Yearly Archives: 2026
20-year-old cattle dealer revitalizes former Mercer Livestock Auction
From watching cows at age 2 to owning a sale barn at 20, Cole Byler is revitalizing the historic Mercer Livestock Auction, which he's now operating at Mercer County Stockyards. Alongside his family, Byler has already grown attendance from 50 to over 420 head of cattle, proving that passion and hard work pay off early.
Part Three: The water war begins
In Part 3 of this series exploring Ralph Moody’s classic "Little Britches," a 1906 Colorado drought triggers a dangerous "water war." When upstream ranchers hog the vital irrigation supply, the Moody family must take a perilous late-night stand to save their newly planted crops.
Leaving the best flies behind
A fly-fishing trip to Michigan's Au Sable River brings humor, lost lures, and a deeper reflection on a late friend. Angler Jim Abrams shares a moving essay on the "best flies" left behind in trees and trout streams, and the holy waters of the Manistee River where memories endure.
‘Hats off’ to the dairy industry this June
June is Dairy Month, and there is plenty to celebrate. From small artisan farms to large herds, the U.S. dairy industry has boosted milk yields by 35% over 25 years while cutting its carbon footprint by 46%. Explore the latest trends driving dairy consumption and nutrition.
Some states tighten up movement restrictions as screwworm cases multiply
With a dozen New World screwworm cases detected in the U.S., states like Pennsylvania and West Virginia are implementing strict animal movement restrictions and quarantines to protect livestock from this destructive, flesh-eating parasite.
JBS to close beef packing plant in Souderton, Pa.
JBS, the world’s largest meatpacking company, announced it is closing its beef production facility in Souderton, Pennsylvania, laying off 1,500 workers effective Aug. 14. The slaughterhouse can process 2,000 cattle per day, making it one of the largest beef slaughterhouses east of the Mississippi.
Dragonflies: Unique aerial acrobats
Naturalist Tami Gingrich explores the fascinating world of dragonflies, from their jet-propelled aquatic nymph stage to their role as agile mosquito-hunting aerial acrobats.
Mercer County Grange Fair canceled due to lack of volunteers, funding issues
The Mercer County Grange Fair in western Pennsylvania was canceled after 60 years due to a lack of volunteers and funding as a result of the current high cost economy, organizers said.
Big Bacon’s Farm Bill carve-out needs to be carved out
Industrial pork giants are pushing Congress to use the 2026 Farm Bill to overturn voter-approved state animal welfare laws. Why the 'Save Our Bacon Act' is a corporate carve-out that undermines states' rights and hurts independent farmers succeeding under humane standards.
Do you know what’s really growing in your pasture?
Recent droughts and unpredictable weather have given pasture weeds an advantage. Ohio State University Extension educator Ted Wiseman explains how to evaluate your fields, use targeted weed control, and implement smart grazing practices to rebuild a healthy, resilient stand of forage.
