RAMBLING
6/13/19
We're back! After a short recess from our facebook group and our web-page "Agriculture At Its Best," which began in 3-22-'13 following classes at King Family Library and workshops by Tennessee Beef Industry Council and Tennessee
Cattlemen's Association. Its been a good ride, so here we go again.
Rambling around, "On The Road Again," through several counties within the East Tennessee area. The purpose, just to satisfy a curiosity about the agriculture community activities. The weather (5-8 thru 6-5) was a dry time and many farmers welcomed the opportunity to accomplish some much needed field work.
Several farmers were past ready for hay harvest and planting corn and soybeans, plus tending fruits and vegetables for on-farm markets and area farmers markets.It was a good time to observe farm activities but very few farmers had time to discuss their activities, just getting the work done or caught up was their prime concern.
Possibly, the most surprising development was the hay (dried grass) harvest. It was a warm dry time, which makes for excellent hay harvest conditions. Many fields, both large and small, were displaying any number of large round bales of hay. The surprising part was the large number of bales exhibiting "net wrap" vs."string wrap." The net wrap offers more protection from weather conditions, for those bales being stored outside. Many farmers were busy gathering, loading and hauling bales to storage areas and barns. Barns bordering or near hay fields were being filled to capacity. Farmers livestock will welcome the sight and smell of those bales when temperatures decline or snow begins to fly.
Corn and soybean planting and emergence were in various stages. Corn and beans were observed just being planted to some corn that was beyond knee high. Most beans that were emerged were only 2 to 4 inches tall.
No-till fields were more numerous than in previous years. No-till fields being those planted directly into grass, cover crops or crop residue stubble from previous years (2018) crops. These crops had been burned down with herbicides to stop plant growth, thus permitting newly planted corn and beans to begin their growth. These burned down crops act as mulch thus reducing erosion, controlling weed growth and allowing rain to soak into the soil. Several no-till crops were located on dairy farms where farmers had harvested grass crops as green chop or silage, followed by planting corn. Others appeared to be fields where corn or beans had been previously harvested and new crops were planted into crop residue. A very few fields were observed that had been plowed in perpetration for planting corn or beans
Those large 4-legged zero turn lawn mowers (cows) were busy enjoying natures green grass and converting it to meat and milk. Milk for those younger calves and those now weighing 3 to 400 pounds, which are beginning to graze natures green grass much like those cows. The older calves learn to graze from these cows. Lets just trust that mother nature continues to provide moisture in the form of rain to keep that green grass growing.
We discovered one cow giving birth to her calf, so we had to stop by the roadside to watch for a few minutes. Following birth, she was quick to clean her new calf, then we watched as the calf tried to stand on those wobbly new legs for the first time. It was only a short time, maybe 30 minutes or less, before the calf was standing to nurse for the first time.
Looks as if area beef cattle farmers will have a large number of calves to market during the coming fall or early winter. .The primary breeds of cattle observed were: Black (Angus); Red with white face (Hereford); Smoky (Charolais cross); White or Silver (Charolais); Black White face (Baldies); plus a few other colors.
The on-farm markets had plenty of fresh tomatoes and strawberries. We just had to have some of those large candy stripe tomatoes for that first tomato sandwich of the season. Also, a few strawberries for that large "cat head" (biscuit) short cake. Of course some fresh ice cream will make that strawberry short cake much better.
Its just hard to beat the taste of vine ripe fruits and vegetables. Get out and "Ramble" around on these less traveled roads. Its surprising what you can discover, "On The Road Again."
AGRICULTURE'S IMPACT
5/13/19
WHOOOEEE! It's been an amazing whirl-wind week with Sevier County students, teachers, parents, and teen leaders. These opportunities include Farm Days, Appalachian Culture Celebration and STEAM day (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) to discuss agriculture's influence on our daily lives and environment.
Its been a busy but enjoyable time to meet and converse with so many students, teachers, and parents about American Families food, where it originates, how its raised and the science and technology being employed to raise a future food supply.
"Farm Days" at Sevier County Fairgrounds included some 50 groups, (17 to 22 students each) of Sevier County 4th grader's from 12 schools. The many learning stations included:
1- "Wow That Cow," relating to some 300 plus items used daily that cattle assist to make; food items from cattle and their nutritional values; how cattle " upcycle" many items- grass, straw, and industry by-products into food for American Families.
2- Dairy and Dairy Products" were milk, cottage cheese, ice cream,yogurt and those nutrients provided for keeping students healthy.
3- "The Garden" beginning with seed to the final products, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, corn,and potatoes.
4- "Forestry" discussion included many tree parts, leaves, and seed.
5- "Seeds" that farmers use to raise food crops for American Families and their livestock.
6- "Bees," the kinds of "honeybees" and their work as a pollinator of fruit and vegetable crops.
7- "Barnyard Animals" on display were cow and calf, sheep, goats, horse, donkey, dairy calves, rabbits, and chickens. Each animal's barnyard facts were discussed by teen leaders.
8- "Soil Conservation" illustrated erosion control practices farmers use to conserve their soil while raising food crops for American Families.
9- "Master Gardener's" illustrated many garden and landscape plants used around our homes.
10- "Tennessee Department of Forestry" displayed and discussed their fire fighting and tree planting equipment.
The 3rd day of the whirl-wind week occurred at Pigeon Forge Primary School's "Appalachian Culture Celebration" and was to introduce students to the history of how early area settlers lived and worked.
Our display and illustrated conservation included an assortment of items that livestock (cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens) assist to manufacture that are used in our daily lives for health, recreation, nutrition and work. The students from all grades composed some 38 groups of 18 to 21 each.
The 4th day was spent at New Center Middle School for their STEAM (Science,Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics). Dr. Gary Bates, University of Tennessee Plant Science Professor, discussed and illustrated the importance of plant selection and breeding on American Families food supply.
Each farmer, today, raises enough food for 165 people. Plant breeding will become more important as farmers work to improve and increase food supply for 9 billion people by 2050.
Tennessee's Top Agriculture products based on cash receipts:
Soybeans ------ $ 758.9 million
Cattle & Calves $ 566.2 million
Broilers --------- $ 494.5 million
Corn ------------- $ 391.5 million
Cotton ----------- $ 224.6 million
Hay -------------- $ 148.5 million
Dairy Products & Milk $ 130.0 million
Tobacco ---------- $ 93.5 million
Wheat ------------- $ 93.3 million
Hogs _________ $ 85.0 million
5/13/19
WHOOOEEE! It's been an amazing whirl-wind week with Sevier County students, teachers, parents, and teen leaders. These opportunities include Farm Days, Appalachian Culture Celebration and STEAM day (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) to discuss agriculture's influence on our daily lives and environment.
Its been a busy but enjoyable time to meet and converse with so many students, teachers, and parents about American Families food, where it originates, how its raised and the science and technology being employed to raise a future food supply.
"Farm Days" at Sevier County Fairgrounds included some 50 groups, (17 to 22 students each) of Sevier County 4th grader's from 12 schools. The many learning stations included:
1- "Wow That Cow," relating to some 300 plus items used daily that cattle assist to make; food items from cattle and their nutritional values; how cattle " upcycle" many items- grass, straw, and industry by-products into food for American Families.
2- Dairy and Dairy Products" were milk, cottage cheese, ice cream,yogurt and those nutrients provided for keeping students healthy.
3- "The Garden" beginning with seed to the final products, tomatoes, peppers, cabbage, corn,and potatoes.
4- "Forestry" discussion included many tree parts, leaves, and seed.
5- "Seeds" that farmers use to raise food crops for American Families and their livestock.
6- "Bees," the kinds of "honeybees" and their work as a pollinator of fruit and vegetable crops.
7- "Barnyard Animals" on display were cow and calf, sheep, goats, horse, donkey, dairy calves, rabbits, and chickens. Each animal's barnyard facts were discussed by teen leaders.
8- "Soil Conservation" illustrated erosion control practices farmers use to conserve their soil while raising food crops for American Families.
9- "Master Gardener's" illustrated many garden and landscape plants used around our homes.
10- "Tennessee Department of Forestry" displayed and discussed their fire fighting and tree planting equipment.
The 3rd day of the whirl-wind week occurred at Pigeon Forge Primary School's "Appalachian Culture Celebration" and was to introduce students to the history of how early area settlers lived and worked.
Our display and illustrated conservation included an assortment of items that livestock (cattle, sheep, pigs, chickens) assist to manufacture that are used in our daily lives for health, recreation, nutrition and work. The students from all grades composed some 38 groups of 18 to 21 each.
The 4th day was spent at New Center Middle School for their STEAM (Science,Technology, Engineering, Arts, Mathematics). Dr. Gary Bates, University of Tennessee Plant Science Professor, discussed and illustrated the importance of plant selection and breeding on American Families food supply.
Each farmer, today, raises enough food for 165 people. Plant breeding will become more important as farmers work to improve and increase food supply for 9 billion people by 2050.
Tennessee's Top Agriculture products based on cash receipts:
Soybeans ------ $ 758.9 million
Cattle & Calves $ 566.2 million
Broilers --------- $ 494.5 million
Corn ------------- $ 391.5 million
Cotton ----------- $ 224.6 million
Hay -------------- $ 148.5 million
Dairy Products & Milk $ 130.0 million
Tobacco ---------- $ 93.5 million
Wheat ------------- $ 93.3 million
Hogs _________ $ 85.0 million
OLD DOC GEEZER
4/12/19
An old physician, Dr. Gordon Geezer, became very bored in retirement and decided to re-open a medical clinic.
He put a sign up outside that said: " Dr. Geezer's Clinic, Get your treatment for $500 - if not cured, get back $1000."
Dr. Digger Young, who was positive that this old geezer didn't know beans about medicine, thought this would be a great opportunity to get $1000.
So he went to Dr. Geezer's clinic.
Dr. Young: "Dr. Geezer, I have lost all my taste in my mouth. Can you please help me ??"
Dr. Geezer: "Nurse, please bring medicine from box 22 and put 3 drops in Dr. Young's mouth."
Dr. Young: "Aaagh -- This is gasoline!"
Dr. Geezer: "Congratulations! You've got your taste back. That will be $500."
Dr. Young get annoyed and goes back after a couple of days figuring to recover his money.
Dr. Young: "I have lost my memory, I cannot remember anything."
Dr. Geezer: "Nurse, please bring medicine from box 22 and put 3 drops in the patient's mouth."
Dr. Young: "Oh, no you don't -- that's gasoline!"
Dr. Geezer: "Congratulations !, You've got your memory back. That will be $500."
Dr. Young ( after having lost $1000 ) leaves angrily and comes back after several more days.
Dr. Young: " My eyesight has become weak -- I can hardly see anything!"
Dr. Geezer: "Well, I don't have any medicine for that so, here's your $1000 back." ( giving him a $10 bill )
Dr. Young: "But this is only $10 ! "
Dr. Geezer: "Congratulations! You've gpt your vision back! That will be $500."
Moral of the story -- just because you're " young" doesn't mean that you can outsmart an "Old Geezer."
Reminder: Don't make old people mad. We don't like being old in the first place, so it doesn't take much to make us mad.
ENJOY YOUR DAY !!!!!!!
P. S. Written in large print for Old Geezers.
4/12/19
An old physician, Dr. Gordon Geezer, became very bored in retirement and decided to re-open a medical clinic.
He put a sign up outside that said: " Dr. Geezer's Clinic, Get your treatment for $500 - if not cured, get back $1000."
Dr. Digger Young, who was positive that this old geezer didn't know beans about medicine, thought this would be a great opportunity to get $1000.
So he went to Dr. Geezer's clinic.
Dr. Young: "Dr. Geezer, I have lost all my taste in my mouth. Can you please help me ??"
Dr. Geezer: "Nurse, please bring medicine from box 22 and put 3 drops in Dr. Young's mouth."
Dr. Young: "Aaagh -- This is gasoline!"
Dr. Geezer: "Congratulations! You've got your taste back. That will be $500."
Dr. Young get annoyed and goes back after a couple of days figuring to recover his money.
Dr. Young: "I have lost my memory, I cannot remember anything."
Dr. Geezer: "Nurse, please bring medicine from box 22 and put 3 drops in the patient's mouth."
Dr. Young: "Oh, no you don't -- that's gasoline!"
Dr. Geezer: "Congratulations !, You've got your memory back. That will be $500."
Dr. Young ( after having lost $1000 ) leaves angrily and comes back after several more days.
Dr. Young: " My eyesight has become weak -- I can hardly see anything!"
Dr. Geezer: "Well, I don't have any medicine for that so, here's your $1000 back." ( giving him a $10 bill )
Dr. Young: "But this is only $10 ! "
Dr. Geezer: "Congratulations! You've gpt your vision back! That will be $500."
Moral of the story -- just because you're " young" doesn't mean that you can outsmart an "Old Geezer."
Reminder: Don't make old people mad. We don't like being old in the first place, so it doesn't take much to make us mad.
ENJOY YOUR DAY !!!!!!!
P. S. Written in large print for Old Geezers.
A SALUTE TO FARMER
3/16/19
Do you remember that ice-cold glass of milk you drank this morn ?
Did you know it wouldn't be there if a baby calf wasn't born ?
What about that nice thick, juicy piece of bacon ?
To me, the world ain't giving,
To me, its just been taking.
A thank you should be given to the people who take part,
In raising the food that you buy at Wal-Mart.
So here I go, I'll take a shot,
to show you what I mean.
Believe me, them old farmers,
they'er really pretty keen.
Pig farmers work so hard,
to bring us bacon, fat, and lard.
Sheep farmers do lots of cut'n,
to bring us furry wool and mutton.
Beef farmers do lots of feeding,
for all that meat the world is needing.
And people who raise dairy herds,
bring us yummy cheese and curds.
To those of you who raise crops like hay,
I don't think you get enough pay.
And if milking goats is your thing you do
then you deserve a big Thank You.
So, when you are driving behind a load of manure,
Think about the food in the grocery store.
So what if a glob lands on your car ?
Its better than the whole load by far !!!
Written by Peggy Coffeen when she was 10 years old. Peggy is now editor of the "Progressive Dairymen" magazine.
3/16/19
Do you remember that ice-cold glass of milk you drank this morn ?
Did you know it wouldn't be there if a baby calf wasn't born ?
What about that nice thick, juicy piece of bacon ?
To me, the world ain't giving,
To me, its just been taking.
A thank you should be given to the people who take part,
In raising the food that you buy at Wal-Mart.
So here I go, I'll take a shot,
to show you what I mean.
Believe me, them old farmers,
they'er really pretty keen.
Pig farmers work so hard,
to bring us bacon, fat, and lard.
Sheep farmers do lots of cut'n,
to bring us furry wool and mutton.
Beef farmers do lots of feeding,
for all that meat the world is needing.
And people who raise dairy herds,
bring us yummy cheese and curds.
To those of you who raise crops like hay,
I don't think you get enough pay.
And if milking goats is your thing you do
then you deserve a big Thank You.
So, when you are driving behind a load of manure,
Think about the food in the grocery store.
So what if a glob lands on your car ?
Its better than the whole load by far !!!
Written by Peggy Coffeen when she was 10 years old. Peggy is now editor of the "Progressive Dairymen" magazine.
A CHRISTMAS CARD TO ALL FRIENDS
THERE IS NO TIME QUITE LIKE THE HOLIDAY AND CHRISTMAS SEASON.
THE HOLIDAY'S ARE A SPECIAL TIME FOR CELEBRATING THE SPECIAL JOY OF FAITH.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND FOR REMEMBERING THOSE WHO MEAN SO MUCH TO US THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
IT'S ALSO A TIME TO PAUSE AND REFLECT ON THE BLESSINGS AND EVENTS OF THE PAST YEAR.
WITH WARMEST THOUGHTS AND BEST WISHES FOR A BOUNTIFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
FROM THE SHARP FAMILY
THERE IS NO TIME QUITE LIKE THE HOLIDAY AND CHRISTMAS SEASON.
THE HOLIDAY'S ARE A SPECIAL TIME FOR CELEBRATING THE SPECIAL JOY OF FAITH.
FAMILY AND FRIENDS AND FOR REMEMBERING THOSE WHO MEAN SO MUCH TO US THROUGHOUT THE YEAR.
IT'S ALSO A TIME TO PAUSE AND REFLECT ON THE BLESSINGS AND EVENTS OF THE PAST YEAR.
WITH WARMEST THOUGHTS AND BEST WISHES FOR A BOUNTIFUL HOLIDAY SEASON AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR.
FROM THE SHARP FAMILY
REMINISCE
12/12/18
Following several Christmas stories from Hallmark and Lifetime that were about returning home, especially those related to farmsteads and rural communities, brings to memory grandparents farmsteads. Our family was fortunate to live within a few miles of each grandparents home farms.
I remember both homes having large porches with swings, where you could swing and dream the days away. Their farmsteads were similar but arranged differently. The Wallace home was on the banks of Gap Creek and the Sharp home was at the foot of what I would call a short ridge near the Cumberland Mountains.
Each farmstead consisted of a "smoke house," where meat from harvested fat hogs was stored. Following the fall harvest and processing of meat, much of the meat -- hams, bacon, shoulders -- was salt cured. Other parts were ground and seasoned as sausages, stored in cheese cloth socks.
Each had a "chicken house," or a building where the laying hens were kept. Those had several nest around the walls and were used by hens to lay their eggs. Also, cover a setting of eggs from which baby chicks were hatched. The older laying hens, when they ceased to lay eggs -- well they became chicken and dumplings for dinner. The young chickens, especially roosters, that were not needed for eggs became Sunday fried chicken dinners.
The "celler," where grandma Wallace stored can goods, was a small room with really thick walls, possibly 8 inches thick or more, that were filled with sawdust, thus keeping those garden vegetables from freezing during the winter and cool in summer months. Grandma Sharp's storage area was a room off the kitchen, behind her cook stove. These can goods originated from large gardens tended during the summer.
Each maintained a "coal bin" where coal was stored for heating during the winter months. Several coal buckets, kept on the back porch, were filled each afternoon in preparation for filling the "warm morning" stove and fireplaces. Occasionally the cook stove was fueled with coal, but most of the time with wood. Thus the name "wood cook stove."
