Yearly Archives: 2026
USDA begins 2026 down 20% in staff with plans to cut more
Opinion columnist Alan Guebert dicusses how more than 20,000 USDA employees left in 2025, sparking fears of a "brain drain" as the agency manages a $234B budget and new relocation plans for 2026.
Carbon credit markets help rural landowners hold on to their land
Across eight Appalachian states, including Ohio, Pennsylvania and West Virginia, small-scale forest landowners are earning income by letting their trees grow and store carbon over time.
Registration open for Ohio Cattlemen’s Association meeting, Jan. 24
This year, the association will offer a new format for the meeting, which will provide more opportunities for producer education. Youth education will also be offered at the summit, including the Fed Cattle Carcasses Contest grading seminar and the beef cut identification contest
The gap between farm costs and prices received hits a decade high
U.S. farmers are facing one of the widest gaps in a decade between what they pay to produce food and what they earn from selling it.
2025 walleye hatch ranks among largest in Lake Erie history
The ODNR reports a massive win for Lake Erie fishing: walleye and west zone yellow perch hatches hit the top 10 of the last 38 years. See what this means for your next catch.
Off the grid: Gridirons and griddles
Paul Locher explores the history of "the gridiron," tracing its journey from a early pioneer cooking tool to the modern football field's nickname.
Stress-free resolutions are for the birds
Reader favorite columnist Tami Gingrich is back! In her latest column, she talks about ditching stressful resolutions to find peace in winter birding and Northeast Ohio’s snowy landscape. Read her 2026 outlook.
Resolution revamp and a plan for the new year
This year, Jim Abrams is ditching the "tough stuff" and trading traditional resolutions for things that actually bring him joy.
Roundup of FFA news for Jan. 1, 2026
Catch up on FFA news from Northwestern FFA, West Holmes FFA, East Knox FFA, Ashland FFA, Racine Southern FFA, Black River FFA and West Muskingum FFA.
A resolution worth making: Work with your local SWCD
Ashland SWCD's Jane Houin wants you to make working with your local SWCD your best New Year's resolution. Discover how to access cost-share programs, equipment rentals and expert soil health tips.
