Cow Camp Craziness

Oops

2012-02-11T09:41:00.002-07:00

As you may or may not have noticed, Farming Friday post is late. Due to camera being uncooperative. Hope to have it up soon. Thanks!

Hello

2012-02-09T20:55:00.000-07:00

It's Thursday night, and I am partaking in The Rockin' Rural Women Twitter Chat tonight. Though I have followed Rockin' Rural Women on Facebook and Twitter for awhile this is only the second chat I have participated in. I do believe I will keep with it. It's fun, and in a way it's like a night out with the girls for some conversation and good times without leaving home.

Tomorrow is Farming Friday. I hope to have pictures of our new (to us) combine. Or maybe some other pictures. *Oh the suspense!*

Checking on the Horses

2012-02-07T06:00:00.000-07:00

We caught a glimpse of the horses the other day and headed on over to the corral to give a look over and a scratch on the head. All of our horses, besides ol' Fred, are kicked out to pasture during the winter to take care of themselves. If the snow is deep, or weather is bad we will take pity and go roll out a bale of hay for them. They do have to come all the way into the corrals at home to water which makes it easy to keep tabs on them.

TC is all smiles as Fred says hello.

It was a nice day right after the first of the year, and T had been out enjoying a ride on Fred. We had TC in the stroller just messing around in the yard when the herd came in. TC was all laughs as the horses were being curious and sticking their noses into her stroller checking her out. I ran back into the house to snap a few pics of the girls with their dad and our horse herd.

Preacher was very interested in the stroller and TC.

Preacher is kind of a camera hog/poser!

Just a little bit closer.

Dusty, my good ol horse who is in retirement. Man I love that horse.

Squirt and 6pack (brother and sister) were quite curious of the stroller also!

Fort Peck 2011

2012-02-05T06:00:00.001-07:00

*This is another post I found in my draft folder from May 2011 that did not publish*

This winter and spring have been crazy with moisture. We had record snowfall, and there was snow on the ground for 9 straight months!! And now this spring it's raining. And raining. Between the record snowfall and amazing amount of rain we are experiencing a quite a bit of flooding on the Missouri River.

A good portion of our farm ground is on the river bottom. A good portion of that is flooded, totally underwater. A neighbor pivot is close to falling into the river. The river is cutting new channels through our fields. The Big Missouri has no friends right now.

Alone the Missouri would have been out of its banks this spring. That we could have handled. But we live down stream from Fort Peck Dam. And they have the spillway opened wide letting water out of the dam to keep from flooding there. It's kind of a bad situation.

One day last week we took a little road trip to check out the river and see for ourselves how crazy Fort Peck Dam was.

On our way to Fort Peck, we had to stop and take a picture at the Flowing Wells sign. This is where my dad grew up.

A view of the water coming out of the gates.

Looking down onto the gates. The noise was incredible!

The water hitting the Missouri River. You could just feel the force

Grandma and Daddy with the girls checking out the water.

Looking straight down to the gates.

Water coming out of the gates and into the channel.

Random Fact #3

2012-02-04T06:00:00.000-07:00

There are three grades of meat that are sold to restaurants and to retail customers.

Can You Name Them?

Farming Friday

2012-02-03T13:15:00.001-07:00

One of my goals for 2011 and for this little old blog is to be a better blogger. With that in mind, I now dub Fridays as 'Farming Fridays', meaning on Fridays I will be blogging and sharing anything to do with our farming operation, farming follies, and anything to do with farming in general. So, that be decided, I am going to get started!

The first step is to defoliate the beets.

Defoliating means to chop the tops off of the beets.

I am a rookie when it comes to everything sugar beet but I am slowly learning the process, procedure and everything else there that goes along with beets. I grew up knowing about beet harvesting and all it entails because of where my mother grew up and where all my family lived (which is where I live now) was a big deal. This past fall marks the second year we have grown and harvested sugar beets on our operation. 2 years ago we made the initial decision to give beets a try, and partnered with a neighbor to share equipment and work together. Things went pretty well, so we jumped in feet first for another year.

Digging Beets on the river bottom.

To fill the trucks, they drive along side the digger in the field.

The 2011 beet harvest went well, except for the fact it was delayed by about 8 days due to rain and weather. Unlike combining corn or wheat, harvesting beets is very dependent on the weather temperature. The sugar beet factory will only accept beets during a certain period of time, and will only open the beets dumps when special criteria is met. If it's too hot out, no harvesting. If it's too cold, no harvesting. Rain makes for delays also. The sugar beet is a pretty picky plant and all these factors along with ground temperature play a big part in the beet 'setting' its sugar. The days of beet harvest can be quite stressful on everyone if Mother Nature doesn't cooperate, but we made it through and have decided to give beets another try in 2012.

Waiting on a semi to fill.

We have had two diggers running at once.

Its quite the musical of semis, tractors, diggers and defoliators.

Random Fact #2

2012-02-02T14:46:00.000-07:00

'I Heart Beef' Month Random Fact #2

*In this month of romance, beef is the preferred choice of Americans (62 percent) because nothing says love like a great steak dinner for Valentine’s Day. *courtesy of beefboard.org*

No Need For Coveralls

2012-02-02T06:00:00.000-07:00

Is it really February out there? Because I know for a fact that T was outside splashing in mud puddles and playing in the mud. In February, in Montana! It's crazy.

This years heifers, taking a month ago. No Snow. Just Dirt.

I can honestly say I haven't even pulled on the ol' Carhartt coveralls at all this winter. Or last fall. The only other winter that I can remember not wearing any coveralls by this time of year was last year. And I that was because I was really pregnant and there was noway I was going to fit my coveralls.

After last years harsh cold winter, with its record breaking snowfall, this mild winter is nice. But maybe a little too nice. We need moisture. Bad. We got dust flying everywhere. It would be nice to have a little snowfall to settle the dust out there and clean things up.

Out helping do chores.

February

2012-02-01T20:41:00.001-07:00

February equals Valentines Day. Check.

But did you know that February also is 'I Heart Beef' Month also?

So in honor of 'I Heart Beef' month I think I will throw out random facts about Beef through out the month of February. I am a proud Beef Raiser, and do what I can to promote Beef. And what better place to do a little promoting than in my own blog!

So here's our first random fact of the month:

*Americans associate steak as a “best match” for love (44 percent), romance (42 percent) and passion (41 percent)—more so than other high-end proteins. *courtesy of beefboard.org*

Pinterest anyone??

2012-01-31T06:00:00.000-07:00

I am always the last to know. About anything. My mother lives almost 200 miles from me, and she calls me why I haven't told her about so and so and yaddayadda yadda. I live under a mushroom. And for the most part I am ok with it.

BUT seriously I just recently discovered Pinterest! How did I ever survive without Pinterest??? I Heart Pinterest. I love Pinterest. Pinterest was invented for people like me.

I guess I should be thankful that finally someone slipped up and told me about Pinterest. I like how it gathers all those fun little blogs, or crafts or recipes that I tried to keep written down on an good old yellow notepad, in one place. I mean all that info is right there on my finger tips. No more yelling at they hubby or kid for stealing my little yellow notepad of off my desk. No more trying to guess what I had jotted down that is now covered in crayon scribble.

Pinterest. How did I survive without you??

New Blog, New Fun

2012-01-30T06:00:00.000-07:00

A Friend of mine has started a blog of her own. I am not really sure if anyone even reads my blog anymore since I have been horrible about posting lately but thought I would give you a link to her blog anyway.

Dirt Road Dreamer Check it out. Whitney is funny, shoots straight from the hip, smart, tough, and to top it off has one of the cutest Corgis ever!!!

Enjoy her blog and her ranching stories. I know I will!

2012-01-29T08:00:00.000-07:00

I am trying to play catch up here. And of course brag a little bit. It's my blog, I get to brag all I want!!!

Last September I loaded Tally and Baby TC up and good ol' Fred and headed down the highway about 50 miles to take T to a little kids rodeo. Her first rodeo, besides the fun nights we have at home. For several weeks I had been building up to her about riding a sheep.

*Ride a sheep, all the cool kids do it.

* Did you know your mom used to be a heck of a mutton buster.

*Honey, it runs in the family your auntie has a buckle or twos he won from riding a sheep.

And so my 4 year old agreed to try and ride a sheep. But of course I knew nothing about riding a sheep, and she needed Handsome Larry (family friend) to take her to the bucking chutes and help her. I was ok with that, because then this mommy got to take pictures and video of her little cowgirl riding a sheep.

And ride a sheep she did!! My 4 year old cowgirl won the 8 and under sheep riding for the 2011 Go Getters Rodeo!! I was so damn happy and proud I cried! That's right, I cried and I am not ashamed to admit it! But not only did she win the sheep riding that day, she also for the first time off her horse by herself to do the goat tail tying, which was also a first for her. She met some new people, as did I. She did her events all by herself, some successfully and some not, but she did them. And most importantly she had fun!!

A shot of the sheep riding.

Getting of her horse by herself for the first time!

Trying and trying to tie that ribbon on the goats tail.

And we are still trying, but she ran out of time.

Walking up to accept our sheep riding winnings.

A great bunch of young cowgirls and cowboys!

My cowgirl didn't want the day to end. She rode ol' Fred over to the corral to give him his grain.

Tally and Fred posing. She wanted me to take a picture of her and her horse and her rodoe winnings so her Papa knew that she had 'done really good and was taking care of her horse'.

Yep, that's my bragging post! That horse is worth at least a million bucks in my mind! He makes Tally smile, and she has so much fun with him and wants to take care of him! Every kid should be so lucky.

Fall Work

2012-01-28T06:00:00.000-07:00

These pictures/this post was scheduled to be published last October. Somewhere there was a hiccup and it wasn't. I find the pictures too cute not to post now. So here ya go, better late than never.

It's October in Montana which means fall gathering, shipping calves, and working cows. One of my favorite times of the year. I missed out on a lot of gathering and fall work this year because I have a sweet 10 month old baby girl to take care of. Such is life.

Last weekend our good friend was gathering his herd and planning on running his cows through and working them. The forecast called for an unseasonably warm day with no wind. Let me tell ya, no wind in Montana is call for celebration! Big T was at preschool with Grandma scheduled to pick her up. So Baby T and I loaded up and headed out with Big D to go help Uncle Charley. Baby T and I waited as the rest of them gathered the herd. She actually caught a good nap, and I got caught up on some reading.

Then came the sorting and the working and the visiting. So what else was I supposed to do. We backed the pickup up next to the chute, and threw the jumper/exersaucer on the back and Baby T got to take in all the action!

Checking out the herd.

Smiling for mom.

Some may think it's wrong. I think that there is no such thing as too young! The weather was great, and she was happy! And like it or not this is her life until she is 18 and gone! :) Besides, it's fun to watch all the cowboys (young and old) interact with a baby when the baby is on there turf!