Each grandma had a "wash house" with a fire pit and a wash kettle. The trusty Maytag ringer washer, powered by a small gasoline engine, was kept here. The fire pit and wash kettle were used to heat water for the washing machine. The cloths were hung on a wire line in the sun for drying.
The farmsteads barns where livestock was housed and fed were located a short distance from the main farm house. These barns contained: Corn Crib -- storing feed corn for livestock; Gear Room -- storing horse and mule's work harnesses, saddles, bridles; a Milk Cow stall -- a Jersey milk cow was fed and milked, by hand, twice daily, also it housed 1 or 2 veal calves that made use of any extra milk.
These barns had a good smell during the summer as grass hay was being harvested and stored in lofts for winter feeding of livestock. Hallmark had parties in their barns but these farm barns were for storage and livestock.
Most of the work -- soil preparation, planting, harvesting and storage -- was carried out with horses or mules along with man power. No tractors were on either farm for several years.
The crops raised on each farm included: Burley Tobacco -- as a cash crop, providing for Christmas and any extra items needed around the farmstead; Wheat and Corn used for corn meal and flour for cooking; Grasses -- red top, timothy, orchard grass and fescue -- for beef cattle, horses and mules
During this season of the year we searched all the fields and neighbors fields in search of that perfect "red-cedar" Christmas tree.
I remember many of these buildings, so called houses, along with their activities. My grandparents rarely shared thoughts of the hours of hard work and difficult times as they worked to raise and provide for their families. These Hallmark and Lifetime programs bring back many memories from years-gone-by, especially how things have changed around the farmsteads and within the communities.
We have much to be thankful for as our lives and children's lives are much different today compared to yesteryear.
12/12/18
Following several Christmas stories from Hallmark and Lifetime that were about returning home, especially those related to farmsteads and rural communities, brings to memory grandparents farmsteads. Our family was fortunate to live within a few miles of each grandparents home farms.
I remember both homes having large porches with swings, where you could swing and dream the days away. Their farmsteads were similar but arranged differently. The Wallace home was on the banks of Gap Creek and the Sharp home was at the foot of what I would call a short ridge near the Cumberland Mountains.
Each farmstead consisted of a "smoke house," where meat from harvested fat hogs was stored. Following the fall harvest and processing of meat, much of the meat -- hams, bacon, shoulders -- was salt cured. Other parts were ground and seasoned as sausages, stored in cheese cloth socks.
Each had a "chicken house," or a building where the laying hens were kept. Those had several nest around the walls and were used by hens to lay their eggs. Also, cover a setting of eggs from which baby chicks were hatched. The older laying hens, when they ceased to lay eggs -- well they became chicken and dumplings for dinner. The young chickens, especially roosters, that were not needed for eggs became Sunday fried chicken dinners.
The "celler," where grandma Wallace stored can goods, was a small room with really thick walls, possibly 8 inches thick or more, that were filled with sawdust, thus keeping those garden vegetables from freezing during the winter and cool in summer months. Grandma Sharp's storage area was a room off the kitchen, behind her cook stove. These can goods originated from large gardens tended during the summer.
Each maintained a "coal bin" where coal was stored for heating during the winter months. Several coal buckets, kept on the back porch, were filled each afternoon in preparation for filling the "warm morning" stove and fireplaces. Occasionally the cook stove was fueled with coal, but most of the time with wood. Thus the name "wood cook stove."
Each grandma had a "wash house" with a fire pit and a wash kettle. The trusty Maytag ringer washer, powered by a small gasoline engine, was kept here. The fire pit and wash kettle were used to heat water for the washing machine. The cloths were hung on a wire line in the sun for drying.
The farmsteads barns where livestock was housed and fed were located a short distance from the main farm house. These barns contained: Corn Crib -- storing feed corn for livestock; Gear Room -- storing horse and mule's work harnesses, saddles, bridles; a Milk Cow stall -- a Jersey milk cow was fed and milked, by hand, twice daily, also it housed 1 or 2 veal calves that made use of any extra milk.
These barns had a good smell during the summer as grass hay was being harvested and stored in lofts for winter feeding of livestock. Hallmark had parties in their barns but these farm barns were for storage and livestock.
Most of the work -- soil preparation, planting, harvesting and storage -- was carried out with horses or mules along with man power. No tractors were on either farm for several years.
The crops raised on each farm included: Burley Tobacco -- as a cash crop, providing for Christmas and any extra items needed around the farmstead; Wheat and Corn used for corn meal and flour for cooking; Grasses -- red top, timothy, orchard grass and fescue -- for beef cattle, horses and mules
During this season of the year we searched all the fields and neighbors fields in search of that perfect "red-cedar" Christmas tree.
I remember many of these buildings, so called houses, along with their activities. My grandparents rarely shared thoughts of the hours of hard work and difficult times as they worked to raise and provide for their families. These Hallmark and Lifetime programs bring back many memories from years-gone-by, especially how things have changed around the farmsteads and within the communities.
We have much to be thankful for as our lives and children's lives are much different today compared to yesteryear.
FOR 32 YEARS, A REALLY GOOD EXPO
10/13/18
Another Northeast Tennessee Beef Expo and one for the history books. The main tent was over-flowing with farmers ( 400+ ) and a little rain (about 1 inch) for the day. A first for Expo, but a little rain never dampened the farmers spirits. It was a farmer packed University of Tennessee Research and Education Center near Greeneville, to gather new methods and techniques that could help achieve a more efficient and profitable beef cattle operation.
The centers crew were kept busy handling all the last minute rearrangements for the Expo crowd due to the rain. The Expo covered meetings and events related to: Cow/Calf , Back Grounding/Grazing Price and Profit Management; Hay Storage and Feeding Concepts; A Good Grass Stand; Breeding and Calving Season Concepts; Tennessee Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Enhancement Program followed by a question and comment period from attending farmers.
A trade show accompanied Expo including representatives from agri-business firms supporting the beef cattle business -- Animal Health; Farm and Livestock Equipment; Marketing Agencies; Lending Institutions and other related businesses.
The Hay and Forage demonstration was postponed until a day with more sunshine. Rain and hay harvest does not allow for a good demonstration. Therefore farmers just had to observe and discuss equipment with company representatives.
It was an enjoyable opportunity to see and visit with many friends and neighbors from area farms and those in the businesses supporting beef and about whats new on the beef cattle scene and listen to the experts as to whats shaping up for the future of our beef cattle business.
10/13/18
Another Northeast Tennessee Beef Expo and one for the history books. The main tent was over-flowing with farmers ( 400+ ) and a little rain (about 1 inch) for the day. A first for Expo, but a little rain never dampened the farmers spirits. It was a farmer packed University of Tennessee Research and Education Center near Greeneville, to gather new methods and techniques that could help achieve a more efficient and profitable beef cattle operation.
The centers crew were kept busy handling all the last minute rearrangements for the Expo crowd due to the rain. The Expo covered meetings and events related to: Cow/Calf , Back Grounding/Grazing Price and Profit Management; Hay Storage and Feeding Concepts; A Good Grass Stand; Breeding and Calving Season Concepts; Tennessee Department of Agriculture's Agriculture Enhancement Program followed by a question and comment period from attending farmers.
A trade show accompanied Expo including representatives from agri-business firms supporting the beef cattle business -- Animal Health; Farm and Livestock Equipment; Marketing Agencies; Lending Institutions and other related businesses.
The Hay and Forage demonstration was postponed until a day with more sunshine. Rain and hay harvest does not allow for a good demonstration. Therefore farmers just had to observe and discuss equipment with company representatives.
It was an enjoyable opportunity to see and visit with many friends and neighbors from area farms and those in the businesses supporting beef and about whats new on the beef cattle scene and listen to the experts as to whats shaping up for the future of our beef cattle business.
FARMERS AND THEIR BEEF
6/11/18
The many beef farmers that I know throughout Kentucky, North and South Carolina, Virginia and Tennessee all subscribe to a goal of raising a high quality, safe and nutritious "Beef" for American Families dinner table. This first hand experience was gained working with/for many cow/calf and cattle grazing farmers thru Hodge Livestock Network,
Wilson Livestock Market, Tennessee Beef Council, Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and other state livestock groups.
These beef farmers are continually using improved beef management technology to provide American Families that high quality, nutritious food item "Beef." The beef that delivers an eating experience exceeding all others for taste and flavor for those hungry taste buds.
These improved technology skills are acquired through continuing education: Beef Quality Assurance classes; Master Beef and Advanced Master Beef classes; University Field Days with hands-on training experiences. If we ain't learning we'er backing up.
The demand for our quality beef thru food service companies, restaurants,and supermarkets continues to improve. A visit to the meat counter reveals many conveniently prepared beef items: Marinaded Steaks; Flavor Enhanced Steaks ( rubs applied ); Heat and Serve Beef Roast; Beef Kabob's; Meat Loafs and Beef Bar-B-Que. These items are pre-packaged and ready for grilling or a short oven cook ( heat and serve ) for many families who eat on the go.
These beef family farmers are looking to the future and are serious about environmental effects. The Beef's Lifecycle evaluation indicates farmers have reduced greenhouse gas emissions 2 %; emissions to water 10 %; emissions to soil 7 %; energy use 2 %; land use 4 %; water use 3 %; resource consumption 2 %; and occupational illnesses and accidents 32 %.
These sustainability improvements were accomplished using: improved genetics; health and nutrition for cattle; increased use of bio gas capture and conversion; increased use of precision farming practices and improved crop yields with more improvements discovered and implemented each day.
I recently learned a new word -- "Up-Cycles" -- instead of re-cycles. Yes, beef cattle are "Up-Cyclist" of many co or by products from other food, fiber, and businesses. Cattle "Up-Cycles" -- cottonseed hulls, wheat mids, distillers grains, soybean hulls, corn gluten, corn stalks, peanut hulls, waste candies and they harvest thousands of acres of grasslands 9 not suitable for raising crops ) converting these products into a high quality and nutritious food for American Families
Beef raised using "Mother Natures" natural resources: Air, Water, Land, Grass, Energy, Trees, Minerals and Wildlife is difficult to beat.
We Beef Family Farmers Thank American Families for selecting high quality "Beef" for their dinner tables, have a nice eating
experience.
A BEEF FARM VISIT
4/28/18
A Great Day for students of Rel Maples Institute for Culinary Arts from Walter's State Community College as they visited R & R Cattle Farm, near Sevierville, Tennessee to gain an understanding of "Beef's Lifecycle."
Mr. Roger Radel, cattle farmer, welcomed students and professor Joe Cairns to R & R Cattle Farm. Students observed a commercial herd of beef cattle. Roger's herd of Angus, Hereford, and Charolais breeds are used to raise crossbreed calves for the beef market. On-hand were cows/calves, weaned calves that were being prepared for market and two calves Roger plans to harvest for his food freezer.
Roger discussed the health program administeed for different groups of cattle. Dr. Fred Hopkins, DVM - retired, discussed the value of vaccines used for cattle health. Also, the various antibiotics that are approved for use in beef cattle.
Mr. Charles Hord, Executive Vice-President of Tennessee Cattlemen's Association, related the importance of Beef Quality Assurance ( BQA ) management and procedures for cattle health care products as related to health and safety of foods raised on Tennessee beef farms, such as R & R, for American Families.
A take-home message from Roger, Fred and Charles was work close with your herd health veterinarian; handle vaccines and antibiotics in a safe manner, and always read and follow labeled directions for each before administering to cattle.
Students were introduced to a variety of feeds and by-products, from other food businesses, that cattle up-cycle into a nutritious food for American Families.
Culinary students and professor received an informational package from Tennessee Beef Industry Council and Tennessee Cattlemen's Association for future reference.
Its not often cattle farmers have an opportunity to meet and converse with future Chef's, who will be serving their beef products.
Related articles
A Dairy Farm Visit
Beef Sustinability
4/28/18
A Great Day for students of Rel Maples Institute for Culinary Arts from Walter's State Community College as they visited R & R Cattle Farm, near Sevierville, Tennessee to gain an understanding of "Beef's Lifecycle."
Mr. Roger Radel, cattle farmer, welcomed students and professor Joe Cairns to R & R Cattle Farm. Students observed a commercial herd of beef cattle. Roger's herd of Angus, Hereford, and Charolais breeds are used to raise crossbreed calves for the beef market. On-hand were cows/calves, weaned calves that were being prepared for market and two calves Roger plans to harvest for his food freezer.
Roger discussed the health program administeed for different groups of cattle. Dr. Fred Hopkins, DVM - retired, discussed the value of vaccines used for cattle health. Also, the various antibiotics that are approved for use in beef cattle.
Mr. Charles Hord, Executive Vice-President of Tennessee Cattlemen's Association, related the importance of Beef Quality Assurance ( BQA ) management and procedures for cattle health care products as related to health and safety of foods raised on Tennessee beef farms, such as R & R, for American Families.
A take-home message from Roger, Fred and Charles was work close with your herd health veterinarian; handle vaccines and antibiotics in a safe manner, and always read and follow labeled directions for each before administering to cattle.
Students were introduced to a variety of feeds and by-products, from other food businesses, that cattle up-cycle into a nutritious food for American Families.
Culinary students and professor received an informational package from Tennessee Beef Industry Council and Tennessee Cattlemen's Association for future reference.
Its not often cattle farmers have an opportunity to meet and converse with future Chef's, who will be serving their beef products.
Related articles
A Dairy Farm Visit
Beef Sustinability
12/16/17
Received this Christmas card from a cowboy friend yesterday and just wanted to share it with all those wanta-be cowpokes and western life friends.
A COWBOY'S CHRISTMAS PRAYER
I ain't much good at prayin', and you may not know me, Lord.
I ain't much seen in churches where they preach Thy Holy Word.
But You may have observed me out here on the lonely plains,
A-lookin after cattle, feelin' thankful when it rains,
Admirin' Thy great handiwork, the miracle of grass,
Aware of Thy kind spirit in the way it comes to pass
That hired men on horseback and the livestock that we tend
Can look up at the stars at night and know we've got a Friend.
So here's ol' Christmas comin' on, remindin' us again
Of Him whose coming brought good will into the hearts of men.
A cowboy ain't no preacher, Lord, but if You'll hear my prayer,
I'll ask as good as we have got for all men everywhere.
Don't let no heart be bitter, Lord; don't let no child be cold.
Make easy beds for them that's sick, nd them that's weak and old.
Let kindness bless the trail we ride, no matter what we're after,
And sorta keep us on Your side, in tears as well as laughter.
I've seen old cows a-starvin', and it ain't no happy sight;
Please don't leave no one hungry, Lord, on Thy good Christmas night-
No man, no child, no woman, and no critter on four feet-
I'll aim to do my best to help You find'em chuck to eat.
I'm just a sinful cowpoke, Lord, -ain't got no business prayin'-
But still hope You'll ketch a word or two of what I'm sayin';
We speak of Merry Christmas, Lord-I reckon You'll agree
There ain't no Merry Christmas for nobody that ain't free.
So one thing more I'll ask You, Lord: just help us what You can
To save some seeds of freedom for the future sons of man!
written by S. Omar Barker
Mike and Diana wish each and everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and best wishes for a HAPPY NEW YEAR
Received this Christmas card from a cowboy friend yesterday and just wanted to share it with all those wanta-be cowpokes and western life friends.
A COWBOY'S CHRISTMAS PRAYER
I ain't much good at prayin', and you may not know me, Lord.
I ain't much seen in churches where they preach Thy Holy Word.
But You may have observed me out here on the lonely plains,
A-lookin after cattle, feelin' thankful when it rains,
Admirin' Thy great handiwork, the miracle of grass,
Aware of Thy kind spirit in the way it comes to pass
That hired men on horseback and the livestock that we tend
Can look up at the stars at night and know we've got a Friend.
So here's ol' Christmas comin' on, remindin' us again
Of Him whose coming brought good will into the hearts of men.
A cowboy ain't no preacher, Lord, but if You'll hear my prayer,
I'll ask as good as we have got for all men everywhere.
Don't let no heart be bitter, Lord; don't let no child be cold.
Make easy beds for them that's sick, nd them that's weak and old.
Let kindness bless the trail we ride, no matter what we're after,
And sorta keep us on Your side, in tears as well as laughter.
I've seen old cows a-starvin', and it ain't no happy sight;
Please don't leave no one hungry, Lord, on Thy good Christmas night-
No man, no child, no woman, and no critter on four feet-
I'll aim to do my best to help You find'em chuck to eat.
I'm just a sinful cowpoke, Lord, -ain't got no business prayin'-
But still hope You'll ketch a word or two of what I'm sayin';
We speak of Merry Christmas, Lord-I reckon You'll agree
There ain't no Merry Christmas for nobody that ain't free.
So one thing more I'll ask You, Lord: just help us what You can
To save some seeds of freedom for the future sons of man!
written by S. Omar Barker
Mike and Diana wish each and everyone a very MERRY CHRISTMAS and best wishes for a HAPPY NEW YEAR
MILK FROM COW TO YOU
11/11/17
Milk comes from healthy well fed cows. From the sun and in forms of mixed grain feeds, grass, hays, chopped corn, water and minerals a cow' body produces nutritious milk.
Did you know: A cow eats about 90 pounds of nutritious food a day, that equals 480 hamburgers, 206 baked potatoes or 1440 slices of bread; A cow drinks 25 to 50 gallons of water each day but can be more on hot days, that's nearly a bathtub full !!!!
Milk is collected and cooled in the milking parlor:
Did you know: What a cow eats affects how much milk she makes; A cow that eats only grass makes about 50 glasses of milk a day; A cow that eats grass and a balanced diet of corn, hay and mixed feed can make about 100 glasses of milk a day; Using several milking machines, farmers can milk about 100 cows an hour, however if you milked cows by hand, you could milk about 6 cows an hour.
