The 7 Saddest Words in Farming

The 7 Saddest Words in Farming

“I will not be planting this year.” That’s the response I received to my request for some field information on a new project we have going right now. He ended with “Thank you.” It broke my heart. In those simple seven words, a man says...
Farming dreams just went up on auction

Farming dreams just went up on auction

All over America, grown men are crying – okay, maybe just on the inside – as they put on a brave face and talk about next year being better. But make no mistake: Their hearts are breaking. Farming dreams. I hope North Dakota is not a leading indicator,...
Family Is the Strength of the Family Farm

Family Is the Strength of the Family Farm

I’ve been binge watching Blue Bloods from the beginning of its eight seasons. I am just starting season three. It strikes me that the show might be an analogy for all family businesses, but of course, family farm businesses are closest to my heart and the ones I...
The Closer You Are to Nature

The Closer You Are to Nature

I have come to believe that the closer you are to nature, the more natural gratitude you feel. I think perhaps it’s because nature does what nature does. You can’t order it around, you can’t demand from it, and it doesn’t argue with you. It...
Seasons of Life

Seasons of Life

As the air turns a bit colder here in Minnesota, and in anticipation of the leaves changing colors for a glorious fall display before the trees disrobe for the winter, I’ve been thinking about seasons. Perhaps it has something to do with the fact that I turned a...