County Fair - Making Memories and Making a Difference

July 19, 2016 by Real Farmwife On The County Line in Livestock

The local county fair is always a highlight of summer for our family. Nestled in the outskirts of a small prairie town, folks meet up to support the local youth's efforts in 4-H, sit back for three nights of rodeo entertainment, brave the carnival rides, take in the mud drags, and enjoy the best of concession stand specials. The kids explore the fairgrounds with their old friends and make new friends along the way.

Behind all of this fun is a lot of work - mostly volunteer work. By the end of the fair, eyes are heavy after days of early mornings, late nights, and weather that can range from cold and rainy to blistering heat. But this work is fun.

Earth Day on a Nebraska Farm

April 21, 2016 by Real Farmwife On The County Line in Grain

April 22nd is Earth Day. Having lived on a farm nearly all of my life, I feel a strong connection to nature on a daily basis. Whether it’s the spectacular sunrises and sunsets of the Great Plains, the landscapes that change with the seasons, acres of healthy growing crops, cattle grazing in the pasture or the red-tailed hawks flying overhead – there’s always something beautiful to be discovered.

What You Need to Know about Antibiotic-Free Meat

March 04, 2016 by Real Farmwife On The County Line in Livestock

It’s really important to me to that we have access to effective antibiotics when needed to address health issues, both in my family and in our livestock.

Saving a Newborn Calf

February 11, 2016 by Real Farmwife On The County Line in Livestock

It’s pretty exclusive to get an appointment for a style at 11:15 p.m. on a Saturday night! Some girls are SO high maintenance…

It was way after midnight on Sunday morning when we got home from helping out this sweet little heifer (female) calf.

How We Care for Cows in a Blizzard

February 02, 2016 by Real Farmwife On The County Line in Livestock

What we do for our cattle during a storm is definitely not news to any of my friends and neighbors from near and far who raise livestock. All of us are just doing what needs to be done. It’s common sense. I imagine many of them would read this blog and say, “No kidding, this isn’t our first blizzard!”

However, if you don’t have a connection to the farm, you might wonder about what’s being done to care for the animals when Mother Nature turns nasty. While every farm and ranch is different, one thing is the same – we’ll always fight the elements to the best of our ability and plan ahead to give our livestock the best care we can.

My Farm, Your Table, and a Trip to Washington D.C.

January 24, 2016 by Real Farmwife On The County Line in Stories

It’s amazing the friendships and understanding that can develop when we have the chance to get to know each other. That’s really what we’re looking to accomplish as CommonGround volunteers: developing friendships and understanding between farmers and consumers as we connect our farms to your table.

Staying Organized with the Heart of the Farm Planner

January 12, 2016 by Real Farmwife On The County Line in Stories

“What’s your plan today?”

I ask my husband this every morning when he heads out the door. I like to touch base with what’s happening on the farm and what errands need to be run. I also have my own plan for the day, and thanks to the Heart of the Farm Planner, it’s easier for me to stay on task. I’m excited for the chance to review this lovely planner and share it with you.

A Look Back on Christmas Break

January 07, 2016 by Real Farmwife On The County Line in Stories

With no travel plans, this year’s Christmas vacation may not have been flashy, but it might have been the most relaxing.

The Frozen Farmscape

January 06, 2016 by Real Farmwife On The County Line in Stories

Bright morning sunlight on a landscape touched by frozen fog is one of my favorite winter scenes.

Winter Work on the Farm

January 05, 2016 by Real Farmwife On The County Line in Grain, Livestock

Are farmers busy in the winter? Yes. We may be outside of the growing season, but there’s plenty of winter work, especially on a grain farm with livestock. Here’s what the season looks like on my farm: