Have you ever looked at a cow and thought, “why does it look like they are chewing gum?”  That “gum” actually has name, called “cud” and is a very important piece to a cow’s healthy diet and digestive processes.

Feeding Animal Livestock

Cattle are a part of our food system, and that comes with a responsibility we take to heart. Farmers and ranchers focus on giving animals good feed, clean water, comfort, and calm, low‑stress care because their well‑being matters.  Not only is raising animals with respect the right thing to do, it is the foundation of producing safe, high quality, and wholesome food for families.

One part of our stewardship is providing animals with appropriate, balanced nutrition for each growth stage. Just like humans, cattle need dietary protein, energy, vitamins and minerals.  And just like us, cows eat things like corn and oats, but unlike us, cows also eat things called forages, like hay and grass. 

Forages play a very important role in animal health and nutrition. Depending on the life phase and management of the operation, livestock animals can receive forage in the form of grass, hay, or silage. These forages are typically fed alongside grain feedstuffs such as corn and soybeans.  Cattle have a really cool and unique component to their digestive system that allow them to benefit from forages like grass and hay that other species simply cannot.

Ruminants: One Stomach, Four Compartments

Cattle, as well as sheep and goats, are called ruminants.  There are many other types of ruminants found in the wild, including white-tailed deer, elk, moose, bison, pronghorn, antelope, giraffes and water buffalo.

Ruminants have no upper teeth and a four-compartment stomach containing a diverse microbial community.  Inside this vast compartmental stomach, are two parts called the reticulum and rumen.  These two compartments act as microbial fermentation chamber and allow digestion of low quality, high fiber feedstuffs like hay, grass, and silage. 

When cows eat, they actually eat the same food twice!  Rumination is the process of eating food, regurgitating that food, re-chewing (cud), and then re-swallowing.  Weird, right?  Feeding ruminants like cows is a balancing act to meet requirements for both the animal and the microorganisms living inside the stomach.

So, Why Do Cows Eat Grass Again?

Ruminant stomachs contain a diverse community of bacteria, protozoa, fungi, and archaea.  Fermentation in the rumen is fascinating symbiotic relationship between the animal and these gut microbes. 

Like any living thing, the gut microbes have specific needs. Rumen microbes thrive on carbohydrates, especially cellulose and starch from forages and grains, but they also need non‑protein nitrogen like urea for microbial protein synthesis.  Lastly, the microbes need a stable pH around 6 to 7, plenty of moisture, and anaerobic conditions, all of which the ruminant stomach happens to provide.

Inside the rumen, the microbes work with ruminants to break down fibrous plant material from the animal’s diet and convert it into usable nutrients.  Microbial fermentation inside the gut produces compounds called volatile fatty acids (acetate, propionate, and butyrate), which become the primary energy source for ruminants.  Additionally, the microbes themselves become a protein source when they pass into the small intestine, supporting animal growth and production.

So, the gut microbes flourish on the carbohydrates from low quality, or less nutrient dense, forage and in return ruminants get usable nutrients which allow them to grow and produce high quality animal products like milk or meat. 

Immediate Impact of Nebraska Wildfires

In March of 2026, Western Nebraska suffered from devastating wildfires.  While sometimes fire and controlled burns can be restorative and beneficial to the land, these recent wildfires destroyed hundreds of thousands of acres of land just as farmers and ranchers were needing to use them. 

The pasture and grasslands were largely intended to receive cow calf pairs, or mama cows and their baby, they had this winter.  While the land will hopefully restore itself in the coming months with adequate rain, in the immediate future, farmers and ranchers will need to find alternative sources of forage, which can be costly both in terms of time and financial expense. 

When events like wildfires take away forage, we are reminded of the powerful forces of nature and just how important healthy grasslands are to both animal well‑being and the families who depend on the food we raise.

