Call me biased, but I think my sister Kaley is one of the coolest kids on the planet. We have nine years in age difference, but it doesn’t seem to matter. We are like two peas in a pod. She is into the same stuff I was as a kid: showing cattle and giving speeches. Yesterday, my mom and my …
Old MacDonald’s Farm
Yesterday, I attended the 70th Annual Sioux Empire Fair in Sioux Falls, S.D. While there, I stopped at the infamous Old MacDonald’s Farm, the destination for urban kids to come learn about farm life. I had a minute to chat with FFA member Gabrielle Emmett about her experiences in working at the barn. Here is what she had to say… …
What Are You Thankful For?
Today, I thought I would share some reflections from my role as a cattle producer, instead of an agriculture writer. Thanks for letting me stand on this soapbox so often… Nowadays, it seems the worries of a farmer and rancher are monumental. High input costs, ballot initiatives, strict regulations, bad media coverage, consumer misconceptions, animal rights activists’ agendas and low …
The Night Shift
I spent last night as the watchman, I mean watchwoman, over the county fair grounds during the Davison County 4-H Achievement Days being held this week in Mitchell, S.D. This job meant I had to keep the cattle, pigs, sheep and goats in their proper place, which is sometimes no easy task. Over the night, I tied up 15 calves, …
America Needs Agriculture
It’s going to cost WHAT to raise a child today? $221,190, you say? No kidding? With the rising cost of living, including raising children, it’s more important now than ever before for American families to have safe, inexpensive food for their dinner plates. With ballot initiatives sponsored by groups such as the Humane Society of the United States working to …
Top 10 Most Unusual Fair Foods
Get your cotton candy, get your hot dogs, grab your burgers and throw a fritter in there, too. How about a hot beef sundae…What’s that? This is just one of the top ten most unusual fair foods, according to MSN Delish. Chuck posted about these bad boys way back in 2006, and it seems their popularity hasn’t faded away yet. …
Summer Travels
This summer has taken me to some exciting places: Indiana, Illinois, Colorado, Minnesota and back to South Dakota! Of my travels, my favorite is, and always will be, going to cattle shows with my family. Last weekend, we attended the 2009 South Dakota Summer Spotlight for a few days of agriculture fun. First, I helped judge the South Dakota Beef …
New Book on Animal Rights vs. Animal Welfare
Hot off the press, this book is one you aren’t going to want to miss! I’m ordering my copy right now, and I’m looking forward to a thought provoking read. If you are interested, you can order a copy from the Animal Ag Alliance at a discounted price. Check it out, and happy reading! Can’t wait to discuss it later… …
Lessons Learned at 2009 Cattle Industry Summer Conference
Last week, Cindy and I attended the 2009 Cattle Industry Summer Conference in Denver, Colo. It was my first experience working as a photojournalist and blogger, on location, covering an entire event on behalf of America’s beef producers as the Beef Checkoff Program. Here are my top ten lessons learned while working on this event. 2009 Cattle Industry Summer Conference …
4-H Flag Destined for Outer Space
4-H had a big role in shaping my life. I still remember my first purple ribbon, my first speech, my first batch of 4-H cookies, my first show steer and my first trophy. I can remember how much those “firsts” meant to me because I had spent years as a Clover Bud, waiting my turn to FINALLY be in 4-H. …