What Does the Farmer Say?

I am not sure how many of you have seen, "What Does the Fox Say?" I first saw it over at Crystal Cattle. Honesty, it was kinda annoying, yet I laughed. I found a much better version.

What Does the FARMER Say? As I watched it, I kept saying over and over, "Oh thats so true!"  My favorite part might be the, "your arms are tan, your legs are white" or "Wave, Wave, Wave,"

Do you have a favorite part?

Watch Here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vyMv4kkSCvk&feature=youtu.be

"THE" South Dakota Snow Storm

I am sure that many of you have seen the heartbreaking pictures of the snow storm that hit South Dakota last week. They keep rolling in on my Facebook newsfeed. Part of my Dad's ranch is in SD (not affected) so this makes me sit up and pay attention. Not only is this devastating to ranchers for the obvious reason but to make matters worse we are at a time when cattle prices are higher than they have been in years. The effects of this storm will last more than a few days, or months...it will be years to fully recover this great loss. It is estimated that the loss could tall up to 275,000 head, with ranches loosing 5-20% of their herd.  So keep those farmers and ranchers whose lifestyle and living rely on agriculture in your prayers.

Just to add more to the story, due to the government shut down there is zero aid for these farmers and ranchers. The national media is barely talking about this, so to get the issue the attention and help it needs we need to share the story.

I have compiled a list of some, only SOME of the articles/blogs/etc that have been published about "THE" storm.It encouraging to look over the posts and see how many people, businesses and organizations are spreading the word and helping with recovery.

The South Dakota Cowgirl

Tri-State Livestock News

MT Stockgrowers Blog

Opened Door

NBC News

Ranch Radio KBHB

Big Balls in Cowtown

Rapid City Journal

Just a Ranch Wife

The Bismark Tribune

KOTA News

MSN.com 

Dawn Winks:Dewdrops

KOTATV.com

Farmer Bloggers

BEEF Magazine

Pretty Work

Argus Leader

Tales of a Kansas Farm Mom

THE Bull Sale of all Bull Sales!

Express Ranches-Yukon, OK

This past Friday was the Express Ranches Bull Sale-558 Angus for sale
We left KS at 5am and drove straight to Yukon. Upon arrival we went straight to the pens and had to check out the bulls that CP was interested in. After a deciding that quite a few, "would work" we headed inside to get a buyer number (826) You can check out the catalog here.
We watched bulls sell from $3,000 to the top seller that went for $129,000! The complimentary lunch was awesome. Salad with every type of topping, green beans, roasted potatoes, and a  brisket carving station. Dessert options were cookies, cake, apple cobbler, mixed berry cobbler and ice cream! YUM!

There were 3 auctioneers and 6 spotters. Express prides themselves on bringing each bull through the ring. After the purchase of #308 we called it a day.We didn't watch the last 250 sell.  About 3:00pm they put out hot dogs, chips, brownies, and other dessert bars....With TO-GO BOXES!! I refrained from going crazy, I stayed calm and acted like I go to these places everyday...HA!

Then we went out to see his purchase. Not to shabby, eh?

Check out Bob's house in the background!

If I ever have my dreams come true and have my own huge sale, or become and event planner for large ranches  I'm gonna model it after EX!

Post Cowboy Gathering

I'm a little slow at getting this up, but better late than never.
Here is a glimpse of my booth.

This was hosted at the Wabanusee HS. It was a great place with plenty of break-out rooms, large auditorium, and cafeteria.

Other artists or participants included:
Please check out links to their websites.

Harry Whitney-Photography Art

Don Dane-Artist

Sue Krehbiel-Artist

Lady Luck Iron Works-vendor

Ron Wilson-Cowboy Poet  Lariat

Cowboy Way Ranch & Vacations- Vendor & Sponsor

3 Trails West- Saturday's concert

Best of the Barns

There is a little contest ya'll should check out. This is the second year they have had this friendly little competition. I know a couple people who are up for nominations. First head over to Crystal Cattle for a fun little give away and then  head to Best of the Barns and vote.

Oh someday for me to be in that league.

Cowboy Gathering

With a title like that how can you go wrong?!

A week from today I am attending the 1st annual Flint Hills Cowboy Gathering. Friday will consist of a concert and Saturday will be a fun filled day with poetry, music, and vendors. Laurel Hill & 2Chick Couture will be one of those vendors :) I'm really excited to finally set up with a place that focuses on the western lifestyle. Chunky jewelry and blinged-out caps should be a hit.

World Food Day

Yep its today!  World Food Day "is a worldwide event designed to increase awareness, understanding and informed, year-around action to alleviate hunger. " source

The first thing I thought about was how lucky I am that I don't have to worry about where my next meal is going to come from. Sad though, that in many countries this is not the case. Fact: 925 million in chronic hunger worldwide (source United Nations)

The second, Thank a farmer or rancher if you ate a meal today. Those are the people that are producing and allowing us to eat and have that secure feeling. We need to increase the awareness of where that food is coming from and how it reaches our table.

Facts:
90% of Kansas land area is devoted to Agriculture production.

In the United States, one acre of wheat (depending on wheat class and where grown)yields an average 42 bushels of wheat.

Kansas is the largest wheat producing state, A bushel of wheat yields 42 commercial loaves of white bread source


I just wanted to give you a few facts to think about and help you put into perspective what a farmer/rancher does and how that effects you. If one KS farmer quits planting wheat, how is that going to impact you? Maybe not drastically, but think if every KS  farmer quits? Would you be able to afford a loaf of bread to make a PB&J?

