Dateless and calving cows

That's a farm girl's life.

This weekend I got to head back to Manhattan, Kansas, for two college friends' wedding. It was an awesome time, good friends, beautiful bride and lots of fun. Of course the Boy was invited to be my date, but as I headed to Manhattan, he stayed in Iowa.

You see during this time of year a lot of newborn calves are born, and you may or may not have noticed it is pretty darn COLD out right now! On a farm that means a lot of extra work. Cattle are eating more and going through their feed faster, bedding (typically straw) needs to put down for the cattle to lay in, water sources tend to freeze and sometimes cows need help in delivering their babies. All of these things kept the Boy on the farm, while I was putting on my heels and new dress.

When you grow up on a farm you realize that sacrifices have to be made. Livestock come first. They are relying on us for care and comfort, and farmers and ranchers are more than willing to provide it. Yes, it was great to be with my friends, but when I found out that the Boy's cow had her baby heifer calf and everything went fine that was just as good of a feeling.

As you are headed to your warm or cozy office today or making weekend plans be sure to think of the farmers that are providing food for our tables.

The newest addition to the Boy's Hereford herd. 

Name them all Angus

From down under

Here is a little humor for you from my friends in Australia. It is true that I think a lot of people really have no idea what Angus even is, they just associate the term with quality.

Losing part of the family

Have to say good-bye

Yesterday, my sister sent me message saying that tomorrow was going to be a sad day - Ruffles was going to have to go down the road. See Ruffles is my sister absolutely favorite cow, her best friend. Even though my dad and I have cursed her many times for running through gates, blocking the alley, really just being a spoiled pain, we love her.

However, as much as agriculture is my family's passion, it is also a business. Ruffles has been open (not in calf) for two years in a row now, and feeding open cows doesn't pay the bills so Stacy decided to send her to market.

My mom wrote a really good post about Ruffles and what she has meant to our farm and Stacy. Yeah, I cried when I read it.

Two summers ago I snapped this picture of Stacy and Ruffles. It is one of my favorites. 

Remembering those goals

#3in30

Remember at the beginning of the month when I said I was going to participate in #3in30, well the month is over. Here's the report... not so good.

I only finished 1 of my 3 goals. I started the read USA Today for 10 days straight a couple of time, but that didn't happen. And my secret personal goal of not eating at fast food places didn't let me pay it forward.

So the "goal" in February is to do a lot better. I'll let you know soon what those goals are, and I would encourage you to participate in the #3in30 challenge too. Read about 3 in 30, and let me know if you participate.

Now in other goals, like the ones on my 101 in 1001 list. I have a few updates. Remember how I was going to change a couple goals because they didn't apply. Well here are the new ones.

#5. Visit Dana (can't be meeting her in Kansas, Iowa or at a cattle show)

#62. Meet three of my new Twitter friends in person - already met one in Denver just by chance

#68. Clean my car twice. Like really good clean, looking brand new kind of clean.

And one more update! I have officially sent out enough thank-you cards to scratch #22. off my list. Doesn't mean I won't stop writing those cards though.

p.s. I know I was bad and didn't get my Turquoise Thursday wrote. I did buy these very cute turquoise thank-you cards though. Thank-you Walmart. 

How to write an #agblog - agriculture blog Part 2

Telling our story

In the past 60 days numerous other agriculture blogs have popped up, which is great for two reasons. 1. Farmers and rancher are becoming better advocates, and I think are realizing that it is important to tell our agriculture story. 2. For consumers you are going to get a better look at where you food comes from, and the people raising it without even leaving your kitchen table.

Last time I had a few tips on starting an #agblog (really these tips can be applied to any blog) and now I am excited about another resource you can use to help you get that blog off the ground. The National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) Young Producer Council (YPC) have put together a series of social media guide including a "How to Guide for Beef Bloggers." I was fortuante enough to be able to work on this project lead by Cari Rinicker, with contributions also made by Chelsea Good, Sharon Briener and Erica Beck.