Milk is processed in the dairy plant:
Did you know: Milk is one of the safest foods you can eat. In the dairy plant milk is never touched by human hands. That's why milk stays very pure and fresh tasting; In 1884, Dairy plants started using glass bottles to store milk. Before that time they used jars, pails and cans; In 1906, the first paper cartons was used; In 1964, plastic milk jugs were introduced. Colored (white or yellow) plastic milk jugs aids in preserving milk quality; Homogenized milk has fat globules even disturbed throughout the milk; Pasteurized milk is heated to a high temperature to kill or destroy all bacteria. This keeps milk fresher longer.
Milk is delivered to many places: Did you know: Long ago, when people traveled and wanted milk, they had to take cows with them; When pilgrims came to America, they brought cows with them; Nowdays, milk is delivered to stores, schools and even to homes; The milk delivered today was in a cow 2 days ago; Milk is stored in a refrigerated room until its loaded on a delivery truck.
Incredible COW FACTS:
> All cows are females -- the males are called bulls.
> Cows have four stomachs -- you have just one.
> Cows often have their ears pierced with I.D.tags.
> A cow can't give milk until she's given birth to a calf.
> The average cow produces 90 glasses of milk each day. That's enough for 30 children to have 3 glasses of milk a day.
> A cow produces or gives nearly 200,000 glasses of milk in her lifetime.
> Cows provide 90% of the worlds milk. Water buffalo,camels, goats, sheep, horses, and reindeer are also milked.
> A cow weighs about 1400 pounds. That's probably 10 to 25 times what you weigh.
> A cow's udder can hold 25 to 50 pounds of milk. No wonder she's eager to be milked.
> A Holstein's spots are like a fingerprint or snowflake. No two cows have exactly the same pattern of spots.
> A cow's nose print is unique to each cow, just like fingerprints.
> The average body temperature of a cow is 101.5 F
> Cow's have an acute sense of smell and can smell something up to six miles away.
> Milk and dairy products derived from cows can not be matched in nutritional values by plant based milk products.
What does cows milk do for you ????
One cup of cold milk provides 30% of the daily value of calcium - for strong bones and teeth; 24% of the daily value of riboflavin - for healthy skin; 10% of the daily value of vitamin A - for night vision; All students age 6 to 10 need at least three servings each day from the milk group. Dairy foods include -- Milk, Buttermilk, Swiss Cheese, String Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Ice Cream, American Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Yogurt, Chocolate Milk, Milk Shakes, Butter, Whip Cream and Flavored Milk Drinks.
Information from National Dairy Council, United Stated Department of Agriculture and S.U.D.I.A.
Articles of interest
1- Milk Nutrients Are A Knockout
2- Flavored Milk Returns
3- A Dairy Farm Visit
4- Beef A Nutritional Powerhouse
5-Thought's Concerning Mis-Representation
6-Cattle America's Best Kept Environmental Secret
11/11/17
Milk comes from healthy well fed cows. From the sun and in forms of mixed grain feeds, grass, hays, chopped corn, water and minerals a cow' body produces nutritious milk.
Did you know: A cow eats about 90 pounds of nutritious food a day, that equals 480 hamburgers, 206 baked potatoes or 1440 slices of bread; A cow drinks 25 to 50 gallons of water each day but can be more on hot days, that's nearly a bathtub full !!!!
Milk is collected and cooled in the milking parlor:
Did you know: What a cow eats affects how much milk she makes; A cow that eats only grass makes about 50 glasses of milk a day; A cow that eats grass and a balanced diet of corn, hay and mixed feed can make about 100 glasses of milk a day; Using several milking machines, farmers can milk about 100 cows an hour, however if you milked cows by hand, you could milk about 6 cows an hour.
Milk is processed in the dairy plant:
Did you know: Milk is one of the safest foods you can eat. In the dairy plant milk is never touched by human hands. That's why milk stays very pure and fresh tasting; In 1884, Dairy plants started using glass bottles to store milk. Before that time they used jars, pails and cans; In 1906, the first paper cartons was used; In 1964, plastic milk jugs were introduced. Colored (white or yellow) plastic milk jugs aids in preserving milk quality; Homogenized milk has fat globules even disturbed throughout the milk; Pasteurized milk is heated to a high temperature to kill or destroy all bacteria. This keeps milk fresher longer.
Milk is delivered to many places: Did you know: Long ago, when people traveled and wanted milk, they had to take cows with them; When pilgrims came to America, they brought cows with them; Nowdays, milk is delivered to stores, schools and even to homes; The milk delivered today was in a cow 2 days ago; Milk is stored in a refrigerated room until its loaded on a delivery truck.
Incredible COW FACTS:
> All cows are females -- the males are called bulls.
> Cows have four stomachs -- you have just one.
> Cows often have their ears pierced with I.D.tags.
> A cow can't give milk until she's given birth to a calf.
> The average cow produces 90 glasses of milk each day. That's enough for 30 children to have 3 glasses of milk a day.
> A cow produces or gives nearly 200,000 glasses of milk in her lifetime.
> Cows provide 90% of the worlds milk. Water buffalo,camels, goats, sheep, horses, and reindeer are also milked.
> A cow weighs about 1400 pounds. That's probably 10 to 25 times what you weigh.
> A cow's udder can hold 25 to 50 pounds of milk. No wonder she's eager to be milked.
> A Holstein's spots are like a fingerprint or snowflake. No two cows have exactly the same pattern of spots.
> A cow's nose print is unique to each cow, just like fingerprints.
> The average body temperature of a cow is 101.5 F
> Cow's have an acute sense of smell and can smell something up to six miles away.
> Milk and dairy products derived from cows can not be matched in nutritional values by plant based milk products.
What does cows milk do for you ????
One cup of cold milk provides 30% of the daily value of calcium - for strong bones and teeth; 24% of the daily value of riboflavin - for healthy skin; 10% of the daily value of vitamin A - for night vision; All students age 6 to 10 need at least three servings each day from the milk group. Dairy foods include -- Milk, Buttermilk, Swiss Cheese, String Cheese, Cheddar Cheese, Sour Cream, Ice Cream, American Cheese, Cottage Cheese, Yogurt, Chocolate Milk, Milk Shakes, Butter, Whip Cream and Flavored Milk Drinks.
Information from National Dairy Council, United Stated Department of Agriculture and S.U.D.I.A.
Articles of interest
1- Milk Nutrients Are A Knockout
2- Flavored Milk Returns
3- A Dairy Farm Visit
4- Beef A Nutritional Powerhouse
5-Thought's Concerning Mis-Representation
6-Cattle America's Best Kept Environmental Secret
THOSE MAGNIFICENT COWS
11/4/17
While riding around on country roads we often observe many cows -- cattle -- grazing the green grass and young calves running enjoying the sunshine. But, have you ever considered just how these cows influence our daily activities ????
Almost everyone knows cattle provide us a very nutritious food -- Beef. However, few of us realize that cattle make important contributions to our daily activities.
Cattle influence the manufacture of many items we use everyday throughout our many activities. Today there are some 200+ items that cattle aid in manufacturing and more are being discovered each day. Thus, enabling us to make use of 99% of each cow. The only thing we haven't discovered a use for is the "Moo Moo Moo" sounds of the cow.
Just for one example, lets consider how cattle influence our day as we prepare for attending school !!!!!
First thing, the alarm clock didn't wake me on time. I could not shampoo my hair or wash my face because the soaps are made using beef fatty acids. I would have brushed and combed my hair but these items are made from beef oils. Hey, there was no milk for my cereal.
I was unable to brush my teeth, put on lip-gloss or make-up, deodorant as these items are made from beef oils too.
Where are my shoes, No shoes as the rubber and leather soles and the leather tops come from cattle or cow hides. Also, no belt to help hold up my pants or pocket purse to carry my lunch money.
Morning hasn't really been that good so far as I'm a mess. Now, we're off to catch the big yellow school bus. What, no bus arrived as it's tires are made of rubber which contains steric acid from cattle. Other parts of the bus such as brakes need brake fluid from cattle. Also, plastic seats, motor oil and grease are from cow fats and proteins. Also, no asphalt roads as asphalt uses cow fats as binding agents. So no bus, we must now walk barefooted on dirt and gravel roads to school.
During school we went to art class but no paper, crayons or paints to use as these come from cow fats and oils. Also, no brushes as they come from cow hair.
Well, it's time for recess but no baseballs, softballs or gloves to play games as these items are leather originating from cow hides.
Lunch time arrives, no plastic trays, plates, forks and spoons as these items comes from cattle fats. Also, no delicious beefburgers, ice cream and jello for desert.
Do not try using any of these for excuses for not attending school. So as you can see trying to attend and enjoy school activities would be a difficult task without those magnificent cows we observe in Farmers fields each day.
So when is a cow more than a cow ??? When cows are a renewable resource that we use to improve our daily activities. Cattle influence our environment by acting as fire fighters, recyclers, making household items, providing nutritious foods, travel and pharmacy products. Even the "vegetarians" could have difficult times without those magnificent cows.
Have you hugged a cow today ??????
related articles
1- Wow That Cow
2- Beef A Nutritional Powerhouse
3- Cattle - America's Best Kept Environmental Secret
4- The Power of Ten
5- Livestock Stewardship
11/4/17
While riding around on country roads we often observe many cows -- cattle -- grazing the green grass and young calves running enjoying the sunshine. But, have you ever considered just how these cows influence our daily activities ????
Almost everyone knows cattle provide us a very nutritious food -- Beef. However, few of us realize that cattle make important contributions to our daily activities.
Cattle influence the manufacture of many items we use everyday throughout our many activities. Today there are some 200+ items that cattle aid in manufacturing and more are being discovered each day. Thus, enabling us to make use of 99% of each cow. The only thing we haven't discovered a use for is the "Moo Moo Moo" sounds of the cow.
Just for one example, lets consider how cattle influence our day as we prepare for attending school !!!!!
First thing, the alarm clock didn't wake me on time. I could not shampoo my hair or wash my face because the soaps are made using beef fatty acids. I would have brushed and combed my hair but these items are made from beef oils. Hey, there was no milk for my cereal.
I was unable to brush my teeth, put on lip-gloss or make-up, deodorant as these items are made from beef oils too.
Where are my shoes, No shoes as the rubber and leather soles and the leather tops come from cattle or cow hides. Also, no belt to help hold up my pants or pocket purse to carry my lunch money.
Morning hasn't really been that good so far as I'm a mess. Now, we're off to catch the big yellow school bus. What, no bus arrived as it's tires are made of rubber which contains steric acid from cattle. Other parts of the bus such as brakes need brake fluid from cattle. Also, plastic seats, motor oil and grease are from cow fats and proteins. Also, no asphalt roads as asphalt uses cow fats as binding agents. So no bus, we must now walk barefooted on dirt and gravel roads to school.
During school we went to art class but no paper, crayons or paints to use as these come from cow fats and oils. Also, no brushes as they come from cow hair.
Well, it's time for recess but no baseballs, softballs or gloves to play games as these items are leather originating from cow hides.
Lunch time arrives, no plastic trays, plates, forks and spoons as these items comes from cattle fats. Also, no delicious beefburgers, ice cream and jello for desert.
Do not try using any of these for excuses for not attending school. So as you can see trying to attend and enjoy school activities would be a difficult task without those magnificent cows we observe in Farmers fields each day.
So when is a cow more than a cow ??? When cows are a renewable resource that we use to improve our daily activities. Cattle influence our environment by acting as fire fighters, recyclers, making household items, providing nutritious foods, travel and pharmacy products. Even the "vegetarians" could have difficult times without those magnificent cows.
Have you hugged a cow today ??????
related articles
1- Wow That Cow
2- Beef A Nutritional Powerhouse
3- Cattle - America's Best Kept Environmental Secret
4- The Power of Ten
5- Livestock Stewardship
FARMERS SHARE OF THE FOOD DOLLAR
10/17/17
Our farmers share of the American Families food dollar is available from USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and National Farmers Union on a monthly basis. I have added, for the current month of September 2017, the "Did You Know" (DYN) the percentage of the retail food dollar received by our American farmers.
The American farmers share of the American Families food dollar varies greatly at the farm gate. Many farm markets can and do change throughout the day or by the week as influenced by supply, family demand, weather, transportation and quality of farm food item. Thus, our farmers must know the unit cost of raising the crop and its quality -- an economist and marketer all rolled into one. Check out the September information compared to the August information for an example of market changes.
Item --------------------- Retail ------Farmers----DYK
1 lb Bacon-----------------$ 5.63 -----$ 0.83 ----- 14.7%
1 lb Top Sirloin Steak -----$ 8.99 ----- $ 1.84 ----- 20.4 %
2 lb Bread ----------------$ 2.99 ----- $ 0.12 ----- 4.0%
5 lb Fresh Carrots --------$ 2.79 ----- $ 1.45 ----- 51.9 %
18 oz box of Cereal -------$ 4.19 ----- $ 0.05 ----- 1.1 %
4 oz Wheat Bagel ---------$ 0.96----- $ 0.04 ----- 4.1 %
1 lb Tomatoes ------------$ 1.99 ----- $ 0.30 ----- 15.0 %
1 doz Eggs --------------- $ 1.79 ----- $ 0.75 ----- 41.8 %
5 lb King Arthur Flour ---- $6.29 ----- $ 0.40 ----- 6.3 %
1 lb Boneless Ham ------- $ 5.99 ----- $ 0.83 ----- 13.8 %
1 lb Lettuce -------------- $ 2.19 ----- $ 0.25 ----- 11.4 %
1 gal Fat Free Milk ------- $ 4.49 ----- $ 1.55 ----- 34.5 %
8 oz Lay's Potato Chips --$ 3.29 ----- $ 0.17 ----- 5.1 %
5 lb Russet Potatoes ---- $ 4.49 ----- $ 0.73 ----- 16.2 %
2 liter Soda ------------- $ 1.20 ----- $ 0.04 ----- 3.3 %
1 lb Green Beans -------- $ 1.49 ----- $ 0.94 ----- 63. 0%
Did you know: American Pork Farmers receives 83 cents for a pound of Bacon that American Families pay $ 5.63 for at the grocery store. That is 14.7 % of the retail value.
Note: Farmers Share divided by Retail equals % received by farmers.
The selection of fresh locally grown meat, eggs, fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets will begin to change with the fast approching "Fall Season." However, the local farmers markets continues to be an opportunity for American Families to visit with local farmers and become aquainted with the farmers raising local food items. Enjoy the experience.
Local farmers ( Sevier County Tennessee ) marketing Beef from their farms are: James "Shorty" King of 4 Kings Farm and Jonathan Smelcer of Smelcer's Farm. They Sell whole, halves or quarters of beef. Also, Jonathan sells several individual cuts of beef.
Local Farmers Markets:
Sevier Farmers Co-op: 8:00 am till 12;00 noon on Wednesday and Saturday .
Seymour First Baptist Church: 8;00 am till 12;00 noon on Saturday
Other market opportunities are listed on the Tennessee Department of Agriculture web-page as " Pick Tennessee Products."
Related Articles
1- The Food Dollar Up-Date August 2017
2- Brown vs White Eggs
3- Todays Beef Chioces
4- Truth About Labels
5- How To Store Beef
10/17/17
Our farmers share of the American Families food dollar is available from USDA (United States Department of Agriculture) and National Farmers Union on a monthly basis. I have added, for the current month of September 2017, the "Did You Know" (DYN) the percentage of the retail food dollar received by our American farmers.
The American farmers share of the American Families food dollar varies greatly at the farm gate. Many farm markets can and do change throughout the day or by the week as influenced by supply, family demand, weather, transportation and quality of farm food item. Thus, our farmers must know the unit cost of raising the crop and its quality -- an economist and marketer all rolled into one. Check out the September information compared to the August information for an example of market changes.
Item --------------------- Retail ------Farmers----DYK
1 lb Bacon-----------------$ 5.63 -----$ 0.83 ----- 14.7%
1 lb Top Sirloin Steak -----$ 8.99 ----- $ 1.84 ----- 20.4 %
2 lb Bread ----------------$ 2.99 ----- $ 0.12 ----- 4.0%
5 lb Fresh Carrots --------$ 2.79 ----- $ 1.45 ----- 51.9 %
18 oz box of Cereal -------$ 4.19 ----- $ 0.05 ----- 1.1 %
4 oz Wheat Bagel ---------$ 0.96----- $ 0.04 ----- 4.1 %
1 lb Tomatoes ------------$ 1.99 ----- $ 0.30 ----- 15.0 %
1 doz Eggs --------------- $ 1.79 ----- $ 0.75 ----- 41.8 %
5 lb King Arthur Flour ---- $6.29 ----- $ 0.40 ----- 6.3 %
1 lb Boneless Ham ------- $ 5.99 ----- $ 0.83 ----- 13.8 %
1 lb Lettuce -------------- $ 2.19 ----- $ 0.25 ----- 11.4 %
1 gal Fat Free Milk ------- $ 4.49 ----- $ 1.55 ----- 34.5 %
8 oz Lay's Potato Chips --$ 3.29 ----- $ 0.17 ----- 5.1 %
5 lb Russet Potatoes ---- $ 4.49 ----- $ 0.73 ----- 16.2 %
2 liter Soda ------------- $ 1.20 ----- $ 0.04 ----- 3.3 %
1 lb Green Beans -------- $ 1.49 ----- $ 0.94 ----- 63. 0%
Did you know: American Pork Farmers receives 83 cents for a pound of Bacon that American Families pay $ 5.63 for at the grocery store. That is 14.7 % of the retail value.
Note: Farmers Share divided by Retail equals % received by farmers.
The selection of fresh locally grown meat, eggs, fruits and vegetables at local farmers markets will begin to change with the fast approching "Fall Season." However, the local farmers markets continues to be an opportunity for American Families to visit with local farmers and become aquainted with the farmers raising local food items. Enjoy the experience.
Local farmers ( Sevier County Tennessee ) marketing Beef from their farms are: James "Shorty" King of 4 Kings Farm and Jonathan Smelcer of Smelcer's Farm. They Sell whole, halves or quarters of beef. Also, Jonathan sells several individual cuts of beef.
Local Farmers Markets:
Sevier Farmers Co-op: 8:00 am till 12;00 noon on Wednesday and Saturday .
