this is a column about identifying random stuff in the landscape, with a quiz and an answer. easy for pilots, a good one for non-pilot friends and family:

Strange white cones out in fields: What are they?

I am not sure I would qualify a one question, multiple choice as a "quiz" per se.

fair point...

OOHHHH! OOOHHH! OOOHHH! (in my best Horseshack impersonation with hand held high!)
So close
The article did finally get to the DME portion of the facility by the 3rd paragraph or so, though the initial answer given would still be technically wrong because it called it a VOR vice a VOR/DME. It still isn't 100% correct though because the article (answer) doesn't mention the TACAN portion of the navigation system pictured, thus in truth making it a VORTAC.
Ah.....hazards of the new job but at least I could finally answer some random question.
Nice site berk. Thanks for bringing it to our attention.

USMCFLYR

Bonus points: What are those orange looking boxes around the VORTAC and what are their purpose?

Self monitoring antennas?

no idea what the various components are... are the red things doppler antennas?

at the end of the column you can send in pics of other things you've seen but don't understand (or think no one else understands). might send in ILS antennas or something.

Monitors - correct rickair.
You win..........admiration

USMCFLYR

That would be a Doppler VORTAC

There is a VOR located near our farm in the Midwest, but I do not recall that it's a white cone. Are there different kinds?

The one there is surrounded by corn, not orange looking things.

Yes there are:

Navigational Aid Photos - VOR / VORTAC / VORDME /TACAN

IIRC, ATL VORTAC does not have a cone, can someone correct me and/or splain why it's coneless?