Farm Family Life

Data from seven years of field trials that focus on improved soil and plant health while balancing fertility and whole-system efficiency was highlighted in a recent plot tour.

For Cliff Behrmann, bacon runs in the blood. Behrmann is the owner of Behrmann Meat and Processing, a business started by his maternal grandfather and Behrmann’s father.

A bottle of Windex led Jessica Rutkoski from a high school in rural Wisconsin to working on crop research and improvement around the globe and back to Midwest wheat fields.

Working as a veterinarian means every day is different — and that’s what Taryn Pfeiffer really enjoys about her career.

Working one-on-one with farmers and seeing positive changes across the landscape is what drives Aidan Walton. Walton has served farmers as a Precision Conservation Management specialist since 2021.

In a rapidly evolving agricultural landscape, the role of a government affairs advocate is more critical than ever. Kala Jenkins has spent the past year navigating the intricate world of agricultural policy and advocacy.

Jeanette Merritt’s role as the communications director for Indiana Pork combines her passion for agriculture with her professional expertise in marketing and communication.

“George the Farm Cat,” the winning picture in the annual online AgriNews Favorite Farm Photo Contest, was submitted by Benjamin Biros of Mazon, Illinois.

For nearly three decades, AgriNews and Beck’s have celebrated the dedication and achievements of an outstanding Indiana farm family, spotlighting their exceptional contributions to agriculture and their community.

An expanded display promoting state parks and recreational sites was featured in Conservation World at the Illinois State Fair.

Few treats are sweeter than a perfectly ripe tomato. Depending on where you live, it’s approaching that time of year every gardener loves. It’s time for the tomatoes to explode into abundance.

In the heart of Appalachia, where the rolling hills are as steeped in tradition as they are in natural beauty, one humble culinary creation reigns supreme: the pepperoni roll.

Although aspirin is better than nothing, it has been proven to be less effective than Xarelto and similar medicines in people who are at risk for blood clots.

With its carved giltwood trim and rich velvet upholstery, this sofa would look right at home among the opulent baroque and extravagant rococo styles of the 18th century.

Identifying antique glass isn’t always easy. If you’re lucky, a piece may be marked, like this Phanomen vase, which is signed “Loetz Austria” on its pontil.

Intestinal metaplasia is when the lining of the stomach develops a microscopic appearance, similar to the intestines. This can predispose people to stomach cancer.

As a father and now a grandfather, one of the most bittersweet moments is watching your kids and grandkids climb onto the bus for the first day of school each year.

Confetti, traveling and fair food, oh my. Many people joke that my teammates and I are now “owned” by Illinois FFA.

I was recently asked to complete an anonymous survey about income. The survey would be used to collect information about how many seniors in our area fall into the low and moderate income ranges.

In between fungicide and insecticide applications and replacing a hot water heater at the Humane Society, Aaron Rients and other volunteers are getting ready for the 76th annual Central States Threshermen’s Reunion.

I have a drive shaft problem on one of my Roof Palomino mowers that I’m trying to get it fixed and have it ready to go for the Threshermen’s Reunion.

Labor Day marks the unofficial end of summer, and there’s no better way to celebrate than by firing up the grill and treating your friends and family to something truly special.

Trade unions played a crucial role in establishing Labor Day as a holiday. “Union Made” has long been a point of pride for American industries, as in this sign advertising Sweet-Orr clothing, which sold for $7,380.

We don’t always need to have the answers on the tip of our tongue. Whether it’s things we have forgotten, or it’s information about our current world, sometimes it’s enough to know where to find that information.

A desire to garden and grow food has developed into a cut flower farm for Anna Guziak-Prochnicka.

Wheat is strategically planted on the Rahn farm to provide opportunities for manure applications and tiling projects.

Isotretoin is the most effective treatment for acne, but it has the potential for serious side effects and can only be given after a thorough review of its risks.

Richard Lyons of Harvel is the recipient of the 2024 Illinois Leopold Conservation Award.

For Du Quoin native Luke Davison, being named manager of the Du Quoin State Fair was like coming home again.

As summer presses onward, From the Fields contributor Mark Seib continues balancing farm and family life.

The first 1,000 days of a baby’s life — encompassing pregnancy through the child’s second birthday — is a critical period for brain development.

National Farm Safety and Health Week will be observed Sept. 15-21 this year. The theme, “Don’t Learn Safety by Accident,” encourages people to take a proactive approach to safety education.

Agrivoltaics works and it is going to keep growing in the United States.

A variety of popular musical acts, a full slate of harness racing and motorsports and an array of food and product vendors will reflect all the tastes of southern Illinois for the 2024 Du Quoin State Fair.

More than 850,000 people attended the Indiana State Fair this summer — almost 14,000 more than last year, making for a successful celebration of food, agriculture and entertainment.

Many farmers quietly struggle with mental health and are reluctant to ask for help. If you or someone you know needs help, reach out to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988.

Animal shelters across the country are loaded with adoptable animals, with more coming in all the time. How did this happen?

Amid all the hoopla surrounding the 2024 elections, the Indiana Bacon Festival has a ticket that most everyone can agree on — “Bacon for President 2024.”

Providing improved seeds, tools and fertilizer along with training is changing the lives of farmers in Uganda through a project developed by Joe and Nathalie Schmidt.

August is here, which means for Farm Bureau, our policy development process is heading into full swing.

Raices Latinas, a nonprofit coalition dedicated to promoting the agricultural contributions of Latino and Latine community in McHenry County, will host its second farm tour on Aug. 27.

It continues to look fantastic. We just got through one of the coolest and wettest Julys on record for Illinois, so that’s a good combination for crops. Our weather station had about seven and a quarter inches of rain for July.

Looking for a fun brunch or dinner idea that will impress your guests? Look no further than shrimp and grits — a beloved classic that epitomizes Southern hospitality.

Before the use of electric lights, lamps were designed to cast as much light as possible.

The initial treatment for OAB symptoms usually consists of lifestyle changes — quitting smoking and avoiding medications that worsen symptoms at night — pelvic floor muscle exercises and bladder training.

The old 10-20 gets a second chance as it connects a century of agriculture history and technological advances.

A giant cheese sculpture was unveiled and enjoyed by guests at the Indiana State Fair.

I hope you readers saw the recent AgriNews article on sheep grazing under solar farms. Land stays in production while generating electricity for the grid and cash for shepherds while saving on mowing and spraying costs.

I’ve been busy with the granddaughters’ fair schedule of showing. The oldest one can now drive, so that helps a lot, but grandpa still drives the truck and trailer to the shows.

It is that magical time of the year — August fair season. In a lot of ways, I look forward to the fair more than Christmas. 4-H has always been a big part of my family.