Christmas in the Country

From Bethlehem to Rural America: Biblical Relics Find a Rare Home in Western Ohio

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:46:42 GMT

Each Christmas season, thousands of people from around the world travel to Bethlehem in the Holy Land, drawn by the desire to stand where Christians believe Jesus Christ was born. They come seeking a deeper connection to the story of a baby laid in a manger.

But for many believers, you don’t have to travel halfway around the world to encounter that history.

Tucked into the rolling farmland of western Ohio, the farming community of Maria Stein is home to a church that safeguards pieces of biblical history — relics that span from Christ’s birth to His crucifixion, preserved quietly among fields, livestock and rural life.

Beyond the Tannenbaum, the bows and wrapping paper, the gift exchanges, parties and baked treats lies what Christians call the reason for the season. A baby born in a stable surrounded by animals and placed in a manger.

Pieces of that manger — carried across centuries and thousands of miles — have found their way here.

How do such important artifacts end up in the middle of farm country? That’s a good question and one that draws quite the story.

A Journey Rooted in Faith and Farming

The story begins not in Ohio, but in Rome.

In the early 1800s, the Catholic Bishop of Cincinnati petitioned the Vatican to send German-speaking clergy to the American Midwest. Immigration was rising, and German-speaking Catholics were settling across Ohio farmland, looking for spiritual leadership and community.

In 1843, Father Francis De Sales Brunner arrived in Ohio. Soon after, three Sisters of the Precious Blood followed. By 1846, a convent was built in Maria Stein, and their ministry began to take hold.

“It was a self-sustaining property,” explains Caleb Gaier, ministry coordinator. “They were out in the fields. They were taking care of farm animals. Besides sustaining the needs for themselves, they were looking to assist the community too. There was a lot of teaching.”

At the same time, Europe was being torn apart by unrest and war. Churches were being closed, ransacked — or worse. Sacred objects that had been venerated for centuries were suddenly at risk.

In order to protect their precious treasures, or relics, as they’re called, many were sent to the U.S.

“They wanted to protect them, to keep their purpose of helping people grow in their prayer,” Gaier says. “They’d send them away with those whom they could trust and help them to serve their purpose — like Father Brunner.”

Relics With Rules — and Purpose

Official relics don’t travel lightly. Each one comes with documentation and strict rules, vouching for authenticity and outlining how to care for the relic.

“These relics are a connection to these past men and women who’ve lived throughout history and have given their life to the Lord, Gaier says.

Inside the small chapel in Maria Stein are more than 1,200 relics, carefully displayed and preserved. Among them are ornately decorated reliquaries containing what believers hold as fragments of Jesus’ manger.

“If we look above, on the left-hand side of the main altar, at the top window in that center panel on the stand — kind of with the crystals going down from it — that reliquary holds a piece of the manger,” Gaier says.

Nearby are ashes believed to be from the bones of the Three Wise Men.

“Those would have come from the cathedral in Cologne, Germany,” he notes.

The collection also includes relics associated with the massacre of innocent children ordered by King Herod.

“He had all the children, I believe, two and under killed,” Gaier says. “What’s more precious than a child? And believing they are also in heaven.”

At the center of the shrine, splinters believed to be from the old rugged cross are flanked by angels — connecting Christ’s birth in the manger to His death on the cross.

A Place to Pause

For generations, pilgrims traveled to Maria Stein, filling the chapel with long lines and quiet prayer. While the crowds are smaller today, the mission remains unchanged.

“Sometimes it’s easy to get distracted by other tasks throughout the day,” Gaier says. “But when you go back and have a moment of silence — just sitting in the presence of some of the Lord’s relics and the relics of the saints — the shock of it comes back.”

In the busyness of the Christmas season, Maria Stein offers something rare: stillness. A place where pieces of the Christmas story stand quietly, telling their tale not from marble halls or distant lands — but from frozen fields and farm country in western Ohio.

Northwest Iowa Farm Serves Up 12 Days of Ice Cream for the Holidays

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 18:51:39 GMT

Stensland Family Farms, dates back over a hundred years. Jason Stensland says his great great grandfather homesteaded the farm near the Northwest Iowa town of Larchwood.

The Stensland’s are grain farmers, and they ran a dairy operation for 20 years. However, in 2015 they started their own creamery, which currently involves 10 family members. Jason says they added the creamery by necessity. “Our story is trying to survive on the farm and vertically integrate ourselves so then we can keep the the heritage going and our family farm going and providing for our families.”

The ice cream production is done right on the farm and is overseen by Jason’s twin brother, Justin. “We’ll make about 1,400 quarts today and we do that two to three times a week roughly.” The family produces 70,000 to 80,000 quarts of premium ice cream annually using a small batch process. Justin says it starts with their base ice cream mix. “You dump that into an ice cream machine and then depending on the flavor you’re making and then you add your ingredients. You mix it all up and it takes about 10 minutes to make a batch and it comes out like soft serve.” He says it then goes into the freezer for 18 to 24 hours at -25° to harden.”

Stenland’s originally offered a long list of dairy products when their father Dave kick started the creamery ten years ago. However, with their flare for ice cream it quickly became their focus. Jason says their ice cream is a premium product. “It’s a fuller fat and we really focus on good quality ingredients and it’s a lactose free base. So then as long as you stick to the simple ice creams, you’ll kind of you can tolerate the ice cream with the lactose free situation.”

Stensland’s make over 80 flavors of ice cream and while their Mom is the GOAT of new flavors everyone in the family plays a role. This time of year they expand their flavor offerings to include some holiday favorites like eggnog, cinnamon stick, ginger snap and white chocolate peppermint. These and other flavors are sold at their retail store in Sioux Falls as part of their 12 days of Ice Cream Christmas promotion says Jason, “So, it’ll be 12 different flavors and somebody can come in and have a different flavor throughout their 12 days of Christmas.”

Justin says they also feature holiday shakes and other novelties. “We also do different pies like cheesecake pies. We’ll do so we’ll do like a white chocolate peppermint cheesecake pie. Then we’ll do a pumpkin cheesecake pie also.”

Plus, Stenland’s incorporate their cheeses, curds and products produced on local farms to create holiday gift offerings. They assemble corporate gift boxes, and anything for individuals.

And Jason says at Christmas and all year long they pride themselves in producing local products fresh from the farm.
“We take passion and pride in what we do and if we can do that uh as a family and also give people the ice cream like that and serve that to them it’s it’s just it’s rewarding.”
and

A "Disneyesque" Christmas: A Charming Small Town in Rural Arkansas Comes to Life in December

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 15:25:09 GMT

Driving through the Arkansas Delta this time of year, the view feels timeless. Cotton fields that once resembled freshly fallen snow now sit compressed into bright white bales, stacked neatly along quiet two-lane roads. It’s the same harvest scene farmers and families in this region have known for generations — one rooted in the land and shaped by the Mississippi River.

But just 45 miles north of Memphis, the road will take you on an unexpected turn. That’s where you’ll stumble upon Wilson, Ark. Home to about 800 people, its aesthetics look like a European village, and its roots date back to a family who founded the town in 1886.

