Tweeting from NCBA

Hello, Tweeps (Twitter friends)

I'm letting the cat out of the bag, if you haven't noticed I really like Twitter. I even incorporated it into my 101 in 1001 goals.

#62. Meet three of my Twitter friends in person - now completed

I had the opportunity to meet these three loving ladies for the first time at the National Cattlemens Beef Convention in Denver.

Anna, and I have lots of mutual friends and have been following each others blogs for awhile now. She has also joined in on my Turquoise Thursday posts. I was so excited to run into her! It was funny how many people asked if I was Crystal Cattle. You can check out her blog at www.lifebedelicious.blogspot.com

I also met Lauren at NCBA, through Anna. Once our conversation began we realized we were already following each other on Twitter! She works for the Arizona Beef Council, and is soon going to be starting a blog on her Beef Babes against Breast Cancer. 

Sarah, is another one of my Twitter friends, and a member of Collegiate Cattlewomen. My favorite organization at K-State. She started a agvocacy blog after she read my how to start an #agblog post. 

Also, an update on my #3in30 goals. I've been writing in that journal. Not on consecutively yet, but I do have three journal entries in five days. Pretty good for being at a conference all week. Definitely going to get that goals completed! 

Cows and Flowers

Happy Valentines Day

This past weekend I headed to Iowa to help the Boy get his Iowa Beef Expo cattle ready. He'll be selling a Horned Hereford bull and show heifer prospect, as well as another bull owned by a junior member that he helps throughout the year.

All day Saturday we spend washing, blowing (we use a huge blow dryer to get the cattle dry) and working hair. Feeding and bedding cattle, and maybe a little time playing with his bottle baby. That night it was a steak supper at his parents.

Repeat on Sunday. This time the cattle had to be clipped and I ran to McDonalds to get lunch for the boys. How romantic.

Yes, I did receive some beautiful flowers, but Valentines was pretty low key. Just us and the cattle. Would not have wanted it any other way. Got to spend time doing one of my favorite things with my favorite person.

Roses and the bulls

And don't forget there are lots of reasons to choose steak for your Valentines Day dinner. 

I love Alberta Shrimp Gumbo?

More food. 

It you haven't noticed the trend this week is food. That is probably why I am scared to step on my scale. This weekend was a milestone for the Boy and I's relationship, I finally cooked for him. Thoughts may be crossing you mind 1. This is odd 2. Is she a bad cook 3. Does she not like to cook and 4. Did he survive. The answers are 1. Kinda 2. No 3. No. 4. Yes.

I have baked desserts and treats for the boy, however we have spent a large portion of our weekends together in Iowa, leading to not so much cooking on my part. However, this weekend chef Crystal hit it out of the park. We are talking spinach dip, corn chowder and shrimp jumbo.

This is the famous shrimp jumbo that my cousin makes every year for Christmas. Recipe is below.

I figured this picture would make my Grandma and Grandpa G. proud. Yes, you are allowed to cook shrimp in an I Heart Alberta Beef Apron. Just not chicken.

And the final product! 

All of this deliciousness was consumed rather quickly. 

Kim's Legit Shrimp Gumbo (it is a true Louisiana recipe)

5 lbs Uncooked Shrimp - I used three for the two of use and we had lots left over. Leftovers, yes!
1/2 cup Margarine
1/2 cup Butter
3 large Onions
4 large Oranges
5 stalks Celery
1 clove Garlic
2 Green Peppers
4 Lemons
2 Limes
1 tbs Black Pepper
1 tbs Salt
1 tsp Red Pepper
2 tbs Worchestershire Sauce
1 large Bottle of Zesty Italian Dressing
• Wash shrimp
• slice vegetables and fruit and layer with shrimp in baking pan adding butter and margarine as you go.
• mix other sauce ingredients and pour over shrimp, vegies, and fruit.
• Bake at 350º at least 30 minutes stirring every 5 to 7 minutes. Bake until shrimp are pink but to not over cook.