Seymour First Baptist Church: 8;00 am till 12;00 noon on Saturday
Other market opportunities are listed on the Tennessee Department of Agriculture web-page as " Pick Tennessee Products."
Related Articles
1- The Food Dollar Up-Date August 2017
2- Brown vs White Eggs
3- Todays Beef Chioces
4- Truth About Labels
5- How To Store Beef
EQUINE EDUCATIONAL EVENTS
8:31/17
Horse owners and enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in several opportunities during September and October. These events include the TENNESSEE MASTER HORSE PROGRAM ( TMHP ) ; Horse Management field day and University of Tennessee Horse Judging contest. These events are presented by faculty and staff of U T Animal Science Department and U T Agriculture Extension Service.
The Tennessee Master Horse Program is an educational program designed to provide science based information on nutrition, health, management and care for all equine owners, handlers and those interested in equine well-being. Through classroom learning, hands-on activities and real life applications the TMHP delivers information for owners to implement current best management practicies and improve equine care. The TMHP consist of educational presentations and activities on evenings of:: September 12 (6-9 pm); Sept. 14 (4-8 pm); Sept. 19 (6-9 pm); Sept. 21 (6-9 pm); Sept. 26 (6-9 pm); Sept. 28 (6-9 pm); across the Sweetwater, Knoxville, Alcoa and Athens area. Registration for the six day course is $ 175.00 per participant and includes educational materials, meals and incentives upon completion of the course. For additional information or registration visit web-page UT Horse.com
Ever consider getting rid of those weeds in your horse's pasture, What plants might create problems for your horse or How to determine what nutrients are provided to your horse by various forages -- various grasses ?????? Come to the horse management field day to secure answers. The field day is being offered from 4 to 8 pm in the Eastern Region SEPTEMBER 14 at JARTU facility in Knoxville. The event is "FREE" and includes dinner but you must register for meal planning purposes. For additional information call. 865-974-7286 or e-mail [email protected]
For all 4-H and FFA and other horse judges !!!! The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is hosting a youth judging contest at "Elder's Last Lap Ranch" in Maryville, Tennessee. The contest is open to all youth in grades 4th thur 12th for the current 2017 - 2018 school year. Registration is $ 25.oo per person including lunch. For additional information and/or registration contact Lacy Johnson at 865-974-6390 or e-mail [email protected]
HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU.
8:31/17
Horse owners and enthusiasts are encouraged to participate in several opportunities during September and October. These events include the TENNESSEE MASTER HORSE PROGRAM ( TMHP ) ; Horse Management field day and University of Tennessee Horse Judging contest. These events are presented by faculty and staff of U T Animal Science Department and U T Agriculture Extension Service.
The Tennessee Master Horse Program is an educational program designed to provide science based information on nutrition, health, management and care for all equine owners, handlers and those interested in equine well-being. Through classroom learning, hands-on activities and real life applications the TMHP delivers information for owners to implement current best management practicies and improve equine care. The TMHP consist of educational presentations and activities on evenings of:: September 12 (6-9 pm); Sept. 14 (4-8 pm); Sept. 19 (6-9 pm); Sept. 21 (6-9 pm); Sept. 26 (6-9 pm); Sept. 28 (6-9 pm); across the Sweetwater, Knoxville, Alcoa and Athens area. Registration for the six day course is $ 175.00 per participant and includes educational materials, meals and incentives upon completion of the course. For additional information or registration visit web-page UT Horse.com
Ever consider getting rid of those weeds in your horse's pasture, What plants might create problems for your horse or How to determine what nutrients are provided to your horse by various forages -- various grasses ?????? Come to the horse management field day to secure answers. The field day is being offered from 4 to 8 pm in the Eastern Region SEPTEMBER 14 at JARTU facility in Knoxville. The event is "FREE" and includes dinner but you must register for meal planning purposes. For additional information call. 865-974-7286 or e-mail [email protected]
For all 4-H and FFA and other horse judges !!!! The University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture is hosting a youth judging contest at "Elder's Last Lap Ranch" in Maryville, Tennessee. The contest is open to all youth in grades 4th thur 12th for the current 2017 - 2018 school year. Registration is $ 25.oo per person including lunch. For additional information and/or registration contact Lacy Johnson at 865-974-6390 or e-mail [email protected]
HAPPY TRAILS TO YOU.
LIVESTOCK CONFERENCE
6/28/17
A Tennessee Valley Livestock Conference was held at Walter's State Expo Center near White Pine, Tn. June 27th opened with our National Anthem sang by Ms. Rheba Capps. The special one-say program for Valley beef and dairy farmers featured Trent Loos an agriculture radio host known for his show "Loos Tales" and member of president Trump's Agriculture Advisory Committee.
The main educational program for valley beef and dairy farmers included sessions on: Forage Management in Challenging Times (drought and fertilization); DeLaval Automated Calf Feeding and Robotic Milking Equipment; A Live Cattle Grading and Marketing Considerations discussion; Automated Total Mixed Rations Feeding Equipment followed by discussions on Getting the Most from Summer Fescue and Considerations for Direct Marketing of Meat Cuts and Live Animals for Custom Harvest.
An extensive trade show accompanied the livestock conference including representatives from agri-busines firms supporting beef and dairy businesses including animal health, equipment companies, feed suppliers, marketing agencies, lending institutions and area seedstock breeding farms for Angus and Charolais cattle.
It was a jam-packed educational and fun filled day for some 300+ Tennessee Valley beef nd dairy farmers. The Tennessee Valley Livestock Conference, the first-of-its-kind, was sponsored by Tennessee Farmers Cooperative; Virginia Cattlemen's Association; North Carolina Cattlemen's Association; Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and Tennessee Dairy Producers Asssociation.
6/28/17
A Tennessee Valley Livestock Conference was held at Walter's State Expo Center near White Pine, Tn. June 27th opened with our National Anthem sang by Ms. Rheba Capps. The special one-say program for Valley beef and dairy farmers featured Trent Loos an agriculture radio host known for his show "Loos Tales" and member of president Trump's Agriculture Advisory Committee.
The main educational program for valley beef and dairy farmers included sessions on: Forage Management in Challenging Times (drought and fertilization); DeLaval Automated Calf Feeding and Robotic Milking Equipment; A Live Cattle Grading and Marketing Considerations discussion; Automated Total Mixed Rations Feeding Equipment followed by discussions on Getting the Most from Summer Fescue and Considerations for Direct Marketing of Meat Cuts and Live Animals for Custom Harvest.
An extensive trade show accompanied the livestock conference including representatives from agri-busines firms supporting beef and dairy businesses including animal health, equipment companies, feed suppliers, marketing agencies, lending institutions and area seedstock breeding farms for Angus and Charolais cattle.
It was a jam-packed educational and fun filled day for some 300+ Tennessee Valley beef nd dairy farmers. The Tennessee Valley Livestock Conference, the first-of-its-kind, was sponsored by Tennessee Farmers Cooperative; Virginia Cattlemen's Association; North Carolina Cattlemen's Association; Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and Tennessee Dairy Producers Asssociation.
06/05/17
OH THE GOOD OLE DAYS
Sometimes its amazing what can be found rummaging through some of those un-packed boxes -- you know, those that were packed during moving but somehow you never got around to un-packing.
Recently wondering what maybe in those boxes -- the find was A Roy Rogers mug or cup thats been around, more years than we would like to count.
Also, a card stating rules for all "Roy Rogers Riders Club" members.
1- Be neat and clean
2- Be courteous and polite
3- Always obey your parents
4- Protect the weak and help them
5- Be brave but never take chances
6- Study hard and learn all you can
7- Be kind to animals and care for them
8- Eat all your food and never waste any
9- Love God and go to Sunday School regularly
10- Alwys respect our flag and our country
May the good lord take a liking to you -- Happy Trails to you
Also, found was "The Cowboys Code" from Gene Autry.
1- A Cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage
2- He must never go back on his word or a trust confided in him
3- He must always tell the truth
4- He must be gentle with children, the elderly and animals
5- He must not advocate or possess radical or religious intolerant ideas
6- He must help people in distress
7- He must be a good worker
8- He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action and personal habits
9- He must respect women, parents and his nations laws
10- The Cowboy is a Patriot
What would we think of these today ???
These men Gene Autry and Roy Rogers desired to be role models for youth several years ago. These rules would set a good example for all boys and girls -- young or old -- today.
My associations with these groups was during the early 1950's. Many hours were spent watching their programs on a black and white TV, with Roy Rogers ( horse Trigger ) , Dale Evans ( horse Buttermilk ) and Gene Autry ( horse Champion ) along with their sidekicks. OH, the Good OLe Days.
Swinging Under
5/30/17
UMMM ! Recently, following a steak and veggie dinner, it was time for that back porch swing for a dditional enjoyment -- just swinging.
Just swinging as the sunshine shown bright for a late daytime afternoon. A bright, clear blue sky was beautiful, to say the least, not a cloud was to be seen.
A slight breeze rustled through the trees and leaves lining our neighbors fenceline. Birds were busy flying about, chirping and singing. Nature's sounds make just swinging a more enjoyable time.
A breeze continued as sunshine faded into dusk and birds hushed their singing as new sounds of crickets, treefrogs and other sounds of nature filled the air. A few moths were flying around a near-by light, as dusk brought out a few "lighting bugs," better known as fireflies today, so just kept swinging.
Oops, its dark now and a bit of thunder occurred in the distance accompanied by a small flash of lightning. Those sounds of nature caused the lighting bugs, crickets and treefrogs to cease their musical just kept swinging.
The night air was still and not a sound to be heard, except an occasional squeak from just a swinging. A bit of rain fell, just enough to put a coolness in the air, so just kept swinging enjoying natures sounds and surroundings. Nothing compares with un-intrupted sounds of nature, just keep swinging.
Try it sometime, its good for the soul.
5/30/17
UMMM ! Recently, following a steak and veggie dinner, it was time for that back porch swing for a dditional enjoyment -- just swinging.
Just swinging as the sunshine shown bright for a late daytime afternoon. A bright, clear blue sky was beautiful, to say the least, not a cloud was to be seen.
A slight breeze rustled through the trees and leaves lining our neighbors fenceline. Birds were busy flying about, chirping and singing. Nature's sounds make just swinging a more enjoyable time.
A breeze continued as sunshine faded into dusk and birds hushed their singing as new sounds of crickets, treefrogs and other sounds of nature filled the air. A few moths were flying around a near-by light, as dusk brought out a few "lighting bugs," better known as fireflies today, so just kept swinging.
Oops, its dark now and a bit of thunder occurred in the distance accompanied by a small flash of lightning. Those sounds of nature caused the lighting bugs, crickets and treefrogs to cease their musical just kept swinging.
The night air was still and not a sound to be heard, except an occasional squeak from just a swinging. A bit of rain fell, just enough to put a coolness in the air, so just kept swinging enjoying natures sounds and surroundings. Nothing compares with un-intrupted sounds of nature, just keep swinging.
Try it sometime, its good for the soul.
FARM DAYS 2017
5/11/2017
WHOEEEE -- "FARM DAYS" -- what a big two days that were busy and fun filled with Sevier County 4th grade students, teachers, parents and teen leaders. Some 57 groups with 18 to 20 students toured "Farm Days," a learning experience about agriculture, where american families foods originates and just how american agriculture affects our daily lives. "Farm Days" are sponsored by Sevier County Livestock Association.
Once that morning whistle sounds at 9:00 am, its wall to wall with many curious students, teachers and parents. The final whistle blows at 2:00 pm as students boards busses returning to their schools and many volunteer teachers at those learning stations breath a sig of relief and smiles all around with their accomplishments for "Farm Days."
The many learning stations included are briefly described -- with pictures to follow at bottom of the page:
1- "Wow That Cow" related to many items we use daily that cattle influence, food items supplied and their nutritional values. Some 300 items such as: soaps, combs, toothpaste, candies, tape, glue, paper, paints, brushes are made from cattle. What do cattle eat ??? -- grass, peanut hulls, cottonseed, potato peals, wheat mids, and corn cobs are recycled into food items for humans. Plus, many items such as baseballs, footballs, softballs, basketballs, ball gloves, shoes and leather cloths that we use daily. The display was illustrated and discussed by Peyton Day, Tyler Schrick, Breanna Brouhard and Melody Cody their leader.
2- The Vegetable Garden with plants -- cucumber, tomato, pepper, squash, sweet corn and potatoe. The Farm Bureau Women's group illustrated with seed to plants, to fruits, to final products such as: Tomato seed grows to tomato plants producing tomatoes for tomato ketchup for our fried potatoes.
3- The Dairy Cattle and Dairy Products discussed were: milk - whole and skimmed, cottage cheese, ice cream, yogurt and those nutrients supplied from these food items. Plus, what food nutrients our bodies need that are available from dairy cattle and dairy products.
4- The many seeds that farmers/ranchers use to raise food crops for american families and their livestock: corn, soybeans, oats, millet, buckwheat, clovers -- red and white, grass -- fescue and orchard grass, and sorghum. How these seed grow to plants and foods was discussed by John Delozier from Sevier Farmers Co-op.
5- Forestry: The display and discussion included many tree parts, leaves for identification, and seeds for growing new trees. Also, insect traps for insects effecting our native forest trees. Plus, how to build bird houses and feeders as birds around our homes eat many insects.
6- Sevier County Beekeepers displayed the kinds of honeybees and their work as our number one pollinators of vegetable and fruit crops. These bees are responsible for each "third bit of food" we have to eat. These honeybees are very important to our food cycle.
7- The "Barnyard Animals" on display were: cow and calf, sheep, pigs, goat, chicken, turkey, rabbits, horse, mule, and donkey. Each animal had "Barnyard Math" posted that was discussed and explained by teen leaders. Also, Roger Radel's incubator hatched five baby chicks during the "Farm Days."
8- Soil Conservation illustrated erosion control practices that farmers/ranchers use for protecting their soil while raising food crops for american families and their livestock.
9- Master Gardners illustrated and discussed many garden and landscape plants we use around our homes.
10- Tennessee Department of Forestry displayed and discussed their forest fire fighting and tree planting equipment.
11- Many antique tractors and modern, "Today's Tractors" and various farm implements were displayed to show students yesterday and today's farm implements.
Today one farmer/rancher provides Food, Fober, Fuel and Shelter for 155 American family members.
Tennessee's "Top Ten" agriculture crops and livestock are: Cattle and Calves; Soybeans; Broilers ( chickens ); Corn; Hay; Milk and Dairy Products; Wheat; Cotton; Tobacco; Fruits and Vegetables.
5/11/2017
WHOEEEE -- "FARM DAYS" -- what a big two days that were busy and fun filled with Sevier County 4th grade students, teachers, parents and teen leaders. Some 57 groups with 18 to 20 students toured "Farm Days," a learning experience about agriculture, where american families foods originates and just how american agriculture affects our daily lives. "Farm Days" are sponsored by Sevier County Livestock Association.
Once that morning whistle sounds at 9:00 am, its wall to wall with many curious students, teachers and parents. The final whistle blows at 2:00 pm as students boards busses returning to their schools and many volunteer teachers at those learning stations breath a sig of relief and smiles all around with their accomplishments for "Farm Days."
The many learning stations included are briefly described -- with pictures to follow at bottom of the page:
1- "Wow That Cow" related to many items we use daily that cattle influence, food items supplied and their nutritional values. Some 300 items such as: soaps, combs, toothpaste, candies, tape, glue, paper, paints, brushes are made from cattle. What do cattle eat ??? -- grass, peanut hulls, cottonseed, potato peals, wheat mids, and corn cobs are recycled into food items for humans. Plus, many items such as baseballs, footballs, softballs, basketballs, ball gloves, shoes and leather cloths that we use daily. The display was illustrated and discussed by Peyton Day, Tyler Schrick, Breanna Brouhard and Melody Cody their leader.
2- The Vegetable Garden with plants -- cucumber, tomato, pepper, squash, sweet corn and potatoe. The Farm Bureau Women's group illustrated with seed to plants, to fruits, to final products such as: Tomato seed grows to tomato plants producing tomatoes for tomato ketchup for our fried potatoes.
3- The Dairy Cattle and Dairy Products discussed were: milk - whole and skimmed, cottage cheese, ice cream, yogurt and those nutrients supplied from these food items. Plus, what food nutrients our bodies need that are available from dairy cattle and dairy products.
4- The many seeds that farmers/ranchers use to raise food crops for american families and their livestock: corn, soybeans, oats, millet, buckwheat, clovers -- red and white, grass -- fescue and orchard grass, and sorghum. How these seed grow to plants and foods was discussed by John Delozier from Sevier Farmers Co-op.
5- Forestry: The display and discussion included many tree parts, leaves for identification, and seeds for growing new trees. Also, insect traps for insects effecting our native forest trees. Plus, how to build bird houses and feeders as birds around our homes eat many insects.
6- Sevier County Beekeepers displayed the kinds of honeybees and their work as our number one pollinators of vegetable and fruit crops. These bees are responsible for each "third bit of food" we have to eat. These honeybees are very important to our food cycle.
7- The "Barnyard Animals" on display were: cow and calf, sheep, pigs, goat, chicken, turkey, rabbits, horse, mule, and donkey. Each animal had "Barnyard Math" posted that was discussed and explained by teen leaders. Also, Roger Radel's incubator hatched five baby chicks during the "Farm Days."
8- Soil Conservation illustrated erosion control practices that farmers/ranchers use for protecting their soil while raising food crops for american families and their livestock.
9- Master Gardners illustrated and discussed many garden and landscape plants we use around our homes.
10- Tennessee Department of Forestry displayed and discussed their forest fire fighting and tree planting equipment.
11- Many antique tractors and modern, "Today's Tractors" and various farm implements were displayed to show students yesterday and today's farm implements.
Today one farmer/rancher provides Food, Fober, Fuel and Shelter for 155 American family members.
Tennessee's "Top Ten" agriculture crops and livestock are: Cattle and Calves; Soybeans; Broilers ( chickens ); Corn; Hay; Milk and Dairy Products; Wheat; Cotton; Tobacco; Fruits and Vegetables.
ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION
ITS YOUTH HEIFER TIME IN TENNESSEE
10/20/16
The Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and Farm Credit Services of Mid-America are teaming up to offer Tennessee youth a "Beef Heifer Scholarship" for 2017. A total of six scholarships will be awarded totaling $9000.oo for worthy youth involved in agriculture.
These scholarships are:
Junior ( 4, 5, and 6th grades ) 1st $ 2000.oo 2nd $ 1000.oo
Junior High ( 7, 8, 9th grades ) 1st. $ 2000.oo 2nd $ 1000.oo
Senior High ( 10, 11, 12th grades ) 1st $ 2000.oo 2nd $ 1000.oo
The scholarship divisions are determined based upon grade enrolled at time of application.
A brief description of the application:
1- Breifly describe your current beef cattle program
2- Leadership activities ( 50 points ):
A- Tennessee Junior Beef Activities, Awards or Office
B- Other School Activities and Awards
C- Community Activities
D- Work Experiences
additinal pages may be added where necessary.
3- Essay ( 50 points ), the topic: What can I do to have a benefit on the beef industry in Tennessee ? ( no less than 300 words ).
These "Beef Heifer Scholarships" may be used to purchase a beef heifer for show or to begin your own beef breeding herd. The official application forms can be found on pages 52 and 53 of the October issue of Tennessee Cattle Business magazine or on Tennessee Cattlemen's web-page.
The youth beef heifer applications are due December 1, 2016 to the Tennessee Cattlemen's office, located in Mufreesboro, Tennessee. These scholarships will be presented during their annual convention January 12 thur 14, 2017 in Murfreesboro.
Don't pass this opportunity to purchase a quality beef heifer. These beef heifers can have an important influence on the future of these junior cattlemen.
ITS YOUTH HEIFER TIME IN TENNESSEE
10/20/16
The Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and Farm Credit Services of Mid-America are teaming up to offer Tennessee youth a "Beef Heifer Scholarship" for 2017. A total of six scholarships will be awarded totaling $9000.oo for worthy youth involved in agriculture.
These scholarships are:
Junior ( 4, 5, and 6th grades ) 1st $ 2000.oo 2nd $ 1000.oo
Junior High ( 7, 8, 9th grades ) 1st. $ 2000.oo 2nd $ 1000.oo
Senior High ( 10, 11, 12th grades ) 1st $ 2000.oo 2nd $ 1000.oo
The scholarship divisions are determined based upon grade enrolled at time of application.
A brief description of the application:
1- Breifly describe your current beef cattle program
2- Leadership activities ( 50 points ):
A- Tennessee Junior Beef Activities, Awards or Office
B- Other School Activities and Awards
C- Community Activities
D- Work Experiences
additinal pages may be added where necessary.
3- Essay ( 50 points ), the topic: What can I do to have a benefit on the beef industry in Tennessee ? ( no less than 300 words ).
These "Beef Heifer Scholarships" may be used to purchase a beef heifer for show or to begin your own beef breeding herd. The official application forms can be found on pages 52 and 53 of the October issue of Tennessee Cattle Business magazine or on Tennessee Cattlemen's web-page.
The youth beef heifer applications are due December 1, 2016 to the Tennessee Cattlemen's office, located in Mufreesboro, Tennessee. These scholarships will be presented during their annual convention January 12 thur 14, 2017 in Murfreesboro.
Don't pass this opportunity to purchase a quality beef heifer. These beef heifers can have an important influence on the future of these junior cattlemen.
FARM FEST
9/26/16
What an enjoyable afternoon at Farm Fest during Sevier County Fair. It was a very pleasant surprise as to the number of children, along with their parents, making their way through the various activities -- learning a bit about today's agriculture.
The children completed word games, word puzzles, word searches, barnyard math all the while learning the many items from agriculture and how we use these in our daily lives.
These learning stations included: Bee's, Dairy Cattle, Swine (pigs), Beef Cattle, Corn, Fruits, Vegetables, Soybeans, and Dairy products - ice cream for each child. The walls were lined with banners describing many agriculture crops and animals as to their use and value. Plus, a small animal display where children could interact with the small animals.
The children enjoyed the games and puzzles and parents were surprised to learn many items from agriculture and their value. There is nothing more important than raising food for American families.
I encountered a thought provoking three ladies that took me by surprise as to their thoughts and concerns about animal antibiotics and gmo crops. It was difficult for these ladies to realize there are "only eight GMO crops" raised -- Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Alfalfa, Canola, Squash, Sugar Beets and Papaya's. Needless to say we had a positive, good discussion and exchange of ideas. Always room to learn for adults and children.
9/26/16
What an enjoyable afternoon at Farm Fest during Sevier County Fair. It was a very pleasant surprise as to the number of children, along with their parents, making their way through the various activities -- learning a bit about today's agriculture.
The children completed word games, word puzzles, word searches, barnyard math all the while learning the many items from agriculture and how we use these in our daily lives.
These learning stations included: Bee's, Dairy Cattle, Swine (pigs), Beef Cattle, Corn, Fruits, Vegetables, Soybeans, and Dairy products - ice cream for each child. The walls were lined with banners describing many agriculture crops and animals as to their use and value. Plus, a small animal display where children could interact with the small animals.
The children enjoyed the games and puzzles and parents were surprised to learn many items from agriculture and their value. There is nothing more important than raising food for American families.
I encountered a thought provoking three ladies that took me by surprise as to their thoughts and concerns about animal antibiotics and gmo crops. It was difficult for these ladies to realize there are "only eight GMO crops" raised -- Corn, Soybeans, Cotton, Alfalfa, Canola, Squash, Sugar Beets and Papaya's. Needless to say we had a positive, good discussion and exchange of ideas. Always room to learn for adults and children.
NATIONAL GMO LABELING
8-24-16
The senate agriculture committee has agreed on a plan to establish nationwide labeling of foods containing GMO"s -- genetically modified organisms and has passed a bill to that effect. Also, the House of Representatives has passed a bill on GMO labeling as of 7- 2016. These bills paves the way for congressional approval for a nationwide law that preempts individual state laws. Supporters of these bills to become law indicates it would prevent a "confusing patchwork" of fifty different rules and laws within each state.
These bills, upon becoming law, would instruct the USDA to establish uniform federal labeling. To Identify GMO ingredients, food companies will have four options: a specific designed symbol; a labeling app or text; a QR digital code; a link to a web-site that may be scanned with a smartphone. The results offer a solution that works for farmers/ranchers, food companies and american families by establishing consistency for GMO labeling.
Family farmers/ranchers depends on agricultural bio-technology to meet an ever growing demand for food by the growing world population, expected to reach 9 billion + people by 2050. These bio-technology crops have long benefited agriculture and reduced the impact on our environment and natural resources -- air, water, soil or land, minerals, forest, wildlife and grass as farmers/ranchers raise food, fiber, fuel, and shelter for world wide families.
The proposal stipulates that meat, milk and eggs from animals consuming feeds grown from bio-technology seeds or crops are not subject to the GMO labeling law. The meat, milk and eggs are not genetically modified just because the animals consumed bio-technology feeds, just like you and me. We are not genetically modified because we consumed foods from bio-technology.
Articles you may like, connect with
1- GMO Labeling
2- Pathological Science
3- GMO Activist Changes Course
4- Thoughts Concerning Mis-representation
5- No Antibiotics In Milk
6- The No Pesticide Claim
7- Earth Day
8-24-16
The senate agriculture committee has agreed on a plan to establish nationwide labeling of foods containing GMO"s -- genetically modified organisms and has passed a bill to that effect. Also, the House of Representatives has passed a bill on GMO labeling as of 7- 2016. These bills paves the way for congressional approval for a nationwide law that preempts individual state laws. Supporters of these bills to become law indicates it would prevent a "confusing patchwork" of fifty different rules and laws within each state.
These bills, upon becoming law, would instruct the USDA to establish uniform federal labeling. To Identify GMO ingredients, food companies will have four options: a specific designed symbol; a labeling app or text; a QR digital code; a link to a web-site that may be scanned with a smartphone. The results offer a solution that works for farmers/ranchers, food companies and american families by establishing consistency for GMO labeling.
Family farmers/ranchers depends on agricultural bio-technology to meet an ever growing demand for food by the growing world population, expected to reach 9 billion + people by 2050. These bio-technology crops have long benefited agriculture and reduced the impact on our environment and natural resources -- air, water, soil or land, minerals, forest, wildlife and grass as farmers/ranchers raise food, fiber, fuel, and shelter for world wide families.
The proposal stipulates that meat, milk and eggs from animals consuming feeds grown from bio-technology seeds or crops are not subject to the GMO labeling law. The meat, milk and eggs are not genetically modified just because the animals consumed bio-technology feeds, just like you and me. We are not genetically modified because we consumed foods from bio-technology.
Articles you may like, connect with
1- GMO Labeling
2- Pathological Science
3- GMO Activist Changes Course
4- Thoughts Concerning Mis-representation
5- No Antibiotics In Milk
6- The No Pesticide Claim
7- Earth Day
7-8-16
Thomas Jefferson to John Jay August 23, 1785
A quote from some 231 years ago could very well sum up our agriculture leadership today. We enjoy today the work and toil of those previous agriculturalist who have gone before us.
Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous, and they are tied to their country and are wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bands.
A TRIP DOWN MEMORY LANE
5-31-16
My Grandparents home place is a wonderful site that we often visit on return trips home to the "Valley." The white farmhouse is the first site at the end of a graveled dirt road, saying welcome. The farmhouse symbolizes something about yesteryear living in the "Valley," farm work and rural life. However, life is much different today compared to yesteryear's farmstead.
The white farmhouse -- five rooms with a fireplace in four for heat and a wood cook stove in the kitchen; open windows and a breeze for cooling; an attic for storage; a pantry for Grandma's canned goods plus a cellar for vegetable storage mainly potatoes and cabbage. The Grand Porch encircles 3/4th of the house providing for family gatherings and visitors. Jus image the hustle and bustle within the house spilling over to that Grand Porch and enjoying everyones fellowship.
There was a smokehouse out back for meat curing and storage; a springhouse for water and cooling; a large chicken house and Grandma's wash house. These buildings make-up the farmstead and livelihood of my Grandparents, but are deteroiteing with age.
A large weathered barn stands a short distance from the farmhouse. As you enter, observing where Dad painted Grandpa's name. On the left are two large stalls where Grandpa housed his team of gray horses, used for working the farm lands, and two other stalls for various livestock. The short hallway to the feed manger is where the work horses harnesses were hanging and ready for work. The right has a stall where the family Jersey milk cow was housed along with two other stalls used to raise veal calves.
A rather large corn-crib is in the rear of the barn for storing corn raised for livestock feed and grinding meal for family cooking.
Climbing those twelve foot stairs to the loft where loose hays were stored for winter feeding of livestock. The old hay tract, rope and hay fork stands in the top of the self-supporting barn roof today. Its been many moon's since this has been used. Close your eyes and dream -- you can hear commands to horses and individuals as hay is hoisted to the loft.
The smokehouse and springhouse are missing but that cool spring water, that served as cooling for milk, butter, buttermilk and a bit of cheese, is as cool as ever providing a refreshing drink. Plus, water for Grandma's wash house activities.
Also, outback was a large chicken house and about an acre garden. The chicken house provided eggs and fried chicken, mostly for Sunday dinners. The garden provided -- rhubarb, green lettuce, onions, beets, carrots, radishes, tomatoes, sweet corn, pole and bush beans, sweet and irish potatoes and strawberries. These vegetables were good cooled briefly in the springhouse and served for many meals, plus canning for winter time meals.
The rustic farmstead activities doesn't relate what agriculture looks and feels like today but these sites brings back many fond memories of yesteryear.
These historical structures are an important piece of yesteryear and just how my Grandparents persevered through the years and how agriculture has evolved to provide food, fiber, fuel and shelter for an ever growing population around the world today. As the family farm grew with technology, we discovered more efficient methods to raise crops and livestock. Like most farmers, we haven't forgotten our heritage. The farmhouse and farmstead buildings serve as reminders as to why and who we are today.
Maybe my trip down memory lane will stir a few others memories and offer a symbol of respect for where we came and what we have become.
Articles of interest
1- We Are Farmers
2- Earth Day
3- A New Agriculture
4- Explaining Agriculture
5- Super Bowl 50 and Agriculture
5-31-16
My Grandparents home place is a wonderful site that we often visit on return trips home to the "Valley." The white farmhouse is the first site at the end of a graveled dirt road, saying welcome. The farmhouse symbolizes something about yesteryear living in the "Valley," farm work and rural life. However, life is much different today compared to yesteryear's farmstead.
The white farmhouse -- five rooms with a fireplace in four for heat and a wood cook stove in the kitchen; open windows and a breeze for cooling; an attic for storage; a pantry for Grandma's canned goods plus a cellar for vegetable storage mainly potatoes and cabbage. The Grand Porch encircles 3/4th of the house providing for family gatherings and visitors. Jus image the hustle and bustle within the house spilling over to that Grand Porch and enjoying everyones fellowship.
There was a smokehouse out back for meat curing and storage; a springhouse for water and cooling; a large chicken house and Grandma's wash house. These buildings make-up the farmstead and livelihood of my Grandparents, but are deteroiteing with age.
A large weathered barn stands a short distance from the farmhouse. As you enter, observing where Dad painted Grandpa's name. On the left are two large stalls where Grandpa housed his team of gray horses, used for working the farm lands, and two other stalls for various livestock. The short hallway to the feed manger is where the work horses harnesses were hanging and ready for work. The right has a stall where the family Jersey milk cow was housed along with two other stalls used to raise veal calves.
A rather large corn-crib is in the rear of the barn for storing corn raised for livestock feed and grinding meal for family cooking.
Climbing those twelve foot stairs to the loft where loose hays were stored for winter feeding of livestock. The old hay tract, rope and hay fork stands in the top of the self-supporting barn roof today. Its been many moon's since this has been used. Close your eyes and dream -- you can hear commands to horses and individuals as hay is hoisted to the loft.
The smokehouse and springhouse are missing but that cool spring water, that served as cooling for milk, butter, buttermilk and a bit of cheese, is as cool as ever providing a refreshing drink. Plus, water for Grandma's wash house activities.
Also, outback was a large chicken house and about an acre garden. The chicken house provided eggs and fried chicken, mostly for Sunday dinners. The garden provided -- rhubarb, green lettuce, onions, beets, carrots, radishes, tomatoes, sweet corn, pole and bush beans, sweet and irish potatoes and strawberries. These vegetables were good cooled briefly in the springhouse and served for many meals, plus canning for winter time meals.
The rustic farmstead activities doesn't relate what agriculture looks and feels like today but these sites brings back many fond memories of yesteryear.
These historical structures are an important piece of yesteryear and just how my Grandparents persevered through the years and how agriculture has evolved to provide food, fiber, fuel and shelter for an ever growing population around the world today. As the family farm grew with technology, we discovered more efficient methods to raise crops and livestock. Like most farmers, we haven't forgotten our heritage. The farmhouse and farmstead buildings serve as reminders as to why and who we are today.
Maybe my trip down memory lane will stir a few others memories and offer a symbol of respect for where we came and what we have become.
Articles of interest
1- We Are Farmers
2- Earth Day
3- A New Agriculture
4- Explaining Agriculture
5- Super Bowl 50 and Agriculture
WE ARE FARMERS
04-04-16
Hello Folks,
My family and I are farmers. Let me tell you a bit about us, for those of you who may not know who farmers are: We have a small East Tennessee farm where we raise a few beef cows and calves, grass pasture ( summer cow and calf food ), dried grass or hay for winter food for cattle, and a few acres of corn for market and cattle food. My wife and I work off the farm at a big box store and our daughter teaches at a local elementary school.
We are members of a larger team of U.S.A. farmers/ranchers responsible for raising food, fiber, fuel and shelter for american families. We not only supply these essential items for the U.S.A. but we ship them all around the world for other families. We raise: Meats - beef, pork, chicken; Dairy - milk, butter, cream; Vegetables - corn, beans, potatoes, carrots; Fruits - tomatoes, apples, grapes, berries; Nuts - peanuts, almonds, walnuts; Grains - corn, wheat, oats, barley, for people and animals. We raise cotton for cloths and fabric and trees for lumber to build homes. plus, several items that keep you and me healthy.
You actually contact our family several times a day through: cooking oils, make-up, lotions, soaps, plastic combs and brushes, tape, paints, candies, crayons,toothpaste, deodorant, lip gloss, shoe polish, chewing gum. We supply coverings for softballs, baseballs, footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, volley balls, shoes, boots, belts, baseball gloves, purses, billfolds, car seat covers, and many other items.
Our family and other farmers/ranchers are a team of about 2% or the U.S.A. population ( some 340 million people ). Our team members are dedicated to raising these goods and services for american and other families around the world.
Our farmers/ranchers team have become more sustainable as we raise more with less natural resources: soil, air, water, grass, trees, minerals, and fuels. We continue to improve our plants and animals through genetics and nutrition. See we are the original environmentalist as stewards of our lands and animals entrusted to our care.
04-04-16
Hello Folks,
My family and I are farmers. Let me tell you a bit about us, for those of you who may not know who farmers are: We have a small East Tennessee farm where we raise a few beef cows and calves, grass pasture ( summer cow and calf food ), dried grass or hay for winter food for cattle, and a few acres of corn for market and cattle food. My wife and I work off the farm at a big box store and our daughter teaches at a local elementary school.
We are members of a larger team of U.S.A. farmers/ranchers responsible for raising food, fiber, fuel and shelter for american families. We not only supply these essential items for the U.S.A. but we ship them all around the world for other families. We raise: Meats - beef, pork, chicken; Dairy - milk, butter, cream; Vegetables - corn, beans, potatoes, carrots; Fruits - tomatoes, apples, grapes, berries; Nuts - peanuts, almonds, walnuts; Grains - corn, wheat, oats, barley, for people and animals. We raise cotton for cloths and fabric and trees for lumber to build homes. plus, several items that keep you and me healthy.
