Our Editors Share Favorite Stories
We here at Farm Journal are so honored to provide you with the latest, most interesting and helpful news and content.
Whether you read us in print (Farm Journal, Top Producer, The Scoop, Drovers, Dairy Herd Management, MILK, Pork or Bovine Veterinarian), watch us on TV (AgDay, U.S. Farm Report), listen to us on AgriTalk or visit us at AgWeb.com, we appreciate your time and hope we’ve made a positive difference for your farm or ranch.
As we prepare to put 2021 to bed, several of our editors reminisced about the past year and identified the stories, pieces and clips they enjoyed producing the most. Please enjoy our short trip down memory lane.
Clinton Griffiths, Farm Journal Editor & AgDay Host
Farmers and the agricultural industry are just now on the cusp of unlocking the powerful potential of biologicals. This segment of the industry stands to dramatically change some of the ways we farm including using less fertilizer, improving plant health or even battling against pests. A Farm Journal Pulse poll found that more than 60% of respondents either don't know or need to know more about biologicals. That tells me there's a lot of room for education, growth and investment in the coming years.
Sara Schafer, Farm Journal Content Manager & Top Producer Editor
Some trends slowly emerge while others seem to surface out of nowhere. Renewable diesel is a topic that falls in both camps. This fall I (along with several team members) dug into this emerging market and what it means for farmers. In the future will we value soybeans more for their oil than their meal? Time will tell — it’s definitely a trend to watch. It was fun to tell this story with words, charts, maps and graphics.
Chris Bennett, Farm Journal Technology and Issues Editor
“U.S. Farming Loses the King of Combines”
In December 2020, American farming lost a true giant with the passing of Jessie Small — a titan for whom farmland coast-to-coast became a kingdom. In 2021, it was an absolute honor to write a short summation of Mr. Jessie’s buccaneering life, spent cutting grain for 62 years in nearly every U.S. state. RIP to a true champion of U.S. agriculture.
Rhonda Brooks, Content Projects Manager & Bovine Veterinarian Editor
“Dollars or Doubts? 9 Questions to Ask Before Jumping into the Carbon Market”
For me, this article represents what Farm Journal is all about – what its focus has been for the past 143 years and will be in the future – providing solid, actionable information that growers can use to make decisions for their farms and families. As the headline indicates, the article addresses nine common questions farmers have about carbon markets: How much money can I make? Can I get paid for conservation practices I’m already using? How will my data be used? These and other questions are ones we will continue to explore and answer for farmers in the year ahead.
Jenna Hoffman, Content Creator, Agriculture & Food Policy and Innovation
“What to Consider When Farming the Sun”
This was my first piece in print and it focused on my favorite concept: science at work. Solar power has intrigued me for some time, but I had not known much about it until speaking with Tom McKinney. When I obtain my own land someday, I will call Tom and consider my solar options.
Karen Bohnert, Dairy Editorial Director
“Passing the Torch from One Generation to the Next at Steinhurst Dairy”
In this story, the Steiner family shares their Christian values so many of us can relate to. We must continue to write content about succession planning and share those much needed and somewhat uncomfortable conversations about how the family farm will be passed on to help spell sustainability. A farm can be the most efficient and profitable, but if they don’t have a succession plan, then that all can come to an end tomorrow.
Greg Henderson, Drovers Editorial Director
Today 72% of consumers are willing to pay more to support companies that support their values. Credit Suisse, the Swiss global investment bank with $1.5 trillion under investment management, finds 75% of millennials believe their investments can influence climate change, and 84% believe their investments can help lift people out of poverty. That’s why we’re seeing so many sustainability initiatives in the beef industry.
Jennifer Shike, Farm Journal’s PORK Editor
“Eric Stonestreet Sets the Record Straight About Real Pork”
I had an exclusive interview with actor Eric Stonestreet, the face of the National Pork Board’s new mythbusting campaign. My 28-min. interview with Modern Family’s “Cam” was an experience I’ll never forget. What stood out the most was his sincere desire to bridge the gap between his rural roots and urban consumers. We know what it means to care for and respect animals. I’m looking forward to how Stonestreet will use his platform to open people’s hearts and minds to what pig farming is all about.
Katie Humphreys, Producer Media Content Manager
“A Phantom Lurks in Your Corn Fields”
Farm Journal Field Agronomists Ken Ferrie and Missy Bauer are attentive to the details that impact yield, profitability and sustainability — as evident in this story. The concept of phantom yield loss isn’t new, yet few studies can quantify the bushels that vanish and even fewer offer recommendations. Ken and Missy used real farms to study the invisible enemy and their findings provide farmers with the evidence they need to make tweaks to harvest timing to capture the bushels they work so hard to produce.
Margy Eckelkamp, The Scoop Editor & Machinery Pete Director Content Development
“A Robot To Replace The Need For Farmers To Go Inside the Grain Bin”
I met the Grain Weevil team through our Row Crop Challenge hosted with AgLaunch. I can remember clearly the first time I saw their product demo video — it was like a Roomba for the grain bin! More importantly, this team has put in a lot of effort and talent to bring a solution to the market that can help keep farmers safe. My least favorite stories to write are about farm accidents. Technologies such as the Grain Weevil can help reduce horrific accidents.
Tyne Morgan, U.S. Farm Report Host
“Remarkable Rescue: Five Farmers Save Father and 6-Year-Old Son”
This compelling story sparked change — I can’t even count the number of individuals who have told me the story made them “well aware.” The story sparked conversations I’m not sure would have happened if this family wasn’t willing to share their emotional story. The situation wasn’t easy to relive. In fact, there were details about the story not even those involved knew. But Brandon was willing to share his story to help save the lives of others.