Thankful for Oklahoma

The past week and a  half has been a bit of a whirlwind. In twelve days I have made five flights back and forth to Oklahoma for a combination of work and catching up with old friends. I'm a pretty lucky girl. Not only do some of my favorite people in the world live in this state, but I'm leaving with a pocket full of new friendships.

Today, I can say I am grateful for opportunities. I am grateful that I can hop on a plane, do the things I love, be with the people that are close to me and not really think about it. There hasn't been much time to watch the news between running between the fair grounds and the hotel room, but I have seen the things that are happening in Japan and now the escalating violence in Libya. Although, in the long run those things will impact us indirectly, we are lucky that we live in a place where we can go about our day without much thought of how radiation, war, violence, etc. could change our lives. Whether I am on the north or south side of the Canada/U.S. border I feel safe, and my opportunities are endless.  

I know it make sound shallow, frivolous or materialistic but here's to Oklahoma's good people, new friends, great shopping and my new turquoise purchase (details to come.) I am truly grateful that these are things that I can enjoy each day. 

I wish people throughout the world could say the same thing.

LIfe As a Ag Girl - Kasey Hunt

Drum roll please.

Today, I am excited to have a guest blogger - Mrs. Kasey Hunt. Kasey, President of the Missouri Cattlewomen's Association, wrote an article about our chance meeting earlier this year, and I think it just goes to show that there is always the opportunity to create a new relationship or network with someone, even when you might least expect it. Thanks Kasey!


“Life as an Ag Girl and Everything that Comes with It” by Kasey Hunt


After experiencing the Blizzard of 2011, I couldn’t be more excited for spring to get here. I had every intention of writing about my trip to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention and Trade Show. However, since the blizzard caused me to have three cancelled flights and I was fighting a horrible cold, I had to make the decision that home is where I needed to stay.

I have a "ear tag" name tag like this one
on my suitcases as well.

My blizzard wasn’t a complete waste because I was snowed in at my cousin and his wife’s house in Smithville, MO. They have two boys; ages four and one, and I had the opportunity to bond with them. Also, while standing in line to rebook my first flight, I saw an ear tag on a piece of luggage that read “my address (going to keep that secret).” I quickly introduced myself to the woman standing across from me who I found out was Crystal. We weren’t able to talk very long, but later exchanged a few Facebook messages. She ended up having the same trouble I did flying out of KCI, but she eventually succeeded.

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. What should have been a week of attending meetings, events and networking with others in the cattle industry led to a new passion, researching agriculture blogs. While Crystal and I were exchanging messages, she encouraged me to join her Facebook page Crystal Cattle. This page is why I started to read more blogs and I want to pass it along to you the readers why I think you may want to read it as well.

With the media and animal activist groups telling the story of agriculture instead of the farmers and ranchers, Crystal felt it was time for our voices to be heard. She started her blog two years ago this spring and absolutely loves being able to tell the story of agriculture to those who are not able to experience the life on an everyday basis. Her blog talks about everything from what is happening on her family’s farm,
to how to promote beef, the responses to negative agriculture articles and her weekly “Turquoise Thursday” where she writes about some type of western turquoise inspiration.

“Advocating agriculture doesn’t mean you have to start a blog.” states Crystal, “It can be as simple as posting a status of what is going on at your farm, or asking someone at your grocers meat counter if they need help selecting a cut of meat for supper that night.” If you are interested in starting a blog, Crystal has a few posts on her blog explaining how to start your own blog. She also states that NCBA’s Young Producer Council has an excellent “how to” guide on their site as well. Another tool Crystal finds helpful in sharpening her advocacy skills is the Master of Beef Advocacy program.

The responses Crystal’s blog has received have been overwhelming. She has had the opportunity to have great conversations with not only consumers, but ranchers that have been shocked to hear of what people think about agriculture. Blogging has been a wonderful way for Crystal to network, make new friends and she is proud to have more than 6,000 people a month read the agriculture story.

If you would like to read Crystal’s blog, you can find it at www.crystalcattle.com or on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/crystalcattle. “The life of an ag girl and everything that comes with it” may just inspire you to tell your story too.