Winter Fun without any Snow

2012-01-27T21:37:00.001-07:00

Snow has been quite scarce in North East Montana this winter. I would go as far as to call it nonexistent this winter. And the temperatures have been incredibly warm. What I am trying to say to is it is the end of January. There is no snow. It's been 40 degrees out. AND did I mention it is January in North East Montana!!

But since we aren't doing any sledding or snowmobiling.... Course even if there was snow I, myself, wouldn't be doing any snowmobiling; we're are still doing some fun winter stuff around here.

Fun stuff like riding Fred. Course, the little Cowgirl is thinking it's fun, but Ol' Fred has given me the look a time or two that I read as "Really???? I thought I got to spend my winters with my head buried in the hay feeder." But as tough as he may want to be, Fred sure does take good care of his little cowgirl.

And off they go. Nothin' like saddling up and stickin' the spurs to him!

If you look hard enough you can see the big grin on my Cowgirl!

T and Fred. Fred and T.

Yes. You are seeing things right. Fred has his ears pins back because he is not happy!

Her sled hasn't even left the corners of the garage this winter. But, her saddle isn't sitting around getting dusty!

New Year, New Lots of Things

2012-01-22T19:45:00.001-07:00

New Year; New Blog?? Well, not really new blog, but just a promise of doing better.

New Year; New Camera. Yes, new camera and I still have lots to learn when it comes to using it to its full potential.

New Year; New Commitment. Like I said above, Be A Better Blogger is one of my new years resolutions. I have tons of ideas floating through my head, I just have a hard time getting them onto the blog. I am working on that.

New Year; New Challenges. Challenging myself to do new things, try new things, on top of the regular old challenging things of ranching and farming.

New Year; New Pictures. To kick off things off, here are some pictures I snapped last fall on shipping day. Enjoy

Weaning Day

One Fall Day

Sign of Time Gone By

Fall

For Those That Can Read

Strawberry Jam!

2011-08-23T11:47:00.000-06:00

I love Strawberry Jam! And this years batch of strawberries have been excellent! No, I didn't grow them, I stole them from my friends strawberry patch! Well, I mean, I have a friend with a strawberry patch, and she graciously and willingly gave me strawberries!

Don't they look beautiful!

I had a little help when it came to smashing the strawberries up!

She was a great helper!

Cooking the jam before putting into jars.

This Is How We Have Fun In Montana

2011-08-22T09:10:00.001-06:00

A couple of weekends ago it was our county fair, and our saddle club holds the annual Ranch rodeo. Last year we had our 1st Annual Women's Calf Dressing, and it was such a hit, we had it again. The object of the three woman team is to take the calf, put the calf's head through the head of the t-shirt, and then put the calf's legs through the arm holes of the t-shirt and be the first team to get him across the finish line.

We had five teams this year. I did not participate last year, as I was pregnant and was not planning on this year, as I was busy helping with the rodeo. But there was a mother/daughter duo that were there visiting from Idaho, that couldn't find a third member, so at the last minute I joined them. Enjoy the video.

OH! And yes, I am the one in the turquoise t-shirt that trips over her own two feet while headed for the line. But like any good team member that you just meet they just kept pulling the calf over top me while yelling 'We're Not Stopping!'. It was a blast!

Like Flies on a Cow

2011-07-22T06:18:00.000-06:00

Driving through the cows the other night, while searching for that hole in the fence that needed to be fixed, I was noticing how bad the flies are on the cows and calves. It got me to wondering, is there really anything that works for keeping the flies under control in your cattle herd? Let's face it; flies are a nuisance. Nuisance to me and to livestock of all kind. Even my four year old runs around the house with a fly swatter in hand attempting to kill the buggers!

Producers can put fly tags in their calves during spring working or branding. How effect is that? How long does it really last?

Do you use the mineral feeders that have the fly dust back built over top them like a canopy? Every time a cow comes to get mineral, they rub up under the fly dust bag?

How about the cattle mineral that has fly control in it? Help control flies from the inside out?

Do you have cattle oilers set up in your pasture for you herd to use?

Do you spray your cattle periodically as you are rotating pastures?

Have you discovered some biological control that works in your herd?

I am really curious as to what works for you and your herd? I am always up for learning something new and maybe it's a technique that we haven't tried and may work for us. Or

Flower Girl

2011-07-21T16:12:00.001-06:00

Last week Little Miss T was a flower girl in a friends wedding. After the wedding, there was a few free moments so we headed over to the John Deere lot and Angela took some pictures of her in her flower girl dress, and her Purple John Deere boots. That's right! Purple John Deere boots!! The bride and groom gave them to her to wear with her flower girl dress.

You can check out a few of the pictures over at Angela's blog:

Cali Girl Out On The Prarie

Where Do You Go?

2011-07-20T22:36:00.000-06:00

Where do you go when you want to catch up on Agriculture news?

What Ag paper do you read from front to back?

What's your go to website for up to date information pertaining to your operation?

What Ag blogs do you keep tabs on?

I have my favorites, but am always curious to what other producers are reading and where they are gathering their information. You just never know when you will find that next best information!

Missouri River Flooding 2011

2011-07-13T06:00:00.000-06:00

The flooding this year is just unbelievable. To the person who didn't understand the damage the river is causing due to new channels being made, crops being lost and houses floating away, it would be a magnificent sight.

To me, it's amazing, sad, and devastating.

There should be no water to the right of Tally. The river cut a new channel through that field.

Landslides.

The river is so wide.

Water is so wide it won't fit in a picture.

There should be no water in those trees!

Or in these trees.

See that water! Under that water is a lentil field.

More lentils; gone.

It's hard to tell, but the bank was starting to sluff off.

More crops under water.

That water channel should not be there. That channel showed up in a matter of hours.

Another view of the new channel. The water was just rushing through that field.

A lot of our crops are gone. A lot of hay ground is gone. The river will never be the same. And no one really knows how long its going to take for the river to recede bank into its banks. I am guessing when the river does decide to recede, we will be spending a lot of time moving debris and garbage from the fields we will still be able to farm in the future.

Branding 2011 Part 2

2011-07-12T06:00:00.000-06:00

We finally got our calves at home branded. It's been a long spring. We had a nice night and great friends helping.

Jakob helping his mom vaccinate

The roping crew: Travis and Jordan

Tally helping Papa Loren

Hard Working Crew!

Jordan. Fishing??

Tally and Jakob were busy decorating the corral fence.

Getting the work done.

Roping calves.

Branding is a favorite time of year for me. I love the work. I love the weather. I love getting to help neighbors. I love getting caught up of friends. It gives you quite the feeling of accomplishment. But I always sigh a sign of relief when our branding is done.

Branding 2011

2011-07-11T21:25:00.000-06:00

Branding has been a long drawn out process this spring/summer due to rain, farming and everything else Mother Nature has thrown at us. We finally got Schledewitzs' done the other week, and the day after we got ours done.

The old wooden post, woven fence round pen is not the easiest to rope out of, but its tradition

A shot of the branding stove and irons

The Boss

Getting the job done

Ragtag Crew. Jakob, Tally and Tenley. Tenley was a trooper all day long.

Summer Sky June 7th 2011

2011-06-07T11:00:00.000-06:00

Mother Nature still isn't in a very good morning. She just keeps coming with the rain and icky weather. They have opened the gates on the Fort Peck Dam and some of our crops are getting flooded as I type this. The majority of our cropland lays next to the Missouri River, and are slowly becoming swallowed up by the water.

Here are a few pictures I snapped early this morning of the sky. It's been lightening for the past hour, and has started to rain.

Looking North

Looking West

West. The sky is so amazing.

Another shot looking West.

Northeast of our place.

The weather man has heavy rains and thunderstorms predicted for the rest of the week. Our fields, pastures and my mood could use a good shot of sunshine!

Today

2011-05-30T09:48:00.001-06:00

Please take a moment to honor the ultimate sacrifices made by our military men and women so that we may enjoy all our days.

We did get our friends calves branded yesterday. Tally wrestled her first calf, and baby slept the day away in her stroller in the branding pen! It was a good day of work, but also of visiting and catching up with friends.

My uncle is supposed to brand today, but we have had an inch of rain since last night, so I have my doubts if that will get done today.

We are trying to talk Big D into branding ours on Wednesday, as the sun is supposed to shine. I shall keep you posted.

Enjoy your memorial day and don't forget to thank the military past and present.

To Brand or Not To Brand?

2011-05-29T10:11:00.001-06:00

I hope to be spending my helping my good friends brand their calves. In order to do that the weather man must be wrong and Mother Nature (after 9 months) will be in a good mood!

So hopefully all goes well and I will have some fun branding photos to share with you!

I Have Proof!!

2011-05-29T06:00:00.002-06:00

I know I have mentioned a few times how much I love PW!! It's true, ask my family and friends!

I love her blog. I love her recipes. I love her cookbook. Honestly I heart PW!

Way back in March my good friend J and I traveled many miles to Great Falls to go to one of PW's Book Signings. It was so worth the miles. I left my babies at home, but her son Colter John made the trek with us across the state of Montana. It was the first road trip J and I have ever take together, and I can't wait until next week when we take the next; but that is another story.

Anyway, however you look at it I love PW. I bought a few new cookbooks for her to sign. No, I did not have her sign the cookbook I use, as it is falling apart. Both Dana and I have used that cookbook so much it is falling apart.

The pages don't even stay in anymore.

I wasn't kidding, its falling apart at the seam!

Falling out all over. And you can't even see the stains from splatters from our cooking!

See the broken seam?? This is the first cake I have ever baked from scratch in my whole life!

OHHHH...cinnamon rolls. To die for. And so simple I can do it.

Since Dana stayed home with the babies, and he enjoyes PW's recipes as much as I do, I had Miss Ree sign a cookbook for my husband!

*the pictures aren't the best, as my four year old insisted on taking them. Though she might have taken better ones than I would have!*

Kids and Horses

2011-05-28T07:00:00.001-06:00

The girls and I spent a few days at my folks' house the other week. We branded a few, rode some horse and hung out. These pictures were taken the 14th of May, and it was cold!! We branded on Friday the 13th, and it was cold. We could see our breath as we were standing in the branding pen. My dad snuck back up to the house and put his long johns on. I was wishing might hard that I had packed a pair of my long johns.

Despite the cold, the girls got to ride for a little bit. They were froze when they got back to the house, but they had fun. I didn't get any pictures, but they had the barrels set up behind the house, and were having fun 'running the barrels at the rodeo'.

Miss Timber getting ready to ride Shambo. Shambo is HER horse, just ask her. Though her Papa will let her believe that, ol' Shambo is one of dad's good horses. He uses him on the ranch, to rope off of and of course to keep his granddaughter horseback!

I love how Shambo lowers his head to let Timber do her reins. He knows, and he takes care of her!

Tally & Abe
Tyann & Streaker
Timber & Shambo

I might add that Tally's Auntie TyTy and Timbers mother TyTy is riding the oldest horse out of the three pictured. Just thought I should share that fact! Streaker is an uncle to my horses 6pack and Squirt I have talked about. And according to Tally, he is a naughty (ie not a kids horse) and she can't ride him.