Sources:

Jurgens, M. H., Bregendahl, K., Coverdale, J. A., & Hansen, S. L. (2012). Animal Feeding and Nutrition (11th ed.). Kendall/Hunt Publishing Company.

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Every day, women across Nebraska make dozens of food decisions for their families. What goes into the lunchbox. What’s set on the dinner table. What will fuel growing bodies, busy schedules, and long days.

In the middle of nutrition headlines and trending food terms, one phrase shows up again and again: nutrient-dense. But what does that actually mean and why should it matter in your kitchen?

What does “Nutrient-Dense” Really mean?

At its simplest, nutrient density refers to the concentration of essential nutrients: vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, relative to the calories a food provides. In other words, how much nourishment are you getting for the energy consumed? How much is each bite truly doing for the body?

Why Nutrient Density Matters for Growing Families

For families, that question matters. Children are growing rapidly. Their brains are developing. Their muscles and bones are forming. Women often balance careers, caregiving, and community roles, all of which require sustained energy and resilience. Immune function, cognitive development, hormone balance, and muscle repair all depend on adequate intake of key nutrients. Choosing nutrient-dense foods helps ensure that the calories we serve are doing meaningful biological work.

A Biological Perspective, Not a Trend

As a rancher and a mom, I think about nutrient density not as a trend but as a biological principle.

Protein is a natural place to begin. Beef is considered a complete protein, meaning it contains all nine essential amino acids our bodies cannot produce on their own. These amino acids are required for muscle repair, immune defense, hormone production, and growth which are especially important for developing children and active adults. Not all proteins provide the same amino acid profile or the same level of bioavailability, a term that describes how efficiently our bodies can absorb and use the nutrients we consume.

Iron offers another example. Beef contains heme iron, the form most readily absorbed by the human body. Iron plays a critical role in oxygen transport and energy metabolism. This is particularly significant for growing children and women in their childbearing years, when iron needs are elevated.

Beef also naturally provides vitamin B12, zinc, choline, and other micronutrients that support neurological function, immune health, and cellular metabolism. Vitamin B12, which is found naturally in animal-derived foods, is essential for red blood cell formation and nervous system health.

From Farm to Plate: The Role of Cattle in Nutrition

There is also an agricultural layer to this conversation. Cattle are ruminants, uniquely designed to convert grasses and forages (plants humans cannot digest) into highly bioavailable protein and micronutrients. Through this biological process, land that isn’t suitable for growing crops can still contribute to nourishing people.

When we talk about nutrient density, we are really talking about the intersection of food systems and human biology.

Soil supports forage. Forage supports livestock. Livestock provide nutrient-rich food. It is a connected, intentional system.

Nutrient Density as Stewardship

For my family, nutrient density isn’t about trends or marketing language. It’s about understanding how biology works and stewarding it well, from pasture to plate.

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If you have ever driven passed a pasture in the spring and seen cows and their calves out grazing together, you have witnessed one of the most meaningful parts of raising beef. On our farm, Heavican Homestead, moving cow-calf pairs to pasture is something we look forward to every year. It is not just part of our routine, it is a moment that brings together animal care, land stewardship, and the quality of the beef we raise to feed families. There’s nothing quite like watching the ladies and their calves run off the trailer bucking for joy!

Why Pasture Matters for Cows and Calves

Pasture gives cattle the space to graze. When we move pairs out to grass, they can roam, spread out, and settle into a natural rhythm. Calves stay close to their mothers and begin learning how to graze by watching them.

Health Benefits Start Early

Pasture also plays a big role in keeping our animals healthy. With fresh air, open space, and a cleaner environment, cattle experience less stress and fewer health challenges. A diet of fresh forages can boost the balance of fatty acids and increasing vitamins. For calves, this stage is especially important. While they’re still nursing, they begin nibbling on grass, which helps their digestive systems develop and prepares them for the next stages of growth. Weight gain from the more nutrient dense milk and from the grass itself helps these calves down the road.