You actually contact our family several times a day through: cooking oils, make-up, lotions, soaps, plastic combs and brushes, tape, paints, candies, crayons,toothpaste, deodorant, lip gloss, shoe polish, chewing gum. We supply coverings for softballs, baseballs, footballs, basketballs, soccer balls, volley balls, shoes, boots, belts, baseball gloves, purses, billfolds, car seat covers, and many other items.
Our family and other farmers/ranchers are a team of about 2% or the U.S.A. population ( some 340 million people ). Our team members are dedicated to raising these goods and services for american and other families around the world.
Our farmers/ranchers team have become more sustainable as we raise more with less natural resources: soil, air, water, grass, trees, minerals, and fuels. We continue to improve our plants and animals through genetics and nutrition. See we are the original environmentalist as stewards of our lands and animals entrusted to our care.
Obituary
12-15-15
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, “Common Sense”, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: knowing when to come in out of the rain; shy the early bird gets the worm; life isn’t always fair and maybe it was my fault.
Common sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overhearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6 year old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than victims.
Common sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 5 stepbrother; I know my rights, I want it now, Someone else is to blame, I’m a victim, pay me for doing nothing.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
Author: Unknown
12-15-15
Today we mourn the passing of a beloved old friend, “Common Sense”, who has been with us for many years. No one knows for sure how old he was, since his birth records were long ago lost in bureaucratic red tape. He will be remembered as having cultivated such valuable lessons as: knowing when to come in out of the rain; shy the early bird gets the worm; life isn’t always fair and maybe it was my fault.
Common sense lived by simple, sound financial policies (don’t spend more than you can earn) and reliable strategies (adults, not children, are in charge).
His health began to deteriorate rapidly when well-intentioned but overhearing regulations were set in place. Reports of a 6 year old boy charged with sexual harassment for kissing a classmate, teens suspended from school for using mouthwash after lunch; and a teacher fired for reprimanding an unruly student, only worsened his condition.
Common sense lost ground when parents attacked teachers for doing the job that they themselves had failed to do in disciplining their unruly children. It declined even further when schools were required to get parental consent to administer sun lotion or an aspirin to a student; but could not inform parents when a student became pregnant and wanted to have an abortion.
Common sense lost the will to live as the churches became businesses; and criminals received better treatment than victims.
Common sense took a beating when you couldn’t defend yourself from a burglar in your home and the burglar could sue you for assault.
Common sense finally gave up the will to live, after a woman failed to realize that a steaming cup of coffee was hot. She spilled a little in lap, and was promptly awarded a huge settlement.
Common sense was preceded in death, by his parents, Truth and Trust, by his wife, Discretion, by his daughter, Responsibility, and his son, Reason.
He is survived by his 5 stepbrother; I know my rights, I want it now, Someone else is to blame, I’m a victim, pay me for doing nothing.
Not many attended his funeral because so few realized he was gone.
Author: Unknown
Tennessee’s Beef Cattle Herd
11-04-15
There are an estimated 883,000 beef cows that have calved and 135,000 beef heifers for beef cow replacements on Tennessee’s 42,344 beef farms beginning 2015.
Tennessee’s 2014 calf crop was 840,000 calves (latest available count).
Tennessee was home to some 1,856,316 beef cattle during 2014, on 62.27% of Tennessee farms.
Tennessee ranks 13th in the USA for the number of beef cows that have calved.
Tennessee began 2014 with some 68,000 farms having 10,900,000 acres for an average of 160 acres per farm.
Sales from all Tennessee agricultural commodities during 2013 was $4,126,429.00 however, gross income from cattle and calves during 2014 was $840,042.00 accounting for 20.3% of Tennessee’s agricultural income.
Tennessee has 13 cattle harvesting facilities all across the state.
Currently, Tennessee has 25 livestock marketing facilities (stockyards and tele-marketing) at which farmers market their cattle and calves from Mountain City to Memphis.
The top 6 counties for beef cattle during 2014: Greene, Lincoln, Giles, Bedford Lawrence, and Maury.
Tennessee Loves Beef as the citizens spend $2,320,818,060.00 annually on beef and beef products.
On average Americans spend $357.27 per year on beef and beef products.
“Beef It’s What’s For Dinner”
From: Tennessee Department of Agriculture
University of Tennessee Agriculture Economics
National Cattlemen’s Beef Association
ATTENTION ATTENTION ATTENTION
2016 YOUTH BEEF HEIFER INITIATIVE
10-15-15
The Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and Farm Credit Services of Mid-America have teamed up to announce their "Beef Heifer Scholarships for 2016." A total of six scholarships will be awarded totaling $9000.oo for worthy youth involved in agriculture.
These scholarships are:
Junior ( 4th, 5th,6th grades ) 1st $2000.oo, 2nd $1000.oo
Junior High ( 7th, 8th, 9th ) 1st $2000.oo, 2nd $1000.oo
Senior High ( 10th, 11th, 12th ) 1st 2000.oo, 2nd $1000.oo
The division for application is determined by school grade at the time of application.
A brief description of the application:
1- Briefly describe your current beef cattle program.
2- Leadership activities ( 50 points )
A- Tennessee Junior Beef Activities/ Awards
B- Other School Activities and Awards
C- Community Activities
D- Work Experience
3- Essay ( 50 points ) topic:
What can I do to have a benefit on the beef industry in Tennessee ?
These "Beef Heifer Scholarships" may be used to purchase a beef heifer for show or to begin your own breeding hers. The official forms can be found on pages 62 and 63 of the October issue of Tennessee Cattle Business magazine or on Tennessee Cattlemen's home page or link.
These applications are due December 18, 2015, don't put it off enter now. The scholarships will be presented during Tennessee Cattlemen's Convention in Murfreesboro, Tennessee February 4- 6, 2016.
DON'T MISS this opportunity to purchase a quality "Beef Heifer." These heifers can have a lasting and important role in these junior cattlemen's future.
2016 YOUTH BEEF HEIFER INITIATIVE
10-15-15
The Tennessee Cattlemen's Association and Farm Credit Services of Mid-America have teamed up to announce their "Beef Heifer Scholarships for 2016." A total of six scholarships will be awarded totaling $9000.oo for worthy youth involved in agriculture.
These scholarships are:
Junior ( 4th, 5th,6th grades ) 1st $2000.oo, 2nd $1000.oo
Junior High ( 7th, 8th, 9th ) 1st $2000.oo, 2nd $1000.oo
Senior High ( 10th, 11th, 12th ) 1st 2000.oo, 2nd $1000.oo
The division for application is determined by school grade at the time of application.
A brief description of the application:
1- Briefly describe your current beef cattle program.
2- Leadership activities ( 50 points )
A- Tennessee Junior Beef Activities/ Awards
B- Other School Activities and Awards
C- Community Activities
D- Work Experience
3- Essay ( 50 points ) topic:
What can I do to have a benefit on the beef industry in Tennessee ?
These "Beef Heifer Scholarships" may be used to purchase a beef heifer for show or to begin your own breeding hers. The official forms can be found on pages 62 and 63 of the October issue of Tennessee Cattle Business magazine or on Tennessee Cattlemen's home page or link.
These applications are due December 18, 2015, don't put it off enter now. The scholarships will be presented during Tennessee Cattlemen's Convention in Murfreesboro, Tennessee February 4- 6, 2016.
DON'T MISS this opportunity to purchase a quality "Beef Heifer." These heifers can have a lasting and important role in these junior cattlemen's future.
Sevier Farmers Co-op's Annual Customers Appreciation Day
10-13-15
A full Saturday of rain was experienced during Sevier Farmers Co-op's annual customers appreciation day. However, the rain didn't dampen or reduce the enthusiasm of the crowd of customers that filled the store to capacity.
The Customers were busy discussing products with the, too many to count, vendors that filled every nook of the store, small engine shop, auto and tire bay, small animal and pet center, garden center and any place large enough to place a display table. It would be next to impossible to name or mention each of the vendors.
Sevier County Livestock Association had a beef display but were mainly in charge of grilling and preparing samples of "Flat Iron Steaks" for customers to sample. Charles Johnson and Roger Radel were kept busy preparing samples. Several customers were sampling home-made ice cream and pop corn as they picked up samples of Flat Iron Steak.
Sevier County Livestock Association's, assisted by Tennessee Beef Industry Council, display included charts and posters of the many cuts of beef, todays choices of beef ( grain finished, grass finished, natural, organic ). Also, the big 10 nutrients supplied by beef, plus recipes for "loving your grill."
Many customers ask questions about beef cuts, their preparation and quality. Plus, having many questions and comments concerning the choices of beef available on todays market. Many picked up information sheets, recipes, pencils and bumper stickers supplied by Tennessee Beef Industry Council.
The final event of today's customer appreciation day was awarding various door prizes from many vendors and Sevier County Farmers Co-op. It was a very enjoyable day capped off by our Tennessee Volunteer's squeezing out a big win over Georgia, Go Vols.
10-13-15
A full Saturday of rain was experienced during Sevier Farmers Co-op's annual customers appreciation day. However, the rain didn't dampen or reduce the enthusiasm of the crowd of customers that filled the store to capacity.
The Customers were busy discussing products with the, too many to count, vendors that filled every nook of the store, small engine shop, auto and tire bay, small animal and pet center, garden center and any place large enough to place a display table. It would be next to impossible to name or mention each of the vendors.
Sevier County Livestock Association had a beef display but were mainly in charge of grilling and preparing samples of "Flat Iron Steaks" for customers to sample. Charles Johnson and Roger Radel were kept busy preparing samples. Several customers were sampling home-made ice cream and pop corn as they picked up samples of Flat Iron Steak.
Sevier County Livestock Association's, assisted by Tennessee Beef Industry Council, display included charts and posters of the many cuts of beef, todays choices of beef ( grain finished, grass finished, natural, organic ). Also, the big 10 nutrients supplied by beef, plus recipes for "loving your grill."
Many customers ask questions about beef cuts, their preparation and quality. Plus, having many questions and comments concerning the choices of beef available on todays market. Many picked up information sheets, recipes, pencils and bumper stickers supplied by Tennessee Beef Industry Council.
The final event of today's customer appreciation day was awarding various door prizes from many vendors and Sevier County Farmers Co-op. It was a very enjoyable day capped off by our Tennessee Volunteer's squeezing out a big win over Georgia, Go Vols.
Factors Impacting Current Beef Cattle Market
10-12-15
Recently, everywhere you find two or more farmers/ranchers gathered -- coffee shop, farm supply store, livestock market -- the subject of the prices of beef calves seems to be the main topic of discussion. These comments from Tennessee Cattlemen's Association sums up the situation rather well.
A slowing global economy, particular in Asia a top export destination for USA Beef. Commodity prices around the world are under pressure. Volatility in the world/global financial markets has spread to the commodity markets.
It's important to remember that despite recent record-high beef prices, consumer demand remains strong.
A stronger USA dollar makes USA Beef less competitive than beef from Australia or Brazil, two of our largest competitors in the global marketplace.
Drought in Australia has resulted in heavy liquidation of their domestic cattle herd, pouring beef tonnage into global markets at discounted prices.
Important export markets, such as Russia,remain closed to beef from the USA, diverting that beef tonnage to other markets at reduced prices.
Good summer weather which contributed significantly to feedlot conversion and led to large numbers of heavyweight cattle.
The decline in market prices has encouraged slow marketing of fed cattle to the packing sector and larger carcass weights have contributed to increased beef tonnage, despite smaller overall numbers of cattle. That issue creates a snowball effect that requires time and timely marketing to correct. Competing meat ( pork and chicken ) supplies are also large.
Losses in the packing sector for consecutive years, through 2014 and into early 2015 have resulted in shuttering ( closing ) of plants and reducing operating hours as the sector worked to mitigate ( reduce ) their losses. That decline in capacity has made it difficult for feeders to effectively market their cattle in a timely manner, contributing to the backlog of market ready and heavyweight cattle in the supply chain.
The futures markets have presented few opportunities to reduce risk over the past year or more, preventing opportunities to protect margins in any sector.
A Kornfusing Day
10-5-15
The sun was bright, a gentle breeze was warm making for a pleasant day to enjoy a visit to the wonders of Kyker Farms Korn Maze. The Korn Maze is located on Alder Branch Road near Douglas Dam in Sevierville.
The crowd was small but found entertainment beyond expectations. This was my first time to visit a Korn Maze, it was enjoyable and entertaining, to say the least. We definitely had a better than our Tennessee Vols.
The "Farm Facts Maze" was an educational puzzle, especially if you selected the wrong answer, the trail was puzzling. Fun to discover and how you arrived at each station.
Other mazes were "Laze Maze" and "Tator Tot" -- we had the same experience in each. Also, the Kids Crawl in the big red barn, including chickens, ducks, goats and sheep along with other displays.
Several children were enjoying the large pillow jumping-- adults too from the looks on their faces.
Hay rides to the "Pumpkin Patch" along with numerous slides, swings, Korn Hole games, tikes rides and duck races.
The Kyker Farm "Korn Maze is Kornfusing.
10-5-15
The sun was bright, a gentle breeze was warm making for a pleasant day to enjoy a visit to the wonders of Kyker Farms Korn Maze. The Korn Maze is located on Alder Branch Road near Douglas Dam in Sevierville.
The crowd was small but found entertainment beyond expectations. This was my first time to visit a Korn Maze, it was enjoyable and entertaining, to say the least. We definitely had a better than our Tennessee Vols.
The "Farm Facts Maze" was an educational puzzle, especially if you selected the wrong answer, the trail was puzzling. Fun to discover and how you arrived at each station.
Other mazes were "Laze Maze" and "Tator Tot" -- we had the same experience in each. Also, the Kids Crawl in the big red barn, including chickens, ducks, goats and sheep along with other displays.
Several children were enjoying the large pillow jumping-- adults too from the looks on their faces.
Hay rides to the "Pumpkin Patch" along with numerous slides, swings, Korn Hole games, tikes rides and duck races.
The Kyker Farm "Korn Maze is Kornfusing.
SPECIAL EVENT
10-5-15
The Sevier Count Fair held a very "Special Event" yesterday morning. The fairgrounds were closed to the general public but were open to "Welcome" all Special Education students to the fair.
These groups of students, teachers and parents had the entire fairgrounds for themselves. They could take their time to view all fair exhibits on their own terms.
These students visited the cattle barn to see and feel the cattle up close. Sadie and Sinclair Conley brought two of their Hereford calves ( a heifer and bull calf ) to the show ring. They talked with these students about their beef cattle project. Sinclair discussed how their calves were trained, groomed, fed, and prepared to raise other baby cattle. They observed equipment Sadie and Sinclair used to care for their beef cattle project.
The students had an opportunity to touch and feel the cattle's hair coat and ask questions about each calf. It was a special day and "Its All About The Kids."
10-5-15
The Sevier Count Fair held a very "Special Event" yesterday morning. The fairgrounds were closed to the general public but were open to "Welcome" all Special Education students to the fair.
These groups of students, teachers and parents had the entire fairgrounds for themselves. They could take their time to view all fair exhibits on their own terms.
These students visited the cattle barn to see and feel the cattle up close. Sadie and Sinclair Conley brought two of their Hereford calves ( a heifer and bull calf ) to the show ring. They talked with these students about their beef cattle project. Sinclair discussed how their calves were trained, groomed, fed, and prepared to raise other baby cattle. They observed equipment Sadie and Sinclair used to care for their beef cattle project.
The students had an opportunity to touch and feel the cattle's hair coat and ask questions about each calf. It was a special day and "Its All About The Kids."
More Fair Stuff
10-5-15
This morning I headed for Sevier County Fairgrounds in not the best mood and feeling rather low. However, things began to look-up when Amanda Mottern, Roger Radel and Dixine King stepped up to fill the void. See today about 12:00 noon I had to leave to make a trip to a doctors office with daughter Melody. Things went good at the dr. office as, Tammy an Iowa Farm girl stepped up to make everything go better than was planned. Tammy got us back to our fairgrounds in time for the show.
We managed to return to Sevier County Fairgrounds about 4:30 pm, just 1 1/2 hours before the largest ever Junior Beef Heifer Show was to begin. These exhibitors, parents and friends pitched in to make our 62 cattle in 7 classes rue smooth as any silk you can image. It's amazing what a little cooperation, responsibility and leadership from these junior cattle exhibitors can accomplish.
The Sevier County Fair Junior Beef Heifer Show kicked off with "Little Cow Buddies" class. Eight entries assisted by parents, brothers, sisters and friends aided these 2 to 5 year-old "Kids" exhibit their heifers. See this was a first time for some of these "Kids" to lead a calf. All did a credible job. These "Kids" are the future of our cattle business as they are introduced to caring for their project animal.
The Junior, Junior High and Senior beef heifer showmanship, judged by Sara Orr a University of Tennessee graduate student. Sara had a tough time sorting through these showmen and show-women to select her champion tonight: Junior was Gema Brooks; Junior High was Aaron Lay and Senior was Emily Ivey. Each received a beef cattle show halter from Sevier County Fair.
The Hereford heifers with 13 entries found Sinclair Conley exhibiting the Grand Champion with her Senior Yearling Heifer ( 10-15-13 ) "SC Rosebud About Time" and Reserve Grand Champion was Sinclair's Junior Heifer Calf (1-24-15 ) "SC Lagertha".
The Angus heifers 20 cattle strong entries, found Grand Champion was Abbagail Carter with her Early Senior Heifer Calf, "Excel Upwards Lady" ( 9-30-14 ). Reserve Grand Champion was Madison Blevins and her Late Senoior Heifer Calf "CJ Blackcap" ( 12-4-14 ).
The Salers heifers 10 entries found Justin Rose exhibiting a Late Senior Heifer Calf ( 12-8-14 ) "RF Ginger" for Grand Champion. Reserve Grand Champion was also Justin on his Late Spring Yearling Heifer ( 4-4-14 ) "RF Lexy".
Simmental heifers exhibited by Emily and Abbey Ivey were 5 high quality heifers. Emily had Grand Champion with "Miss PVF Dot" ( 12-14-14 ) a Late Senior Heifer Calf. Also, Emily's Senior Yearling Heifer ( 11-28-13 ) "IVS Pandora" was Reserve Grand Champion.
