We are just starting calving season on our operation, and this year, we’ve got a rainbow herd. For years, our herd was black as death as we worked on building a reputation as a bull seller.

Sorry, Case, you must do better to impress the 4-year-old farm video critic. The 20th century technology of four-wheel drive has your state-of-the-art autonomous technology beat in my little guy's eyes.

Last week, I visited with a farmer, Don Taber, who had recently retired from his local cooperative board. I learned the importance of the clarity one can gain by getting off one’s farm (or out of one’s head) and being involved. 

Locust Hill Dairy takes advantage growth opportunities whenever they can.

"Pa-pa-pa avocado. See, Mom, it starts with P, not with A," says the very sure-of-himself 4-year-old Ethan. "No, bud. Ah-ah-ah avocado. It starts with A," I say, trying to be as reasonable as possible. He insists, "No, my teacher says it starts with a P." He then folds his arms and glares at me.

It’s fall, y’all. A busy time of year for most of us in agriculture. On our place, we’ve got corn to chop and the last cutting of hay to bring in.

At the beginning of September, I had the opportunity to participate in an agricultural tour in Idaho, my home state. When I’ve done these tours in the past, it’s been when I was visiting a new place. I’ve seen megaranches in Florida, carrot farms in Arizona, dairies in Washington and pistachio orchards in California.