The Feedlot: January Ag Roundup
This ain't your grandpa's farm
Here’s your monthly roundup of real farm voices from Substack and beyond—stories that cling to your ribs like biscuits and gravy.
There’s a smorgasbord this January, from the raw economics of modern farming to the soul-deep satisfaction of working land that knows your footsteps.
These voices cut through the noise, delivering stories that matter but often get buried in the digital haystack.
From hard-hitting journalism on water rights to intimate snapshots of daily farm life, this month’s writers reveal the challenges and the stubborn hope that keep us returning to the fields.
Brief Note:
Truth is, I wanted to organize this month's roundup better—group these pieces by theme, add some context about why each one matters, really dig into the patterns I'm seeing across farm country.
But sometimes, like when you're racing to make one more round before a storm, you've got to work with what you've got. January threw me some curves in the mental health department, and I had to choose between getting something out to you or letting perfect be the enemy of good.
February's roundup will be tidier—that's a promise.
Meanwhile, I hope you'll find some writing here that speaks to your farming soul, makes you think, or reminds you you're not alone out here.
From the Frontlines: Farm Reports
The Manure Minute - Cattle Culture
You can’t start a fire on wet wood - Postcards from the Heartland
Happy New Year - One Acre Farming
Grab a Bull by the Horns - Cattle Culture
In-Between Energy: Winter Dreams and Building a Farm Team - Edible Future Farm
When roosters come home - Postcards from the Heartland
Why 2025 Is the Year I’m Chasing the Dirt - Edible Future Farm
Farming - The Canary in the Coal Mine - Raw Milk Mama
A "Mad Farmer" Creates an Urban Farm Oasis - Raw Milk Mama
MN Farm Living - Happenings on the Farm
Borneo Villagers Battle for Freedom - Me, My Pigs, and I
A Sheep's Pedicure - Runamuk Acres Conservation Farm
February came early. While we missed the bullet... - Writing While Farming
Digging Deeper: Long Reads and Insights
Milk is a Multitude - The Land Magazine
Healing Beyond Systems: What Ajalah’s Journey Teaches Us About Food and Freedom - Beef News
On Pears: Invasiveness, Thoughts from the Orchard and Deliciousness - Backyard Berry
On Pawpaw: North America’s Largest Native Fruit
Exploring Mulberries - Backyard Berry
How Many Logos Do You Know? - Raw Milk Mama
Eat Whole Food, Not Nutrients - Mad Farmer
Reflections on the Oxford Real Farming Conference - Me, My Pigs, and I
Changing the Rules on Animal Feed - Me, My Pigs, and I
What the Heck is Regenerative Agriculture? - Runamuk Acres Conservation Farm
Stories from the Heart of Rural Life
Forgotten Farm Heroes - Nick Coleman
Animal Training - Cattle Culture
Forgotten Farm Heroes II - Nick Coleman
How to Ruin Your Small Town in One Easy Step - Echoes from an Old Hollow Tree
South Dakota ranching couple indicted by Forest Service for fence in place since 1950 - UNWON
Why We Need Independent Journalists from Rural, Ranching America - UNWON
California Fires, Farms, and Water - Klamath River Corruption - Raw Milk Mama
Market Watch and Ag News
January 25 Morning Grain Markets - Angie Setzer
Soybeans: Price Pullback & Key Support Levels - Klarenbach Grain Report
Upstream Ag - January 20, 2025 - Shane Thomas
Why Your Customers Don’t Care About Kansas (And What to Do About It) - Ag Done Different
How To Give Away $735,000... - Ag Done Different
Find a Rancher in your Area - Support local and sustainable meat production
Are you overspending on fertilizer? - University of Minnesota Crop Extension
Off the Farm
Old Media Finally Wakes Up from a Coma - The Honest Broker
Time To Recharge - Kent Peterson
People Forget Things - Kent Peterson
How To Kill A Wolf - The Talentless Writer
All Marketers Are Liars - The Talentless Writer
Google Is Now the East India Company of the Internet - The Honest Broker
What Are the Greatest Movie Sequels of All Time? A Statistical Analysis - Stat Significant
Got a farm story?
I’ll start a chat thread at the beginning of each month—think of it like a Sunday potluck. Bring your best writing to the chute, and I’ll organize it into the pen.
Missed this round? Holler, and I’ll get you in next month.
Let me know if you’d rather not be included, and I’ll pull you from the manifest faster than rejected grain in a foggy August.
This feedlot isn’t temporary. The gates are open as long as there are stories to tell and farmers who need reminding they’re not alone.
See you in February! 🌱
Thank you for the Roundup!
Adam, This is an awesome idea to collect the farm/garden/grow-ers together. Since no one has set a place at the table for the group, you’ve created a smorgasbord for the feast.