Frasier Farms

 Please check out this blog post:

http://agonthe4front.blogspot.com/2011/05/sustainable-nutrition-cattlemen-to.html

This is the blog of one amazing lady, who I am lucky enough to call a friend. It is so encouraging to know that there are farmers and ranchers out there that are not only great advocates for agriculture, but also great people. I’m so proud to know and consider  Kelsey and her family FRIENDS!!!

I caved......TOMS

Yep, that's right I am one of those people! I said I would never wear those homemade looking shoes they call Toms, and now I have a pair and actually like wearing them

"With every pair you purchase TOMS will give a pair of new shoes to a child in need. One for One"  http://www.toms.com/   So maybe it goes to a good cause, but come on look at some of them. I don't just wear something because everyone else does!

It was a joke at work and then my mom caught on, so she got me a pair for Christmas. I didn't wear them, and then I saw some online that a girl had painted so I decided to do a pair myself.

I chose to pick colors and designs that had meaning to me. Not only are they comfortable (yes I hate to admit it) but they remind me of family, friends, and more when I look at them!

Check them out!

If you want a pair painted I would be happy to do that for you.

As my good friends know, I LOVE SHOES!!!!  The more unique the better, and  nobody else has a pair just like these.

Kentucky Derby Fashion

I warned you, today's Fashion Friday Im gonna get you ready to tomorrow's  137th Kentucky Derby!

 Hats have played an important role in the history of horse racing for centuries, dating as far back as the world famous Royal Ascot in the United Kingdom, where it is decreed that 'all guests within the Royal Enclosure adhere to a strict dress code: male attendees must wear full morning dress including a top hat, while ladies must not show bare midriffs (wish that were still the rule in everyday life these days!) or shoulders and must wear hats'.

It didn't take long for the royal dress code to catch on at the major racetracks in the United States.  Patrons at Churchill Downs have been enjoying this respected tradition since 1875.

There are traditional Kentucky Derby fashion rules that you should follow if you want to fit in, whether you're planning on being in the Clubhouse, Paddock or the Infield.

For the men seated in Millionaires Row or the Clubhouse, generally acceptable attire includes solid color suits or tuxedos. Women seated in either location are expected to wear spring-themed hats and dresses in pastel colors.

Over in the infield, the same fashion rules exist but they're taken to new extremes and they are about as relaxed as the atmosphere. Imagine tens of thousands of people dressed in their wackiest and tackiest hats. Now throw in countless bottles of bourbon and you've got a pretty good idea of the kind of horseplay that goes on in the Infield at the Kentucky Derby.

                                                           Horse themed hats:

Possibly too large!?

Oh how I love hats!

Hopefully next year I will be able to provide a picture of myself in an extravagant hat at the 138th Kentucky Derby!



Cinco de Mayo!

Most people don't even know the history behind Cinco de Mayo. It's not just a good excuse to eat tacos and drink margaritas. I am here to educate you.

Cinco de Mayo commemorates the Battle of Puebla on May 5, 1862, when 4,000 Mexicans defeated 8,000  French troops. This action prevented the French from aiding the South in the Civil War. So there is a direct impact to the USA. Mexicans and Latinos living in California, who supported the cause of Mexican freedom, created Cinco de Mayo. It is a celebration of Mexican heritage. It is not Mexico’s Independence Day.

So how does this relate to Agriculture? Well, Agriculture was and still is in certain areas the primary occupation of many in Mexico. One of the main crops and the unifying ingredient across Mexico and in Mexican cuisine is corn. Roughly 45,000 tortilla producers and 10,000 corn millers operate throughout Mexico. The corn exports have however increased to Mexico.  Here in Kansas in 2009 farmers set a record of harvesting 598 million bushels. When you are eating the tacos, burritos, quesadillas, and more think about there it came from and how it made its way to your plate.

So I guess it does kinda tie back into eating great food after all!

Blue-Week 2

I know its Wednesday but yesterday was a little busy so I'm giving my Twin update a day late.
Yesterday I was holding down the farm because my grandparents were out of town. Once I got home from work I changed clothes, got the bottles ready for the calves, and started the chores. As I hop in our old blue farm truck I looked around and thought how lucky I am to  be living this life! Perfect weather with a clear blue sky. That blue sky is what sparked my  less serious, more random note I realized there is alot of BLUE around, I'm in the blue truck, the bucket with the bottles is blue, my blue Royals T-shirt, and my black & blue bruise from ear tagging a month old calf last week. Yet, then again it was so happy to have the life I have bruises and all.

As I got to the barn I was greeted by the twins, they have grown quite a bit in the last 2 weeks. Bottle feeding now takes about 5 minutes. Here is picture I took yesterday.

Oh how handy the those red holders are. The bottle just drops in and hooks over the fence. I could do the other chores while they ate. Its always fun to hold the bottle while they eat,  butting you because the bottle is empty  and drooling on you, but today I had quite a bit to get done and didn't have time to stand there. When I came back Ribeye (the female) had butted her bottle loose and was standing next to T-Bone waiting to see if he shared. She is the more feisty of the two.

 Typical woman as most of the guys have told me!

Party Cheeseball

As you prepare and plan for the Kentucky Derby and the watch parties here is a simple and fast appetizer.

1-8oz pkg cream cheese, softened
1 c. finely shredded cheese
1 T. lemon juice
1 T. Worcestershire sauce
1/2 pkg dry ranch dip mix

Mix the above ingredients and roll in 1 cup of chopped pecans. Serve with crackers or fresh veggies.

May Day!

Happy May Day! What a beautiful day is was. I have had a few people ask me what May Day is and why we celebrate it. After reading and reading it seems that it depends on what country you are from as to the meaning. The first "May Day" was celebrated in Europe and has various meanings. The one I found particularly interesting was the correlation of May Day and agriculture. It seems as though in ancient times agriculture was a focus of many holidays and May 1st was when the planting was usually done so they gave the farm laborers the day off.

So today as I thought of May Day, I doubt that many farmers or ranchers took the day off. Sunday is often called a day of rest, however this afternoon I saw a beautiful site: My grandpa and grandma working side by side in our garden. To me today was a day of growth and hope. To see my grandparents together and with the health to be outside was a blessing. 

One of the traditions in the United States are May Baskets. These baskets are small and usually filled with flowers or treats and left at someone's doorstep. The basket giver would ring the bell and run away. The person receiving the basket would try to catch the fleeing giver. If they caught the person, a kiss was to be exchanged. Living in the country and miles from a neighbor it was usually my house that I left the May Basket at. I look back at these traditions and am so thankful that my family has shared them and helps keep them alive. I am also thankful that my family has raised me on a farm and has instilled the agriculture lifestyle and work ethic that was demonstrated today by both my grandparents.