Rural Ramblings

Displaying 1 - 10 of 697

October Featured Farmer: Ruben Waldner

10/5/2023 - With nearly 40 years of experience raising turkeys in South Dakota, Ruben Waldner has seen a number of changes in how animals are cared for, how they are housed, the technologies that make it possible, and even the birds themselves.  Waldner is responsible for raising 150,000 turkeys a year on t... Read More

August Featured Farmer: Heather Beaner

8/24/2023 - It’s no secret that agriculture is a driving force in South Dakota’s economy and rural communities.  Heather Beaner, manager of her family’s farm, Wal-Di Inc, is looking ahead to how new technologies and investments can make agriculture even more productive and build stronger connections be... Read More

July Featured Farmer: Schultz Brothers Dairy

7/26/2023 - For more than 80 years, dairy farmers have celebrated National Dairy Month in June to celebrate the role of milk and dairy products in healthy diets and the impact of dairy farming on rural communities and economies.  Schultz Brothers Dairy near Freeman, South Dakota, stepped up their June Dairy... Read More

May Featured Farmer: Shane Odegaard

5/15/2023 - Spring is in the air across South Dakota, with temperatures warming and snow melting.  As homeowners look forward to planting and caring for their lawns, farmers and ranchers are also gearing up for a new growing season. Shane Odegaard and family members at Odegaard Family Farms near Lake Presto... Read More

March Featured Farmer: Travis Mockler

3/21/2023 - Travis Mockler and his wife, Jill, raise corn, soybeans, alfalfa, oats and wheat on their farm near Centerville, about 15 miles north of Vermillion. They also raise beef cows and calves that are born each fall.  They have two daughters: Lacey is a freshman at South Dakota State University and Kyl... Read More

February Feature: Marv Post

2/14/2023 - South Dakota has made headlines around the country recently for growth in milk production, with an 11% increase from November 2021 to November 2022.  Marv Post, dairy farmer from Volga, SD, reflects on the changes in the state’s dairy industry and the opportunities for the future. Post said th... Read More

January Feature: Cory Eich

1/10/2023 - Winter is time for connection, planning, learning for South Dakota farmers What do farmers do when harvest is finished in the fall?  While the growing season for crops may be over during South Dakota’s cold winter months, farmers and ranchers are busy caring for livestock, planning for the yea... Read More

Looking Ahead for 2023

1/3/2023 - Looking Ahead for 2023 January 3, 2023   The board of directors for Agriculture United for South Dakota is reviewing the organization’s mission, structure and staffing for 2023 and beyond. Since its founding in 2004, Ag United has been an important part of our state’s agricultural foundation... Read More

December Feature: Managing Stress During the Holiday Season

12/15/2022 - While the end of the year and holiday season are typically seen as a time of joy and celebration, it can also be a very stressful time of year.  Shopping, holiday events and gatherings can add both financial and mental stress to families.  These can be even greater for farm and ranch families, s... Read More