Caring for the Land While Raising Beef

This practice is not just good for the cattle, it is good for the land as well. Grazing naturally fertilizes the soil and helps promote healthy grass regrowth. When managed carefully, it creates a cycle that supports both the animals and the ground they depend on, ensuring it remains productive for years to come. 

Why Pasture is Especially Valuable in Eastern Nebraska

In eastern Nebraska, pasture ground can be difficult to find. Much of the land in this area is dedicated to raising crops like corn and soybeans, which means there is less space available for grazing. Because of this, every acre of pasture is valuable. Moving cow-calf pairs out when the grass is ready allows us to make the most of the land we have while still doing what is best for our cattle.

At Heavican Homestead, this decision reflects how we believe cattle should be raised. It may take more planning and intention, especially in an area where pasture is limited, but it is worth it. These early stages matter. The time our calves spend on pasture helps shape their health and plays a role in the quality of the beef we provide.

In the end, moving cow-calf pairs to pasture is about more than just where cattle are located. It is about raising them in a way that respects the animal, cares for the land, and provides families with beef they can feel good about bringing to their table. And as a bonus, our kids love visiting the pasture and enjoying the cattle in nature!

To the mommas and babies, enjoy the pasture while you can! We will be waiting at the Homestead for your return!

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Planting a garden has always been one of my favorite spring projects. There’s just something special about watching a barren piece of land transform into something that can help feed my family through the summer and even into winter. Over the years, gardening has taught me patience, planning, problem-solving, and the importance of enjoying the process.

Before Starting Your Garden…

One of the best things you can do before starting your garden is to think about what your family enjoys eating. It’s easy to get excited walking through a greenhouse and want to try every fun variety you see — trust me, I’ve been there! One year I somehow ended up with an abundance of habanero peppers and found myself giving them away to just about everyone I knew.

Our family loves meals like spaghetti, pizza, salsa, relish, soups, and casseroles, so I make sure to plant plenty of tomatoes for sauces, along with carrots, cucumbers, celery, and peppers that we can enjoy fresh or freeze for later use. Planning your garden around foods your family already loves helps make the hard work worthwhile.

Another important step is surveying your garden space. Pay attention to how much sunlight and shade different areas receive throughout the day. Tomatoes thrive in full sun, while leafy greens and many root vegetables can tolerate more shade. Taking time to lay out your garden according to each plant’s needs can make a huge difference in how successful your garden turns out.

And of course, don’t forget to watch the weather forecast! It’s easy to catch “garden fever” and want to plant the moment spring arrives, but around here it seems like there’s always one late frost waiting to surprise us. Looking ahead at the weekly forecast can save you from having to scramble to cover plants or risk losing them to a freeze.

Planting Tips

Then comes the fun part: heading to the greenhouse! One tip I’ve learned over the years is that you don’t have to buy everything in one trip. Spreading it out can help prevent overbuying and keep gardening from feeling overwhelming.

We are lucky to have one of the best local greenhouses, Ellwanger’s Greenhouse, near us in Butte. I always appreciate the advice from the experts there. They introduced me to celery plants years ago, which have now become a staple in my garden. They also recommended Jade green beans, and we’ve had some of our best bean harvests from that variety. Whether it’s helping sort through tomato varieties for BLTs versus canning pasta sauce or troubleshooting plant problems, greenhouse staff can be such a valuable resource.

Once you get home and have your garden space prepared, it’s time to enjoy planting. One of my favorite things is turning on a good audiobook while I work. Simple tools like two stakes with a string between them can help create straight rows, and marking row spacing on your hoe can make planting much easier.

Progress Over Perfection

Most importantly, remember that gardening is about progress over perfection. Every year you learn something new. Some plants thrive, some struggle, and sometimes the weather humbles all of us. But the time spent outside, the lessons learned, and the meals shared from your garden make it all worth it.

Happy planting! 

The post From Bare Ground to Family Meals: Why I Love Planting the Garden appeared first on CommonGround Nebraska.