Streaker is not a kids horse, nor is he a Tana horse. That horse has bucked me off several times, and tried to several more. Him and I have a personality conflict, and I am ok with that. If he has been ridden I can get away with roping out of the branding pen off of him, but that is about it. When we lived out on the Powder River, we had to gather yearling out of the top pasture, which was 14 sections and had to trail down (another 4 miles) down to the Dippenvat pasture. About 2 miles from our destination gate, Tyann wanted to switch horses with me. While Tyann was riding him, he was stumbling as he was sleeping from being so tired. But I got on and he had his ears back and was gonna buck me off. I do believe that is the last time I have ridden him. But that little story was off the subject, so lets get back to Kids and Horses.

We don't believe in ponies at our house!

And they are off!

April 2011

2011-05-27T07:00:00.004-06:00

April 2011 came in like a lion and went out with a roar!! What a storm we had April 29th & 30th!! Given the circumstances, we should consider ourselves lucky, as we were just on the edge of the storm. My friends 15 miles away thought I was full of @#$% when I was describing what I was seeing as I looked out my one window I could see out of! We lost several calves, and a cow which always hurts, but producers to the west and south of us suffered bigger losses than we did.

The wind and driving snow in the storm pushed cattle through fences, into damns, miles away from home and into coulees where they piled up and died. Early Saturday morning we got a phone call from my uncle telling us his big herd had pushed threw his fence and were scattered along the county road.

We had several calves that we lost during the storm. Dana had found one alive, and we brought him into the garage, and I warmed him up and worked on him for quite some time but he didn't survive. We figured he must have gotten trampled and was hurt inside.

Tally, who is 4, received quite the education during this storm. Her first lesson was learning how the storm had broken the power lines, and therefore her t.v. and the lights wouldn't turn on. She also learned how to be quiet while mommy and daddy were busy discussing and weighing our option on what the best plan would be to take care of the cattle. But probably the biggest lesson was learning that now matter how warm we make sick baby calves, and how much we pray they live, and how sad mom gets when she can't save the baby calf, baby calves can die.

Like I said above, we have to consider ourselves lucky. We lost very few of our herd. We had power back within a day. And most importantly our family was safe through the whole wicked storm. My one wish is that Mother Nature back off and send us and the rest of the country some nice weather.

Little Miss TC

2011-05-27T06:00:00.001-06:00

I was messing around trying to catch a picture of Tenley smiling. I finally caught a smile.

It Was Brought To My Attention

2011-05-26T21:43:00.002-06:00

Awhile back I did a few blog posts about the horses that are standing out in my pasture. On one particular post I told you all about 6pack, the baby in my herd. I touched a little on how I have Squirt (the palamino in the first pictures on this post) who is a half brother to 6pack. It was brought to my attention that I had forgotten to mention another half brother to my 6pack. I searched high and low on my computer for a picture or two of 6packs other brother and finally found a couple I thought I would share with you.

So without further ado, I would like to introduce you to Sheriff . There are three reasons I can come up with on why I forgot about him. 1. I always forget that Sheriff and 6pack share the same father. 2. He's my sisters horse, and lives at her house, not mine. 3. I don't ride Sheriff.

Roping at the BRBR in the Cave Hills of SDakota.

My sister, Taryn Jo, bought Sheriff as a colt from our neighbor down on the Powder River, and broke him as part of a college class. Since she was a kid, I have often said that she has a special touch when it comes to training dogs and horses, and this horse is more proof for my theory. So lets hope 6pack turns out as good as Sheriff, if not a little better!

Going in for the heel shot. Sheriff is also her breakaway horse.

Taryn and Sheriff leading Dad's rope horse Indain. Timber warming up Dad's other rope horse Shambo.
*It was brought to my attention, that I don't know Taryn's horses at all. She is leading her other horse Camo, not dads horse.*

Even though I can't seem to find the pictures, you have to know she uses Sheriff on the ranch for whatever needs to be done. He really isn't scared of much, but he doesn't really care for kids. Which is fine, since Taryn has none, and her nieces already have their own mounts!

Taryn & Sheriff, Timber & Shambo at the 2010 Days of '85 Parade in Ekalaka.

So now to close this post I shall ask Taryn Jo one question; "Happy Dear?" haha

Crazy Kids

2011-05-26T13:39:00.001-06:00

Big Sister Tally was having fun playing 'dress up Tenley' the other day.

Time Flies...

2011-05-26T09:59:00.000-06:00

I knew it had been a little bit since I have had time to post, but I didn't realize it had been quite this long. Sorry. Things have been hectic around here. Baby Tenley got sick with RSV and pneamonia and we have a two night stay in the hospital, followed up with a week of treatments at home. Mother Nature is up to her same tricks, and its been quite the test on patience to try and get seeding done, calves worked and just about anything done outside. I don't even have my garden in yet! And since the weather was so icky, the girls and I loaded up and headed south to my parents for a few days. It was so cold while I was at their house, that dad even snuck in the house the day we were branding and put his long johns on!! That's right, on the 13th of May he was wearing his long johns. And truth be told, I was wishing for a pair myself!

We are getting closer to being done seeded. We are better off than alot of other farmers in the area. Big D did go ahead and get the tractor and seeded stuck last night. When he was explaining it to me there were a few cuss words used in his story! I wish I would have gotten pictures. They had to go down and get a tractor from his grandpa's house, and on they way back he had to go pull the hired man's tractor out which had gotten stuck while seeding, and then head back and pull his out. There is never a dull moment around here!

Here Comes Peter Cottontail...

2011-05-09T06:00:00.000-06:00

...hopping down the bunny trail! The Easter Bunny found the girls, and the girls found their Easter baskets. My niece, Timber, was here for Easter, and she was a little worried the Easter Bunny wouldn't find her here!

Timber, Tally and Tenley

Timber checking out her basket

Tally checking out her basket. FYI, my daughter hates clohtes.

OH! A Ring pop!!

Look at all the loot!

Hope the Easter Bunny bought the right size!

E.B. left Tally a tackle box. AND there were bobbers inside!

Timber and Tally helping Tenley with her basket.

New Heifers

2011-05-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

We bought a few new replacement heifers this spring, and I keep forgetting to take pictures of them. Miss Tally bought 3 heifers of her own, and we bought 4. Several have calved so far, and they have some nice looking calves at their sides. Tally's Papa sent her some purple ear tags to put in her heifers and she is very anxious to get them put in!

6pack

2011-05-07T06:00:00.000-06:00

Meet 6Pack. The baby of my herd. Actually she is in my herd, but truthfully she is my dad's horse. But we like to share. 6Pack is the last of line. Years ago, my grandpa had a buckskin quarter horse team named Ned and Nelly. All his life grandpa wanted a buckskin saddle horse, so when Nelly came up lame and could no longer be put under harness and pull the wagon, he had her bred. We got 4 colts out of Nelly; Whistler(buckskin), Streaker(buckskin), Dusty(palamino), and Elvira(buckskin). I got some good and sad stories about these horses, but that's another post. Several years ago I rode a horse for a guy and got paid and recieved a stud fee. Dad and I bred Elvira and Squirt (#5 and palamino) was born. The next year Dad and I took Elvira and had her bred by the neighbors stud and #6 was born. Therefore we named her 6pack. I didn't get to put any rides on her myself last summer as I was pregnant, but I can't wait to start riding her!

Such a sweetie.

She is a duplicate of her uncles, just a little daintier and more feminine.

I can't wait to start riding her! I have big hopes!

Doctoring Dingy

2011-05-06T06:00:00.000-06:00

We gathered the horse herd the other week, as our horseshoer was coming to make their feet look pretty. This in only the second time I have seen my horses since before Christmas. We had a long hard snowy winter and the remuda got snowed in in the back pasture and we couldn't get to them. So needless to say, the horses survived the winter on their own. They came in a little skinny, but they don't look half bad. On a normal year (less snow and no new baby and no surgery for me) the horses would have been gathered awhile ago and I would have long since been riding. But, I couldn't so they weren't.

Cody, the horseshoer, does an excellent job, and I am so thankful I have found him. It has taken me 6 years to find a good horseshoer in this country. He did find an abcess on Dingy's back hoof, so Tally and I had to do some doctoring.

Soaking her hoof in some epsom salt.

My trusty assistant patiently waiting to help.

All doctored up with a shiny new hoof!

Yes, sir! That there is duct tape on her hoof!!

Alive and Well

2011-05-05T22:07:00.000-06:00

Not being able to get to my horses for several months and not seeing them, I kept praying that my herd was surviving the winter alright. My horses are not used to any pampering or extra care, but this winter was harder than most. I was relieved when then finally decided to come in on their own and all of them were accounted for!

Palm Sunday

2011-05-05T20:09:00.000-06:00

I am running behind on my posts. What a crazy couple of weeks we have had. Company for Easter. Calving is still happening. We finally got into the field to start seeding. A huge spring snow storm that took out tons of power to people, and killed some livestock. And the worst is my baby has been in the hospital. I have pictures and stories to share of most of it, so we shall back up and start with Palm Sunday.

My babies all dressed up for Palm Sunday Services

Tenley is over the picture taking!

The Sunday School Crew doing their thing!

Miss T not paying attention! :)

3 Beautiful Girls!

2011-04-27T05:00:00.000-06:00

*For some reason this post did not post when it was scheduled right after Easter, so I am posting it now.*

3 Beautiful Girls!

I got to share my Easter weekend with 3 Beautiful girls. I am lucky enough to have 3 beautiful girls in my life.

Even when they have me yelling at them, I am thankful for the 3 beautiful girls in my life. Actually, I have 4 beautiful girls in my life, but there are only 3 pictured below. The 4 Beautiful Girls in my life are my nieces Timber Ann and Hailey Jean, and my babies Tally Marie and Tenley Canova. I am lucky to have 2 beautiful nieces in my life. And am blessed to have my 2 little miracle babies in my life also. Oh, and so he doesn't feel left out, I have one handsome nephew, who is also my godson, Mr. Parker Shane.

Tally Marie and Timber Ann

Beautiful.

I know you want to pinch her cheeks!

Timber, Tally and Tenley

So pretty!

From the Top of the Hill

2011-04-18T20:19:00.000-06:00

Here are a couple of random pictures I took from the top of the hill while I was out checking cows. I apologize, as the pictures aren't the greatest. It was cold and dreary and I just snapped quickly.

Looking down into the corrals.

Our house is behind the grain bins!

Tagging

2011-04-17T07:00:00.001-06:00

Tagging Calves. That seems to be what our evenings consist of these days. There are several reasons we tag choose to tag our calves. One reason is for identification purposes. Our cows are tagged with yellow tags, Doug's (husband's partner) are tagged with green, T's are tagged with purple. Soon, my few blue tags cows will be changed to yellow, as our neighbor has blue tags in his cows, and it will be easier to keep track. This also helps ensure that each calf gets the correct brand at branding time.