“It’s a fascinating story of how Wilson was founded,” says Jeff Kmiec, CEO of Wilson. “The Wilson family literally started by timbering the area. Once they drained all the water and cleared the timber, Mr. Wilson decided there may be an opportunity to start farming. The soil is incredibly rich from the Mississippi River, and that’s what launched the city that still survives today.”

That agricultural foundation continues to define Wilson today. Fields of cotton, corn and soybeans stretch beyond the town limits, and farming remains the backbone of the surrounding economy. While the population remains small, the connection to the land remains strong, and it’s now a destination for those around the country, as it’s charm is a draw for many.

An Unexpected Look in the Delta

While Wilson’s roots are firmly planted in agriculture, its appearance often surprises first-time visitors. The town’s architecture feels out of place in the Delta — and that’s entirely by design.

“As it relates to the architecture, we’re blessed in that one of the Wilson children got married and was sent to England for their honeymoon,” Kmiec explains. “They became enamored and fell in love with English Tudor architecture. When they returned, they promptly remade the town in that style. It’s surprising to hear visitors say, ‘How is this here? I feel like I’m in a different country.’ But that’s what happened, and the Wilson family helped create a legacy we still enjoy today.”

The Tudor-style buildings, along with the town square, don’t exist as a novelty. They remain part of everyday life in a rural community that continues to evolve while honoring its past.

A Town Changes Hands — and Holds On

After more than 125 years under the Wilson family, the town entered a new chapter in 2010. That’s when the Wilson family decided to sell not just the buildings they owned in town, but their farmland as well.

“The farmland was the prize,” says Becton Bell, a local farmer and the mayor of Wilson. “It’s about 30,000 acres of fertile farmland that surrounds this town.”

When the town went up for sale, it brought uncertainty for the residents. The land might be valuable, but the unique town held memories, history and identity for those who called Wilson home.

“I think the first thought everybody had was, ‘Well, there goes the town,’” Bell says. “Everybody wanted the farm, but nobody’s going to want to keep the town up like the Wilson family. It actually turned into the opposite.”

Galen Lawrence and his family purchased the surrounding farmland, along with the town itself. A farmer and businessman, he first saw the value in the farmland. But it’s his wife who fell in love with the town.

A Farming Mindset Still Guides Wilson

Rather than fading, Wilson began to take on renewed purpose — guided by an owner who understands agriculture and the long view that comes with it.

“When they first purchased [the town], they decided they had to do something special here. Mr. Lawrence is a world traveler, and he decided to do something hospitality-wise.” Kmiec says.

From reopening the local restaurant and making it farm-to-table experience to creating a museum, it’s the little touches that make a big difference. One of the biggest attractions making Wilson a destination is the unique hotel that boasts hospitality.

The Lawrence family built The Louis, a boutique hotel that allows visitors to escape the hustle of everyday life in a memorable way. The rich history of the Arkansas Delta is sprinkled throughout the hotel and rooms. But what makes it so memorable is the fact this unique hotel offers charm and hospitality that rivals any major resort, with comfortable rooms and complimentary snacks and drinks, which might be why the hotel boasts exceptionally high guest ratings, especially for such a small town.

Lawrence might be a successful businessman and investor today whose vision is what you see within the hotel and many other areas of the town, but he understands the value of a rural area as he remains rooted in farming.

“He’s a farmer first and foremost,” Kmiec says. “He has a lot of other business interests, but he likes to set people up for success. When he’s farming, it’s always about planting seeds in fertile soil. That mindset continues today, where he wants to put people in positions where they can excel and be successful.”

That philosophy shows up today in restored buildings, local jobs and a downtown that feels cared for rather than commercialized, which pairs nicely with the architecture.

Wilson Lights Up Bringing the Magic of Christmas to Life

Those values become especially visible during the holiday season when the town of Wilson transforms into a gathering place for families. That’s when Wilson lights up, truly bringing the magic of Christmas to life.

“It’s important for me to do something that’s a legacy event for families,” Kmiec says. “My favorite time growing up was Christmas, spending it with my parents. With the Lawrence family’s blessing, we invest pretty substantially in a light show that’s almost Disneyesque. It’s choreographed to music, just under a million lights and snow-making machines, and every Friday and Saturday from Thanksgiving to New Year’s, Santa and Mrs. Claus arrive to greet children.”

The lights draw visitors, but the heart of the event remains community. From the beginning, the decision was made to keep the Christmas celebration free and accessible. There aren’t any entrance fees, it’s a display open for all to see.

For families who farm nearby or live in neighboring towns, the event offers something simple but meaningful: time together, shared tradition and memories that last long after the lights fade.

Why Wilson Is Magical Year-Round

For Kmiec, the draw of Wilson is something that can’t be manufactured. It’s unique to this rural Arkansas community, and one that’s only becoming more charming each year.

“If you’ve seen any Hallmark Christmas movie, or if you’re a fan of Americana and what makes this country great, that essence still lives here,” he says. “It’s special for us to be able to showcase that and tell people this is what makes the country great and why Wilson is as special as it is.”

Wilson calls itself “America’s Village.” In this Delta farm town, agriculture, community and tradition continue to define everyday life — shining especially bright during the Christmas season.

Sioux City, Iowa Candy Company Makes Sweet Christmas Treats

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 19:40:25 GMT

The Palmer Candy Company, located in Sioux City, Iowa, is one of the country’s oldest candy companies, starting back in the late 1800s.

It actually started in 1878 as a fruit company, according to Stephanie Conyers, Manager of the Palmer’s Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe, and then they kind of got into the candy side of it more so in the 1900s.

It’s also the oldest company of its size to be under continuous family ownership, for 143 years.

“The company is on the fifth generation owner and you can definitely still feel that family owned business,” explains Conyers.

Palmer is best known for its signature Twin Bing candy bar, which features a cherry nougat covered in chocolate and peanuts, invented by Edward Palmer in 1923.

“Last year it turned 100 years old. Unfortunately, the information has been lost throughout the years of an exact date that it was invented, but it was definitely in the year 1923.”

But at Christmas, Conyers says they produce a special Bing.

“The Twin Bing has the two humps, but the King has three. So there’s just a little extra there, kind of like your King size candy bar that you would see at the store. That’s kind of what ours is, and it comes in this special Christmas wrapping,” she says.

The Palmer’s Olde Tyme Candy Shoppe draws customers from all over the region and country and is a delicious step back in time during the holidays or any time of year.

“That’s kind of what we’re known for, and we like to keep it old school. We do all the scooping for you when you’re in the store, and you can do one pound, five pounds, 10 pounds, whatever your heart desires.”

They make homemade clusters, cookies, various flavors of covered pretzels, peanut brittle and barks.

All of these serve as the foundation for holiday gift boxes and trays.

“So we do, we have different size gift baskets kind of for any price point. We have a tray called the customer favorites. That’s a three part tub and it has peanut brittle, a frosted holiday pretzel and peanut clusters. And we also have these really beautiful, we call them shippable gift boxes. And it just has a variety of our products in there,” she describes.

Conyers says they pride themselves on using local ingredients and promote locally produced foods.