The New Dietary Guidelines

In January 2026, the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) released an updated version of the food pyramid. While the shape is familiar, the content looks very different from what Americans have been encouraged to eat for decades.

The Origin Story

According to the Food and Nutrition Service at the USDA, “the Dietary Guidelines for Americans (Dietary Guidelines) is the cornerstone for federal nutrition programs and provides food‑based recommendations to promote health, help prevent diet‑related chronic diseases, and meet nutrient needs.”

Global dietary guidelines have a surprisingly long and complicated history, shaped by debate, scarcity, and evolving science dating back to the World War II era. Like many policies and food‑related recommendations from that time, early guidance was not always grounded in nutrition science. Instead, it often reflected what was available during periods of global shortages, including food.

In 1943, the U.S. government released its first graphical food guide, highlighting the “Basic Seven” to help Americans shop and eat during rationing. Additional graphics followed through the 1950s–1980s, often referred to as “daily food guides” or “daily food choices.”

Formal written Dietary Guidelines have been published every five years since 1980 — a schedule mandated by the National Nutrition Monitoring and Related Research Act of 1990.

While several visuals have been introduced since 1943, the most recognizable arrived in 1992: the Food Pyramid.

The 1992 Food Pyramid emphasized a foundation of grains, followed by vegetables and fruits, then protein foods, and finally fats and oils. In 2005, MyPyramid was released with vertical color bands representing food groups. By 2011, USDA shifted to an entirely new visual — MyPlate — to better illustrate portions on a plate.

The New “Pyramid”

That brings us to 2026 and the return of the pyramid, this time inverted, with a simple guiding message: “eat real food.”

A few notable changes in the 2026 recommendations include:

• Personalize food intake based on your age, sex, activity level, height, and weight rather than a universal “servings per day” model
• Prioritize protein at every meal
• Eat dairy
• Eat vegetables and fruits throughout the day
• Incorporate healthy fats
• Focus on whole grains
• Avoid/limit highly processed foods with added sugars and refined carbohydrates
• Limit alcohol

The updated guidelines also draw on current scientific evidence about nutrient needs and health outcomes. They reflect an effort to move away from older research that may have been limited, confounded, or influenced by the food environment of its time.

For those who want to explore the full set of documents, resources are available at RealFood.gov. It’s worth scrolling all the way to the bottom of the page to find the complete library.

Questions? Let Us Know!

As the conversation around nutrition continues to evolve, one thing hasn’t changed: people deserve clear, trustworthy information about their food. That’s at the heart of mission at CommonGround Nebraska. Volunteers—farmers, ranchers, and food‑minded moms—are here to help bridge the gap between consumers and the people who grow their food.

If you’re curious about how these new guidelines connect to real‑world farming, food production, or what ends up on your plate, please reach out to us! We love talking about food, and we’re always happy to share what we know. Reach out to a CommonGround volunteer anytime—we’re here to help you feel confident in the choices you make for your family.

Citations

Basic Seven Image:

United States. War Food Administration. Eat the Basic 7– every day! : eat a lunch that packs a punch!, poster, 1943; [Washington, D.C.]. (https://digital.library.unt.edu/ark:/67531/metadc619/m1/1/: accessed February 14, 2026), University of North Texas Libraries, UNT Digital Library, https://digital.library.unt.edu; crediting UNT Libraries Government Documents Department. Accessed 14 February 2026.

Original Food Pyramid Image:

USDA Food Guide Pyramid, Image, Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Food-Guide-Pyramid#/media/1/1445860/72929. Accessed 14 February 2026.

2005 My Pyramid Image:

USDA MyPyramid dietary guidelines, Image.  Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Food-Guide-Pyramid#/media/1/1445860/74881. Accessed 14 February 2026.

2011 My Plate Image:

USDA MyPlate dietary guidelines, Image.  Encyclopædia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/topic/Food-Guide-Pyramid#/media/1/1445860/158276. Accessed 14 February 2026.