The calves each get an ear tag with the same number as their mother. This is done to easily keep track of pairs when working or moving th cow herd. If a calf has to be brought in and doctored, it makes it simple to go gather the calves mother and bring her in also.

Tagging also helps us when it come to picking and keeping our replacement heifers. It allows to look at the heifer calf, check her tag number and then look back in our records to see how her mother performed and worked in our herd.

Crazy Cowgirl

2011-04-16T07:00:00.001-06:00

T had to wear her chinks the other night while we were out tagging calves, because 'Daddy had his cowboy things on." She was quite cool, and she informed us she was a 'rooting tooting cowboy'. What a hoot!!

Posing for mom.

Telling us a tale about being a rooting tooting cowboy that lives in the pasture and rides horse.

I think that's the face of 'No dad, you do it like this."

Makes me quite happy my daughter is soaking up all there is to know about ranching and farming.

She was pointing to the 'catfish' she caught with her fishing pole (whip). According to her it was a 'big mamajama catfish'. One has to love and admire the imagination of this little girl.

13

2011-04-15T07:00:00.001-06:00

Last Wednesday, Ol' Blue Tage #13 calved! She had a good looking bull calf. That's two for two for me! I showed you pictures of Ol' Blue #14, so of course I had to share pictures of #13's baby.

So with #14 & #13 calved out, that just leaves, #11 & #12. I am still hoping for a bull calf out of #11, as she goes back to New Design bull, and we (my dad and I) have kept some bull calves out of her and sold and used on our herd. We shall see. I was also hoping for some heifer calves out of these few mama's for some replacements. But as long as I get 4 live calves I shall be happy.

April 14th, 2011

2011-04-14T20:05:00.000-06:00

These pictures were taken about 7:30 pm on tonight, April 14, 2011. And its still snowing!

Will It Never End?

2011-04-14T15:19:00.000-06:00

I now dub thee 'The Longest Winter Ever'.

Today's date is April 14th, 2011 and it's snowing out. Right now, as I type there are snowflakes falling from the sky. And by the looks of the sky to the west, Mother Nature isn't messing around.

In fact, the National Weather Service has issued a Winter Weather Advisory for our area, with areas of blowing snow. We can expect upwards to 3 to 5 inches of snow. And the with the way the wind is blowing and the big flakes falling, one could expect the driving visibility to be poor.

Some more straw was laid out for the cows and calves, everything has been fed. So I guess we just get to sit back and see what Ol' Mother Nature is going to drop this time. I think I may go pour myself a drink and then get ready to check heifers.

Stay warm, and if you see Mother Nature, slap her upside the head for me.

Dirtwork with Daddy

2011-04-14T07:00:00.001-06:00

Slowly the amount of mud in our yard is getting less and less. And with the disappearance of the mud, big old ruts appear. So the other night, D fired up the little tractor and him and T did a little dirt work in our driveway. There is still water and mud standing, so he couldn't get it all the way, but he didn't get quite a few ruts knocked down. T was having a grand time on the tractor.

Fred Rides Again

2011-04-13T10:11:00.001-06:00

Last weekend my niece came to visit. Not so much to see her auntie, but to see and ride Fred. She loves ol' Fred about as much as T does!! I wonder if Fred knows just how lucky he is? Since we have had such a long winter, and spring is slow to arrive, this was the first time Fred had been caught this year. He really didn't look too impressed to me! But he sure did make two little blonde girls quite happy!

Playing in the mud as Dad and Uncle are getting Fred ready.

I think Fred maybe a 100 pounds lighter with all that hair on the ground.

Hailey patiently waiting for Uncle to get Fred saddled.

2 Cuties on a Horse.

And they are off!!

Just riding around!

This is just the first of many rides on Fred for the year! I hope ol' Fred is up for it. We pampered him all winter with the best of hay and lots of grain. Unfortunately Fred is getting old on us, but he is still sound and eager to go. I hope to keep him around for a couple of more years, but however long Fred gives us, I hope he knows what a big part of our family he is and how much he is loved.

Cows

2011-04-10T07:00:00.001-06:00

I like cows. I like taking pictures of cows. You may call me crazy, but I have been accused of worse! I snapped these real quick the other night as we were out tagging some calves.

Nothing But The Truth

2011-04-09T17:00:00.001-06:00

I was emailed an article from the Prairie Star the other day, and I just had to share it. This article is so honest and true that I got the giggles and kept nodding my head at everything this author wrote about. It was like she had visited my house and then wrote a story about all the crazy things she saw! The article is entitled Ranchwife's housekeeping modified for calving season. The author, Erin Slivka, sure has a way of words and describing ranch life! Enjoy

Ranchwife’s housekeeping modified for calving season

As I was attempting to tidy up the house the other day, I looked around and realized that not every woman lives like this. I belong to a special sisterhood of women who have a jug full of colostrum in the freezer. I didn’t bat an eye when my husband came in from the barn and set a large pitcher of frothy yellow milk next to the coffee pot on my kitchen counter.

After all, this is a house that usually has an enormous rubber nipple air drying next to the sink and a bottle of Banamine in the butter compartment. When doing the supper dishes, I shove aside the vaccine gun and stomach tube that are drying in the dish rack.

In the bottom of the washing machine, among the Legos and hair barrettes, I frequently find a copious amount of straw beneath the load of jeans. My dryer’s lint trap is accustomed to collecting those little green castration rings. I’m always sure to check the shirt pockets before they go into the washer, though. The calving book must be removed and protected as if it were the Holy Grail.

While it’s not unusual to see a few pairs of mucky coveralls in the porch, the worst of the dirty laundry often hangs on the deck railing, waiting to be hosed off before it enters the house. When the stench of muddy manure emanating from the muck boots in the porch starts to overpower the smell of fresh bread baking in the kitchen, I know it’s time to throw open the windows and air it out, even if it’s 20 degrees outside.

Since I’ve lived on a ranch nearly my entire life, I am accustomed to this modified version of housekeeping. I know the secrets to removing ear tag marker from the wall and newborn calf slime from jeans.

But to a person not used to this particular lifestyle, our habits may raise an eyebrow. The FedEx deliveryman is probably baffled at the collection of dried placentas that our dog has stashed in the corner of our yard to be gnawed on like jerky. We know it’s a special treat for him because he keeps it right next to the deer leg that he salvaged last fall after hunting season.

We don’t often leave the place during this time of year, and when we do, it’s difficult to switch out of animal husbandry mode. In honor of the rare trip past the end of the driveway, I try to replace my manure splattered sweatshirt with a nice clean version, and I usually substitute a clean ball cap for my wool ear flapper cap that is a critical component of my calving uniform. With a nod to my delicate feminine nature, I even brush the ground feed out of my ponytail and wash my face.

More than once this season I have caught myself heading to the car with a sorting stick in my hand. It has become second nature to grab a stick on the way out the door to fend off any overprotective mama cows who see a bullseye on my rear. And although I try to leave all thoughts of cattle behind me, the other day I caught myself describing my sick child as “off her feed.”

Rejoining humanity is difficult when we have spent weeks living with cows. Being a multitasker, I cannot stand at the kitchen sink without looking out the window for that kinked tail that indicates an imminent birth. I can fall asleep sitting upright when I’m waiting for the clock to roll around for my next check, but I jolt awake when I hear the telltale moo of a new mother, especially if it’s a heifer who thinks a UFO just dropped an alien being in the pen with her as she meets her calf for the first time.

Eventually, life will return to a more normal state. The calving paraphernalia will be shelved, my counters will be cleared, the muck will dry up, and the cows will go to pasture.

But until then, if you happen to drop by, please don’t be offended by my shoddy housekeeping. I promise that I used pasteurized milk in the bread I just made, and I was sure to thoroughly wash my hands before I kneaded the dough.

Cowboss In Training

2011-04-09T07:00:00.002-06:00

Tally was doing her darndest at playing bull whisperer and trying to coax one of the bulls to eat cake out of her hand. She didn't quite get it done, but she sure had fun trying! Moments like these make me ever more grateful and thankful that I am ranching and raising my kids in this environment.

Come on. Just one more step!

Some curious heifers waiting for Tally to throw them some cake.

Busy throwing cake out and naming the cow herd!

Just a chillin' after an evenings work.

A River Runs Through It

2011-04-08T17:00:00.001-06:00

'It' being my yard! Here's a few photos of the water running through our yard. Everywhere you look there is water. We can be thankful that it is thawing slowly, and so far we haven't had too much flooding.

The view out my bedroom window

A river between the house and shop!

Water rolling through the yard

Tally posing near whats left of a snow drift.

This makes for some fun driving!

The field east of the house. The culvert was still froze.

Scott checking out the situation down by the county road

Just off the county road

Mother Nature

2011-04-08T10:04:00.000-06:00

Mother Nature sure has it in for us. I woke up this morning to snowflakes falling. Not a pretty sight after 8 long months of watching it snow. Mother Nature sure isn't screwing around either. The first picture below were taken about 10 minutes before the last two pictures.

The snow just won't quit. I think we need to send Mother Nature a bottle of wine or two to put her in a better mood!

The road to the Bjorge Place

2011-04-08T07:00:00.004-06:00

We took a drive the other night over to the Bjorge place to see if we could get our tractor out of the field and home. This is what we found:

That Tractor isn't going anywhere right now.

Anderson Flat under water on the way to Bjorge place.

The fence is almost under water.

The water is getting close to running over the road.

And there is still lots of snow to melt.

I am guessing we won't be planting all that field.

I think there are going to be lots of spots in numerous fields that we won't get to seed this spring. With the field pictured above, we almost planted some alfalfa in it last fall. We are thankful we didn't, as that seed would have been a loss with all that water sitting.

11,12,13

2011-04-07T21:40:00.000-06:00

11. 12. 13. You met 14 the other day. These are what is left of my original herd. I'l still waiting on these old gals to calve, but it shouldn't be much longer. I am hoping for a couple of heifer calves out of these 3 for some replacement heifers to use in our herd. Guess time will tell!

Splish Splash!

2011-04-07T10:24:00.000-06:00

After our recording breaking year of snow fall we are slowly beginning to thaw out around here. Though the forcast is calling for rain and snow for the next three days! Below are some of Tally playing in the yard. The next couple of posts I have some incredible pictures of the water running through the farm yard, fences buried in water, water running over the road and more. And there is still a ton of snow to melt off!!

One of our first nice days that didn't require coveralls and a coat!

JUMP!

I love this photo! Lots of fun!

'Just how deep is it mama?'

It's getting pretty deep!

Old Man Winter

2011-04-06T16:00:00.000-06:00

It was reported on the local news the other day that our area broke over a hundred year old record! That record is the amount of snowfall in one year. The old record was from the winter of 1895/1896 with 94.7 inches of snowfall. Officially in the winter of 2010/2011 we have had 95.1 inches of snow so far! To put that into perspective our average snowfall is around 43.4 inches of snow a year. And to put that into more perspective, April is the 8th month in a row we have had snow!! Needless to say we are all ready for summer and some much needed sunshine!

