I have been pondering this subject for quite some time. I remember not long ago when no one talked about mental health (and especially rural mental health). But, the great news is we are hearing and learning more about it. Thankfully there are more resources reaching mental health efforts. Is Mental health an issue for rural America? Based on an…
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Best Chicken Wild Rice Soup
These Uncertain Times
We are living in unsettled, stressful and uncertain times. I struggle to find ways to process everything that is going on in our world. I resign to the fact that I can’t figure it out. War is looming that we haven’t seen since WWII and will impact every one of us. It makes me sad. Some of you may say,…
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What is a Boar Stud and Artificial Insemination?
In the vast majority of pig farms, breeding boars are nowhere to be found. So how can sows be pregnant with no board around? The majority of sows in the U.S. are bred using a technique called Artificial Insemination, OR AI. AI is not new and was first used in swine in the 1930’s. Boar studs (boar farms) are used…
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Where Do Our Crops Go?
In southern Minnesota, most farmers grow two types of crops – corn and soybeans. With all the crops grown, where do our crops go? Why do we grow corn and soybeans? Market access is THE most important factor in determining what crops we grow. Crops with no markets make no sense to grow. In southern Minnesota, we have an abundance of markets…
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