“Yep, we try to keep everything as local as we can. We have it for the candy site, and then also we have a specialty food section in the back that also has, we try to showcase a lot of the local products from the area.”

So, Palmer’s Old Tyme Candy Shoppe is sure to have the perfect Christmas gift for that special someone that seems to have everything.

From the Famous SNL 'More Cowbell' Skit, to Iconic Bell in "It's a Wonderful Life,' The Magic of Bell-Making

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 15:37:24 GMT

Cici Bevin enjoys working in her family-owned business, which dates back to 1832 when her ancestors began what is Bevin Bells today.

“At one point in East Hampton, [Conn.,] we had over 20 bell manufacturers. Luckily, today we are the last one remaining,” Bevin says.

Of course, the use of bells back when the company began is much different than today.

Today, a cowbell might be a gift or a musical instrument, but back then, it was an essential part of raising livestock.

“There was a tremendous amount of safety use for bells, so sleigh bells were massive for us. We had catalogs, 20 pages long, of different cut styles and configurations of sleigh bells,” Bevin says.

Bells are still used today, though you probably never give much thought to who makes them.

“We make all of the bells for the Salvation Army across the country. Any time you see someone at a kettle ringing a bell asking for money that’s a Bevin Bell,” Bevin says.

Remember the sound that used to end stock trading in New York ? Or signal another round at a Muhammad Ali boxing match ? Those sounds are from Bevin Bells.

Of course there’s the famous bell from “Saturday Night Live,” which was a boost for business.

However, the most famous Bevin Bell is tied to “It’s a Wonderful Life,” a Christmas movie from 1946.

“The bell that rings on the tree when Clarence says, ‘Every time a bell rings an angel gets his wings,’ that’s a Bevin Bell. Exactly how that bell ended up in the movie, we’re not entirely sure,” Bevin says.

They’re sure glad the classic Christmas movie featured a bell from their factory. To this day, the movie and the sound of bells ringing signal the Christmas season is here.

The Wonderful Life bells are just one of the many holiday bells made at Bevin Bells. In fact, the company does about 60% of its business in the fourth quarter.

While many people like the jingle of bells around the holidays, one has to wonder if working in a bell factory could get a bit annoying.

“I absolutely love hearing the bells ring and I honestly never get tired of it,” Bevin says. “I have bells in my car all the time because I might be making a delivery, and I jingle everywhere I go, which brings a real smile on my face.”

From sleigh bells to the bell from “It’s a Wonderful Life,” much Christmas cheer begins at Bevin Bells in East Hampton, Conn.

An 11-Year Old's Idea Sparked An Idea That's Grown Into an Annual Toy Drive Giving Out 13,000 Toys Each Year

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 15:02:28 GMT

The season of giving for Reed Marcum doesn’t just happen during Christmas. For this 19-year, the season of giving is year-round.

“I came up with the idea back in 2016 when I realized that I wanted to help put another toy under someone’s tree that year,” says Marcum, who’s now a Pittsburg County, Oklahoma 4-H Ambassador.

At just 11 years-old, this 4-H member had an idea: Collect toys and give them out to children in his local community.

“He came home one day, he talked to me and his stepfather, and he said, ‘Mom, I want to help some kiddos in my class for Christmas,” remembers Angie Miller, Reed’s mother. “I said, ‘OK, what can we do?’ I told him he could do a little work, and he was like, ‘No, I want to give out toys.”

Reed Marcum at 11-Years-Old

(Angie Miller)

Started Out As a Small Idea
That first year, Reed’s small idea turned into a huge success, giving out around 5,000 toys at his stepfather’s law office. Little did this family know that was just the start of something grand.

“It was something we didn’t expect to do, especially have that much success and community reaction. They really loved it. We did not expect that,” Reed says.

J Michael Miller Toy Drive
What’s called the J Michael Miller Toy Drive has grown each year, even during COVID.

“What happened was COVID hit, and we had told Reed that it just can’t happen that year. And he said, ‘It can happen, Mom,’” Angie says.

And it did. With the help of the community, Reed moved the toy drive to Ragan’s Auto, a decision that helped this drive grow even more.

“He spoke with Mr. Ragan, and he told Reed we can do this. They moved all their cars out by noon that day. We moved in around 1:00, and we would set up all night long, and then we open the doors, they would start driving through,” Angie says.

The annual J. Michael Miller Toy Drive gave out 13,000 toys this year.

(SUNUP)

Within a couple years, they even outgrew that space. Last year, Reed moved his toy drive again, this time, to the McAlester Expo Center.

“We are orchestrating with the local Expo Center here in McAlester for people to come, and it’s just an amazing venue for what we’re doing here. And it’s an amazing process that we have to set up and do,” Reed says.

Biggest Toy Giveaway Yet
On Dec. 7,2024, Reed had his biggest giveaway yet.

“We collected a ton, but we were able to give out around 13,000 this year, that day,” Reed says.

What started as one small idea has brought generosity through toys that touched 13,000 lives this year alone.

“It’s a year-long process,” Angie says. “The entire year we’re looking for toys, collecting them and getting donations from people. But when the day gets near and close, it really starts to ramp up.”

Cars line up 3 to 4 miles long for the annual toy drive.

(Bryan Fuller)

Recipients Come From Surrounding States
Since 2016, this toy drive has given away more than 64,000 toys, an annual event that people wait in line for hours to receive. And as the event grows each year, lines of cars that now stretch three to four miles long, all with kids eager to receive toys that year.

“I was working the line this year, and we did see license plates from Texas and Arkansas. That’s normal,” says Greg Owen, Pittsburg County, Oklahoma 4-H educator. “I would ask the people in the line, ‘What was the experience like?’ And this year, I heard the comment ‘It was literally perfect.’”

Vital Volunteers
But for Reed, this wouldn’t be possible without volunteers, all 100 of them.

“They can help us move the toys from point A to point B when we’re holding them or in help, give the toys, help, walk the line, be dressed up in costumes to help entertain the kids, give out small items that go through the lines. The kids aren’t just sitting there bored,” Reed says.

Loss Turned Into Love
Reed’s toy drive has become a beloved experience attracting thousands of people from miles away. But this kid who has brought so much joy to others has also seen heartache along the way.

“He had the most difficult year of his life his junior year,” Angie says. “We were moving to Ragan’s that year, and on July 28, he lost his grandmother that he was extremely close to.”

Reed’s brother, Sergeant Miles Tarron

(SUNUP)

Not even four months later, Reed suffered another devastating loss, just weeks away from his toy drive in 2021.

“We were notified by soldiers that Reed’s brother had passed in the military,” Angie says. “I talked with Reed and I told him I didn’t think we can do the toy giveaway. And he said, ‘Mom, brother would want us to do the toy giveaway, so we’re going to do the toy giveaway.’”

And he did, with an entire community rallying around Reed as a way to give back to one of their own who had done so much.

“They helped us get it over to Ragan’s. We got it all set up. And then they just helped us all the way through it,” Angie says. “After that, Reed had already created the Hudson Strong Foundation for a little boy that had cancer. And they provided some help with the costs of the storage buildings. Then after his brother passed, Reed created the Sergeant Miles Tarron Foundation, and that supports his toy giveaway, his backpack giveaway and his silent auction. His brother always had a hand in supporting him and sending money. So, now the Sergeant Miles Tarron Foundation and the Hudson Strong Foundation support those storage buildings.”