Looking East towards County Road

Scott & Try playing in the snow

Middle of March and still tons of snow

Tally is standing on a snowbank that is just as tall as the window in my kitchen!

End of March and it's thawing some. Tally still had to dig swing out of snow to play with it.

She has been waiting 8 long months to play on her swingset!

Ol' Blue Tag #14

2011-04-06T12:15:00.001-06:00

#14 and Her Bull Calf

What a good mama

We had our first calf a couple of weeks ago. The first bull calf of the season. #14 is a cow I bought a few years out of college when I had the opportunity to buy ten head. Ten head of my very own. My cows, my brand, my calves and of course my loan! I was quite proud of my accomplishment back then. This is the first year I will have what's left of my first cows here at our home place. They have been with my dad's herd since I left home. We have room for them now here at the home place, and it gives dad an opportunity to run more of his own.

Sugar Beet Harvest 2010

2011-03-28T19:56:00.001-06:00

Sugar Beet Harvest 2011

It was the first Sugar Beet Harvest for us

It was quite the learning experience for me

The weather cooperated pretty well

I didn't get in on any of the harvest as I was pregnant and not feeling well. Bouncing through the field was not an option for me.

I did watch from the sidelines and soak up some sunshine.

Just a random picture of some pickups

It is still up in the air on weather we will be planting Sugar Beets in 2011, as the decision on if we will be able to use Round-up Ready Beets or not. So until that decision is made by those in charge, we don't know what we will be doing.

Ramblings

2011-03-02T21:17:00.000-07:00

Hopefully soon, my computer issues are solved and my desktop is back up and running. I have a slew of pictures and stories to share, all which are downloaded on the other computer. It has been hard for me to blog, knowing I don't have any pictures to share, or maybe I have been using that as an excuse! :)

So coming soon, our first sugar beet harvest, pictures of the ponies, and all kinds of random stuff.

I mentioned the other day how much I love PW and her recipes. Here is a link to her website where she is cooking up some Chicken Fried Steak.

Pioneer Woman

2011-02-21T21:25:00.000-07:00

I love The Pioneer Woman. I have been following her blog for quite awhile. I love how she can take day to day ranch life and make it so available for so many people to read about. I love looking at her pictures and laughing at them and the memories of my own they bring back. I love her recipes. Her cookbook has become a bible in our kitchen since we came into possession of the the amazing book. It has even become my husbands go to cookbook. He loves to cook and we both love to try new things and he has made lots out of The Pioneer Womans cookbook. I just read her novel, which is about how she (the city girl) met her husband (the cowboy) and moved to the ranch. I loved it. The Pioneer Woman Rocks!! So, after ready this, you can only imagine the excitement I am feeling about going to one of her book signings! YEAH!!! In March, The Pioneer Woman will be holding a book signing in Great Falls, and I get to go. Me, and several of my good friends are planning to attend. Tickets are bought and motel rooms are booked. I can't wait. I realize we will be driving across the Big Sky State to see her, but its going to be so worth it. I only pray that Mother Nature doesn't pull another winter storm out of her hat that weekend which will stop us from going. But, I am too excited to worry about the weather. Besides, the weather is out of my control. I can't wait and am counting down the days until the big girls weekend out when we get to see The Pioneer Woman.

WIFE

2011-02-16T07:00:00.001-07:00

WIFE.

*Do you know what WIFE is?
*Do you know what WIFE does?

According to their website, WIFE is a non-profit association that was founded back in 1976 to help improve the the profitability in production agriculture through educational, legislative and communicative and cooperative efforts. In a nutshell, WIFE is an assocation that works hard to promote agriculture, and to help educate people on the agriculture industry. They work hard our livelihood and promoting what we do for a living.

What are you doing to help promote Agriculture?

I Heart Beef!!!!!!!!!!!

2011-02-15T21:29:00.000-07:00

For the second year in a row, February is national "I Heart Beef Month". I really do heart beef, and cook with all cuts of beef. I want to know, what is one of your favorite beef recipes?

The website www.beefnutrition.org is a great website that has all kinds of nutritional information, beef recipes, downloaded information on nutrition, and all sorts of useful information. Take a moment to check it out and maybe you will learn a little something.

Pepsi Gives Grant to HSUS

2011-01-25T15:55:00.000-07:00

Can it be true? Did Pepsi actually reward the HSUS with a $250,000 grant?? I find it hard to believe that the schools asking for grants to make their buildings safe for students, or grants asking to help update playground equipment, or a grant helping to update handicap accessibility lost out to the HSUS. Makes me lose alot of respect for Pepsi.

I found this link this morning, that says it maybe true. check it out here

Food Challenge Quiz

2010-11-24T13:40:00.000-07:00

On this day before Thanksgiving, I am at work, busy listening to a calf sale on the internet, surfing the internet, and visiting with customers who have come in to taste some great chili. I came across this food quiz, and thought I would take a stab at it.

Now I wasn't too disapointed on my results, but I thought I would do better.

On the first quiz I got a 67%.

On the second quiz I scored a 75%.

This is just another lesson on how important it is to promote Agriculuture.

Take a moment to take the quizzes and let me know what you scored!

Pepsi to Donate to HSUS

2010-11-24T13:20:00.000-07:00

I am so fired up over this news, I really have no words at the moment. I will let you read the article, and after I wrap my head around this statement, I shall post my thoughts/concerns/comments on the subject.

The article was found on the Northern Ag Network website, and if you go there you can learn more about the Pepsi Fresh Project. It also contains a link where you can send an email to Pepsi about your thoughts on this.

Pepsi is set to Give HSUS $250,000

The Humane Society of the U.S. is in the top spot to receive this month’s $250,000 grant from the online Pepsi Refresh Project. And, in line to win a $50,000 grant is a project titled “$50,000 to stop healthy animals from being fed antibiotics.”

The Pepsi Refresh Project in itself is a very honorable endeavor. It began in January of this year. Their goal is to award grants to “innovative and inspiring causes.” Fourteen of the past 17 grants of that $250,000 amount have specifically benefited children and eight of the 17 grants have gone toward medical research.

Here are the details of the Pepsi Refresh Project:

Ideas are submitted by individuals, groups, non-profits and businesses with no more than 25-million dollars in revenue. Winners of the grants are selected by public votes. You can vote online or via text message.

The voting is still open for this month and you can still take part. But should HSUS and the antibiotic project be eligible?

The public vote does have the HSUS in the top spot to receive $250,000 and the top spot for a $50,000 grant seeks to stop the non-therapeutic use of antibiotics in animals.

In the official application guidelines, it strictly stats that applications cannot to any degree “challenge, lobby for or seek to change current laws, or enact any new laws.”

The Animal Agriculture Alliance has come out saying that they are dismayed that the Humane Society of the United States has been deemed eligible to participate, adding that the HSUS 100-million dollar budget exceeds the 25-million dollar limit imposed by Pepsi.

2010 MT Stockgrowers & MT Cattlewomens Convention

2010-11-18T11:01:00.000-07:00

Mark you calendars for December 15th - December 19th for the 2010 Montana Stockgrowers and Montana Cattlewomens Annual Trade Show and Convention.

Registration Deadline is December 8th.

Here is a link to registration & schedule

Your Local Cattlewomens Group

2010-11-18T10:56:00.000-07:00

Do any of you out there belong to your local cattlewomens group?

In my neck of the woods, there is no active group. A friend and I have been toying with the idea of starting a local group up agian.

Any ideas? Suggestions? Ideas for projects? How do we get started?

Any Help Would Be Greatly Appreciated.

The question I want answered is...

2010-11-18T10:45:00.000-07:00

Why? Why would a person do this?

The Cattle Business Weekly reported today that a former Nerbraska cattle inspector was indicted for faking test results for BSE (mad cow). He was charged with submitting inspection reports on 92 Nebraska cattle operations, but never really performed any of the inspections. The inspector faces federal charges on mail fraud and making false statements.

Why?? Was it laziness? Was it thinking no one cared?

Month of Thanksgiving

2010-11-05T14:36:00.000-06:00

Last November, when this blog was just a baby, I did a post entitled 30 Days of Thanksgiving.

I enjoyed making that list, and I have decided to make another list, without reading last years, to see if and how my life has changed. I am working on the list and should have it done tonight.

What are you Thankful for?

Cows Taking A Long Plane Ride

2010-10-12T11:05:00.000-06:00

I came across this article in the Dickinson Press, and it caught my attention. Not only is this company flying cows across the world, but this company is from North Dakota.

ND firm sending 1st shipment of cows to Kazakhstan

A Bismarck business will ship 170 cows overseas in the coming week as part of a trade deal with beef producers in Kazakhstan.

Bill Price, president of Global Beef Consultants, told the Bismarck Tribune that the cows will go to two reproduction facilities and a feeding center. They're meant to help Kazakh beef producers improve their fledgling industry.

The cows, all angus and hereford, will be shipped by plane from the Fargo airport. It'll take about 18 hours to get to Astana, the capital of Kazakhstan.

Price says the cattle shipment is the first in a series. The deal calls for 2,000 cattle to be shipped.

Montana Beef Checkoff Dollars

2010-10-06T15:01:00.000-06:00

I read today that the Montana Beef Council (Council) and the Montana Department of Livestock (MDOL) have decided to change how beef checkoff dollars are collected in the state. Beginning January 1, local and state brand inspectors will no longer be collecting the checkoff money from producers. Instead, they will provide the change of ownership paperwork to the producer. The producer is the held responsible to remit payment to the beef council. Local auction markets will collect/remit payment on behalf of the producer.

To learn more go to Northern Ag Network

Montana per capita fees

2010-10-06T06:00:00.002-06:00

For Immediate Release
October 5, 2010

Steve Merritt
Public Information Officer
Montana Department ofLivestock
406-444-9431

BOL Holds the Line on Per Capita Fees for 4th Straight Year

At its meeting last week in Helena, the Montana Board of Livestock voted to hold the line on per capita fees for the fourth consecutive year.

Authorized by Montana Code Annotated 15-24-921, per capita fees – a per head fee assessed on “all poultry and bees, all swine three months of age or older, and all other livestock nine months of age or older" – annually generate roughly one-third of the department's overall budget. The fees, which fund animal health programs, brands enforcement, theft investigation and recovery, and predator control, will generate approximately $3.5 million in FY2011.

Roughly three-quarters of the department's legislatively authorized budget is funded with state special revenues – funds paid directly by the livestock industry – with the remainder derived from federal funds (approximately 15 percent) and state general funds (approximately 10 percent).

In addition to the per capita fee, other state special revenues are derived from inspection and control fees, such as brand enforcement revenues, lab testing fees and milk inspection fees. Per capita fees are used only on operations directly relating to the livestock industry; no per capita fees are used for Meat & Milk Inspection, the Milk Control Board, the Livestock Loss Reduction & Mitigation Board or the Board of Horse Racing.

