There I times I run out of things to type. Not that I don't do things, it is just what do you put down on the World Wide Web for everyone to see?
Do I talk about the guy who wants to know if I can give technical support for his marajuana operation? That was interesting. He thinks it could be the new cash crop for this area. :(
Do I talk about the agency people who are so wrapped up in regulations and paperwork that they can not manage the lands and are degrading our natural resources because of it. Not to mention what the reduction of public lands grazing has done for the local economy and small rural communities.
Do I write about the conspiracy theories associated with Agenda 21 and Executive Order 13575 (Establishment of the White House Rural Council). Scary!
I think I will tell you a story that warmed my heart. We have a little horse show here with Working Cow Horse classes, cutting, and ranch rodeo type competitions. My daughter who will be two next month, gets out of the car, gets a huge grin on her face, and says "Papa me rope cows!" Now that warms my heart for a future!
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Wednesday, July 27, 2011
Ashton Kutcher
I saw on facebook... A friend of mine had a chance to explain the intricacies of ranch rodeos to Ashton Kutcher! Kudos to you Seth... Hope you remember it.
I just think it was awesome that he took the time and inclination to explain his favorite hobby to a celebrity with some pull in today's world. I could only hope he threw in a couple extra tidbits about beef production and federal lands grazing but that might have been saved for another time.
It is these small interactions and chances to be an advocate that may make the difference in the future of agriculture. Hey if Ashton Kutcher thinks its cool... I bet there are a lot of teens and 20-somethings that may follow suit.
I just think it was awesome that he took the time and inclination to explain his favorite hobby to a celebrity with some pull in today's world. I could only hope he threw in a couple extra tidbits about beef production and federal lands grazing but that might have been saved for another time.
It is these small interactions and chances to be an advocate that may make the difference in the future of agriculture. Hey if Ashton Kutcher thinks its cool... I bet there are a lot of teens and 20-somethings that may follow suit.
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Range Ride
Spent two days on the forest with the range ride. I learned ALOT!
1. I am not tolerant of adults who think riding should be a natural ability along the lines of breathing.
2. Some people were not raised with the same etiquette and rules I was.
3. ___ologists are all trained to talk in circles and never give a definitive answer.
4. Just because a place has garden in its name doesn't mean it is lush and green all over.
More than anything I just hope something became of it. About 2/3 of the acreage in the county is under federal ownership. Most of which is juniper infested range land good for producing protien but not much else.
We discussed the issues of NEPA or the National Environmental Protection Act and how it hamstrings many projects. This is especially true when you have certain personalities in specialist positions within federal agencies. Archeology is a problem with many areas of the forest. It isn't that the land users do not want to protect the major sites- burial grounds, major camps, or those of historic interest. It is the interpetation of lithic scatter that is causing slow downs. Lithic scatter is trash to most. It is what is left after the chipped out the arrow heads, spear heads etc.
So, protecting trash rocks has taken precedent over protect a food source and the largest segment of the economy. Sad.
1. I am not tolerant of adults who think riding should be a natural ability along the lines of breathing.
2. Some people were not raised with the same etiquette and rules I was.
3. ___ologists are all trained to talk in circles and never give a definitive answer.
4. Just because a place has garden in its name doesn't mean it is lush and green all over.
More than anything I just hope something became of it. About 2/3 of the acreage in the county is under federal ownership. Most of which is juniper infested range land good for producing protien but not much else.
We discussed the issues of NEPA or the National Environmental Protection Act and how it hamstrings many projects. This is especially true when you have certain personalities in specialist positions within federal agencies. Archeology is a problem with many areas of the forest. It isn't that the land users do not want to protect the major sites- burial grounds, major camps, or those of historic interest. It is the interpetation of lithic scatter that is causing slow downs. Lithic scatter is trash to most. It is what is left after the chipped out the arrow heads, spear heads etc.
So, protecting trash rocks has taken precedent over protect a food source and the largest segment of the economy. Sad.
Tuesday, July 19, 2011
Range Ride
This may be my only post this week... I am off to do a "range ride" with USFS, BLM, and NRCS officials. We are going to talk about managing the range in an efficient way for multiple uses.
Should be interesting. The difficult part of the conversation is going to be not conversing. I need one of those little angels who will keep my mouth shut. Oh Well! Wish me luck and I will update as I can.
Should be interesting. The difficult part of the conversation is going to be not conversing. I need one of those little angels who will keep my mouth shut. Oh Well! Wish me luck and I will update as I can.
Thursday, July 14, 2011
Respect
Enough with the touchy feely stuff! I wanted to talk about respect. I try really hard to respect people, animals and the environment. I think this is what some people get confused with compassion.
I listened to Trent Loos' Rural Route today as he was talking with two vegans. They complained that Trent did not have compassion for the animals he raised. True, maybe not but you do respect them. You respect the hotheaded mother who just gave birth. You respect the ability of an 1100 lb horse to stick your head in the dirt 7 miles from home. You respect the number of miles your dog saves you when working in not too spectacular conditions.
