Yearly Archives: 2026
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.
Farm and Dairy Weekly Rundown: Episode 64 (7-2-26)
Reporters Liz Partsch and Paul Rowley give a rundown of the top stories in Farm and Dairy newspaper for the week of July 2, 2026.
Federal government considers a lifeline for Ohio River
Farm and Dairy's Paul Rowley reports on the bipartisan Ohio River Restoration Program Act, a new bill that could deliver critical federal funding to combat pollution, upgrade aging infrastructure and restore habitats across the 15-state basin.
How to transition your farm to the next generation
How do you transition your farm to the next generation? OSU Extension's David Marrison explains why the first steps should focus on defining your legacy and organizing your assets. Learn about the free FARMS spreadsheet and an upcoming workshop to help secure your family farm's future.
Left unsupervised: Conquering the pantry doom room
What happens when you leave a determined woman alone with a drill? Kymberly Foster Seabolt shares her hilarious weekend DIY mission to conquer her century-old pantry "doom room." From wrestling 10-ton shelves to clearing out endless buckets, see how she pulled off a major organization win.