Everyone benefits from programs funded by per capita fees. PCFs are used for animal health programs, brands enforcement, theft investigation and recovery, predator control and other department operations. Additionally, the general public benefits from programs designed to prevent the spread of animal diseases to humans.

Fall is Upon Us

2010-10-05T17:00:00.000-06:00

Fall is upon us, and harvest has been in full swing for way too long! We are still (unfortunately) combining. While this fall rain has been great for our pastures, it sure has put a big damper on getting our durum and wheat combined. Ontop of that we are starting our second week of sugar beet harvest. This is our first year raising sugar beets, and it has been quite the learning process. They have been running crazy hours, so I haven't had a chance to get any pictures, but will do so as soon as I can. We also have quite a bit of corn standing. Hopefully thee combining of the corn goes better than last year, but I am not holding my breathe! Of course, in between all of this, we must get calves vacinated, cows worked, and all bovines shipped home. Oh, and have I mentioned that I am six months pregnant, so my helpfulness is at a minimum!

Cattle Auctions

2010-10-05T13:15:00.000-06:00

I confess, I am one of those nerds that follows livestock auction barn sales reports throught the region. Religously. Well I just discoverd that on two different sites, it is possible to watch these auctions live! Uffda, I just get all excited thinking about it! So if you are a fellow follower take a moment and check these sites out:

http://www.cattleusa.com/

http://www.lmaauctions.com/home.aspx

Enjoy!!

Taking a shot at U.S. Sheep Shearing Record

2010-10-05T11:26:00.000-06:00

South Dakota Wade Kopren and New Zealander Matt Smith will attempt to an eight hour lamb shearing record on October 9th, 2010. This is an official attempt at the record and will be help at Veal Custom Feeding, Meadow, SD. The have teamed up with the local Shriners groud, who will be serving lunch, and all proceeds will be donated to the Shriner's Childrens Hospital.

Wade Kopren and Matt Smith aim for U.S. sheep shearing record

Article Found in Tri State Livestock News

Where will you be at 7:30 a.m. on Saturday, Oct. 9? Wade Kopren and Matt Smith will be attempting to set an eight-hour lamb shearing record. This will be an attempt at an official U.S. shearing record.
Kopren hails from a sheep ranch in Perkins County, SD, and operates a shearing business that serves sheep ranches across the northern plains.
Smith, who is from New Zealand, shears on Kopren's crew from March through May. After Smith set a world record in New Zealand in January, the two shearers started talking about working together to set another world record. Since no eight-hour U.S.-lamb shearing world record currently exists, this became their goal.

Both shearers have set an arduous target to shear 500 lambs in the eight hours.

“We hope to put up a large enough number that it will be difficult for another shearer to come in behind us and break our record,” said Kopren.

The organization of the event will follow the rules and facility specifications set by the World Sheep Shearing Records Committee. Shearing will begin at 7:30 a.m. Kopren and Smith will shear in two-hour increments with two half-hour breaks and one full-hour lunch break between blocks.

Anyone interested in witnessing the challenge is invited out to Veal Custom Feeding, 18738 Chance Road, Meadow, SD, on Saturday, Oct. 9. The local Shriners club will be serving a noon meal. All proceeds from the event will be donated to the Shriners Children's Hospital.

“We wanted to set a new U.S. record, but we also wanted it to mean something,” commented Kopren. “That is why we connected with Shriners Children's Hospital. We get to attempt a shearing record while, at the same time, benefit a worthy cause.”

Donations can be sent to Shriners Children's Hospital, c/o Wade Kopren, Box 339, Bison, SD 57620.

In January, Smith set a new world eight-hour ewe-shearing record where he exceeded the previous record of 560 ewes shorn by shearing 578.

Farm Bureau Opposes 1099 Provision

2010-10-02T06:00:00.000-06:00

While visiting the Montana Farm Bureau website I stumbled across this interesting article. It's definetly worth your time to read and share with your neighbor.

Farm Bureau Opposes 1099 Provision

Provisions in the new health care law that requires farms, ranches and other businesses to complete an Internal Revenue Service Form 1099 for any expenditure totaling more than $600 in a calendar year creates an unnecessary and costly paperwork burden, according to the Montana Farm Bureau Federation.

These provisions, slated to go in effect in 2012, were placed in the new health care law to help pay for it.

Under current law, businesses that pay more than $600 to unincorporated service providers must file an information report with each service provider and with the IRS reporting the amounts paid for service rendered. However, this new provision would require business to now file a 1099 form for any purchase over $600, for services and goods, whether the payee is incorporated or not.

“This places an amazing burden on small business and especially farm and ranch families,” notes Montana Farm Bureau President Bob Hanson. “This means if you buy more than $600 on seed, horse feed, fence posts, corral panels—anything—you must file a 1099. Even if you go to an auction and spend more than $600 on some piece of equipment, you need to send the auction house a 1099.”

Hanson explained that businesses already report what they’ve purchased on their tax returns, and this will add another expense as they pass on the paperwork to their accountants. The government will also have to spend more time collecting and filing the paperwork. “It’s just a huge, needless hassle for everyone involved, and in many cases, it’s double-reporting,” notes Hanson, a White Sulphur Springs rancher.

The American Farm Bureau is strongly opposing the provision, as well.

Farm Bureau backs bills in the House and Senate, H.R. 5141, by Rep. Dan Lungren (R- Calif.) and S. 3578 by Sen. Mike Johanns (R-Neb.) that would repeal the Form 1099 reporting requirements. In addition, American Farm Bureau filed comments with the IRS calling for repeal of the provisions.

“For small businesses like farms and ranches, this provision will drastically increase the number of Form 1099s that need to be sent each year. Farmers and ranchers will have to hire someone to do the paperwork or spend their own valuable time to do the research and fill out the forms.”

In comments to the IRS, Farm Bureau cited research by LeMaster Daniels, an accounting firm that services numerous agricultural operations across Washington State and Idaho. According to LeMaster Daniels, the number of forms that would be required for a typical cattle operation with $250,000 of gross income would increase over four fold from 16 to 68. For a typical orchard with $175,000 of gross revenue, the number of Form 1099s required would increase from one to 19.

Where are all the Cattle?

2010-10-01T15:01:00.000-06:00

Are you curious as to where all the cattle are being raised in this country? Are you wondering if the great state you live in is ahead of you neighbors in beef production? Well to answer your questions you need to check out the September 2010 edition of the National Cattlemen. Last months edition contains the 23rd annual section entitled Directions. This article contains the the top companies in Seed Stock Production, Cow-Calf Operations, Cattle Feeding Operations and Beef Packing Operations. You just might be surprised on how the numbers play out. Take a minute acheck it out: Directions

Cydectin teams up with Wounded Warriors

2010-07-29T11:36:00.000-06:00

What a great story! It made me proud and a little teary eyed when I read this story. Any program or project that supports our troops past, present and future, is a great thing in my mind. The fact that Cydectin stpped up and became a sponsor is fantastic. What a way to support our troops!!

Partnership honors service and sacrifice of today's soldiers
By Drovers news source
Tuesday, July 27, 2010

Cydectin announced it has become the industry’s first sponsor of Wounded Warrior Project (WWP), a nonprofit whose mission is to honor and empower wounded warriors.

Founded in 2003, WWP’s purpose is to raise awareness and enlist the public’s aid for the needs of injured service members, to help injured service members aid and assist each other, and to provide unique, direct programs and services to meet their needs. The vision of WWP is to foster the most successful, well-adjusted generation of wounded warriors in our nation’s history.

The industry’s first collaborative effort with Wounded Warrior Project, Cydectin’s “Honor Our Troops” program, demonstrates support and gratitude for wounded veterans of today’s wars on behalf of beef and dairy producers.

“Our troops give the ultimate sacrifice by serving on the frontline for us each day,” says Mike Randolph, Cydectin brand manager. “One of the most fundamental offerings we give them is our respect and support … and to help them succeed when they return.”

“It is an honor to partner with Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, and we thank the company for doing its part to support wounded warriors,” said Wounded Warrior Project Executive Partnership Director Steve Nardizzi. “This assistance and public awareness will go a long way in helping this generation of veterans heal in mind, body and spirit.”

Wounded Warrior Project assists wounded warriors and their families through a holistic approach to their recovery by providing programs and services to aid their physical rehabilitation and improve their mental health and well-being. Through caregiver retreats, combat stress programs, career and education services or adaptive sporting opportunities, Wounded Warrior Project empowers warriors with the tools essential to not just survive their injuries, but to thrive and achieve personal and professional success.

Official Statewide Vaccination

2010-07-29T10:42:00.000-06:00

Last Tuesday July 27th, 2010 the Montana Board of Livestock met in Helena to vote on the proposed Official Statewide Vaccination for Brucellosis. The BOL voted to review the rules for another 6 months, with everything being reviewed again in January.

If you would like to listen to Errol Rice, VP of the MSGA, about ranchers reactions to OCV and the proposal it self, check out the Northern Ag Story.

Wolve. Wolves. Everywhere Wolves.

2010-07-22T11:30:00.002-06:00

Here is an AP story that I thought I really needed to share. It was forwarded to me by my sister. The very idea of them wanting to scatter more wolves throughout the country just makes me mad. Read the story below and let me know what you think.

Petition seeks to have wolves howl across US
Jul 20, 8:58 PM EDT
By MATTHEW BROWN
Associated Press Writer

BILLINGS, Mont. (AP) -- Tens of thousands of gray wolves would be returned to the woods of New England, the mountains of California, the wide open Great Plains and the desert West under a scientific petition filed Tuesday with the federal government.

The predators were poisoned and trapped to near-extermination in the United States last century, but have since clawed their way back to some of the most remote wilderness in the lower 48 states.

That recovery was boosted in the 1990s by the reintroduction of 66 wolves in Idaho and Yellowstone National Park. Yet as those first packs have flourished, increased livestock killings and declining big game herds have drawn sharp backlash from ranchers, hunters and officials in the Northern Rockies.

But biologists with the Arizona-based Center for Biological Diversity want to expand that recovery across the country. A few isolated pockets of wolves, they say, are not enough.

"If the gray wolf is listed as endangered, it should be recovered in all significant portions of its range, not just fragments," said Michael Robinson, who authored the petition. Robinson said the animals occupy less than 5 percent of their historic range in the lower 48 states.

The federal Administrative Procedure Act allows outside parties to petition the government to act when species are in peril. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service spokesman Chris Tollefson, whose agency received the petition, said there was no deadline by which the agency must respond to the one filed Tuesday, which was signed by Robinson and another biologist, Noah Greenwald.

Tollefson also said an internal review was under way to figure out where wolves once lived and where they might be returned.

"We need to look at what is realistic and where the suitable habitat would be," Tollefson said.

The review will be completed by late 2010 or early 2011 and will contain recommendations but no final decision on whether to create new wolf populations, Tollefson said.