I also respect the choice of the vegans- good on you. But I don't declare my way is better than yours. I don't critize your meal choices or the way you live. So why do they constantly believe they do it better and have more respect or compassion than someone living with them day in day out?
I listened to Trent Loos' Rural Route today as he was talking with two vegans. They complained that Trent did not have compassion for the animals he raised. True, maybe not but you do respect them. You respect the hotheaded mother who just gave birth. You respect the ability of an 1100 lb horse to stick your head in the dirt 7 miles from home. You respect the number of miles your dog saves you when working in not too spectacular conditions.
I also respect the choice of the vegans- good on you. But I don't declare my way is better than yours. I don't critize your meal choices or the way you live. So why do they constantly believe they do it better and have more respect or compassion than someone living with them day in day out?
Tuesday, July 12, 2011
The reasons I love summer.
I really enjoy summer...
The smell of freshly cut hay- mowing your lawn just isn't the same.
The taste of a nice grilled steak- you can broil them but it just isn't the same.
The feel of the soil in the garden.
The sight of the morning sun coming over the mountains at 5 AM.
The sounds of all the wildlife that has returned.
The peacefulness of sitting on the bank of a pond with good bug spray on and just dropping a bobber in the water.
I got to admit- I don't like the smell of mosquito spray but heck. Its not all bad.
The smell of freshly cut hay- mowing your lawn just isn't the same.
The taste of a nice grilled steak- you can broil them but it just isn't the same.
The feel of the soil in the garden.
The sight of the morning sun coming over the mountains at 5 AM.
The sounds of all the wildlife that has returned.
The peacefulness of sitting on the bank of a pond with good bug spray on and just dropping a bobber in the water.
I got to admit- I don't like the smell of mosquito spray but heck. Its not all bad.
Monday, July 11, 2011
California is Crazy
There are currently two bills in the senate and assembly that are totally and completely asnine.
SB 917 makes it a crime to sell animals on any street, highway, parking lot etc. So, those people giving away or selling puppies and kittens on the street corner could be prosecuted.The second is SB1117 which makes it illegal to own pets for five years after an animal abuse charge. This includes anyone in the household.
There are some provisions in SB 917 allowing for sales at 4-H and FFA events but it won't take long to make that leap.
What a mess.
SB 917 makes it a crime to sell animals on any street, highway, parking lot etc. So, those people giving away or selling puppies and kittens on the street corner could be prosecuted.The second is SB1117 which makes it illegal to own pets for five years after an animal abuse charge. This includes anyone in the household.
There are some provisions in SB 917 allowing for sales at 4-H and FFA events but it won't take long to make that leap.
What a mess.
Wednesday, July 6, 2011
The things I do
I don't really like to talk about myself. If you notice most of the time, I talk about my husband or someone else. But I have a job that is interesting for the most part. I get to deal with everything from livestock to animals... OOPS I mean 4-H parents.
Lately, I have been dealing alot with federal agencies- specifically the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. The people that run these agencies on any level are intelligent beings. Sometimes though, they outsmart their common sense.
Unfortunately, for people to move up through the food chain they have to transfer. In doing so, their is alot of knowledge lost. There is also some out of the box thinking. For example, the range con who collect the information on the last reissuances of forest permits is not usually, the program lead for the next reissuance 10 years later. So, it is almost like starting with a blank slate with only the data to back you up.
I don't know if this is good or bad. It is difficult to deal with a whole new senior staff Ican tell you that. They do not understand why we do it this way. Not necessarily, we have always done it this way but perhaps we have tried it other ways and this works the best.
Lately, I have been dealing alot with federal agencies- specifically the Forest Service and the Bureau of Land Management. The people that run these agencies on any level are intelligent beings. Sometimes though, they outsmart their common sense.
Unfortunately, for people to move up through the food chain they have to transfer. In doing so, their is alot of knowledge lost. There is also some out of the box thinking. For example, the range con who collect the information on the last reissuances of forest permits is not usually, the program lead for the next reissuance 10 years later. So, it is almost like starting with a blank slate with only the data to back you up.
I don't know if this is good or bad. It is difficult to deal with a whole new senior staff Ican tell you that. They do not understand why we do it this way. Not necessarily, we have always done it this way but perhaps we have tried it other ways and this works the best.
Tuesday, July 5, 2011
Land of the Free
In my little town their is a large billboard type sign proudly displaying the patriotism of the area- Land of the free because of the brave. During this "holiday", we need to all remember why we have the freedom of speech, the freedom to bear arms, and the freedom to make choices.
The choice to speak out for or against something, including agriculture. The ability to live in such a great country where we can go to a grocery store and decide if we want organic, grass-fed, natural, or traditionally raised steaks to grill.
Remember the people who died making sure we have those choices and the ability to express our own thoughts and opinions.
The choice to speak out for or against something, including agriculture. The ability to live in such a great country where we can go to a grocery store and decide if we want organic, grass-fed, natural, or traditionally raised steaks to grill.
Remember the people who died making sure we have those choices and the ability to express our own thoughts and opinions.
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