville, Ohio, to Utah changed Jordan Martin’s view on agriculture. From relying on mountain snowfall to managing strict water shares amidst urban sprawl and neighborhood scrutiny, this Ohio-born rancher opens up about the realities of western desert farming.
Babysitting the robot: Why my new vacuum isn’t ready for a coup
Columnist Kymberly Foster Seabolt shares her hilarious struggles with a new robot vacuum. From an immediate counter-diving incident to constantly getting stuck under the living room sofa, this "smart" tech requires far too much adult babysitting.
Good luck with eating that cotton sandwich
While the Trump administration rolls out the "Great American Cotton Plan" to bail out a shrinking, synthetic-dominated cotton market, U.S. wheat farmers face historic droughts and crop abandonment with little federal support. A look at the paradox in modern American farm policy.
Summer manure application: How to protect your nutrients and neighbor relations
Summer manure application after wheat harvest is a great way to recycle nutrients, but it requires a plan. Ashland SWCD's Jane Houin talks about how pairing manure with cover crops protects water quality, stretches your fertilizer dollar and how proactive communication keeps neighbor relations strong.
Tips for hiring better farm labor
Finding reliable farm help takes more than just looking for "someone with a pulse." Ohio State University Extension's Lee Beers shares essential tips for creating clear job descriptions, targeted recruiting, and professional management to attract and retain great employees.
What does it really mean to ‘use nitrogen strategically’
Nitrogen is a major driver of grass growth, but timing is everything. Learn how to strategically apply fertilizer to maximize pasture productivity, determine the right application rates for your forage and avoid applying nitrogen when plants can't efficiently use it.
Rural businesses thrive under Ohio’s high-speed internet expansion
Ohio’s broadband expansion is transforming rural communities and agriculture. Learn how programs like Spectrum’s Rural Construction Initiative are bringing high-speed internet to underserved areas, helping farmers utilize precision technology and boosting local businesses across the state.
Farm bill gains momentum: The first major update since 2018
After passing the House, the $1.4 trillion 2026 Farm Bill is gaining momentum. The budget-neutral legislation shifts billions, cutting SNAP programs while boosting farm subsidies. It also triggers fierce lobbying over interstate meat regulations and animal welfare protections.
Ohio junior fair boards deliver record food donations
Discover how Ohio Junior Fair boards are fighting food insecurity through Farm Credit Mid-America's "Stock the Trailer" program. Youth leaders in Ross and Lorain counties set new records, mobilizing communities to collect and deliver over 1.6 million pounds of food and water to local pantries.
The best fishing partners have a wagging tail —and a closed mouth
From learning when to keep his "beak shut" about secret honey holes to mastering the classic fish story, Jim Abrams reflects on a lifetime of angling. Discover why human partners often talk too much, and why a loyal dog makes the ultimate, trustworthy fishing companion.