The end of an era

Adding more alumni to the world

Today and tomorrow hundreds of students will graduate from my alma mater, Kansas State University. However, there is one graduate that I am especially excited to congratulate. Tawnya is one of my last close college friends to graduate - she's leaving K-State with a Master's in Food Science, specializing in Meat Science aka she's super smart and going to make sure that the food we each is safe.

With Tawnya being one of the few left at college her couch became a designated sleeping spot after football games, weddings, concerts, random nights in Manhattan.

She has always offered me the most honest advice. We share the love of traveling. K-State is a priority. When I have been traveling too much and haven't stayed up on my K-State sports, she is the first on I call to get me up to speed. And may or may not have sang karaoke to Caroline, once or twice. 

Thanks for all the memories Tbaugh. Here's to the next chapter. 

Boys and Cows

A year later

The Boy and I have officially been dating a year. I've been thinking about the fact that when you date a farm boy you also date the farm. This became quite clear when last night I made the comment that I have more pictures of the Boy's cows than of us together.

Catching a nap at a cattle
show in Canada

I applaud anyone who is not from an agriculture background that can make an agriculture relationship. Some of my friends questioned why I drove to Iowa all winter to see him, instead of him making the trip to see me. However, when cows are calving, there are cattle to prepare for sales, cows to be fed, it makes prefect sense that I travel to see him. The cattle have to come first because they depend on us, and I get that. I actually love it, because there is almost nothing I enjoy more than being on farms and around cattle.

You also have to be prepared to attend activities dateless, have plans change, and know that there is no sense of packing too many cute outfits because you'll be spending most the time in the barn.

My Valentine's Day Flowers in the Show Barn

Despite all the little bumps in the road cattle can cause, I am also grateful for the cattle because they are what brought the Boy and I together. We had always knew of each other through the cattle business, but then official met at a cattle show through a cattle friend.

I guess I can sum things up by saying there is nothing I would change about the last year, and I can't wait for many more years to come. I love him and his Hereford cows (that is saying a lot I raise another breed called Simmentals.)

Camera Accessories - Turquoise Thursday

1. 2. 3. Smile.

You know me I love taking photos, especially of the farm and cattle. And I am always admiring my friends' amazing photography skills. I mean check out the recent pics from Our Little Ranch Photography and Wrenn Bird Photography. Fabulous. www.Not only do I love looking through their photos, but I'm always intrigued by what new gear they are carrying around, which has inspired this Turquoise Thursday.

This is actually a camera bag. Really. Thanks to my Pinterest buddy Holly Martin for suggesting it to me.

See, look at all that room. I love the lime green on the inside. You'll have to check out all the other colors at the haveaepiphanie.com blog. Some really neat stuff.

Have you seen these new camera straps that everyone is walking around with. When I was at the Oklahoma Youth Expo one of the photographers had a cowhide one. If you search on Etsy.com you can find tons of these handmade camera straps - like this fun turquoise one. 

This turquoise camera strap is pretty too. 

I definitely need one of these lens cap covers, as I am always misplacing my lens cap. This lens cap pocket slides onto your camera strap, so it is never far from reach. Again found on Etsy.com.

What are some of your favorite camera products?

Crystal Cattle photos turned into artwork

That's John.

My photo in pencil

I have this friend named John. He is a pretty cool guy. (He's probably going to read this, so I have to say those kind of things.) I met John while on the Livestock Judging Team at Butler, and John also ended up at K-State like I did. And although I like to think I am a pretty good evaluator of livestock, John is really good. At the National Western Stock Show John was the High Individual (best of them all) in the Senior College Judging Contest, thus earning himself a trip to Alberta, Canada, to do a little judging up there. 

I'll never forget John calling me a couple days before his trip asking if I had any idea of who was going to pick him up from the airport because he had lost the contact number of the lady helping organize the trip. I was spending the summer down in the States, but I put John in touch with my family and they took care of him for the week.

Last year, John was asked to judge one of the Sheep shows at the North American International Livestock Exposition (NAILE) aka Louisville. Since, I was also there at the same time for the cattle shows, and had my camera in hand I decided I would see if I could get a couple snapshots of him judging. (My DRIVE magazine cover actually came from these photos.)

Another one of the pictures I took.

