Showing sheep while preparing for a career

Greg Loper is a young man with a plan: to finish high school and his first two years of college at the same time. But his plans also include raising and showing high quality Tunis sheep. Loper’s Red Barn Farm in western New York is home to about 45 sheep, 30 of which are brood ewes.

Country Folks

Balancing water & minerals for beef cattle

by Sally Colby

April 1, 2026

Water is often referred to as the most important nutrient. Providing beef cattle with clear and odorless water is a good first step in meeting nutriti...

Country Folks

Farming through forever chemicals: Maine’s approach to PFAS contamination

by Sonja Heyck-Merlin

April 1, 2026

Maine has emerged as a national leader in researching and responding to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) contamination in agricultural land....

Country Folks

Prepare for weeds, pests & disease

by Deborah Jeanne Sergeant

April 1, 2026

Getting ready for the planting season can feel like going to war against weeds, pests and crop diseases. To help farmers gear up for battle, Matt Pinc...

Country Folks

Anam Cara Farm & Stardust Organics

by Laura Rodley

April 1, 2026

Pamela Rickenbach is owner, founder and director of Anam Cara Farm in Canaan, Maine, a sanctuary for retired, disabled and homeless workhorses. She is...