So for World Food Day, be thankful and let a farmer and rancher know that their hard work is worth it. If your in Ag production as my family and I are..... Keep up the good work- I am grateful!

Customized Cowboy Boot Ornament Tutorial

I know that Christmas is months away and I am the type of person that hates when stores have any holiday decorations up 6 months before the actual holiday.        However, I have a good excuse. I was asked by a ranch in South Dakota  to make a Christmas ornament(s) to hang on the state Christmas tree in the capitol building. The decorations have to be to the capital by October 1^st. The theme for this years tree is-western family heritage. So I decided to make a cowboy boot with the ranch’s brand on it.  My business partner introduced me to this amazing felt that looks like tooled leather-LOVE IT! Lucky for me when I went to Hobby Lobby it was on sale.

First I looked for a boot pattern, I found one here that I liked.

Then I pinned the cut out pattern onto the felt.

 Cut out 2 pieces. Remember to flip the pattern so that the” tooled leather” is on the correct side for the front and back of the ornament.

I did the same with the brand. I made a free hand pattern. I used the lighter brown for this part.

I placed the boots wrong sides together and top stitched around the edges with my machine. Leaving the the top of the boot open to stuff with batting.

After I filled it I placed a piece of brown ribbon(for the hanger) in the top and sewed it closed. Then I took the brand and glued is securely with fabric glue.  The other ornament I am hand stitching on the brand. This brand was too narrow and I thought the stitching might be distracting.

TA-DA!!

I am making a few other ones in various shapes, belt buckles, stars, etc for presents. I think that stitching in turquoise might be kinda cute too. The possibilities are endless.  Id love to hear from you if you end up making a similar item or have a great idea for this WONDERFUL felt.

Cowtown Days!

Last weekend I ventured west to Ellsworth again for Cowtown Days and the El-Kan Rodeo. It was a great weekend, meeting new people, catching up with others, and enjoying the western lifestyle.

Friday night I went to the rodeo, it started storming and then had a down pour. The show went on but I started to fade. All the pictures of the rodeo I took didn't turn out...A would be glad, I don't think he wanted to think about how his ride went. Justin one of S's friends ended up getting a 75 and winning  Saddle Bronc.

Saturday was the parade and an amazing one at that. They throw out some of the best things. We joked that we got, food, jewelry, and purses. Ok, the real story is tootsie rolls, Mardi Gras beads, and reusable grocery totes. However, I've never been to parade that gave out so many other things besides candy.

Then we went to the reinactment of the shooting of Sherriff Whitney. A and his brother were gamblers in the saloon for the "play" and carried off Whitney after he was shot.

It was an interesting story so also an educational weekend. More can be found about the event here.

The afternoon had vendors, food, mechanical bulls, games, kids rides, and much more. I thought one of the funnest things for the kiddos was the large pile of sand where the bank barries quarters. This kept the kids entertained for hours,not sure the parents loved the mess though.

That night was the final rodeo performance.

A & John as the official scorekeepers and judges of the Muttin Bustin.

Much better than the night before with the storms. There were some great rides and runs. Although, one of A's friends that I know got bucked off. He was knocked out, they called the paramedics into the areana, he didn't move for about 5min. One of the scarier moments I've had lately.  Clint ended up being "ok."  The guys said he was a little out of it for the rest of the night. Because of that A ended up running the chutes, which made him have a few close calls too.

It was a fun weekend. I took tons of pictures over the weekend most of them had A's niece and nephews in them. Not sure if the fam wants them out there for the world to see, but I HAVE to share my favorite with you!

Dressed like Uncle A, oh his parents will have their hands full!

Agriculture

I know of no pursuit in which more real and important services can be rendered to any country than by improving its agriculture, its breed of useful animals, and other branches of a husbandman’s cares.

GEORGE WASHINGTON, letter, Jul. 20, 1794

American Agri-Women

I'm going to get on my soapbox. I want to tell you all about a great organization that I am involved in and think that any women, even if they were not raised with an agriculture background should join. This organization is made up of a variety of women from all 50 states that have a passion for agriculture. Some of them were born and raised in agriculture, while others have married into it. Still, others have no real connection besides the fact they appreciate and value the important role American agriculture plays in our daily lives.

Kansas is hosting the AAW national convention this November in Wichita. It is going to be an amazing convention. We have great speakers, workshops, tours, and networking events planned. I would encourage each of you to go to their website http://americanagriwomen.org/

Check under the affiliates link and see if there is a chapter in your state. Why not start one if you don't have one nearby?!!?

I'm making this my personal mission until November to recruit at least one member via my blog. So, if you join let me know. If you make it to convention--PLEASE connect with me there.

I will stop for now, but more to come shortly.

Made possible by an American Farmer or Rancher!

Well, I feel like I have been slacking on my Ag Advocacy in the blog. Then when I really thought about it, agriculture is in everything we do. When trying the recipes I post, you are using products that American Farmers and Ranchers are producing. The supplies to make the craft projects I have talked about are again made possible by the American farmer.  Don't forget the Fashion Fridays.... cotton & leather are common in most of my fashionable items. I won't say it again, but you know made possible by.......

Here are a few fun facts:

A well know one: Footballs are made with pig skin, but did you know plastic shopping bags are made from an animal by-product......fat?

How about these others:
Fireworks=animal by products
Laundry detergent=tallow
Toothpaste=glycerin from plants

There are many of these out there, so be looking to see what I post next

Thank a Farmer or Rancher!