But, this is the picture I want to draw your attention to.

Because this got turned into this

John's Judging Team had this picture drawn for him. The artist is Tonja Rose Shudy, and although we haven't met in person I think you do incredible work!

p.s. Don't forget to refollow this blog and update your bookmarks. This will be my new url. 

Blogs Worth Reading

Today I want to highlight a couple of my fellow bloggers:

The Great Arizona Bale-Out 

In my Life Isn't Very Fair When You Are a Farmer post I didn't mention one of the other natural disasters that has been effecting agriculture this year - wildfires. In Arizona there are some massive wildfire fires that have burnt up thousand of acres of grasslands leaving little feed for cattle and livestock. Anna on Life Be Delicious takes about how you can support their Arizona ranchers and farmers.

Am I Eating Dirty Foods

Do you question which tomatoes you should buy when at the grocery store - the regular ones, the organic ones, or should you leave the grocery store and visit a Farmer's Market. There is an article from Men's Health magazine circulating, and I don't agree with it very much. Amanda Hill has done a great job of commenting on the Dirty Foods article, I would have said the same thing, so check it out. 

Social Media Lemonade Stand

Are you needing help with your blogging? Then talk to me about redesigning your blog or helping you generate a larger social media presence. If you want those cool new blog features, feel like you need a new template, or want to get that facebook page started then visit my About tab and shoot me an email and we'll talk about some ideas and strategies. Also, one of my blogger friends does some nice design work, and is raising some funds to go to an agriculture social media conference. Brooke Clay will help you redesign your blog header for a small fee, and then will use the funds to fund her trip. Hopefully, she'll write a post about what she learns when she gets back. 

What are some of your favorite blogs or posts out there right now. I am always looking for good reading. 

Looking pretty in agriculture

It isn't all about playing in the dirt. 

A little while ago one of my awesome friend's Chelsea Good invited me to be apart of a little photo taking session. She wanted her good girlfriends to join here for some photos by Wrenn Bird Photography. Now, Wrenn is a great photographer, she also has a strong background in ranching and agriculture, and I wasn't going to miss an opportunity to hang out with the girls, so off to the Flint Hills of Kansas we went. 

You see just because we are "farm girls" doesn't mean we don't like getting dresses up a little. You should see how many different hair products and make-up containers there would be between the three of us. I always laugh when someone says well you don't look like you grew up on a farm. I am not really sure what growing up on a farm is supposed to look like. 

Chelsea is originally from Colorado and your typical 4-H/FFA geek. I mean that in a good way. Livestock Judging brought her to Kansas, and that's where we met. From there Chelsea continued to conquer the world. She is finishing law school, while promoting agriculture as the Communications Director for the Kansas Department of Agriculture (quick go like her facebook page, it'll make her happy). Chelsea is the girl that we need in agriculture cause she is going to fight for us. Just because you wear sundresses 80% of the year doesn't mean you don't know something about soil, corn or cattle.

This is Abby - she is single, actually so is Chelsea, incase anyone was curious. Abby comes from Michigan. She knows her way around the cattle show barns and the pastures back home. A ton of mutual friends in agriculture brought Abby and I together. Abby also ended up in Kansas working for the Beef Cattle Institute as their Communication Officer. She runs around the state of Kansas, and actually the whole country, getting people signed up for Beef Quality Assurance (BQA) courses. She is the girl making sure farmers and ranchers have the training to provide you with the safest product possible. Please like her facebook page too, and you might want to sign up to become BQA certified. 

And that is me.  I think you know quite a bit about me already, but don't be afraid to ask if you are missing a piece to the puzzle. I have a LOT of exciting things to tell you soon about changes in my life and new projects I'm working on, but I have to keep my lips sealed for now. All I can say is yes no matter how I look on the outside I know a thing or two about the food we eat, raising cattle, corn (OK trying to learn) and turquoise jewelry. And above all I have a passion for agriculture. 

Our better side?

Farm girls and the winery

Drink up. 

The wine glasses we made before
heading out on our tour.

