Matt Reese
I grew up on a small farm in northwest Ohio and spent most of my youth writing doodling, taking pictures, reading and exploring the surrounding landscape. With a family full of teachers, I also grew up around a culture supportive of education. I was active in athletics and art in high school before heading of the Ohio State University where I studied agricultural communications. This led to a career in agricultural journalism.
I am 33 years old and continue to work on the family Christmas tree farm on a regular basis. I married my wonderful wife, Kristin, in 2002. We live on a small farm in Fairfield County with sheep, rabbits and chickens. We have a daughter Campbell Miriam who was born in the fall of 2007 and a son Parker Matthew born in August of 2009. We are active in our local church and with numerous other organizations.
I have served as the assistant editor for Ohio’s Country Journal, a statewide agricultural publication since 1999. I also write a column for numerous newspapers around Ohio, Fresh Country Air and do freelance writing and photography work. I have written and self-published six books to date. Visit my blogs at mattreesebooks.blogspot.com and freshcountryair.blogspot.com for more information.
Ladies lead and Mac at the Fairfield County Fair
In her first ever ladies lead competition, our daughter Campbell, three, won her class. She led her ewe “Mac” for the competition and we are proud parents. We had an interesting summer leading Mac down the road, providing plenty of entertainment for our neighbors. My wife and Campbell did all the hard work, I just [...]
Where did all the pumpkins go?
Where did all of the canned pumpkin go? We had a recent run-in with a bit of food supply reality when my wife went out in search of some canned pumpkin this fall. In anticipation of making holiday pumpkins pies, she went to a couple of grocery stores to stock up on this vital ingredient [...]
Dude, where’s the corn? Early harvest sends hopes for another cash crop up in smoke
Farmers seem to be beating the hempiculturalists to harvest this year. Rumors are flying about that the early harvest is thwarting the efforts of marijuana growers that have planted their favorite cash crop in corn fields. Had the potheads been paying attention the GDUs and the early planting schedule, they would’ve known better and snuck back [...]
No flips here, just horses
I had the chance to visit the Hocking County Fair the other day with my family to watch some friends show their livestock. The grounds are surrounded by the hills the county is famous for. A trip to any fair is not complete for my daughter unless she gets to ride the carousel.
Haunted Hocking could make for a thrilling fall experience
Those seeking some haunted Hocking County thrills need to check this out. Ghost stories from one of the most beautiful parts of the state make a great autumn combination that is worth looking into. Here are the details. Ohio authors launch “Haunted Hocking: A Ghost Hunter’s Guide Where the Natural World and Supernatural World Collide” [...]
Goat’s special trip to the vet leaves owner queasy
A friend of mine sent this funny story the other day and I thought it was worth sharing. She has pygmy goats and a weak stomach. I had to take a 5-month-old buck goat to the vet for castration. I thought I was prepared, though I have never actually witnessed a “surgical” castration before. We [...]
Biodiesel Dale and the big fish
The next time you see Dale, make sure you get one of his new t-shirts. They are comfortable, fashionable and the big fish will surely follow. I am one for one catching 20-inch bass in a Dale t-shirt. It must be a trend.
Bacon explosion
My brother suggested that we look into trying this recipe for our next family gathering as all Reese boys have an inherent affinity for bacon. I think this would be a hit, as would just about anything that includes a “bacon weave” topped with sausage and (of course) some more bacon.
Did Wayne Pacelle start a Chinese restaurant?
My wife was in Atlanta recently and got a photo of this now unsettling acronym in Ohio agriculture on a signed clinging to the side of this building. Pronounced “Sue’s,” this Chinese dining establishment had fine fare (including a variety of meats). My wife stopped to eat there after hearing good reviews and I told [...]
Washing and showing sheep with the Reeses
Our two-year-old made her show ring debut for the Open Horned Dorset Show at the Ohio State Fair. Before the show it was move-in day for the breeding sheep at the Ohio State Fair. We got our Horned Dorsets washed up and ready for the shows over the next couple of days. Our daughter helped [...]
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