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O'Dea: With rising costs, beginning farmers need a break

"My worry is, our rural communities will continue to shrink and eventually collapse if we don't develop small and medium sized guys that can market value added grains and crops."

Difficulty lies ahead for war-ravaged Ukraine

All Ukrainians are facing challenges, but for those in agriculture, 2022 was especially difficult.

Farmers, ranchers lead the way in caring for the planet

"When we worry about cars, planes and other sources of greenhouse gas, I will worry about my cows."

Need to speed catches up with me

"I have a heavy foot and I’ll be the first to admit it. After so many warnings, I know I was probably due."

Losing a calf heartbreaking for all involved

"Our hearts were tender as we watched her push through the current pairs, poking her nose to each calf, checking if it was her own."

Waiting for signs of spring at Wellman Wagyu

Despite the calendar proclaiming it is spring, Mother Nature said otherwise with a blanket of snow covering southern Nebraska on the last week of March.

Focus is on protection for next farm bill

ORLANDO, Fla. — Protection and flexibility were among the main topics at Commodity Classic this year.

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."

Humanities Nebraska makes an impact for all kinds of people, all across the state

There were over 149 Nebraska communities served in 2022 by Humanity Nebraska funding.

Ten considerations before signing a carbon contract on your ranch

The emerging carbon market has yet to be perfected, so there are many important factors to consider before signing the dotted line.

Cold complaints

Today felt like spring, and I have to admit that spring fever is in high gear with me.

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.”

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.