A subject that I touched on is a questions I get quite often - are people really reading my blog? There are a couple things to remember.

1. First off I think it is best when you are blogging for yourself. You will get much enjoyment out of your blog if you aren't writing for the comments.

2. However, it is nice to get a little encouragement once in awhile. Be sure to add Google Analytics to your blog. Only about one percent of blogger comment. Adding Google Analytics will allow you to know how many people are reading your blog and where the are finding (from link on your facebook page, twitter, a chat board etc.)

3. Make it easy to comment. About six months ago I allowed anonymous comments to be posted to my blog. Some people are going to want to interact with you, but not create an account to comment. Ninety percent of my anonymous commenters have left their name anyways. Also, I have removed the security word that you have to type in after leaving a comment. The security word is to protect against spam, however I have only had one spam comment and I was able to delete it easily. You want your readers to be able to comment as quickly and easily as possible.

4. Interact with your readers. Make sure you respond to their comments and say thank-you. Blogging is about a community, interacting and networking with others.

These are just a couple tips. I you have other tips or questions I would love to hear them! And for more advice visit the How to Blog Tab at the top of my Blog.

I Heart Beef Month

Love me some steak

This month is I Heart Beef month, and I hope you are ready for some mouth-watering, healthy and nutritious beef meals. I mean when nearly twice as many Americans selected beef versus chicken (that would be me) when asked which satisfies you as much as chocolate does, beef seems like a good choice for you, your family and friends.

But wait I thought red meat wasn't good for you?

Oh but it is, especially the 29 lean cuts of beef available. These 29 lean cuts of beef contain a total fat content that falls between a skinless chicken breast and and a skinless chicken thigh, when comparing cooked 3-ounce servings. Some of my favorite cuts include Top Sirloin Steak, Top Round Roast, 95% Lean Hamburger and Brisket. An easy way to remember which cuts are lean is by looking for round or loin in the name.

You have 13 days left...

The count down to Valentines Day is on, and it's time to think about how you'll spend it with your special someone (whether that is your date or all the girlfriends hanging out). Instead of spending money on chocolates that will go right to our hips or money on eating out at an expensive restaurant why not stay in and serve up a steak!

Check our the Leah Beyer's blog Beyer Beware for her hunk of meat Mondays. She has sent me her favorite recipe BBQ Brisket and Pork Roast (got support the other guys too) and it looks delicious.

And if you are a beef lover consider adding the I Heart Beef picture to your blog, facebook page, Twitter account etc.

Frosty Ranchers

It's chilly out there. 

And yet I am sitting in the airport waiting for my flight. You see this will be the third flight I have tried to get on in three days. There was a major blizzard that hit the Midwest this week and it has pretty much paralyzed all transportation. Now yes it has been a big pain in the butt, I have shoveled more snow in the past few days than I care for, I'm missing out on all the fun at the convention I am supposed to be at, and it is really cold outside. However, I have made a conscious effort this week not to complain -- that's because my family and the Boy have been out in this weather taking care of our cattle.

On the left hand side you can see a wind break and a shed. The shed is just for the calves to go in. Surrounding the bed pack (straw) are trees to also offer protection from the wind.

Although, the roads have been shut down and businesses are closed business goes on as usual on farms and ranches. Extra feed has to be put out for the animals, bedding (straw usually) for them to lay in, and waterers de-iced.

I am very grateful for the people who are raising my food and all of their hard work. I guess that is why I sometimes get a little passionate about people like Michael Pollan (Food Inc.), Oprah and on the extreme end HSUS. They criticize our production methods and think they have better ideas of how our food should be raised. However, many of them haven't ever stepped on a farm, or at least not in a snow storm.

I will however give those people credit for raising consumer awareness. I think more people are asking about where their food comes from, and that is a good thing. If you ever have a question for me please be sure to ask.

And If you ever run into a farmer or rancher. Say thank-you, I don't think they hear it much. Stay warm out there.