This Christmas column, first published in 1994, remains the most-requested column ever written by Alan Guebert. Maybe that’s because its lesson is both timely and timeless or perhaps it’s just a warm tale well told.

With Christmas just around the corner, Ken Ropp and his staff were busy filling numerous cheese orders for delivery or shipping.

The judges tasked with evaluating the Showmanship Contest and Fitting Contest at World Dairy Expo 2026 have been confirmed.

The goal of the Building a Better Cow project is to improve dairy cow productivity, profitability and wellness.

Today’s dry-off challenges look different than those of the past. More cows are entering the dry period at higher production levels — a sign of progress, but one that brings added considerations for cow comfort and mastitis risk.

High-quality colostrum intake by dairy calves is an essential component for healthy animals.

The Illinois Milk Producers Association recently recognized Amy Hildebrandt and Tony, Walt and Bobby Graves for their leadership, stewardship and excellence in the dairy industry during the organization’s 2025 annual awards program.

Agricultural conditions remained strained but slightly improved over the last six weeks, according to a survey across the Corn Belt’s Federal Reserve Districts.

Farm families need lasting certainty, and we appreciate our partners in Washington for taking this important first step by delivering a $12 billion package. But the need is far greater.

On the southern Illinois dairy farm of my youth, we marked seasons by the work more than by the month.

More than a decade after U.S. Department of Agriculture regulations banned whole milk from school menus, Congress is considering a comeback.

Powerful anti-vaccine advocates and people selling potentially harmful goods such as raw milk are profiting from the push to write anti-science policies into law across the United States.

Clay Geyer celebrated the end of another successful year on his farm in northern Indiana.

The past few years have tested even the most seasoned farmers. Facing rising input costs, unpredictable market access and many other challenges, farmers and ranchers are working harder while margins grow thinner.

Farmland values were unchanged from the second to third quarter of 2025 in the Seventh Federal Reserve District and up 3% year-over-year.

Together, we can help farms of all sizes succeed to ensure America’s ability to be food independent long into the future.

After carefully choosing the freshest produce at the market, people face even more choices with vegetables, fruit, meat and dairy products at home that can help prolong freshness, minimize waste and prevent foodborne illnesses.

Ropp Jersey Cheese has transitioned from using milk produced on-site to milk from another family farm for its cheese products.

Agriculture Secretary Brooke Rollins touted the Trump administration’s milk action plan to support American dairy farmers at the National Milk Producers Federation’s annual meeting.

Brian Rexing, an Indiana dairy farmer and a member of the Dairy Farmers of America cooperative, was chosen as the National Milk Producers Federation’s 15th chairman at the organization’s Joint Annual Meeting.

U.S. dairy farmers are thriving in the marketplace even as labor shortages and a volatile policy environment remain challenges, dairy industry leaders stressed at the National Milk Producers Federation’s annual meeting.

The U.S. Dairy Export Council and the National Milk Producers Federation praised the announcement of new trade frameworks with Argentina, Ecuador, El Salvador and Guatemala which collectively position U.S. dairy exporters for further gains in the Western Hemisphere.

Six people who died at a Colorado dairy farm this summer were exposed to hydrogen sulfide gas, authorities said.

Agricultural conditions across the Corn Belt are strained in part due to concerns about China’s elimination of soybean purchases and low crop prices, according to a Federal Reserve survey.

After investing many years into their Supervised Agricultural Experiences projects, two Illinois FFA members were named top in the nation as American Star winners.

Jim Henry shares some long-awaited positive trade news — a meaningful step to reestablishing a stable, long-term relationship with the world’s largest buyer of soybeans.

Ever since Corey Trobaugh was a kid, he wanted to either defend his country or help feed it — and he has done both.

When Randy Rosengren graduated from high school, he could not wait to start farming with his dad, but first he choose to complete his military service.

When mastitis occurs, antibiotics are often an important part of getting cows back in the milking string. But not every case needs treatment, and that’s where good decision-making comes in.

As part of the dairy checkoff’s evolving youth strategy, GENYOUth announced that it is forming a strategic affiliation with Action for Healthy Kids, creating the nation’s largest in-school wellness organization.

Working with consumers who want to learn more about how their food is produced sparked Dan Sanderson to write a book about his regenerative farming practices.

Working on two dairy farms has resulted in national recognition for Nevin Erbsen as a finalist for the American Star in Agricultural Placement award.

Seeing a fistulated cow at a young age triggered Delana Erbsen’s interest in research that has led her to develop FFA award-winning projects.

All was running smoothly, until it didn’t, for Ken Ropp while he was harvesting a corn field across from his dairy farm.

Farm income concerns along with state and federal issues continue to be a focus of Illinois Farm Bureau.

A new tool for dairymen is designed to provide technology to drive efficiency and profitability in their herds.

Effective probiotics can reduce antibiotic use in dairy herds.

The European Union’s executive arm unveiled detailed proposals to protect farmers from being undercut by imports from South America as it seeks to build support for its deal with the Mercosur trade alliance.

While my father and mother were far from apolitical, neither allowed any signs on our dairy farm. The reason was “the land’s for crops, the barns for cows and politics is for politicians.”

Bovine respiratory disease is one of the greatest threats to young calves and gaining protection through vaccines isn’t always straightforward.

The dairy checkoff has introduced Smart Swaps, a dairy-focused initiative designed to help schools meet evolving nutrition standards and student expectations.

In today’s competitive dairy environment, herd genetics are more than a science — they’re a strategy.

Milk was named the official beverage of high school athletics in Indiana by American Dairy Association Indiana Inc. and the Indiana High School Athletic Association.

Even though the White House remains up while farmers are decidedly down, some farm groups are starting to recognize that down isn’t up anymore.

Many of us are still reeling from the recent tragic murder of Charlie Kirk. His legacy as a staunch defender of his Christian faith, as well as his defense of truth, has inspired thousands of people, young and old, around the world.

How did we get to the point where we need a “Make America Healthy Again” campaign? Here’s one career dairyman’s perspective.

The Make American Healthy Again Commission released is policy recommendation aimed at addressing chronic childhood disease.

Clay Geyer is preparing for the next chapter on the farm — harvest and the Indiana State Corn Husking Contest.

Your data is constantly flowing — from the milking parlor to the feed bunk to the breeding pen.

Dairy Management Inc. is accepting entries for its 2026 New Product Competition, inviting undergraduate and graduate students across the United States to develop innovative dairy-based products that meet today’s consumer demands for bone and muscle health and weight management.