By Katie Drewitz National Ag Statistics Service (NASS) crop yield estimates for 2023 have been posted. Looking at this data is an opportunity to assess yield trends in the counties to better understand yield potential. In turn this assists in the long term financial management of our farms. Today’s article will focus on corn and soybeans, but NASS also has estimated yields … [Read more...]
My Horoscope Says I Shouldn’t Read It
I don’t read my horoscope. I read my wife’s horoscope so I know what to be prepared for. Why don’t I read my horoscope? I’m kept pretty busy gazing off into the distance. Besides, I’m waiting for the movie. But for many people, reading the daily horoscope is a habit they hold near and dear. I don’t believe in astrology. I believe I’ll eat a Honeycrisp apple. Why … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Not a Deserter, Merely the Mailman
First of a two-part series Cy Larson of Houston used 13 different vehicles while traveling about 560,000 miles, equivalent to 22 and a half times around the world. It was a life-long pursuit for Larson, who from the age of six, wanted to be a mail carrier while listening to the tales of Mabel-area carrier Grandville Bates. In the early 1920s, rural carriers often stopped … [Read more...]
Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Identified in Goats and Cattle
By Katie Drewitz HPAI historically infects birds but has been documented to infect mammals such as cats, skunks, and foxes. Based on the recent findings from Michigan USDA announced the virus is very similar to the viruses found in Texas and Kansas and reiterated the virus appears to have been introduced by wild birds. Pasteurization has continually proven to inactivate … [Read more...]
I Hear You!
I see you, friend. I hear that you’re curious if raw milk is all it’s cracked up to be. Does it really work or is it too good to be true? How do I know? Because I know you’re reading! Many of you had additional questions about my last article and wanted to hear more. Every week, I hear the most amazing raw milk stories. I could write a book with the hundreds of ways I’ve … [Read more...]
The Butterfly… Jesus is Alive!!! He is Risen!!!
By Pastor Mark Woodward Maple Leaf Parish Churches: Spring Valley: Faith, Cherry Grove, Fountain, Preston (and Lenora) Pictured here is a colorful butterfly depicted in stained glass on the front door of the Preston United Methodist Church. The butterfly is a powerful symbol of the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. It portrays the power of new life and that Jesus has … [Read more...]
Showing Up and Shining in the Show Me State
I didn’t go to St. Joseph, Mo., because Missouri loves company. I drove along the edges of things, and the weather was kind enough that I didn’t pack any puffy clothing. I joined people who live in a constant state of Missouri to watch basketball while increasing both my joy and my stress levels. Watching a granddaughter who is nothing short of outstanding is joyous, but it … [Read more...]
Journal Writing Project The Hope for Spring
By Siri Corson Today the boughs of branches nod. The wood ducks in the water bob. The sunkissed barren brush does sway, But March was not always this way. Back in time (or twelve months past) Our land was gripped in arctic blast. An empty land devoid of color All life and joy the winter smothered. As … [Read more...]
Peering at the Past Two Bronze Beasts, Two Men Named Mons
The Norwegian coat of arms features an upright, yellow lion, wearing a crown and wielding an axe. Recognizing the Norwegian heritage of Spring Grove, that lion would be a fitting source of the school nickname, the Spring Grove Lions. But “au contraire,” which in French means “to the contrary.” There is a 50-50 chance that the original namesake bronze lion came from France. … [Read more...]
The Challenges of Holy Week
By Pastor Nissa Peterson Chatfield and Root Prairie Lutheran Churches At the beginning of Holy Week, the church prepares to experience the stories of Jesus’ walk to the cross. These stories can be really uncomfortable to experience. For those of us with young children, we wonder how our kids might be scared by the stories, and ask really hard questions that we don’t … [Read more...]