This past week the weather changed from unusually warm temperatures to more spring-like conditions. After a cool front moved through the area on May 6, we received up to one inch of rain in the west part of the county. The temperatures returned to highs in the 70’s and the lows in the upper 40’s.

 Read more...

 

I chose Common Ground as the title for my blog because it resonates for me on several levels.  First, it reminds me to try to connect with each of you in ways that unite, rather than divide.  I mean, for dividing, we have cable TV, which does a table thumping,  bang up job on that, right!  Secondly, the phrase touches on the idea that each person, rich or poor, weak or strong, relies humbly on the fruit of this good earth for their daily bread, and in that sense we all share the common ground that makes life possible.  Thirdly, it describes, in a farmerly sort of way, some of the real estate that I purchased in my rambunctious youth.

 Read more...

First and foremost, I am a northsider.  I was born and bred to be a Cubs, Bears, Blackhawks, and Bulls fan.  I was born in Evanston and raised in Des Plaines.  I love deep-dish pizza with a sausage patty from Gino’s East, although I would never turn down Lou’s, either!  My farmer husband, John, grew up on the farm where we live and raise our three children, Bella, Mae, and Nolan.  We currently own and operate a 9,600 head pig facility, and raise corn and soybeans.  Through watching my husband work, reading farming magazines, and attempting to “help”, I have learned many things.  Here are a few of the things that I have taken to heart:

 Read more...

I am not a coupon-savvy shopper by any means, but I usually go for “store brand” items most of the time.  Recently, I was able to take my time and double-check prices and brands on milk.  I've always said that "milk is milk is milk", regardless of the label.  It is all safe and nutritious, and you can take your pick in the dairy case of whatever suits you and your family.

There is a really cool trick you can try at home with your milk.  Go to:  www.whereismymilkfrom.com, and type in a 4 or 5 digit code that is printed on every dairy product, next to the "use by date" info.

 

 

 Read more...

Family farmers take great care to provide safe, healthy food for consumers. As you can see our Illinois farms come in many shapes and sizes, and 94 percent are family owned and operated. Learn more about the reasons why family farms grow, some of their challenges, and how farms are preserved for the next generation.

Here’s the farmers’ take:  
 Read more...

We received a question from one of our visitors asking, “What differentiates a family farm from an industrial farm?” Since 94 percent of Illinois farms are family farms, we opened up the question to our Illinois farmers. We’ll share more farmer perspectives next week; and in the meantime, we invite you to share your view in the comment area below.

Here’s the take:
 Read more...

This is not a big secret amongst my friends and family, but I love, love, love the city. Yes, I realize I am a farm wife and will probably be one until the end of my days, but hidden just below the surface of dirt on my vehicle thanks to my country road is a girl who craves the lights of the city; its hectic pace; and, of course, the shopping.

So when I was asked to attend another Moms Meet-Up in Chicago this past weekend, I jumped, strike that LEAPT, at the chance! Even better, the event fell upon a weekend where we were neither harvesting nor calving, so my husband could come, too, and did I mention 3 of my four kids were with one grandma, and my parents were in the city as well, so babysitting was available for our baby, too?

Sweet.

 Read more...