About 6,000 wolves live in the U.S. outside Alaska, with most of those in the Great Lakes and Northern Rockies, with only a few dozen in Arizona and New Mexico. They are listed as endangered except in Alaska, Idaho and Montana.

In early 2008, a similar petition was lodged by the Natural Resources Defense Council. In its rejection of that petition, the Fish and Wildlife Service said the Great Lakes and Northern Rockies programs had succeeded and any additional recovery efforts would be "discretionary."

The Fish and Wildlife Service faces no deadline to respond to such petitions

Like the Bush administration, the Obama administration has pushed to end federal protections for wolves and return control over the animals to the states.

But both administrations have been rebuffed in the courts. Federal judges have ruled repeatedly that the government failed to prove existing wolf numbers will ensure the population's long-term survival.

Last year, the Interior Department relented to pressure from environmentalists in the Great Lakes. The agency agreed to put wolves back on the endangered list at least temporarily - just months after they had been removed for the second time in recent years.

Wolves are notorious predators with a hunger for livestock, and experts say they could survive in most of the country if they were allowed.

Young adult wolves sometimes travel hundreds of miles when looking to establish a new territory. In the last several years, packs have gained a toehold in parts of Oregon and Washington. Others have been spotted in Colorado, Utah and northern New England.

But with wolves, more than just biology is at play. Politics serves the deciding role in where wolves are allowed, said David Mech, a wolf expert and senior scientist with the U.S. Geological Survey.

"In the areas where they are not acceptable, they will be killed out - illegally if nothing else, Mech said.

The Northern Rockies population has stirred the most rancor, largely because of sheep and cattle killings and wolves preying on big game herds that had swelled when the predators were absent.

Idaho and Montana initiated public wolf hunts last year, and both intend to increase their quotas on the animals this fall. The states want to put a dent in the animal's population growth rate, which has been as high as 30 percent annually.

Wyoming, which has about 525 wolves, was blocked in its efforts to start a hunt after federal officials said state law was too hostile to wolves to ensure their survival. That ruling has been challenged in federal court.

Wyoming House Speaker Colin Simpson said Tuesday it should serve as a warning for other states that are asked to take wolves.

"Be careful," Simpson said. "We don't need more of that in the West."

(This version corrects name of federal law that allows for outside party petitioning to Administrative Procedure Act, not Endangered Species Act.)

It's Raining, It's Pouring........

2010-07-22T09:15:00.000-06:00

.....the old man is snoring. He went to bed with a bump on his head and won't wake up this morning!

It started raining sometime after midnight last night and it hasn't quit yet. And it's a beautiful rain. When I left for town at about 7:30, we had a little over an inch of rain. In July!! A couple of farmers were talking about starting to combine come Monday, that maybe pushed back a few days. For all the moisture we have had this year, we were needing another little drink. Here are a couple of pictures from this morning. Not the best, as I still haven't found my camera, and these are off my phone.

I am not going to lie, I really want to go out and run through the rain and jump in the mud puddles!

Beef Checkoff

2010-07-22T07:00:00.000-06:00

These days everyone has their own (usually strong) opinion on the Beef Checkoff system through NCBA. Below you will find read what MCA recommends for this nations Beef Checkoff.

MCA Submits Beef Checkoff Improvement Recommendations
1. Checkoff dollars be used to promote only U.S.A. beef from cattle born, raised, and processed in the United States of America.
2. A periodic vote on the checkoff program (every five years).
3. Prohibit any one cattle organization from serving as the "prime contractor" for the program, but allow all U.S. cattle organizations to participate in approved projects on a case-by-case basis.
4. Reform the Cattlemen's Beef Board to reflect proportional representation from all national cattle organizations.
5. Allow for checkoff expenditures to protect U.S.A. beef and cattle from unfair trade practices and to protect the U.S. cattle herd from import practices which threaten cattle herd health and beef consumers.
6. Allow checkoff expenditures to promote branded products from small and large packing entities.
7. Provide that 70% of all funds collected remain in the state where collected, and 30% to the national Cattlemen's Beef Board.
8. Provide an exemption for producers contributing equal or greater funds into a private sector self-help effort.

In addition, the MCA Board recommends any increase in the checkoff assessment fee not be considered unless or until the above recommendations are implemented.

What are your thoughts on the Beef Checkoff situation?

I found the above information on the MCA website

Bison Tests Positive for Anthrax

2010-07-21T12:24:00.000-06:00

I just read a news release on the MT Department of Livestock webiste that a bison heifer carcass tested positive for Anthrax in Gallatin County. Field tests were done on the dead bison which was found near a pasture where Anthrax killed 287 bison in 2008. The pasture has since been quarantined.

There is a vaccine for anthrax, and the state vet encourages produces that live in areas known for anthrax to vaccinate.

You can read the whole news release on the MT Department of Livestock website.

man oh man

2010-07-14T15:17:00.001-06:00

Being without a camera really has taken its toll on my blogging. Doesn't seem to be quite as fun with out pictures. I promise I will do better (and get a new camera)

MT FWP Purchasing 28,000 Acre Ranch

2010-07-08T07:00:00.000-06:00

That wonderful agency we call Montana Fish Wildlife and Parks is at it again.

MT FWP Could Soon Purchase 28,000 Acre Ranch

For more details, visit the FWP Website.

Two state agencies are taking public comment on a Department of Fish, Wildlife and Parks proposal to buy a nearly 28,000-acre ranch near Deer Lodge.

FWP has requested $16.5 million in restoration funds administered by the state Natural Resource Damage Program to purchase the Spotted Dog Ranch.

The ranch would become a state Wildlife Management Area and be managed for fish and wildlife habitat and seasonal public access.

The lands are home to the largest concentration of wintering elk in the Upper Clark Fork River basin and provide yearlong habitat for antelope, mule deer, white-tailed deer, elk, moose, black bear and other species. The land is bordered on two sides by national forest land. The ranch and intermingled school trust lands total about 38,000 acres.

"Spotted Dog provides a unique opportunity to permanently protect and manage a large, intact landscape between the Blackfoot and Clark Fork watersheds for a v ariety of fish and wildlife species," said Mack Long, FWP Region 2 supervisor. "The purchase would also ensure lasting public access to previously inaccessible lands."

The property is owned by the Rock Creek Cattle co.

The Natural Resource Damage Program said the project qualifies for funding by restoring or replacing resources injured by historic mining and smelting in the Upper Clark Fork basin. However, the project proposal would require an amendment of the NRDP's grant process to receive founding outside the regular NRDP grant cycle.

Gov. Brian Schweitzer said he supports the purchase of what he calls "extraordinary habitat for an array of species."

FWP is seeking comment on the draft environmental impact statement, while NRDP is asking for public comment on the proposal and an exception to the funding process.

NRDP comments must be received by Aug. 9 and can be sent to NRDP, P.O. Box 201425, Helena, MT 50602, or nrdp(at)mt.gov; or faxed to 4 06-444-0236.

FWP is taking comments through July 30 at spotteddog(at)mt.gov, or by mail to Region 2 FWP; Attn: Spotted Dog, 3201 Spurgin Road, Missoula, MT 59804.

A public hearing is planned July 14 in Deer Lodge.

FWP Proposes Free Roaming Wild Bison Herd in Montana

2010-07-07T10:40:00.001-06:00

Those crack heads at the FWP office are at it again. They recently held a couple of meetings to discuss if whether or not it makes sense to have a wild, free-ranging population somewhere in Montana, and if a population of wild bison can actually exist and be managed like wild deer, elk, or antelope. Good Gravy! In what frame of mind would this make sense.

HEY! Montana FWP, have you ever heard of Brucelloisis???

Valley County & Phillips County have already taken a stand and have started a petitions to give to the FWP. The Valley County petition states that, "Montana already has a wild bison population in Yellowstone. A free roaming bison herd will negatively affect private property rights and compete with livestock and existing wildlife for forage and adversely affect rural communities. We the residents of Valley County OPPOSE any evaluation or plan the Montana Fish, Wildlife and Parks Department have for a wild free roaming bison population in Valley County."

I wonder if the goal of the FWP is to put the Rancher out of business?

Please take a moment and fill out this survey about this propsed bison herd. It really just takes a minute.

Here is a link to story and video of Circle Montana area ranchers comments and opposition to this assinine proposal. Video Link

Heat Killing Kansas Cattle

2010-07-02T07:00:00.000-06:00

Man oh Man, the summer heat can be brutual, but this is just plain awful. I read this on the Northern Ag Network website. Makes my heart ache for those producers.

Heat in Kansas Kills 2000 Cattle
The intense heat and humidity that blanketed central Kansas since late last week have killed more than 2,000 cattle and one state official called the heat-related losses the worst in his 17 years on the job.

However, conditions for the cattle improved somewhat on Tuesday as the humidity has decreased and the wind has picked up, state and feedlot sources said.

Kansas is the third largest cattle state with more than 2 million cattle in feedlots.

"It is all cattle in feedlots. It is more the humidity than the heat," Ken Powell, environmental scientist with the Kansas Department of Health and Environment, said of the more than 2,000 cattle deaths.

The cattle deaths have overwhelmed rendering plants and some feedlots are burying the carcasses in accordance with state regulations, said Powell.

"From the standpoint of dealing with the disposal of animals, this is the worst I have seen in the almost 17 years I've been here," he said.

The death losses helped guide Chicago cattle futures higher on Monday, but on Tuesday the futures were near unchanged as traders awaited Friday's release of a USDA cattle supply report.

Temperatures reached 101 Fahrenheit (38 Celsius) at Garden City in southwest Kansas on Monday, and highs in the region were expected to reach the upper 90s to low 100s F (upper 30s C) through Friday, said Joel Burgio, meteorologist at Telvent DTN.

"For three or four more days, it's still pretty stressful," Burgio said. "There is a chance you may see a few showers this weekend, which would help ease stress on the livestock.

Source: Yahoo! News

Posted by Kaci Switzer

Bison Management Rejected!

2010-05-28T11:44:00.001-06:00

I have blogged about Brucelloisis time and time and time agian on this lil ol' blog. Yesterday, May 27th, 2010 the plea set forth by Montana Rancher for proper enforcement of the Interagency Bison Management Plan was rejected by District Judge John Brown of Bozeman.

Please go to the MSGA page to view a video from MSGA VPresident as he responds to this ruling and addresses the next steps that must be taken.

National Hamburger Day

2010-05-28T10:50:00.000-06:00

Happy National Hamburger Day!!

Get those grills dusted off and help celebrate this National Day of the Hamburger!!

2010-05-28T06:00:00.002-06:00

MSGA Inducted Into Hall of Fame

The Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame and Western Heritage Center (MCHF&WHC) recently announced the Montana Stockgrowers Association (MSGA) as a winner of the 2010 Legacy Award. MSGA, an association that has advocated for Montana’s ranching families since 1884, joined 23 other historical figures as the Class of 2010 in the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame. The induction honors MSGA for its notable contributions to Montana’s Western heritage.