2026 Food Pyramid:

https://realfood.gov/. Accessed 14 February 2026

Text:

Food and Nutrition Service, United States Department of Agriculture.  May 2024, “A Brief History of the USDA Food Guides.” https://myplate-prod.azureedge.us/sites/default/files/2024-05/A-Brief-History-of-the-USDA-Food-Guides.pdf. Accessed 14 February 2026.

Food and Nutrition Service, United States Department of Agriculture. “Dietary Guidelines for Americans.” 14 Jan. 2026, https://www.fns.usda.gov/cnpp/dietary-guidelines-americans.  Accessed 14 February 2026.   

Raikar, Sanat Pai. “food pyramid”. Encyclopedia Britannica, 10 Oct. 2025, https://www.britannica.com/science/food-pyramid. Accessed 14 February 2026.

United States Department of Agriculture.  Website, Jan. 2026, “Real Food Wins.” https://realfood.gov/. Accessed 14 February 2026

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Spring Soil Wake Up

Spring has a special energy that comes with it.  When I see the grass & alfalfa pushing new green growth and the tree budding up, it gets me excited to start planting!   Whether it be in the field or the garden, we must first help our soil wake up.

Waking Up the Soil: Feeding and Activating Microbes

First, we start by activating and feeding our soil.  In my garden, I like to add composted manure which adds good bacteria and nutrients to the soil. Compost also helps loosen up the tight clay soils and retain moisture. For our corn and soybean fields we like to add our nutrients with our strip-till. This allows us to loosen up the soil in the seed trench and add the fertilizer close to the seed.  We apply fertilizer products that contain carbon and humic acid that boosts nutrient availability by providing a food source for soil microbes. This helps stimulate microbial activity for soil ecosystem wake up.

Creating the Ideal Seed Bed

Do you till up your garden in the spring? I prefer to! Tillage allows me to incorporate my compost and create a beautiful seed bed for my plants to grow in.  It also helps the soil temperature to warm up quicker in the spring. This speeds up seed germination – and who doesn’t want that?

Balancing Soil Health & Efficiency

Previously, I mentioned using our strip-till in our crop fields, this equipment allows us to cultivate narrow strips of soil for planting while leaving the soil between rows undisturbed.  The strip-till makes an awesome seed bed to plant into but still has the residue next to it to hold in moisture.  I don’t know that there’s a “right way” for tillage, but I do know I love the smell of freshly tilled dirt!

Lessons Learned

A big lesson we learned last year was the importance of soil hydration. In 2025, our spring was dry and windy.  We planted our crop seed and turned our pivots on after the field was planted.  With those windy days, it made our soil moisture inconsistent which caused a lot of variability in our plant populations and heights. 

Setting Crops Up for Success Before Planting

The hard lesson we learned in those planting conditions is we should hydrate the soil prior to planting.  One of the most important pieces of starting seeds is keeping the seed hydrated. I will be implementing this in our fields and my garden by watering before planting and checking to see if the soil needs another watering after.

Wake up your soil and happy planting!

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Winter: The Newborn Season

The newborn stage feels a lot like winter on the farm. Quiet. Slow. Survival-focused. You’re awake at odd hours. You’re nourishing something fragile. You’re operating on instinct more than rhythm. The world narrows to what is right in front of you: feeding, holding, rocking, recovering.

Sometimes self-care in this season looks small:
– A hot cup of coffee actually finished (even with an electric mug).
– A shower without rushing.
– Five quiet minutes before the house wakes up.
– Stepping outside for fresh air, even if it’s just to check the sky.

Winter isn’t unproductive, it’s restorative. It’s foundational. It’s where life is protected until it’s strong enough to grow.

Spring: When the Fog Lifts

Then comes spring.