The Shorthorn heifers exhibited by Aaron Lay were selected Grand and Reserve Grand Champion. Grand was Aaron's Early Spring Yearling Heifer ( 1-19-14 ) "SLF Dream Lady" and Reserve was a Senior Yearling Heifer ( 11-10-13 ) "Lay's Miss Trisha".
Commercial heifers- can be any heifer as they are not required to be registered. This class provides an opportunity to introduce anyone who owns cattle ad has thought about showing to try their hand. Grand Champion was Aaron Lay and Reserve Grand Champion was Abby Tipton.
The three Limousin heifers exhibited by Abby Tipton were selected Grand and reserve Grand Champion. Grand was abby's Late Spring Yearling Heifer ( 4-20-14 ) "LF Red Delight" and "Altn Razzlin Ruby" a Senior Yearling Heifer ) 9-13-13 ) was Reserve.
Each exhibitor received a bag of feed per heifer sponsored by Sevier Farmers Co-op and Tractor Supply from Seymour.
If you missed the Sevier County Fair Junior Beef Heifer Show - too bad, these young cattle Kids are the future of our business. If tonight was any indication of the future, we are in excellent hands. "Its All About The Kids".
10-5-15
This morning I headed for Sevier County Fairgrounds in not the best mood and feeling rather low. However, things began to look-up when Amanda Mottern, Roger Radel and Dixine King stepped up to fill the void. See today about 12:00 noon I had to leave to make a trip to a doctors office with daughter Melody. Things went good at the dr. office as, Tammy an Iowa Farm girl stepped up to make everything go better than was planned. Tammy got us back to our fairgrounds in time for the show.
We managed to return to Sevier County Fairgrounds about 4:30 pm, just 1 1/2 hours before the largest ever Junior Beef Heifer Show was to begin. These exhibitors, parents and friends pitched in to make our 62 cattle in 7 classes rue smooth as any silk you can image. It's amazing what a little cooperation, responsibility and leadership from these junior cattle exhibitors can accomplish.
The Sevier County Fair Junior Beef Heifer Show kicked off with "Little Cow Buddies" class. Eight entries assisted by parents, brothers, sisters and friends aided these 2 to 5 year-old "Kids" exhibit their heifers. See this was a first time for some of these "Kids" to lead a calf. All did a credible job. These "Kids" are the future of our cattle business as they are introduced to caring for their project animal.
The Junior, Junior High and Senior beef heifer showmanship, judged by Sara Orr a University of Tennessee graduate student. Sara had a tough time sorting through these showmen and show-women to select her champion tonight: Junior was Gema Brooks; Junior High was Aaron Lay and Senior was Emily Ivey. Each received a beef cattle show halter from Sevier County Fair.
The Hereford heifers with 13 entries found Sinclair Conley exhibiting the Grand Champion with her Senior Yearling Heifer ( 10-15-13 ) "SC Rosebud About Time" and Reserve Grand Champion was Sinclair's Junior Heifer Calf (1-24-15 ) "SC Lagertha".
The Angus heifers 20 cattle strong entries, found Grand Champion was Abbagail Carter with her Early Senior Heifer Calf, "Excel Upwards Lady" ( 9-30-14 ). Reserve Grand Champion was Madison Blevins and her Late Senoior Heifer Calf "CJ Blackcap" ( 12-4-14 ).
The Salers heifers 10 entries found Justin Rose exhibiting a Late Senior Heifer Calf ( 12-8-14 ) "RF Ginger" for Grand Champion. Reserve Grand Champion was also Justin on his Late Spring Yearling Heifer ( 4-4-14 ) "RF Lexy".
Simmental heifers exhibited by Emily and Abbey Ivey were 5 high quality heifers. Emily had Grand Champion with "Miss PVF Dot" ( 12-14-14 ) a Late Senior Heifer Calf. Also, Emily's Senior Yearling Heifer ( 11-28-13 ) "IVS Pandora" was Reserve Grand Champion.
The Shorthorn heifers exhibited by Aaron Lay were selected Grand and Reserve Grand Champion. Grand was Aaron's Early Spring Yearling Heifer ( 1-19-14 ) "SLF Dream Lady" and Reserve was a Senior Yearling Heifer ( 11-10-13 ) "Lay's Miss Trisha".
Commercial heifers- can be any heifer as they are not required to be registered. This class provides an opportunity to introduce anyone who owns cattle ad has thought about showing to try their hand. Grand Champion was Aaron Lay and Reserve Grand Champion was Abby Tipton.
The three Limousin heifers exhibited by Abby Tipton were selected Grand and reserve Grand Champion. Grand was abby's Late Spring Yearling Heifer ( 4-20-14 ) "LF Red Delight" and "Altn Razzlin Ruby" a Senior Yearling Heifer ) 9-13-13 ) was Reserve.
Each exhibitor received a bag of feed per heifer sponsored by Sevier Farmers Co-op and Tractor Supply from Seymour.
If you missed the Sevier County Fair Junior Beef Heifer Show - too bad, these young cattle Kids are the future of our business. If tonight was any indication of the future, we are in excellent hands. "Its All About The Kids".
"All About The Kids"
10-5-15
The Sevier County Fair had a great dairy heifer and cow show tonight. The show was small, 18 heifers exhibited in the Junior Show and 20 heifers and cows exhibited in the Open Show. Judge, Stena Meadows from Chucky Doak FFA Chapter, was very much impressed with the quality of cattle and complemented exhibitors for their efforts to display those cattle for judging.
Little Britches showmanship had two quality entries, this is for those youth just beginning their work with and showing dairy heifers.
Junior, Junior High and Senior showmanship was for those more experienced in showing dairy heifers and cows.Each Champion showman received a feed/water bucket, lead rope and brush to be used in preparing cattle for show.
Lillie Brooke Davenport with "Janie" was selected Jersey Junior Champion heifer. Brie Anne Davenport was Reserve Jersey Junior champion with "lavish."
Jersey Senior champion cow was "Katie" exhibited by Brie Anne Davenport and Reserve Senior Champion cow was "Stella" exhibited by Rachel Jarnigan.
Will Jarnigan's "Geo Muddie" was Guernsey Junior Champion heifer and Rachel Jarnigan and "Ice Peaches" was Reserve Junior Champion Guernsey.
The Junior champion Holstein heifer was "Tunnell T-Bone" exhibited by Will Jarnigan. Will's "Tunnell Epic 310" was Reserve Junior Champion Holstein heifer.
The show was good throughout and I seen several people at the fair that had not been seen before. There were 80+/- people around the show ring at various times. The Junior and Open dairy heifer and cow show was "All About The Kids."
10-5-15
The Sevier County Fair had a great dairy heifer and cow show tonight. The show was small, 18 heifers exhibited in the Junior Show and 20 heifers and cows exhibited in the Open Show. Judge, Stena Meadows from Chucky Doak FFA Chapter, was very much impressed with the quality of cattle and complemented exhibitors for their efforts to display those cattle for judging.
Little Britches showmanship had two quality entries, this is for those youth just beginning their work with and showing dairy heifers.
Junior, Junior High and Senior showmanship was for those more experienced in showing dairy heifers and cows.Each Champion showman received a feed/water bucket, lead rope and brush to be used in preparing cattle for show.
Lillie Brooke Davenport with "Janie" was selected Jersey Junior Champion heifer. Brie Anne Davenport was Reserve Jersey Junior champion with "lavish."
Jersey Senior champion cow was "Katie" exhibited by Brie Anne Davenport and Reserve Senior Champion cow was "Stella" exhibited by Rachel Jarnigan.
Will Jarnigan's "Geo Muddie" was Guernsey Junior Champion heifer and Rachel Jarnigan and "Ice Peaches" was Reserve Junior Champion Guernsey.
The Junior champion Holstein heifer was "Tunnell T-Bone" exhibited by Will Jarnigan. Will's "Tunnell Epic 310" was Reserve Junior Champion Holstein heifer.
The show was good throughout and I seen several people at the fair that had not been seen before. There were 80+/- people around the show ring at various times. The Junior and Open dairy heifer and cow show was "All About The Kids."
Preparations
10-5-15
This Sunday afternoon was spent assisting Sevier County Livestock Association prepare for the "Labor Day" cattle (dairy and beef ) shows during Sevier County Fair. It's our 80th year and "It's All About The Kids."
The Junior and Open dairy heifer and cow show will be beginning at 6:00pm with the "Little Britches Show" followed by 4 exhibitors exhibiting 22 dairy heifers and cows. The show may be small but quality Jersey, Guernsey and Holstein cattle be on display.
Junior Beef Heifer show begins at 6:00pm Tuesday with "Little Cow Buddies" class for those kids just learning to show beef heifers. The Junior, Junior High and Senior Showmanship will be next followed by 16 exhibitors displaying 49 heifers from Hereford, Angus, Shorthorn, Gelbvieh, Limousine, Simmental and Salers breeds. It's your opportunity to observe young livestock people in action and "It's All About The Kids."
The Open beef show, primarily Hereford cattle this year. Beginning the show at 6:00pm . Lets see how our junior livestock people compete with area farmers. Don't miss the show of Hereford, Angus, Shorthorn, Gelbvieh and Salers.
Remember "It's All About The Kids" see ya at the fair.
10-5-15
This Sunday afternoon was spent assisting Sevier County Livestock Association prepare for the "Labor Day" cattle (dairy and beef ) shows during Sevier County Fair. It's our 80th year and "It's All About The Kids."
The Junior and Open dairy heifer and cow show will be beginning at 6:00pm with the "Little Britches Show" followed by 4 exhibitors exhibiting 22 dairy heifers and cows. The show may be small but quality Jersey, Guernsey and Holstein cattle be on display.
Junior Beef Heifer show begins at 6:00pm Tuesday with "Little Cow Buddies" class for those kids just learning to show beef heifers. The Junior, Junior High and Senior Showmanship will be next followed by 16 exhibitors displaying 49 heifers from Hereford, Angus, Shorthorn, Gelbvieh, Limousine, Simmental and Salers breeds. It's your opportunity to observe young livestock people in action and "It's All About The Kids."
The Open beef show, primarily Hereford cattle this year. Beginning the show at 6:00pm . Lets see how our junior livestock people compete with area farmers. Don't miss the show of Hereford, Angus, Shorthorn, Gelbvieh and Salers.
Remember "It's All About The Kids" see ya at the fair.
Greene County "BEEF DAY'S CELEBRATION"
September 24, 2015
An enjoyable day, a good day to represent Tennessee Beef Industry Council and Tennessee Cattlemen's Association during "Beef Day's Celebration sponsored by Greene County Livestock Association.
The weather was warm but not hot and a gentle breeze kept everyone comfortable at Greene County Fairgrounds for the days event, Beef Day's Celebration.
Our display of "Beef Cuts" and suggested methods of preparation, "Beef Sustainability" and "Today's Beef Choices received several inquires and comments. The most comments were directed at the "Beef Cuts" followed by "Today's Beef Choices."
Today's Beef Choices was a definition of Grain Finished, Grass Finished, Natural and Organic types of beef. Sevral interesting comments and questions. A few times I would like to pass the ball to someone else but no one was available. We made it through without too much controversy.
Other displays included:
1- Greene County Livestock Association;
2- Grove Charolais Cattle with a weight guessing on their large heifer, 1710 pounds;
3- University of Tennessee Experiment Station with a round bale of hay for weight guessing;
4-Greene County 4-H Clubs Beef Project and chili samples;
5- Greene County Angus Association promoting their up coming cattle sale and all beef wiener samples;
6- Greene County Extension Service with beef cooking demonstration, each person receiving a meat thermometer for safe beef cooking;
7- Farm Bureau Women serving samples of roast beef sandwiches;
8- Children's entertainment included calf rope ing and corn hole games;
9- A tailgating competition between Chucky Doak, North Greene, South Greene, and West Greene Future Farmers of America chapters;
10- The final event of the day was a poultry auction of 4-H Club and FFA pullets.
A large crowd enjoyed the event or I sure thought they did from all the activity and comments.
Cattle and Our Environment
August 28, 2015
Sevier County is just one small wheel in our total agriculture economy for Tennessee and USA. Agriculture is Tennessee’s number one business in terms of dollars generated and its contribution to the economy. On a national basis agriculture continues to develop a positive balance of trade in the export import business.
Today, Sevier County, Tennessee and USA agriculture operates in a much different and changing environment that in previous years. Cattle being the number 1 income generator for Sevier County and Tennessee economics.
Cattle continue t o utilize many acres, approximately 30% of USA lands, that have little or no productive value except “grazing”. These lands are not well suited for raising fruits and vegetables but grows excellent grass to be harvested by cattle.
Cattle grazing improves these acres of grasslands through natural fertilizer and soil aeration for grass growth. Cattle’s split toe hoof aerated the soil as they walk. The aeration process allows grass seed to contact the soil for growth and development of grass plants. The harvest of wildlife habitats that smaller wildlife species can better utilize. Large thick growth grass hinders these wildlife species during travel, maturation, nesting, cattle harvest these grasses thus wildlife can utilize the habitat.
Grass growth adds organic matter to the soil in the form of root growth and excess grass is trampled into the soil as the cattle walk. The organic matter and grass growth assist to reduce erosion by water and wind, reducing compaction from rain while reducing soil temperature and moisture evaporation. Also, cattle are fir firefighters through grazing that reduces fuel for wild fires.
Cattle are recyclers, making use of many crop and manufacturing by products such as: cotton seed, soybean hulls, candies, corn cobs, peanut hulls, straw, corn gluten and distiller’s grains. Cattle utilize and convert these to a nutrient rich food for American families.
Today’s beef business through technology and management development has during the previous six years: reduced emissions to soils 7% water 10% and greenhouse gasses 2%; reduced the use of energy 2%, water 3%, land 4% and resource consumption 2%.
Today we hear lots about “sustainability”: Improving agriculture production while conserving our natural resources such as water, air, soil, energy, minerals, wildlife and plants. Farmers and ranchers all around the world are conserving agriculture being ask to raise more food, fiber, fuel and shelter, while consuming less of our natural resources, for same nine billion people by 2050.
Yes, all farmers and ranchers from Sevier County, Tennessee, USA and other countries can get the job accomplished working together.
Related Articles,
5 freedoms of Cattle
Cattle and Water
Cattle, America’s Best kept secret
The Quiet Economy
Tennessee Agriculture’s Top Ten
August 28, 2015
Sevier County is just one small wheel in our total agriculture economy for Tennessee and USA. Agriculture is Tennessee’s number one business in terms of dollars generated and its contribution to the economy. On a national basis agriculture continues to develop a positive balance of trade in the export import business.
Today, Sevier County, Tennessee and USA agriculture operates in a much different and changing environment that in previous years. Cattle being the number 1 income generator for Sevier County and Tennessee economics.
Cattle continue t o utilize many acres, approximately 30% of USA lands, that have little or no productive value except “grazing”. These lands are not well suited for raising fruits and vegetables but grows excellent grass to be harvested by cattle.
Cattle grazing improves these acres of grasslands through natural fertilizer and soil aeration for grass growth. Cattle’s split toe hoof aerated the soil as they walk. The aeration process allows grass seed to contact the soil for growth and development of grass plants. The harvest of wildlife habitats that smaller wildlife species can better utilize. Large thick growth grass hinders these wildlife species during travel, maturation, nesting, cattle harvest these grasses thus wildlife can utilize the habitat.
Grass growth adds organic matter to the soil in the form of root growth and excess grass is trampled into the soil as the cattle walk. The organic matter and grass growth assist to reduce erosion by water and wind, reducing compaction from rain while reducing soil temperature and moisture evaporation. Also, cattle are fir firefighters through grazing that reduces fuel for wild fires.
Cattle are recyclers, making use of many crop and manufacturing by products such as: cotton seed, soybean hulls, candies, corn cobs, peanut hulls, straw, corn gluten and distiller’s grains. Cattle utilize and convert these to a nutrient rich food for American families.
Today’s beef business through technology and management development has during the previous six years: reduced emissions to soils 7% water 10% and greenhouse gasses 2%; reduced the use of energy 2%, water 3%, land 4% and resource consumption 2%.
Today we hear lots about “sustainability”: Improving agriculture production while conserving our natural resources such as water, air, soil, energy, minerals, wildlife and plants. Farmers and ranchers all around the world are conserving agriculture being ask to raise more food, fiber, fuel and shelter, while consuming less of our natural resources, for same nine billion people by 2050.
Yes, all farmers and ranchers from Sevier County, Tennessee, USA and other countries can get the job accomplished working together.
Related Articles,
5 freedoms of Cattle
Cattle and Water
Cattle, America’s Best kept secret
The Quiet Economy
Tennessee Agriculture’s Top Ten
FAIR TIME
August 5, 2015
The "Grandest Show of All" is just around the corner, "Its Fair Time" in Sevier County. Will you be one of the thousands to attend Sevier County's extravaganza September 7 thru 12 at the Fairgrounds on Old Knoxville Highway in Sevierville -- "It’s All About the Kids."
The fair has carnival rides, games, exhibits, talent contest, storytelling, delicious foods and time to enjoy visiting friends and neighbors. Also, it’s a great time to watch livestock (beef and dairy cattle), sheep, goat and poultry shows plus observe many agriculture crops exhibits. Enjoy the whole extravaganza.
The fair is more, "Its Educational" too. I am pleased that we have this opportunity in Sevier County that strives to inform our "city cousin's" as to agriculture by bringing the "FARM" up close. These agriculture displays are important today as many families want to know and understand where food originates. The county fair offers the opportunity for farmers (food raisers) and families (food buyers and users) to come together to learn and understand each other.
I may be biased as I think the "Junior Livestock" projects are a great tool to help raise our children. These projects teach responsibility, personal achievement, cooperation and leadership, all skills that children need to develop to be successful throughout life.
I remember well the fun we had as a family when Melody was showing sheep. The time spent working and training those lambs and ewes can't be taken away. It was an enjoyable time, often exhausting, a vacation -- No -- we often had to go back to work to rest-up for the next show.