"It is very fitting that the Montana Stockgrowers Association has been nominated and elected by their peers to receive this honor,” said Aaron Lyles, Director of Finance for the MCHF&WHC. “For 126 years the MSGA has worked to strengthen Montana agriculture and, in turn, has strengthened our Montana communities, businesses and its people.”

The newly inducted members of the Class of 2010 of the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame were chosen from candidates nominated by the public and trustees of the MCHF&WHC. The MCHF&WHC sought nominees that made a notable contribution to the history and culture of Montana before 1940, no matter the year of death or closure. Winners were selected by the MCHF&WHC Trustees.
“We are thrilled to receive this honor and join many other notable figures who have greatly contributed to Montana’s history and present,” said Tom Hougen, MSGA president. “We celebrated our association’s rich history last year with our 125th Anniversary celebration. This year, we developed a vision to guide our work through the next 125 years. That vision is to be the premier institution that exemplifies leading global beef innovation while preserving Montana’s complex natural landscape, history, economy, ethics, and social values.”
For more information about the Montana Cowboy Hall of Fame & Western Heritage Center, or for more details on the Legacy Award inductees, please contact Christy Stensland at the MCHF&WHC by calling (406) 653-3800, emailing cowboys@nemont.net, or logging on at http://www.montanacowboyfame.com./ For more information about the history of the Montana Stockgrowers Association visit http://www.mtbeef.org./

PETA owns stock in Kraft Foods, McDonalds and more.

2010-05-27T13:00:00.002-06:00

I found this article on the Northern Ag Network site this morning. Very interesting and disturbing story.

PETA now owns stock in Kraft Foods?? That’s right. The animal-rights group hopes to influence how the companies look at the animal welfare.
This story from the Associated Press:
An animal-rights group known for sending out scantily clad demonstrators to protest fur and other provocative stunts has gained influence in boardrooms with a more traditional tactic: buying company stock.
People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals has been buying shares for seven years and now owns a piece of at least 80 companies, including McDonald's and Kraft Foods. It hopes to influence their animal welfare policies on such things as how chickens are slaughtered or buying pork from suppliers that keep pregnant sows in small crates. By buying stock, PETA is guaranteed the right to present its ideas directly to officials and other shareholders, many of whom would otherwise likely pay little attention to the group.
"It gives us a new forum in which to present the research we've done to company executives, their shareholders and the public," said Ashley Byrne, a senior campaigner for PETA.

PETA tries to negotiate agreements with companies behind closed doors, but if that fails, the group submits shareholder resolutions with its proposed changes at shareholder meetings.

Companies don't always change their policies, but Byrne said the effort has paid off. After PETA bought stock, Safeway grocery stores and restaurant companies Ruby Tuesday, Sonic and Burger King agreed to give purchasing preference to suppliers that abide by what the group says are more humane rules, such as not confining chicken and hogs in small cages, she said.

In many cases, shareholders were "horrified" when they learned of some of the production methods used by their companies' suppliers, Byrne said.

"Many shareholders are average people who are compassionate and who don't want to be supporting practices that are inhumane," she said.

Meridith Hammond, a spokeswoman for Ruby Tuesday, said the company is "pleased to cooperate with PETA and are grateful for their advice, help with resources, and information about suppliers."

Hammond said listening to shareholders' ideas is a "normal and necessary part of doing business."

Burger King said in a statement it is committed to "maintaining open-dialogue with PETA and various other animal welfare experts."

Kraft Foods wouldn't comment on PETA but said all shareholders are free to express their opinions to management and the board. Safeway didn't respond to telephone messages.

Byrne said PETA's attempt to work from within companies didn't signal an end to its more visible, and often outrageous, protests aimed at improving the condition of animals and encouraging people to stop eating meat. Those events include PETA members stripping to protest the fur industry, nearly naked women taking showers on busy street corners to demonstrate the amount of water used to produce meat, and people squeezing into cages to focus attention on livestock confinement.

Hayagreeva Rao, a professor of organizational behavior at Stanford University's Graduate School of Business, said PETA runs the risk of alienating some supporters by working with companies while also protesting their actions.

"If you're extreme, you draw a certain set of supporters. If you become an investor, you're moving to a more moderate position and that could change your identity and confuse initial supporters," Rao said. "But you could gain new supporters."

Byrne said she doubted PETA supporters would object, arguing they're focused on getting results.

That's how Barbara Hegedus, a PETA supporter from Parkesburg, Pa., saw it.

"I think if they're able to influence in the boardroom rather than go through the demonstrations, it's pretty good," Hegedus said. "It's a more progressive way of doing it."

Michael Lent, chief investment officer for New York-based Veris Wealth Partners, said other shareholders have tried to influence corporate policies from within.

Some high-profile examples include the Rockefeller family, which in 2008 introduced shareholder resolutions pushing Exxon Mobile on climate change issues. Earlier this month, the Interfaith Center on Corporate Responsibility introduced shareholder resolutions at a Goldman Sachs board meeting calling for an immediate shift in the way the embattled investment company conducts business on Wall Street.

Under rules established by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, shareholders must own at least $2,000 in stock for at least a year before they can introduce a shareholder resolution.

Success often depends on whether a group can attract other shareholders with similar values, Lent said: "PETA alone may not be able to, but in concert with others may be able to accomplish something."

Lent, whose firm works with foundations and endowments with an emphasis on sustainable and socially conscious investments, also said a shareholder resolution should be a last resort.

"Generally speaking, if you start out and engage them first, to start a dialogue and see how far you can get, that's usually met with a better response than going right to a shareholder resolution," he said.

That's exactly what PETA does, Byrne said.

"Very often, this takes away the need for a campaign because we're able to resolve things behind the scenes," she said. "It's a very effective way to do things."

National Hamburger Day

2010-05-27T10:06:00.000-06:00

Friday May 28th National Hamburger Day!

How exciting is that? Just another wonderful excuse to eat some great beef! You can never go wrong with a hamburger! While doing some reading about National Hamburger Day, I came across this crazy wonderful blog: http://hamburgeramerica.blogspot.com/. In summary, this blog is about one guys travels around the US sampling all kinds of differents burgers from all sorts of places! Take a moment and check it out. This website has a burger recipe that looks wonderful (along with all kinds of recipes for different cuts of beef) and may have to try out, http://beefonabudget.com/.

It really doesn't matter how you make your hamburger or what you put on top of it, get the grill out and celebrate National Hamburger Day!

I Am Back!

2010-05-24T16:12:00.000-06:00

Wow...it's been a long somewhat rough couple of weeks. T had surgery a week ago. Took in Bucking Horse Sale. Gained another bum calf. And this weather is really screwing with my attempt to get horses rode and yard work done. I will get you all caught up soon. I have pictures from Bucking Horse Sale. Pictures of new bum calf. All sorts of cool stuff.

Happy Birthday!!

2010-05-16T06:00:00.000-06:00

Happy Birthday Juli!!!

I'm hear to tellya....

2010-05-12T14:06:00.000-06:00

.....ain't nothing much getting accomplished in the lines of work, blogging, or any other aspect of my usual schedule.

Why?

You. Mean. You. Hafta. Ask?

Fine....I"ll tell ya.

There are only 2 days until I get to head to Miles City to Bucking Horse Sale!

Whatta Weekend

2010-05-10T11:32:00.000-06:00

What a weekend, it flew by too fast! We branded at Iversons Saturday morning. Ol' Dick must have a direct line to the big guy up above, because the sun shone all day, and there wasn't much wind. First time in over a week! After we got the calves all done, and enjoyed some of Connie's good cooking, alot of us rushed home to shower and get ready for our friend Beau's surprise 30th birthday. What a party it was. Due to a train derailement, the guest of honor and his wife were almost 2 hours late, due to the detour they had to take. But the rest of us were enjoying some drinks and a grand supper, so noone really got unruly.

Sunday was Mother's Day, and the wind and cold were back with a vengence. Big did take a half hour before he left to go and try to farm and haul in some dirt for my new garden spot. He did get some seeding done before he got rained out.

I hope you all remembered to wish your mothers a very Happy Mothers Day!

First One Of The Season

2010-05-08T06:00:00.000-06:00

We are headed to our first branding this morning. We are hoping calves are dry enough and we don't get rained out. Safe to say kids and wrestlers will be mud from head to toe!

Good Times. Good Times.

Did I mention we are headed to Iversons & Dick brews his own beer?

Good Times. Good Times.

BHS or Bust!!!!

2010-05-07T10:16:00.000-06:00

The weather maybe rainy and dreary and snowing all around us, but there is a wonderful bright spot at the end of the tunnel. This time next week I will be headed to the World Famous Bucking Horse Sale in Miles City!

Whoop! Whoop!

Man, I am getting all giddy just thinking about it. Bucking Horse Sale, a sign that summer is on its way. A place to catch up with friends you haven't seen all winter. A weekend to run into people you haven't seen in years. A time to meet new people from all kinds of cool places. Wild Horse Racing. A parade that just plain rocks. The 7th Calvary Band, wow. The BagPipers, wow. The BagPipers and the 7th Calvary Band together, in the Bison Bar. I get goosebumps thinking about it! Cold Beer. Betting on the horses. Match Bronc Ride. Watching those horses buck. Man, I could go on forever.

Man....I Heart Bucking Horse Sale.

The crazy thing about it; I will have T and my 85 year old Grandpa Bob tagging along, and I am still super excited! Grandpa said he couldn't remember the last time he was at a bucking horse sale, and really wanted to go. So, I am taking him. This will be the third Bucking Horse Sale I have taken T too, and she will just be 4 next fall. There are lots of kids to play in the dirt with and she enjoys watching the horses. Besides, she really really likes her Grandpa Bob, and he really really likes her, so it will be good as long as those two don't gang up on me!

The last couple of years we have had the team and wagon in the Bucking Horse Parade, for the Bison Bar. It is still up in the air if we are this year, but will know shortly.

Awwww.... Bucking Horse Sale. Did I mention how excited I am?

I shall have to look for some photos of years past to share with you.

Get your Grill On!

2010-05-07T06:00:00.001-06:00

Ready? Set. GRILL!

Even with our unpredictable, ever changing Montana weather, Big D and I use our grill pretty much year round. Yes, our winter grilling is not as frequent as our summer grilling, but it still gets used. I tell ya, I have shoveled snow off of sidewalk and from around our grill in order to get to it and use it in cold and icky weather? Some may call me crazy, you may agree. But you just can't beat a home grown grilled steak, in my opinion.

Now, I am no expert and we like to experiment on the grill. Here is a link to some guide lines I found on the Montana Beef Council webpage. This handy dandy little chart gives you grill times for different cuts of meat depending on if you use charcoal grill or gas grill. It contains some cool grilling tips such as marinating tips, cooking temperatures, seasoning tips, and much more. It also gives you some tips on how to determin doneness.

I wish I would have found this a long time ago. I have already learned a thing or two!