Somewhere between 4 and 8 months, the fog begins to lift. You find small pieces of yourself again. Maybe it’s a longer walk outside. Maybe it’s cooking a meal that fuels you well, one you enjoy spending time at the stove over. Maybe it’s remembering what it feels like to move your body with strength instead of exhaustion.

Maybe it’s reading a few pages of a book before bed. Maybe it’s putting on real clothes and feeling like yourself again. Maybe it’s lifting something heavier than a car seat (like a bag of feed) and realizing you’re stronger than you thought.

Like pasture greening up, you don’t notice the growth all at once. It happens gradually. Quietly.

Summer: Strength, Energy, and Capacity Return

By the time your baby nears one year, you’re in a different season entirely.

Summer energy returns. You feel capable again. Stronger. More certain. You’re still a mother — deeply so — but you’re also rediscovering the woman who existed before sleepless nights.

And in this season, self-care might look like:
– Protecting your morning routine.
– Fueling your body intentionally.
– Saying no to what drains you.
– Saying yes to what builds you.

Why Seasons Matter on the Farm and in Motherhood

On the farm, we understand seasons.

We don’t expect harvest in January.
We don’t expect new calves without a period of gestation.
We don’t expect pasture to flourish without rest.

Motherhood follows the same biological truth.

Become Stronger, Not Smaller

The thick of it – the newborn to one-year stretch – is not a loss of identity. It’s a season of transformation.

And just like the land, when cared for intentionally, you emerge not smaller, but stronger.

Seasons change.
And so do we. 

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We are excited to welcome a wonderful group of new volunteers to CommonGround Nebraska!

These women come from communities across the state, from Hemingford to Nebraska City, and share a passion for agriculture and having meaningful conversations with consumers about where their food comes from. Becoming a CommonGround Nebraska volunteer takes commitment, as each of these women had to complete an application, participate in an interview, and join a volunteer orientation before being accepted into the program.

Please join us in welcoming and congratulating our newest CommonGround Nebraska volunteers:

• Anna Heithier — Tekamah
• Brianna Johnson — Nebraska City
• Felicia Heavican — Schuyler
• Julie Wilke — Columbus
• Lauren Balcom — Lincoln
• Lexi Bodlak — Thurston
• Margie Berggren — Stromsburg
• Mary Hanson — Ithaca
• Melanie Kunc — Wilber
• Michaela Gasseling — Hemingford
• Makayla Fox-Schlick — Lincoln
• Sally Hillis — Lincoln

With the addition of these 12 new volunteers, CommonGround Nebraska now has a network of 54 volunteers across the state who are passionate about sharing their stories and helping answer questions about agriculture.

We are grateful for the time, energy, and dedication these women bring to the CommonGround mission. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer or have questions for our famers, please reach out to us at nebraskacommonground@gmail.com or find us on Facebook or Instagram at CommonGround Nebraska.

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When the calendar flips to January, many people see it as a fresh start – a time for resolutions, routines, and big goals. It’s the same on the farm. But the way we start the year may not look like much to an outside observer. The fields are bare. The tractors are mostly parked. It can seem like everything is asleep.

But the truth is, a lot is happening beneath the surface – literally and figuratively.

Growth Begins Beneath the Surface

In our crop fields, the soil may appear quiet, but it’s alive with potential. Cover crops that were planted in the fall are doing their job through the winter months – holding the soil in place, capturing nutrients, and feeding the underground ecosystem. Earthworms and microorganisms are active even in cold temperatures, building the foundation for healthy crops when spring returns. That slow, hidden process is a powerful reminder: growth doesn’t always look busy.

The Quiet Work That Matters Most

It’s a lesson that applies well beyond the farm. In our personal lives, we often expect fast progress, instant results, and visible success. But like the soil in January, the most important work often happens out of sight. It takes time, patience, and trust in the process.