The other weekend I jumped in a limo with a dozen other girls and headed towards wine country. Ok, it was actually only Missouri's wine country, which means North of Kansas City in the Weston/Platte City area of the state. We were off to celebrate a good K-State friend's upcoming wedding.

I am a wine lover, but this was my first time actually going to a winery and doing a wine tasting. Our first stop was the Jowler Creek Vineyard and Winery. Jason along with his wife started making wine out of their home's basement and it has now grown into a successful business.

As Jason started pouring the first glass of wine the questions started pouring out. How many acres, how long were the grapes planted before you could use them for wine, do you buy grapes from other growers? I am sure he was surprised by our questions, but as farm girls these are the things we contemplate while enjoying a glass of wine.

The Chambourin was my
favorite wine.

As Jason poured the next wine sample he told us about how sustainability was important to him and his wife. They use a small sheep breed to help keep weeds down as part of their sustainability plan. These sheep are small enough that they can't reach the vines, but will everything at the base of the plant. Smart idea.

I automatically asked what breed? I think this is when Jason knew something was up. It was quickly explained that he had a table full of K-State College of Agriculture girls. The breed is Babydoll sheep and they are all white. Knowing that we were interesting in farm Jason also talked to use about some trails they were doing with chickens to keep the bugs down and reduce pesticides.

Jason then said something that made me really like him. He said that he loves technology and isn't against it in any way but is willing to explore other avenues that can help his farm be more profitable. Yeah, I bought wine from Jason, and next time I see Jowler Creek Wine on the shelf I'll probably buy another bottle. Technology is awesome and should not be judged, and neither should more traditional ways of farming. Thanks Jason for a great afternoon!

And don't forget to get signed up for the giveaway! 

Social Media Friends Katie Pinke

Now we really are friends

In my last social media friends profile, I featured James Decker, someone that I have connected with through social media, but never have met in real life. Today, it is Katie Pinke's turn, and we HAVE met before. I first knew Katie through her blog Pinke Post, then Twitter, and now the awesome facebook group Rural Women Rock. In August Katie was coming through Kansas City and we got to meet face to face for the first time.

Our first meeting. I laughed and told some friends it was like a blind date! p.s. Katie had some awesome turquoise pieces like that cardigan and a beautiful turquoise bracelet. 

We had a blast. I mean Jack Stack BBQ, to blonde gals, and lots of conversation about agriculture and social media, who wouldn't have a good time. Plus, Katie is a MAC make-up girl like me. Friends for life!

And with that I bring you Katie. I hope from each of these posts you learn a little more about social media, and gets to know another farmer or someone that is involved in agriculture.


1. Name and where you are from 
Katie Pinke, Wishek, North Dakota

2. A little bit about your agriculture background

Agriculture is just who I am although I didn't really grasp it until I was an adult. My family farms in east central ND which we call GriggsDakota . I'm the first of the 5th generation and my son is the first of the 6th generation. We raise 6-7 different crops and my uncle operates a cow/calf operation alongside with grandparents. I lived on the farm as a young professional with my son. After getting married, my husband, son and I made a drastic life change when my husband jumped off the corporate wheel. We moved from Fargo, ND back to his hometown in the heart of a rural agriculture area in south central North Dakota. My husband, Nathan, owns and operates a lumberyard, planning and general contractor business with his parents who started the business in 1977. Nathan is the four generation builder. The chest of carpentry tools that his Great-Grandpa Henry brought through Ellis Island from Germany still are in our lumberyard today. Our building business is definitely a big part of the agriculture community as most of our business is from farmers and for the ag industry. Agriculture is our livelihood. We bought some land and built a house in a hayfield where we raise our family of five now. Our kids are ages 14, 3 and 2.  We make frequent trips to our GriggsDakota farm where my parents farm 2 1/2 hours north of us. 

Professionally, I work remotely for an agriculture focused marketing communications firm, AdFarm. http://adfarmonline.com/aboutus.php (video of me talking of my work on link)

3. What is your favorite social media platform or tool?

Hard question. Only 8% of Americans are on Twitter but I love my different Twitter communities. It's a unique connection builder. My favorite social media platform though is my blog, Pinke Post. It captures all that I am as a prairie working mom. I have been blogging for what will be 4 years this fall and I have over 700 blog posts. It's truly my journal and I met connected with so many amazing people through it. My blog enriches my life beyond anything I could have ever dreamed or known. 

