Farm-related stress and mental health
Farming is a challenging and sometimes dangerous business. Weather, machinery, logistics and livestock can cause difficulties within a day’s work.... more
Festivals, Hickory Grove and a daycare update
I hope this column finds everyone doing well and enjoying our first taste of spring for 2022. ... more
Why not grow our own companies?
Illinois’ 20-year dalliance with Boeing came to an end this month, with the corporate behemoth announcing that it is picking up and moving from Chicago to a Washington, D.C. suburb.... more
Norm Skare and an oasis of wilderness
At the end of the 1800s, John and Martha Skare moved from Norway to the United States of America. They finally settled in Rochelle where they raised their family.... more
My how times change
In a few days I will be attending my 40th Illinois Farm Bureau County Managers Conference.... more
Letter: Happy Mother’s Day
My mother was like most mothers. She was warm, kind, caring, loving, protective, generous and always worried about my sister and I.... more
Be curious, not judgmental
Passover, Ramadan and Lent all came to an end during the past few weeks and I’ve found myself thinking of the oddest thing: a cow.... more
Letter: May is Mental Health Awareness Month
With May being Mental Health Awareness Month and considering all the violent events of last year and so on, CONTACT wanted to reach out to let everyone know there are resources and help available; we are just a phone call away. ... more
Twitter: The alleged free speech platform
Lately we have been privy to exhaustive discussions about Twitter, who is buying it, what he plans to do with it and whether it is truly a bastion of free speech. ... more
Farm input prices and their bottom line effect
There was much consternation this past winter concerning farm input prices and their bottom line effect on farm income. I will share with you an AFBF Market Intel report that does a great job of explaining the correlation.... more
When in doubt, side with free expression
Our society has developed quite a bit of consternation over folks who kneel on football fields.... more
That is a bold look
I could only sit and try not to stare. If I had made eye contact with the guy, he would have seen the look of utter shock and horror on my face.... more
