Yearly Archives: 2026
Pennsylvania Farm Bureau calls for data center moratorium
To protect farmland and rural communities, the Pennsylvania Farm Bureau is calling for a temporary moratorium on data center development. A new policy paper urges state lawmakers to pause projects while researching the impacts of transmission lines, noise, and heavy water usage.
ODNR asks Ohio deer hunters to donate to Field to Food Bank
The Ohio Division of Wildlife is asking deer hunters to donate extra harvested deer to the Field to Food Bank program. Donated venison will be processed and distributed to regional food banks to help address food insecurity for Ohio families in need.
How soybeans took over the American diet – without anyone noticing
Soybeans are hiding in plain sight across the American food supply. Trace the fascinating history of how a crop once grown strictly for animal feed evolved into an essential ingredient found in everyday groceries, industrial manufacturing, and renewable biofuels.
Essential tree stand safety tips to prevent hunting falls
Retired wildlife officer Jim Abrams shares vital tree stand safety tips to prevent hunting falls. Learn how to inspect gear, choose the right stand, and use a full-body harness to stay safe in the woods during whitetail deer season.
Flax braking and scutching: Pioneer methods for making linen
Antiques expert and journalist Paul Locher explores the pioneer-era process of flax braking and scutching. Discover how early Americans used wooden brakes, scutching knives, and community bees to transform harvested flax straw into fine linen and coarse tow.
An accidental business: Capricious LLC employs goats for clearing brush, parties
When Monica Shields got a few goats to clear overgrown brush on her family’s property, she just wanted to offset their winter feed costs. Today, her business—Capricious LLC in Clinton, Pennsylvania —employs 115 goats and is fully booked for land-clearing jobs through next summer.
2026 Lorain County Fair Market Animal Auction results
The Lorain County Fair Market Animal Auction brought in $1.4 million from 686 lots on Aug. 27 and 29, 2026.
Imagination over reality: Why stick horses beat the real thing
Growing up in the 1960s with dreams of being a cowboy, a simple stick horse and cap gun brought endless joy. Look back at childhood imagination, classic TV Westerns, and why an imaginary stick horse turned out to be much better than a real, ill-tempered farm pony.
Pasture evaluation checklists for fall and beyond
Ohio State University Extension specialist Emma Matcham provides seasonal pasture evaluation checklists for fall, winter and spring. Learn how soil sampling, weed scouting, and stem density checks can help repair pastures and set up your farm for healthy spring growth.
Why committing to long-term conservation remains a struggle
Portage Soil and Water Conservation District stormwater educator Lynn Vogel reflects on a youth group's 10-year cleanup milestone. Discover what drives long-term conservation, from changing public habits on public lands to helping farmers adopt sustainable no-till practices.
