Sounds like Rick Perry, Texas' governor is throwing his hat in the ring for President. I guess if a community organizer can do it so can a dryland farmer.
Dryland farmer does have some concepts that may make a good president.
1. When there is no water that means there is no production- No work, no economy, no paycheck.
2. He may understand the need to keep American farmers farming. Instead of importing food, it may be more important to use what we are producing.
3. He understands that you must use the land in order to perserve it for the next generation. Whether it is farming or drilling, we must use our natural resources so it doesn't cause desertfication.
4. Government subsidies are no cure for a bad weather year.
I may be too hopeful but at least we might, I repeat might have someone in our corner.
Monday, August 22, 2011
Thursday, August 18, 2011
What are you smoking?
I hope I didn't read correctly but I think I did. Willie Nelson is being inducting into the agriculture hall of fame. He is so anti-ag unless it is for medicinal purposes it isn't even funny. How could such a travesty happen?
Well, the ag hall of fame is operating on the verge of insolvency. Celebrities bring money if it hadn't already been taken by the IRS. There are some who actually believe Willie Nelson is an advocate for ag but... His track record would not show it.
Willie is a huge contributor through Farm Aid. A seeminly harmless group that supports family farms but on the inside this group is against farming. Slogans such as "Say no to genetically engineered crops." Stop factory farms. and SAY no to irradiated meats
They are siphoning off millions of dollars to lobby and place lawsuits against farmers of course through what appear to be very benign animal groups. Such as the Illionois Stewardship Alliance whose purpose is to establish and enforce regulations necessary to protect the health and well-being of rural communities from the negative impacts of livestock production. WTH?
Not cool!
Well, the ag hall of fame is operating on the verge of insolvency. Celebrities bring money if it hadn't already been taken by the IRS. There are some who actually believe Willie Nelson is an advocate for ag but... His track record would not show it.
Willie is a huge contributor through Farm Aid. A seeminly harmless group that supports family farms but on the inside this group is against farming. Slogans such as "Say no to genetically engineered crops." Stop factory farms. and SAY no to irradiated meats
They are siphoning off millions of dollars to lobby and place lawsuits against farmers of course through what appear to be very benign animal groups. Such as the Illionois Stewardship Alliance whose purpose is to establish and enforce regulations necessary to protect the health and well-being of rural communities from the negative impacts of livestock production. WTH?
Not cool!
Tuesday, August 16, 2011
A diva is born
I have decided I am raising a country diva. My soon to be two year old has decided the day is not going to continue unless she has on her PINK boots. She is very adament about the color and that it is boots.
We had a riata roping last weekend in our hometown. My husband and I both partcipated in this event to showcase quiet handling of cattle and horsemanship. My young daughter decided she wanted to ride in the arena, in front of everyone. Not in the nice quiet spot by the trailer. So, she helped me warm up my horse then helped her father warm up his. Who am I to argue with an almost two year old? I would hate to lose, AGAIN.
She would wave and yell at which ever parent didn't have her so everyone would look. However, she is quite camera shy and would turn bashful whenever a lens was in her face.
I think she learned something that weekend... Besides "Mama, me rope cows." I hope she learned that we are not a dying breed but simply altering our lifestyle to achieve the same goals we always had- to take care of animals. And if we have to showcase our abilities and compete, so be it.
We had a riata roping last weekend in our hometown. My husband and I both partcipated in this event to showcase quiet handling of cattle and horsemanship. My young daughter decided she wanted to ride in the arena, in front of everyone. Not in the nice quiet spot by the trailer. So, she helped me warm up my horse then helped her father warm up his. Who am I to argue with an almost two year old? I would hate to lose, AGAIN.
She would wave and yell at which ever parent didn't have her so everyone would look. However, she is quite camera shy and would turn bashful whenever a lens was in her face.
I think she learned something that weekend... Besides "Mama, me rope cows." I hope she learned that we are not a dying breed but simply altering our lifestyle to achieve the same goals we always had- to take care of animals. And if we have to showcase our abilities and compete, so be it.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Pat Parrelli- WHAT ARE YOU THINKING?
Pat Parrelli is a supporter of the Humane Society of the United States. He is one of their spokespeople. When broached with the deeds of HSUS, one of Pat's PR People says- You should talk to HSUS... They say cattle are the last thing on their radar. My first thought- That is good!
My next rambling of thoughts... I bet that is what the people who raise puppies thought too until their livelihood was attacked. But, they are still on the radar? What about roping horses? They have their fingers in many pies... I think they are just going to get to the other animals first and then start in after cattle after they have brainwashed most of the United States.
So what do you do? Write Pat? Tell him your thoughts and feelings about HSUS. Send him sites and cites.
My next rambling of thoughts... I bet that is what the people who raise puppies thought too until their livelihood was attacked. But, they are still on the radar? What about roping horses? They have their fingers in many pies... I think they are just going to get to the other animals first and then start in after cattle after they have brainwashed most of the United States.
So what do you do? Write Pat? Tell him your thoughts and feelings about HSUS. Send him sites and cites.
Monday, August 1, 2011
Countdown
Only 5 days until I will be showing off my skills in the Vaquero Fiesta- a fun, family-oriented event rooted in tradition. The Fiesta, at it has become known, tries to emulate the work of vaquero in its roping and cattle handling skills.
The event showcases fancy loops that have usefulness on the range. In addition to, encouraging quiet, calm handling of cattle. It promises to have wonderful, well-trained horses.
Myself, I am entered in the intermediate roping. An event which requires a person to rope two head of cattle using specified loops- sidearm and backwards swing. I am excited about my young partner who is adept at throwing many of these.
The event showcases fancy loops that have usefulness on the range. In addition to, encouraging quiet, calm handling of cattle. It promises to have wonderful, well-trained horses.
Myself, I am entered in the intermediate roping. An event which requires a person to rope two head of cattle using specified loops- sidearm and backwards swing. I am excited about my young partner who is adept at throwing many of these.
Thursday, July 28, 2011
Randomness
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!
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!
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.
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