Reed has nine storage buildings, all bursting with donated toys each year. But this success is also because of one lady Reed deeply admired: his 4-H leader, Miss Donna Curry.

“After he lost his brother, June 28, 2022, he lost Miss Donna Curry, who was like a second mother to him, who got him into 4-H, and she supported this project thoroughly,” Angie says.

Today, Reed doesn’t just give away toys. Miss Donna had another idea two years before she died: to give out pajamas, socks and undergarments to those in need.

“We named it Miss Donna’s Closet. And when they drive through the toy giveaway, they get the pajamas, they get socks, they get undergarments all through the toy line. They get snacks. And so when we lost Miss Donna, Reed promised at that point that he would carry her tradition on.”

Reed is Now Inspiring Others
Reed’s heart of service is always on display, and it’s now inspiring others.

“It’s literally the goal that we try to set for our 4-H members. We hope that they’ll develop a level of mastery in their project work, and for Reed, his project has been civic engagement,” Greg says. “And when they get to that point, we’ll hope we hope that they’ll utilize that to teach and impact others to follow in their footsteps, which is exactly what Reed has done.”

“That’s the best thing with 4-H; they always want you to strive to be the best version of yourself. And that’s something this project really does every year,” Reed says. “It’s not just staying the same or leveling out each year. It’s getting bigger and better than the last.”

True Gift of Giving
Reed’s one idea in 2016 continues to spread joy year-round, as it showcases the true gift of giving.

“Little 11-year-old Reed could never see such a thing happening, especially when I was so young and couldn’t even talk to a group of ten people, let alone do something like this. I never thought it would reach this,” Reed says.

“I always share this. That came from the idea of an 11-year-old child. That shows the impact of the 4-H program. That shows the impact of a student that wants to give, that wants to make a difference and wants to make a positive impact on their community,” Greg says.

Reed Accepts Donations Year-Round
In order to make the annual toy drive possible, Reed accepts donations year-round. If you’d like to contribute to the annual toy drive or Reed’s other service projects, you can donate here .

Your Next Reads:
The Ultimate Gift: Dairy Farmer Becomes Lifesaving Hero by Donating Both His Liver and Kidney

Iconic Holiday Road Trip Stop Returns to Its Georgia Pecan Farm Roots

From Raising Cattle to Now Reindeer, How One Family is Sharing the Magic Of Christmas On Their Farm

The Ultimate Gift: Dairy Farmer Becomes Lifesaving Hero by Donating Both His Liver and Kidney

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 14:51:44 GMT

When one thinks of a dairy farmer, the image often conjured is that of a hardworking individual, dedicated to the care of their cattle and land. Brian Forrest, who leads with a kind-hearted and giving spirit at his family farm, Maple Ridge Dairy near Stratford, Wisconsin, epitomizes this image and so much more.

Forrest works tirelessly alongside his wife, Elaine, and their five children, tending to roughly 2,000 cows and farming 4,000 acres. Although farming is undeniably a demanding job, Forrest thrives on the mixture of hard work and familial teamwork it entails.

Leadership Beyond Farming
Away from the hustle and bustle of farming, Forrest dedicates his time in boardrooms and volunteering on various committees and organizations. His contributions as a leader have not gone unnoticed as he was awarded the Dean Strauss Leadership Award at the Professional Dairy Producers (PDP) Annual Meeting earlier this year.

“Ask anyone who knows Brian and they’ll tell you he’d give you the shirt off his back without blinking, as his track record clearly shows,” Shelly Mayer, Executive Director of PDP, shares. “I’ve had the opportunity to work directly with Brian for several years and I can say firsthand that he is one of the most thoughtful, compassionate people one could ever hope to work with.”

Maple Ridge has earned recognition on state and national levels, including Focus on Energy’s 2022 Energy Efficiency Excellence Award and platinum-level recognition in 2020 from the National Mastitis Council for the dairy’s consistently low Somatic Cell Count. Forrest was also named a 2021 Wisconsin Agriculturist Master Agriculturist. Forrest serves as Board Chair of Dairy’s Foundation and also served on the PDP board of directors for six years, acting as treasurer for three years. He’s an FFA alumnus and regularly supports the FFA.

A Selfless Donor
Forrest’s generosity extends beyond his time and expertise. In July 2019, he served as a living liver donor for his cousin Richard Gillette, who was battling end-stage liver disease.

“Richard is one of five brothers who I had always looked up to when I was a kid,” Forrest fondly recalls. “When they were young, all five of them came up from Illinois during the summer to help out on my dad’s farm in Stratford.”

Two of the five brothers died in their 50s - and Forrest didn’t want to see a third Gillette brother die before his time. And, as sick as Richard was in the spring of 2019, he was unlikely to receive a new liver from a deceased donor in time to save his life. Too many patients were ahead of him on the transplant list - and most of them were even sicker. Forrest offered to see if he could be a match.

“I thought maybe I could be a donor. I’m older, but I have O-negative blood.” After discussing it with his wife and giving it careful thought, he decided to go through with the donation.

A football fan at heart, Forrest knows that when it’s game day, rivalries don’t matter. Or least this was the case for the fourth-generation dairy farmer.

“He’s a Bears fan. I’m a Packer fan. But we were united the morning that we both met with our incredible surgeons,” Forrest remembers back to the day of live transplant at the University of Wisconsin-Madison Medical Hospital. We joked together right before the surgery that after he gets part of my liver, he very well may come out a Packers fan! He beamingly shares that his cousin recovered well. “It was a tough road for a while, but it was all worthwhile.”

Four years later, Forrest donated a kidney to an anonymous recipient, demonstrating his willingness to help those in need yet again.

The kidney he donated went to a person in Virginia. The surgeon showed Forrest a picture of his kidney functioning perfectly inside the recipient the evening after his surgery.

“It was pink inside the recipient and doing its job,” Forrest shared emotionally. “It is all so remarkable.”

Both surgeries required others to pick up the ‘slack’ from Forrest back at the dairy. He proudly shares that he is lucky to have such a great village that could help out while he took 6-8 weeks to fully recover from both surgeries.

“I would do this again in a heartbeat,” he shares. “There is no price tag for giving someone life and the whole experience brought my family closer together.”

A Farmer’s Faith
Forrest says the feeling of helping someone else is hard to describe but incredibly fulfilling.

“I know God is driving the way,” he says. “I’m not sure what direction we are heading, but I know he is in the driver’s seat and I’m in the backseat.”

When it comes to farming, Forrest—like most farmers—believes in a better tomorrow. Before his surgeries, Forrest had to undergo a mental health evaluation, ensuring he was prepared for all eventualities, even the possibility of the surgery not resulting in success.

“I go back to the highs and lows of farming. With milk prices and Mother Nature, you must be okay with not being in control,” he says.

Forrest’s mindset of focusing on what can go right instead of what could go wrong is just his natural way of thinking. This positive attitude has helped foster a healthy and positive culture at Maple Ridge Dairy, where 34 full-time employees work in harmony.