Purpose That Shows Up Every Day

While the land rests, our cattle operation shifts into full winter mode. Unlike crops, livestock need attention every single day – regardless of the weather. When wind chills drop below zero, we’re out checking water tanks, delivering feed, and adding extra bedding to protect cattle from the cold. These aren’t glamorous jobs, but they matter. Our animals rely on us to help them not just survive, but thrive, in the harshest conditions.

Taking care of cattle in winter teaches another kind of purpose: the kind that shows up daily. It’s not about checking off goals on a New Year’s list. It’s about consistency, responsibility, and care, day in and day out.

Together, the land and the livestock remind us that purpose isn’t tied to how much noise we make at the start of the year. It’s about being faithful to the work, even when no one is watching. It’s about preparing for what’s next, even when results aren’t immediate.

What the Farm Teaches Us

As we begin this new year, I hope these lessons from the farm offer a bit of encouragement. Whether you’re setting goals, facing challenges, or simply trying to stay grounded, remember meaningful growth often begins in quiet places. Your steady work today, however ordinary it may feel, can lay the groundwork for something remarkable.

From our farm to yours, may this year be full of purpose, resilience, and good things growing – seen and unseen.

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This time of year, we all get caught up in the hustle and bustle of the holidays. For us on the farm, it’s no different. It brings a special kind of excitement. Fall lambing has wrapped up, and winter lambing is underway. The barn towels are stacked in a basket next to the dryer, ready for those “just in case” moments when a new baby needs an extra warm-up or dry-off on a cold winter day.

A Season of Warm Barns and Full Hearts

We lamb three different times at the farm. If you ask my husband Michael, he’ll tell you spring pasture lambing is his favorite – better weather and easier care. And while I agree, I’ve always had a soft spot for winter lambing. You open the barn door from the bitter cold and walk into a wall of warmth – the smell of hay in the mangers, sheep nestled in their jugs, and newborns discovering their world. It always brings a smile, and honestly, a moment of pause in the busy holiday season.

When Life Arrives in the Barn

There’s something special about hearing a ewe murmuring softly to her new lamb, or the loud, unapologetic bleats of those a few days old, racing around after a nap under the heat lamp. So, you might be wondering: Susan, why winter lambing over spring? For me, it’s the closeness. Being in the barn when life arrives… watching a lamb nurse for the first time, tail wiggling… being able to handle the ewes and lambs individually. It makes for calmer animals and a fuller heart. Spring pasture lambing is beautiful, but it doesn’t offer the same hands-on moments. The lambs are often born overnight and by morning they’re already off and running.

From Homemade Sweaters to Better Solutions

For years, I used thrift-store sweaters and sweatshirts to make warming sleeves for lambs. But at the World Dairy Expo this fall, I discovered wrap-around lamb and goat vests from Udder Tech. They go on just like a dog harness or winter coat. What sold me was the story – how the farmer who designed them tweaked each prototype based on what worked in the barn. Practical, tested, and they stay on much better than my homemade sweater sleeves ever did.

More Than a Job — A Way of Life

Being part of agriculture isn’t just a job. It’s tradition, honor, and pride. Knowing these little lambs, along with the dairy goat kids arriving this spring, will one day help feed and clothe families makes the long nights worthwhile.

Speaking of food, many of us will have just gathered in kitchens with friends and family for holiday baking. Every year, when I pull out the card tables and stack all the ingredients in one spot, I pause and think about the farmers behind each item. The dairy farmer up at dawn. The sugar beet grower wrapping up harvest. Grain farmers, egg producers, spice processors – so many hands behind those cookie memories. To all of you… thank you!

Looking Ahead With Gratitude

In this new year, we have so much to be grateful for. In our family, the greatest blessing is the arrival of the next generation at Littlefield Family Farms: our twin granddaughters, Gianna and Evelyn. I cannot wait for lamb-barn checks with them, or the giggles that will fill my kitchen on a Saturday spent baking Christmas cookies.

From our family to yours, may your winter be warm, joyful, and full of moments that make you pause, reflect, and smile.

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