4. When using Twitter what hashtag do you like following or using the best?

I have SO many I love to follow. I don't follow the "ag" related hash tags much unless I need to for work. I try to connect with #foodies #recipes #workmom and others that have similar interests to me outside of agriculture. I follow other key words also like fresh produce, local farms, California farmers for our client Know A California Farmer #kacf

5. Give us your favorite agriculture fact?

I have about 100 favorites ag facts! Here's one though: 

Katie, also does the best Hunk
of Meat Mondays posts.

North Dakota is #1 in numerous agriculture products but being #1 in barley production is unique for me because our GriggsDakota farm contracts barley to Anheuser-Busch which makes us #1 in beer. However...I hate beer so I don't really celebrate this fact literally but I know a lot of beer drinkers that do. 

6. What is your favorite smartphone app and why?

I don't do a lot on my phone with apps because I'm on a Blackberry for work and TALK on my phone a lot. I use UberSocial for Twitter though and it's great.

7. If we want to follow you, like you, tweet you where should we go?

http://facebook.com/pinkepost

http://pinkepost.blogspot.com

http://twitter.com/katpinke

Anything else you would like to add?

Social media has transformed how I gather information and communicate. I am truly thankful for the relationships and connections I have made through social media. Thanks for being one of those connections and relationships Crystal! My love for cattle AND turquoise has definitely grown because of reading your blog and connecting with you. 

FFA Convention and lots of new friends

FFA + Friendship

Last week I was in Indianapolis for my very first National FFA Convention experience, and it was awesome. I was there will be new company and we were launching a brand new rewards program. Throughout the week I had the opportunity to meet tons of my social media friends! Similar to when I met Katie Pinke it was awesome to finally meet some of these people face to face.

Morgan (@MMuller24) follows my blog, and is from Iowa. It was so fun to meet lots of people from Iowa since I'll be calling it home very soon!

Heyley Heupel (@heyleyheupel) was competing at National FFA. It was so much fun to chat to these girls. It is pretty clear that FFA members have their heads on straight. Big goals and aspirations with the tools to get there. 

One night we had some fun at Howl at the Moon, and this was wrote on one of the mirrors. I guess advocacy can show up in the strangest places. 

Now these were probably the two most photo genetic FFA members I met. @NEBenOhio tells me that is is the jacket that makes so photo genetic! @CarolineWeihl is the Ohio State FFA District 1President aka a pretty big deal. Someone needs to give this girl an amazing internship this summer. 

I was able to stop by the K-State College of Ag booth while I was there, and they gave me a little flair. 

And while at the K-State booth I worked on recruiting another Iowa friend Bobbi to get her master's at K-State. I told her the green screen could help her "visualize" herself at K-State. 

There was also Kelli, she was there as a Media Intern. I'm also going to see her next week at the American Royal. Another really talented Ag Communications gal that needs a rocking internship this summer.  

 And Drew, who is an ag teacher in Ohio. He's also great help at suggesting great places to eat in Indy. 

Katie Pinke and I got to reunite, along with a first time meeting of Leah Beyer. She is a really cool gal, I think a Rockin' Rural Women kind of girl best explains her. More of RRW to come soon. Leah is also the mastermind behind Hunk of Meat Mondays. 

 And @NellieHill a fellow K-Stater and the girl behind @kstateag She was the first one to come over to the booth and surprise me! I also get pumped when I meet other K-Staters.

And the very last person who stopped by the booth was @JakeKnutson. I've been following Jake on Instagram for awhile and I love the pictures that him and his brother post. Jake was there a proficiency finalist, which also makes him a pretty big deal. Jake's excitement is contagious and you can tell that he has a true passion for livestock and agriculture through his picture.  

I know that I have missed a few people, but I loved meeting all of you! Next time you are at an event, convention or meeting don't be afraid to seek out your online friends. Having conversation in real life is even better than what you type out on your keyboard.