“Our mission and values are communicated, and we all work towards the same goal,” he shares.

In an industry full of challenges and unpredictability, this Wisconsin dairy farmer stands out not just for his farming practices but for his exemplary character and unwavering optimism. Whether on the farm, in the operating room, or during acts of heroism, Forrest truly embodies a spirit of selflessness and resilience.

“I try to make more deposits than withdrawals,” he says. “There are good days and bad days, but we really need to focus on the good. My hopes are that others who hear my story also consider organ donation. UW Madison is an incredible resource and I’d be happy to talk to anyone whose heart has tugged on them regarding organ donation. I have no regrets.”

Iconic Holiday Road Trip Stop Returns to Its Georgia Pecan Farm Roots

Sun, 22 Dec 2024 16:31:00 GMT

Dashing through the snow in a front-wheel drive sleigh … the seasonal holiday road trip is a right of passage for many families. At one time, the roadside icon Stuckey’s was often a likely stop.

“At our peak, we had 368 stores in 40 states,” says Stephanie Stuckey, current chair of the Stuckey’s Corporation. “Stuckey’s really is synonymous with the road trip, during what I consider the era of the great American Road Trip, which would have been the 1950s to the 1970s.”

Stephanie Stuckey, current chair of the Stuckey’s Corporation.

(Stuckey’s Corporation)

The roadside oasis, and its iconic pecan candies, are woven into the fabric of highway history.

“Back then, Americans wouldn’t travel by plane. They would load up in the car, usually in a family station wagon, and drive for five days,” Stuckey says.

The company was founded during the Great Depression by pecan farmer, WS Stuckey, as a roadside pecan stand.

“He always considered himself first and foremost, a pecan farmer and a pecan broker,” adds Stuckey, his granddaughter.

Pecan farmer and Stuckey’s Corporation founder, WS Stuckey.

(Stuckey’s Corporation)

Today she’s leading a resurgence of that business, not as a highway stop, but as a pecan company with roots on Georgia farms.

“This is our big audacious goal: I want us to be the go-to pecan snack brand in the world,” she says.

Helping her on the journey is RG Lamar, a third-generation pecan farmer and company CEO.

RG Lamar, a third-generation pecan farmer and Stuckey’s Corporation CEO.

(Stuckey’s Corporation)

“I can say as a Georgia pecan grower, I may be a little bit biased, I don’t know, but I genuinely believe we grow the best pecans in the world in the state of Georgia,” Lamar smiles.

He credits ample rainfall in the southeast and higher oil content with helping grow a larger-sized nut. The result is perfect for creating candied treats at Christmas.

Today, on an in-shell basis, Stuckey’s handles about 2 million pounds of Georgia pecans a year. As a state, Georgia grows roughly 100 million pounds.

“Interestingly, roughly 10% of the pecans grown in Georgia are grown in someone’s yard,” Larmar says.

Soon, the newly refocused Stuckey’s brand will be using even more Georgia pecans as the business continues to expand.

“Why is it that when you go into the grocery store, walk down the salty snack aisle and you get to the nuts, you can find every other nut sitting in that section, but you don’t see pecans there very often,” Lamar asks.

Georgia Pecan Orchard

(Stuckey’s Corporation)

It’s a question this farmer and farmer’s granddaughter are aiming to answer.

“Of the original 368 stores there are only 12 left,” Stuckey says. “That’s OK because I saw what wasn’t on the balance sheets and that is the value of the brand.”

A brand, dumping, churning, dipping and packaging pecans, log rolls and clusters just the way the founder WS Stuckey did when he started.

“I would like to think if he were alive today, he would be really happy we’re making our comeback the way we began, as a pecan company,” Stuckey says.

Watch Christmas in the Country on Dec. 25 on AgDay TV .

Santa Will Drink More than 5 Million Gallons of Milk This Christmas Eve

USDA Issues Permit for Santa’s Reindeer to Enter the U.S.

From Raising Cattle to Now Reindeer, How One Family is Sharing the Magic Of Christmas On Their Farm

Sat, 21 Dec 2024 12:30:00 GMT

“Rudolph the Red-nose Reindeer” is a song that captured kids’ hearts when it first topped the charts in 1949. It then became a television special hit 15 years later, and it’s still a Christmas-hit today.

Unlike the fictional characters in the movie and songs, reindeer at Prescott Family Reindeer Farm are actually real.

“We obviously have our real reindeer, Noel and Tinsel,” says Sara Prescott, owner of Prescott Family Reindeer Farm.

She says the fact reindeer do exist is one of the biggest misconceptions of reindeer today.

“We have people that come up all the time and say, okay, but what are these, and we tell them they are real reindeer,” she says.

Rooted in Family and a Desire to Spread Christmas Cheer

Prescott will tell you the story behind their reindeer farm is magical, but it all starts with family.

“Being on a family farm means a lot of different things,” she says. “To us, it means tradition, it means building something together as a family.”

That’s exactly what the Prescotts do each year as their farm of 240 acres in Vanzandt, Mo. is rooted in a deep desire to give everyone a full Christmas experience.

“They’re very stout, hearty animals,” says Prescott “So, we wanted it not to just be a petting zoo, but we wanted you to be able to fall in love with our animals, just the way that we do.”

The Journey South

It all started three years ago when the Prescotts moved to southern Missouri from central Illinois.

“While we were in central Illinois, we did a ton of educational opportunities for people to come out to the farm and share our story, visit with the animals,” she says. “And when we moved here, we wanted to expand on that.”

The Prescotts were well equipped for raising beef cattle. Afterall, that’s what their family had always done, but when they moved, they decided to venture into something new.

“We didn’t want to impose on other businesses here in our local area. So we really tried to find a different niche market. And honestly, reindeer were perfect,” she says.

The Prescotts love their reindeer. That passion for raising reindeer was a gift during a visit to another farm in Illinois.

“Our reindeer process actually started five years ago in Canton, Illinois when we visited our first reindeer farm, and that was the Snowman’s Reindeer Farm , and they are amazing people and they actually helped us to fall in love with reindeer just on our visit there.”

From Cattle to Reindeer

When the Prescotts moved to Missouri, Sara started researching how to raise reindeer, and she quickly discovered it was a natural fit for their family farm.

“We raise the reindeer very much like we raise the cattle,” she says. “I would say the biggest difference between cows and reindeer are the cattle don’t love it when it’s zero degrees. But the reindeer, that’s their happiest time.”

Cattle and reindeer are both ruminant animals, but reindeer just prefer to eat different treats.

“Our reindeer actually are not on grass. Reindeer actually don’t eat much grass,” she says. “Their main diet out in nature would be a lot more leaves and sticks, that kind of stuff that they’re looking for.”

Her Pampered Pets

Sara calls them her pampered pets, with big fans and pools to play in during the heat of the summer, but as you can imagine, it’s in the winter months that these reindeer really shine.

“We’re super excited that Santa and Mrs. Claus join us each weekend from the North Pole. They come down obviously to visit with the reindeer. We hope that Noel and Tinsel will make the flight team this year and be able to be flying around for Christmas Eve.”

