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Recurring calving nightmares

I had my first calving nightmare. It must mean that calving season is coming up around the corner. Granted from a calendar perspective it should still be over a month off, but evidently my brain has another thought process.

Working cows in mud a good work out

"Our cattle veterinarian popped out last week and we castrated, vaccinated and weaned. It was a good feeling to be done with that - emotionally and mentally."

Four sets of vigorous twins born at O'Dea farm

"Having the bonus babies helps for grafting on to the heartbreaks that come with calving sometimes."

Corn farmers focus on profit in spite of high inputs

ORLANDO, Fla. — The cost of putting this year’s corn crop in the ground has been a large topic of conversation at Commodity Classic.

Soy officials optimistic about product potential

ORLANDO, Fla. — Finding and sustaining new uses for soybeans continues to be a major focus for soybean groups at Commodity Classic in 2023.

Looking forward to longer days on the farm

"I can already picture those 9 p.m. sunset rides while watching the cattle graze so peacefully in the pastures. Those are the moments I live for and I am just itching for them again!"

Bull sales surrounded by nervous energy

"It is much more relaxing to go to a sale when you are not really planning to buy anything, but it is not nearly as exhilarating."

The curse of the favorite heifer

Last year, my favorite heifer decided to have her calf by a ditch, rolled over and died. Other heifers I have anointed as "the one" have had other misfortunes.

Extra help welcome on branding day

Right this very minute down on the farm we are getting ready to calve!

Make your voice heard about rural health, mental care needs

"This winter is proving to be yet another challenge to already depleted resources. When I say resources I mean all: monetary, feed, mental, physical, the list goes on."

Work around the clock at O'Dea farm

Meet our newest Producer Progress Reporter: John O'Dea works around the clock to run his family farm in Indianola, Nebraska.

Life has become cows and brats

I’m really tempted to see if we could do a Guinness beer brat. We also have flavors like original, south of the border, and parmesan garlic. Yes, this is what my life has become, talking about cows and brats.

Beast of burden is intelligent, affectionate pet

“If you’re upset, they’ll put their head on your shoulder and lean into you. They feel what you’re feeling.”

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Love means putting animal health first

"I already reminded my hubby that the cost of roses is similar to the cost of hay so he should choose wisely. "

Romance and the absent-minded rancher don’t mix

"When it comes to romance and gift giving, I am not very good, and age does not seem to make me any better at it."

A good kind of chaos

The office in the shop looks like it was burglarized, the lambing barn needs a deep cleaning and the alley to the pens is strewn with halters, shepherd’s crooks and other implements.

Convention busy but invigorating

"After every convention I come home absolutely exhausted but so reinvigorated about the great people I met and the conversations I had."

Surprise calf destined for county fair

Right this very minute down on the farm we are starting to get ready for calving season.

Time away from ranch takes determination

hear it time after time: “I can’t get away” or “I don’t have the time” or "I don’t have anyone I can trust to watch over things.”

Make time for memories

Friends ask me all the time how Dad is doing. I really struggle with my reply because there is no good answer.

‘Right to repair’ advocate plans to wait and see if recent MOU really helps

If a new right to repair MOU with John Deere doesn’t live up to its billing, one Nebraska Senator is ready to reintroduce his bill on the topic.

Moving cows back to stalks seemed simple, proved frustrating

"I’ve never really understood what “going to hell in a handbasket” means but I’m pretty sure we had a day that came close to representing that this week."

2022 was hard on the bottom line

"Who knows what 2023 will hold for us. The weather is something we cannot do anything about but has everything to do with success and failure."

A good ranch dog is one of the best things in life

Well, the Boss Man and our new pup Pippy have become best buds, and the little one has settled in really well to ranch life. She’s already getting accustomed to regular baths which I feel is a ranch dog must.