Magical Christmas Experience on the Farm

With both Santa and Mrs. Claus on the farm, plus photo props and other fun activities around the farm, the Prescotts work each winter to bring others an enchanting experience.

“We also have crafts, a gift shop, you can write letters to Santa, hot cocoa, games; basically, all the things that you need to check off your Christmas tradition list,” she says.

This experience isn’t created overnight. The Prescotts and their three kids start decorating for Christmas in July, all in hopes of sharing their passion for raising reindeer and help others make memories in the most magical way.

Kansas Equine Rescue Celebrates the Joy with Christmas at the Stables

Sun, 24 Dec 2023 21:12:41 GMT

Stalls glistening once again. Candy canes and silver lanes that glow. It’s beginning to look a lot like Christmas in Junction Ciity, Kansas at the Rainbow Meadows Equine Rescue for Christmas at the Stables .

Karen Everhart, executive director and founder of Rainbow Meadows, says the organization helps rescue, rehabilitate and rehome horses.

“What we want people to become aware of, more than anything, is that there are horses within our community that need a safe place to land and Rainbow Meadows provides that safe refuge,” says Everhart.

Christmas at the Stables isn’t just festive for those who visit. It’s now an experience all can enjoy, which includes the horses.

“And we thought how nice would it be, even though our horses generally do not come in at night, to bring our horses in one night a week for four weeks, allow them a special treat of alfalfa hay that makes them happy, and give our community an opportunity to walk through and see our horses and learn a little bit more about us,” says Everhart.

In its third year, visitors have the chance to see more than 40 horses this year as the event has exploded in popularity.

“We anticipated maybe on a good night, we might have 100 people come through here. And last week we had 600 people through here. We really are amazed,” says Everhart.

The interest and growth may be because the mission at Rainbow Meadows extends beyond the holidays.

“Rainbow Meadows is essentially a passion driven organization,” she says. “We operate typically somewhere between 45 and 50 horses on any given day.”

What’s now a 501c3, Everhart says started in the summer of 2005, right after she retired from the healthcare industry. She already had 10 horses of her own, with no plans for more.

“By the fall I had 20 horses and went, ‘Wait a minute, I cannot live on retirement income and take care of double the number of equines,’” she says. “So in September of 2005, we incorporated as a nonprofit 501c3.”

In its 19th year of operations, Everhart says Rainbow Meadows helps horses in three areas.

“The first is those that come in as direct intakes. And we probably bring 40 to 50 horses in each year,” says Everhart. “We also are involved in helping horses a little more indirectly. So, if there are large seizures of horses, they may not physically ever come here, just due to capacity, but I will help provide new homes for them through what we call a placement process.”

Since 2005, Rainbow Meadows has helped and aided thousands of horses, with the ultimate goal of helping rehome the rehabbed animals through adoptions. From physical rehab, to emotional rehabilitation, the work here has turned into several miracles, which includes one special horse named Fenix.

“Fenix was sadly one of 55 horses that had to be seized out of the southern southwest Kansas City, Kansas area. And this little filly was three years old, she was the size of a horse that was about six months old, and she was lying in mud, and she was covered in feces. I literally thought she was dead,” Everhart says.

Evehart, along with other volunteers, rescued Fenix and then immediately began her rehabilitation.

“Within 30 days, she didn’t even look like the same horse, she actually looked normal. Within 60 days, she was completely rehabilitated,” she says.

And today, Fenix is seven years old, and in the words of Everhart, living her best life.

“That’s not uncommon for us to be able to bring horses from near death, literally. She was probably within a day or two of dying of starvation laying in a field, to having the possibility of a long future with somebody who loves and cares about her,” she says.

It’s those stories that make all the volunteer hours an investment that’s well worth it.

“That’s what it’s about,” says Everhart. “Its doing better for these animals than someone has chosen to do in the previous past,” says Everhart.

Rainbow meadows runs almost solely volunteers, and during December, the stables are able to celebrate the joy in all of it.

“I think a lot of people perceive then an organization like ours is somehow funded through taxes, and we’re not, we’re funded through, if you will, grace. And that is what the people bring to us,” says Everhart.

Enjoy more Christmas in the Country stories here .

Ultimate Gift: FFA Members Restore Their Adviser's Family's Farmall As A Surprise Retirement Gift

Wed, 22 Feb 2023 17:37:08 GMT

Meet Larry Plapp just once, and you’ll quickly see the retired ag teacher and FFA adviser has a gift.

“I taught agriculture for 37 years and had a wonderfully enjoyable career doing that,” Plapp says.

Plapp was honored with many awards during his 37-year teaching career. His gift was the ability to connect with students, especially their freshman year.

“We touched upon a lot of different things in the freshman class, and it was kind of a launching point for the kids as to what they might take as their sophomore, junior or senior year. I just enjoyed their curiosity is for the most part,” he says.

Maybe that’s why many out of the close to 5,000 students Plapp taught will forever remember him.

“He was the greatest teacher ever,” says Carter Volck, current president of Badger FFA in Lake Geneva, Wis. “He was the teacher who came into school every day and he wanted to do his job. There wasn’t a question about that. He would do anything for anyone.”

The Decision to Retire From Teaching

The classroom was his calling, which is why the decision to retire this year wasn’t easy.

“I had toyed with this for a while,” Plapp says. “ I’ll be honest with you, COVID was a difficult time in the teaching business. We were teaching virtual at school and everything in between. It did take a toll.”

It was a tough decision, but Plapp says he simply knew it was time.

“I had a wonderful officer team lined up for my what I was thinking would be my last year, as I kept going on with this team, I thought, ‘This is this is a good way to end,’” he says.

The Gift Idea

What Plapp didn’t know was he would receive a very special retirement gift.

“We were at some leadership conference, and he was talking about how another ag teacher from a different school got a tractor for his retirement,” remember Volck. “And joking to us, he’s like, ‘Oh, I bet I won’t get a tractor for my retirement.’”

While it was a joke at the time, it quickly turned into the students’ new goal. With the help of Candice Franks, Plapp’s teaching partner and Badger FFA adviser, the students got to work.

Franks contacted Plapp’s brother, who lives in Indiana. He knew just the tractor the kids should restore.

An FFA member and his dad picked up the tractor and bought it back to the Lake Geneva area so the FFA members could restore it.

Close Call

With a separate group chat, Franks and the students worked behind the scenes, all while working to hide it from Plapp.

“One of our local tractor implements had donated us a check towards the project, and they just sent it to Badger FFA Agriscience,” says Franks. “Convenient enough, Larry actually went down to go through the mail that day, and had brought the check back in his hand. “

At that point, Franks was sure the secret was out.

“I came back to these guys, and said, “We are so busted; he saw one of the donations,’” says Franks.

“It was a close call,” adds Volck.

That wasn’t the only challenge to restoring Plapp’s family tractor. Everything was donated -- all the work and parts.

“None of us have really restored a tractor. My dad works in diesel truck shop, but before that, he worked in another like auto mechanic shop, where they like redid trucks and stuff like that. So my dad was the one who painted the tractor,” says Volck.

The Ultimate Gift

But with a mission in mind, those challenges were always overcome, and last spring during the FFA awards night, still unbeknownst to Plapp, he was in for the surprise of a lifetime. They first called him up and gave him a couple personal gifts.

“Then they said, ‘Well, we’ve got to go outside to see the next one,’” says Plapp.

“We had to walk outside, and all of a sudden they fire up the tractor, and I knew this sound, and I thought, ‘That can’t be,’” Plapp says. “It just flabbergasted me.”

It wasn’t just any tractor, it was a very special tractor.

“This is 1954 Super M-TA,” says Plapp. “This was my dad’s first farming tractor.”

It’s also the tractor Plapp and his brother first learned to drive.

“It wasn’t like some where it sits outside and rusted to death, you know, it was in a shed, but it just wasn’t runnable,” he says. “Basically the carburetor had boiled up and had some pretty significant oil leaks that they repaired.”

When most people get a plaque or other gifts for retirement, Plapp received a tractor. The ultimate gift for a man who instilled lessons beyond the classroom on three decades of students he taught.

“It really touched me to the core and it was incredible gesture of love by these people. It was just something I’ll never forget,” he adds.

His Retirement Plan

Plapp’s retirement plan is already in the works, as he plans to showcase his newly restored tractor off every chance he gets.

“I bought a trailer and a bigger truck so I can haul my tractor, because this coming spring and summer, I want to take it to some shows.”

Plapp was able to take it to the National FFA Convention this year, as well as lead the Badger FFA student in their homecoming parade this fall, showing off a gift that didn’t come from a store. No, this gift means much, much more.

Related Stories:

From Raising Cattle to Now Reindeer, How One Family is Sharing the Magic Of Christmas On Their Farm

Forget the Steaks, Give the Gift of Corn this Christmas

John Phipps: Why More Americans Don’t Actually Roast Chestnuts On an Open Fire

John Phipps: Uncovering the Christmas Spirit in Unexpected Places

Sat, 24 Dec 2022 14:03:03 GMT

I unexpectedly stumbled into the real Christmas spirit recently.

A close friend invited me to his church men’s group meeting. About twenty of us gathered for a fish fry dinner prepared by a few members. Then they had their meeting beginning with a brief devotional and followed discussion of the group’s activities. I was one of the younger attendees, which is typical today for such groups.

As a visitor, I was kind of detached from the proceedings, but I remember thinking at the time if Major Henry Martyn Roberts had any idea in 1876 that his manual, Robert’s Rules would become the liturgical guide for meetings of every size a century and a half later, he likely would have been astounded. Like so many occasions in my life, the familiar process of conducting the communal business of assemblies like this one moved from step through familiar step in a reassuring ritual.

Beginning with the call to order and officer reports, carefully noted and duly approved with motions and seconds, we arrived at old business – aptly named for this group. The presiding officer led through discussions of projects and activities underway or upcoming.

There was a focus on Christmas-related activities, of course, like toys and clothes for the needy and scheduling bellringers for Salvation Army kettles. Their most ambitious long-term project was Meals on Wheels, providing drivers to deliver food prepared by the local hospital.

From their words, I could tell they felt an additional significance in this year-round ministry during December. Many of the men, like my friend, had been doing it for decades. Soon the conversation devolved into swapping opinions about the best way to run the delivery routes, particular encounters with grateful recipients, and anecdotes undoubtedly shared before but appreciated, nonetheless.

Sitting there I was moved by their long and faithful service to their community. Then I realized they were literally the embodiment fulfilling the ancient Christmas promise from a night long ago: good men bringing peace and good will to all.

John Phipps: Why More Americans Don't Actually Roast Chestnuts On an Open Fire

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 20:39:38 GMT

One of the most durable of all standard Christmas songs played nonstop during this time of year is “The Christmas Song”. If that unimaginative title doesn’t ring any silver bells, that’s because it is more recognizable by the first line, “Chestnuts roasting on an open fire”. Even for nostalgia buffs, though, the reference to chestnuts, let alone roasted ones, will trigger few remembrances.

Chestnut trees once dominated Eastern forests comprising as much as half the hardwood in those woodlands. As you can see, they grew to enormous size, and chestnut lumber was a prized material for all kinds of applications, but especially large beams and planks for flooring for brans and general construction.

In 1905 a fungus from Japan was inadvertently introduced to America and it literally took these giants down. Today woodworkers pay exorbitant prices for chestnut lumber reclaimed from old barns and other wooden structures. The wood is a buttery yellow with a straight grain that works well and is adaptable to multiple uses.

(U.S. Farm Report)

A tiny number of groves may survive in Minnesota and other remote northern forests, but essentially these wonderful trees are gone. It is safe to say that few have ever eaten true American chestnuts roasted on an open fire.

There are related species resistant to the blight but the none which match the majestic size and beauty of this native hardwood. Arborists and botanists have struggled to develop blight resistant chestnut trees for decades with little success. Until now.

A genuine version of the American chestnut is at hand, but there is one tiny catch that farmers will understand. These blight-resistant trees are genetically modified. So, despite decades of safe and effective use of GM plants, foresters and government scientists are grappling with yet another GM controversy. Complicating the research is the tree lifespan – it’s not a 90-day corn, after all.

This farmer and woodworker thinks it’s a no-brainer to endure what appear to be minimal risks, but that’s been my futile GM opinion for a long time. But maybe in a century of two, not only will these magnificent trees regain their place in American forests and woodshops, but Christmas revelers could be roasting real American chestnuts over an open fire.

And yes, given the way our Christmas repertoire has endured, I’ll bet they will sing the song with the unknown title.

'Tis the Season to Bust the Biggest Christmas Tree Myths

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 20:33:00 GMT

From popular songs like “ Rockin’ Around the Christmas Tree ” to ‘ O Christmas Tree ,’ the Christmas tree is the centerpiece of many Christmas celebrations.

Unlike reports of a Christmas tree shortage, the Real Christmas Tree Board , which is the checkoff for Christmas tree farmers, says growers from across the country have been able to meet the increasing demand.

“They’ve reported a Christmas tree shortage for years. And after several years, we’ve never run out of Christmas trees,” says Marsha Gray, executive director, the Real Christmas Tree Board. “Our supply numbers are actually lower than they were 10 or 20 years ago. So that part is true. But we’ve never not met the demand.”

She says there’s no question demand has skyrocketed, largely due to the Covid-19 pandemic. As more Americans decided to take part in several Christmas traditions, more purchased real Christmas trees.

Weather’s Lack of Impact On This Year’s Tree Supply

The demand front is good news. And on the supply side, Gray says even with the whiplash of weather, those challenges don’t cut into the supply for a given year.

“It’s very rare that a weather event in the existing year impacts the trees we’re trying to sell. What it does impact in most cases are the seedlings, the new plantings,” says Gray.

The main Christmas tree production areas in the U.S. are Oregon, Wisconsin, Michigan and North Carolina. While the drought didn’t cut down on the tree supply for 2022, the extreme heat in the Pacific Northwest threw a curveball for growers this year.

“They were hitting like 118 degrees in June,” says Gray. “It didn’t kill trees. What it did is (affect) all that flush new growth on the ends, that’s where you get all the pretty new branches.”

The Grinch? Skyrocketing Freight Costs

Gray says it takes a minimum of eight years to grow a Christmas tree to a harvestable size. Weather can be a battle for future trees, but it’s the cost of trucking and freight that added to the cost of trees this year. Last year, trucking availability was the problem. This year, overall, the average cost of a Christmas tree was up 10 percent.

“Like all areas of agriculture and for all products, when you’re moving things around, it hinges on fuel prices and availability of trucking,” says Gray. “Some growers do price their trees minus the trucking, so it’s like you make your deal and then the trucking is on you. Others build that in. And, boy, you’re taking a bit of a gamble, but they’ve worked the market a long time.”

Good for the Environment?

Even with the price, Gray says more millennials are embracing tradition. And as more younger families opt for a real Christmas tree versus artificial, Gray says they’re also buying a product that benefits the environment, which can sometimes be a misconception with U.S. tree shoppers.

“The trees themselves, because their farms were replanting, it’s a constant cycle of renewing and sustaining that. And consumers, when they’re done with a tree at the end, it is 100% biodegradable; it’s just going to go back to the earth,” says Gray.

Big Export Business

It’s not just an American-grown product that’s more environmentally friendly compared to buying a plastic tree. Gray says Christmas tree farmers also benefit the U.S. economy. Demand is growing not just at home, but also abroad.

“We export Christmas trees to Dubai and Mexico, to the Middle East,” says Gray. “We export to all kinds of interesting places.”

As Christmas tree growers wind down another season, it’s an American grown product that’s helping make Christmas memories year after year.

Forget the Steaks, Give the Gift of Corn this Christmas

Thu, 22 Dec 2022 16:59:23 GMT

From the hard charge of harvest to the silence of winter’s slumber celebrating the end of a season can be lack luster for row crop farmers. Grain in the bin doesn’t gift as well as steaks on the grill.

“When you feed cattle, you grew that into a steak and were able to share it,” points out Joe Knobbe, the owner of Flyover Whiskey in West Point, Nebraska. “Well, we don’t really have that with just row crops.”

From field to flask, Flyover Whiskey is helping farmers bottle the season’s harvest one micro-batch at a time.

Joe Knobbe, owner of Flyover Whiskey

(Flyover Whiskey)

“Basically, we custom distill whiskey for farmers from their own corn,” Knobbe explains.

Head distiller Devon Birchem says it’s very personal. He starts with 15 to 20 pounds of corn.

“We have guys bring in dried sweet corn which gives the whiskey a lot sweeter taste,” explains Birchem. “Even between white corn and the common yellow corn, that white corn has a sweeter taste to it.”

He can also tell a difference in taste depending on how clean the corn is that’s used. Field by Field, every bottled batch is uniquely original.

“Hybrid does have an effect,” laughs Knobbe. “We haven’t really been able to pin down what is the best brand, DeKalb, Pioneer, Beck’s etc. but we definitely notice a difference.”

Once the corn is mashed, it’s left to ferment before heading to the still. They have several as efficient small batch processing requires plenty of equipment to keep up with demand. The goal is to turn that one load of corn, 15 pounds, into 6 custom bottles of whiskey.

“You have to pay attention because you’re not dealing with hundreds of gallons at a time,” says Knobbe. “We’re dealing with 10 gallons at a time and our margin for error is a lot smaller.”

Head distiller, Devon Birchem, making small batch whiskey for farmers.

(Flyover Whiskey)

“I want to make sure that I get a good tasting stuff and enough of it,” adds Birchem. “I want something that I can be proud of and that they’d be proud of as well.”

Pride in the product is also transferred to the label.

“Part of the fun of it is being able to personalize that label down to what field [the grain] came out of or the price it was sold or at the time of harvest,” says graphic designer Kylie Kai. “I just think it makes it really special.”

Her designs combined with the bottle’s contents help preserve these farmer’s special moments.

“Some of the more special labels we do are those [that commemorate] grandpa or dad’s last harvest,” says Kai. “We’ve also done a picture of grandpa in the field with the combine behind him.”

It takes about two months to go from bushel to bottle. While corn is the focus, other farmers are now asking for a shot at distilling their own crops.

(Flyover Whiskey)

“There’s a lot of guys in Kansas that want me to do a wheat beer,” says Knobbe. “There are guys who have asked me about making vodka or rum with sugar beets.”

As those requests ferment, the team is pouring themselves into giving the gift of corn.

“There’s just not a whole lot of gifts you can give to a farmer that they’ve never gotten before,” says Knobbe. “So, we think it’s a really special gift.”

A harvest in a bottle distilled into the perfect present for any season of life.

Viral Video Musician Inspired by Indiana Farm Fields at Christmas

Sun, 27 Dec 2020 21:33:27 GMT

The sounds of the season are beautifully struck as a wispy choral of notes float across the strings of Ted Yoder’s hammered dulcimer.

“It just always felt like this was the instrument I was supposed to play,” says Yoder from his home tucked among the farm fields of Goshen, Indiana.

The hammered dulcimer has roots in the folk music of Appalachia, but can be found in a multitude of other nations and iterations.

“It’s used in folk music at best, but typically it’s heard more in mountain music,” says Yoder.

The stringed instrument with its spoon-like hammers has been a part of Ted’s life for more than two decades.

“I play guitar and I play piano, but I just wasn’t drawn to them like the hammered dulcimer,” says Yoder. “There’s just a magic about the instrument and there’s a magic to the sound.”

Lately, he’s been sharing that magic with audiences via social media from his home orchard.

“When I’m going live in the orchard at any point in time, you know, a tractor will go by, a manure spreader or something is happening in the background because of the farmers next door,” says Yoder.

It was that setting in 2016 that pushed Yoder into viral video stardom.

“So the first week I went live, I had like seven viewers I think, and a total of forty-seven views by the by the weekend,” remembers Yoder.

The next week he took a different approach.

“I decided to play a rendition of “Everybody Wants to Rule the World” by Tears for Fears,” says Yoder. “By Sunday I had 54 million views.”

Today that same video has more than 100 million views.

“So that’s what I’m most famous for,” laughs Yoder.

As likely the world’s most famous hammered dulcimer player, he continues to thrill his audiences online and draw inspiration from the fields around him. Capturing little moments that percolate through his newly released winter album and a song called “The Perfect Snow.”

“I was sitting up in my office last November and it was starting to snow, right around Thanksgiving, like it kind of does in Indiana and it was just that, perfect falling snow,” remembers the inspired Yoder.

He wrote a song about it and it’s now included in his latest album “Shadowlight,” a collection of winter and Christmas songs.

This season, while he doesn’t have a spotlight, he does have a way to share his passion across the web of wires and wireless connections online.

“We just you just don’t have a stage anymore right now and I don’t know when it’s coming back,” says Yoder.

Yoder continues to play this interesting instrument from the edges of farm fields of Indiana where he can strike at the heart of the Christmas season and beyond.

“It’s in my blood,” says Yoder. “It’s so unique and I just can’t imagine playing anything else.”

Watch the entire “Christmas in the Country” episode at www.agday.com on December 25, 2020 or on US Farm Report over the weekend.