You will hear cries from carnival rides, smell fair foods, shouts of joy from winning, mooing of cattle when you visit our fair. It’s sure to be a fun filled event for family and friends -- don't miss it -- "It’s All About the Kids."
See ya at the FAIR.
August 5, 2015
The "Grandest Show of All" is just around the corner, "Its Fair Time" in Sevier County. Will you be one of the thousands to attend Sevier County's extravaganza September 7 thru 12 at the Fairgrounds on Old Knoxville Highway in Sevierville -- "It’s All About the Kids."
The fair has carnival rides, games, exhibits, talent contest, storytelling, delicious foods and time to enjoy visiting friends and neighbors. Also, it’s a great time to watch livestock (beef and dairy cattle), sheep, goat and poultry shows plus observe many agriculture crops exhibits. Enjoy the whole extravaganza.
The fair is more, "Its Educational" too. I am pleased that we have this opportunity in Sevier County that strives to inform our "city cousin's" as to agriculture by bringing the "FARM" up close. These agriculture displays are important today as many families want to know and understand where food originates. The county fair offers the opportunity for farmers (food raisers) and families (food buyers and users) to come together to learn and understand each other.
I may be biased as I think the "Junior Livestock" projects are a great tool to help raise our children. These projects teach responsibility, personal achievement, cooperation and leadership, all skills that children need to develop to be successful throughout life.
I remember well the fun we had as a family when Melody was showing sheep. The time spent working and training those lambs and ewes can't be taken away. It was an enjoyable time, often exhausting, a vacation -- No -- we often had to go back to work to rest-up for the next show.
You will hear cries from carnival rides, smell fair foods, shouts of joy from winning, mooing of cattle when you visit our fair. It’s sure to be a fun filled event for family and friends -- don't miss it -- "It’s All About the Kids."
See ya at the FAIR.
Youth and Livestock
July 13, 2015
This summer and fall across Tennessee and other states many 4-H club and FFA members will be participating in several Junior Livestock shows; area, county, district and state fairs. These members will also participate in public speaking, judging contest, presenting oral reasons (in participating in livestock judging competitions) skill-a-thons, showmanship and many other activities during these Junior shows while building responsibility, leadership, citizenship, friendships and team work with other members.
Several members will be just beginning, others will be sharpening their skills and knowledge while some will be finishing a wonderful entertaining and rewarding leadership building experience of several years of junior livestock work. These members will or have learned to win, lose or draw with dignity. Also, spending quality time with family and friends, which may be the most important reward of all.
Exhibiting and working with junior livestock projects builds lifelong character. It isn’t just how these junior livestock projects place in the show. We use cattle, beef and dairy, swine, sheep, goats, poultry and horses as tools to promote learning and teach our children these valuable lifelong lessons. Many Junior members will use these skills throughout life regardless if its in Agriculture or other fields of opportunity. They will be going pro in something other than Agriculture.
Remember to support your children, neighbors and friends’ children, they will never forget these experiences and will fondly remember these encouraging words and deeds for a lifetime.
Related Articles:
Junior Livestock Shows, Are They Worth It?
One Powerful Commercial “God Bless the Farmer”
County Fair Time
Life’s Character Building Rules
July 13, 2015
This summer and fall across Tennessee and other states many 4-H club and FFA members will be participating in several Junior Livestock shows; area, county, district and state fairs. These members will also participate in public speaking, judging contest, presenting oral reasons (in participating in livestock judging competitions) skill-a-thons, showmanship and many other activities during these Junior shows while building responsibility, leadership, citizenship, friendships and team work with other members.
Several members will be just beginning, others will be sharpening their skills and knowledge while some will be finishing a wonderful entertaining and rewarding leadership building experience of several years of junior livestock work. These members will or have learned to win, lose or draw with dignity. Also, spending quality time with family and friends, which may be the most important reward of all.
Exhibiting and working with junior livestock projects builds lifelong character. It isn’t just how these junior livestock projects place in the show. We use cattle, beef and dairy, swine, sheep, goats, poultry and horses as tools to promote learning and teach our children these valuable lifelong lessons. Many Junior members will use these skills throughout life regardless if its in Agriculture or other fields of opportunity. They will be going pro in something other than Agriculture.
Remember to support your children, neighbors and friends’ children, they will never forget these experiences and will fondly remember these encouraging words and deeds for a lifetime.
Related Articles:
Junior Livestock Shows, Are They Worth It?
One Powerful Commercial “God Bless the Farmer”
County Fair Time
Life’s Character Building Rules
5 Freedoms of Cattle
June 26, 2015
Freedom from thirst, hunger and mal-nutrition by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.
Freedom from discomfort by providing a suitable environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
Freedom from pain, injury and disease by preventing or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Freedom to express normal bovine behavior by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of animals’ own kind – herd mates.
Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions that avoid mental suffering.
From:
Anne Burkholder
Will Feed Co.
Cozard, Nebraska
June 26, 2015
Freedom from thirst, hunger and mal-nutrition by ready access to fresh water and a diet to maintain full health and vigor.
Freedom from discomfort by providing a suitable environment including shelter and a comfortable resting area.
Freedom from pain, injury and disease by preventing or rapid diagnosis and treatment.
Freedom to express normal bovine behavior by providing sufficient space, proper facilities and company of animals’ own kind – herd mates.
Freedom from fear and distress by ensuring conditions that avoid mental suffering.
From:
Anne Burkholder
Will Feed Co.
Cozard, Nebraska
I Teach…
June 26, 2015
I teach ____________________ to compete,
I teach more that how to win,
They Learn:
1. That training hard builds self-respect just as much as muscle.
2. That being a good teammate builds a culture where everyone thrives
3. That laughing in the face of challenge as you conquer that challenge is good for the soul.
4. That settling goals so that your hard work has purpose enables you to attain greatness.
5. That excellence is not about comfort, it’s about reaching above and beyond your capabilities in order to accomplish far more than your dreams.
Somewhere along the journey, we find purpose and fulfillment.
George Strait’s Song “I Saw God Today”, I see God every day in teamwork.
From: Anne Burkholder Feedyard Foodie
June 26, 2015
I teach ____________________ to compete,
I teach more that how to win,
They Learn:
1. That training hard builds self-respect just as much as muscle.
2. That being a good teammate builds a culture where everyone thrives
3. That laughing in the face of challenge as you conquer that challenge is good for the soul.
4. That settling goals so that your hard work has purpose enables you to attain greatness.
5. That excellence is not about comfort, it’s about reaching above and beyond your capabilities in order to accomplish far more than your dreams.
Somewhere along the journey, we find purpose and fulfillment.
George Strait’s Song “I Saw God Today”, I see God every day in teamwork.
From: Anne Burkholder Feedyard Foodie
Cattle: America’s Best Kept Environmental Secrets
June 12, 2015
The following commentary by Vicki Dutton creates much food for thought, many environmentalist have failed of consider the total life cycle and all its integral parts.
It is high time this continent rise to the occasion, realizing just what the ruminant (cattle) is to America; rather than ostracize this complete food factory on four legs, just go hug a cow.
While the current environmental foodies of the day claim aversion to red meat for reasons related to its environmental footprint, the reality is the story of red meat as a global protein source is actually one of efficient utilization of a natural resource (grass) that otherwise would be unused or lost in the supply of global nutrition: scavengers of hostile environments creating protein for human consumption. Therefore, the environmental footprint of a “Cow” is actually quite environmentally amazing.
There was a reason the Native Americans thrived with game and buffalo meat as a protein source. When settlement led to the wholesale slaughter of the bison herds, cattle were introduced and now graze much of the same lands as did the bison; land that has no real productive value other than grazing. By being graze, it produces protein for humans.
USDA information indicates that grazing land in the US is about 30% of the total land base. Of the 2.3 billion acres of land in the US, grassland and pasture are 614 million acres, only 18%. An additional 127 million acres of grazed forest take the total grazing land to almost 800 million acres. Another 408 million acres is cropland. These grazing lands are undesirable for raising crops but grow excellent grass. Cattle harvest these grasses converting them to valuable proteins for humans.
On this grazing land, cattle produced in the US generates 25 billion pounds of red meat as protein, according to USDA, with a retail value of $88 billion, a producer (farmer/rancher) value of $50 billion and export value adding another $6 billion.
However, environmentalist would prefer to allow this land to be natural, letting the buffalo roam and the deer and antelope play, like music tripping over the land. Indeed a wonderful idea, but what cost to human protein supply? Those who bash red meat should be forced to explain their plan to replace 25 billion pounds of protein, the bioavailable iron, zinc and the naturally occurring micronutrients in red meat have been a reliable source of nutrients for centuries. All of which are useable to our bodies than plant source nutrients.
Let’s drill down a little further, to the argument of the pundits whose catch-phrase of sustainability is now driving food agenda, by taking a look at what red meat harvesters contribute to the nutrient cycle of mankind. Unlike any other protein, ruminants are able to populate large areas of geography, consuming the vegetation and in so doing, create protein. At the same time, cattle replace nutrients back into the land in the form of natural fertilizer.
Ruminants engage to the sustainable conversion of vegetation to protein in a practice as old as nature itself. Utilizing the resources often naturally available and providing an ecosystem of fertilizer and ground cover control not only benefits the environment, but grazing also controls vegetation to prevent grass fires. Also as cattle walk their toes aerate the soil and grass seed contact with soil to germinate producing more plant growth for soil cover that reduces wind and water erosion.
So this is what the equation looks like: 30% of American’s poorest land supports about $100 billion of the country’s economy, produces 26 billion pounds of protein while providing rural employment and economic activity as those dollars and beef flow through the marketing chain to the consumer. Less than 2% of the population produces Agricultural Commodities and less than 1% practice animal husbandry of any form. Today on farmer/rancher provides food, fiber and shelter for 155 people.
What environment purists do not consider is that the failure to utilize grazing land would be an environmental disaster. That’s because replacing red meat protein with alternative proteins, in a world already wondering how it will feed 9 billion humans projected to inhabit this planet by 2050, will likely result in soil degradation, more wildlife habitat plowed under and climate change, possibly driving up the cost of alternative proteins as a result.
The reality is the 18% of American cropland used to produce food for American families and the rest of the world would be challenged to supply alternative vegetative protein for humans and the grains to feed alternative animal protein sources. Thus, the equation which involves utilizing nature’s grasslands and foothills; land so stony, sandy, forested, brushy and with a topography that only a four legged creature can utilize it has, since time began, contributed to the sustenance of our world. Beef may indeed be the conservationist’s best kept secret.
Cattle are truly nature’s scavenger and the much-maligned beef industry should indeed be an environmental pillar, utilizing otherwise lost ground in the production of protein to feed the world. The reality is the world needs red meat protein to have a protein balance and utilize the natural resource of the planet to the full degree to nourish the world.
The story of the cow just may be America’s best kept environmentally sustainable production story. Environment purist should take a second look, maybe drive into America’s cattle country to experience cattle turning rangeland to protein.
Perhaps they would see that the view through the rose-colored glasses of the environment footprint equation of a cow is this: Cow plus millions of acres of rangeland is the sustainable production of billions of pounds of protein and economy, utilizing the natural resource of the most hostile ground in America. Maybe then they would compelled to do the world a favor and just hug a cow!
By Vicki Dutton from Paynton Sask, Canada
What are your thoughts at this point??
Related Articles:
A Greener Tomorrow
Wow That Cow
The Quiet Economy
June 12, 2015
The following commentary by Vicki Dutton creates much food for thought, many environmentalist have failed of consider the total life cycle and all its integral parts.
It is high time this continent rise to the occasion, realizing just what the ruminant (cattle) is to America; rather than ostracize this complete food factory on four legs, just go hug a cow.
While the current environmental foodies of the day claim aversion to red meat for reasons related to its environmental footprint, the reality is the story of red meat as a global protein source is actually one of efficient utilization of a natural resource (grass) that otherwise would be unused or lost in the supply of global nutrition: scavengers of hostile environments creating protein for human consumption. Therefore, the environmental footprint of a “Cow” is actually quite environmentally amazing.
There was a reason the Native Americans thrived with game and buffalo meat as a protein source. When settlement led to the wholesale slaughter of the bison herds, cattle were introduced and now graze much of the same lands as did the bison; land that has no real productive value other than grazing. By being graze, it produces protein for humans.
USDA information indicates that grazing land in the US is about 30% of the total land base. Of the 2.3 billion acres of land in the US, grassland and pasture are 614 million acres, only 18%. An additional 127 million acres of grazed forest take the total grazing land to almost 800 million acres. Another 408 million acres is cropland. These grazing lands are undesirable for raising crops but grow excellent grass. Cattle harvest these grasses converting them to valuable proteins for humans.
On this grazing land, cattle produced in the US generates 25 billion pounds of red meat as protein, according to USDA, with a retail value of $88 billion, a producer (farmer/rancher) value of $50 billion and export value adding another $6 billion.
However, environmentalist would prefer to allow this land to be natural, letting the buffalo roam and the deer and antelope play, like music tripping over the land. Indeed a wonderful idea, but what cost to human protein supply? Those who bash red meat should be forced to explain their plan to replace 25 billion pounds of protein, the bioavailable iron, zinc and the naturally occurring micronutrients in red meat have been a reliable source of nutrients for centuries. All of which are useable to our bodies than plant source nutrients.
Let’s drill down a little further, to the argument of the pundits whose catch-phrase of sustainability is now driving food agenda, by taking a look at what red meat harvesters contribute to the nutrient cycle of mankind. Unlike any other protein, ruminants are able to populate large areas of geography, consuming the vegetation and in so doing, create protein. At the same time, cattle replace nutrients back into the land in the form of natural fertilizer.
Ruminants engage to the sustainable conversion of vegetation to protein in a practice as old as nature itself. Utilizing the resources often naturally available and providing an ecosystem of fertilizer and ground cover control not only benefits the environment, but grazing also controls vegetation to prevent grass fires. Also as cattle walk their toes aerate the soil and grass seed contact with soil to germinate producing more plant growth for soil cover that reduces wind and water erosion.
So this is what the equation looks like: 30% of American’s poorest land supports about $100 billion of the country’s economy, produces 26 billion pounds of protein while providing rural employment and economic activity as those dollars and beef flow through the marketing chain to the consumer. Less than 2% of the population produces Agricultural Commodities and less than 1% practice animal husbandry of any form. Today on farmer/rancher provides food, fiber and shelter for 155 people.
What environment purists do not consider is that the failure to utilize grazing land would be an environmental disaster. That’s because replacing red meat protein with alternative proteins, in a world already wondering how it will feed 9 billion humans projected to inhabit this planet by 2050, will likely result in soil degradation, more wildlife habitat plowed under and climate change, possibly driving up the cost of alternative proteins as a result.
The reality is the 18% of American cropland used to produce food for American families and the rest of the world would be challenged to supply alternative vegetative protein for humans and the grains to feed alternative animal protein sources. Thus, the equation which involves utilizing nature’s grasslands and foothills; land so stony, sandy, forested, brushy and with a topography that only a four legged creature can utilize it has, since time began, contributed to the sustenance of our world. Beef may indeed be the conservationist’s best kept secret.
Cattle are truly nature’s scavenger and the much-maligned beef industry should indeed be an environmental pillar, utilizing otherwise lost ground in the production of protein to feed the world. The reality is the world needs red meat protein to have a protein balance and utilize the natural resource of the planet to the full degree to nourish the world.
The story of the cow just may be America’s best kept environmentally sustainable production story. Environment purist should take a second look, maybe drive into America’s cattle country to experience cattle turning rangeland to protein.
Perhaps they would see that the view through the rose-colored glasses of the environment footprint equation of a cow is this: Cow plus millions of acres of rangeland is the sustainable production of billions of pounds of protein and economy, utilizing the natural resource of the most hostile ground in America. Maybe then they would compelled to do the world a favor and just hug a cow!
By Vicki Dutton from Paynton Sask, Canada
What are your thoughts at this point??
Related Articles:
A Greener Tomorrow
Wow That Cow
The Quiet Economy
Farm Facts
The United States has 2.1 million farms, average size 435 acres.
The United States has 914 million acres of land in farms.
The US has the most arable land in the world followed by India, China Russia and Brazil.
Texas has the most farms in US followed by Missouri and Iowa but Texas has more than these states combined.
39 states have more than 11,000 farms.
A farm is defined as any place from which $1000.00 or more of Agriculture products were raised and sold during the year.
Wyoming has the largest farms in the US followed by Montana and New Mexico.
Wyoming and Montana are the only states in the US with average farm size over 2000 acres.
Texas has the most land in farms in US followed by Montana and Kansas.
Texas has slightly more than 14% of its land in farms.
Texas is top producer of beef in the US followed by Nebraska, Missouri, Oklahoma and South Dakota.
The US produces 25% of the worlds’ beef with only 10% of the worlds’ cattle.
Rhode Island has the highest real estate value in US followed by New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts and Iowa.
The US farm real estate value averages $2950 per acre for 2014.
The average cropland value in Illinois increased from $3640 in 2006 to $7700 in 2014.
Youth Beef Incentive
The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association and Farm Credit Services of Mid-America announce their “Beef Heifer Scholarships”. A total of six scholarships will be awarded totaling $9,000.00, for worthy youth involved in Agriculture.
Junior (4th and 5th grades) 1st $2,000 and 2nd $1,000
Junior High (6th, 7th & 8th grades) 1st $2,000 and 2nd $1,000
Senior High (9th, 10th &11th grades) 1st $2,000 and 2nd $1,000
These scholarships may be used to purchase a “Beef Heifer” to show or begin their own herd. The heifer scholarship applications are now available, just visit Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association home page. Also, applications will be available in the October 2014 issue of Tennessee Cattle Business Magazine.
The Awards will be presented during Tennessee Cattlemen’s Convention in Murfreesboro January 15-17, 2015. Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase a Quality “Beef Heifer”.
The Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association and Farm Credit Services of Mid-America announce their “Beef Heifer Scholarships”. A total of six scholarships will be awarded totaling $9,000.00, for worthy youth involved in Agriculture.
Junior (4th and 5th grades) 1st $2,000 and 2nd $1,000
Junior High (6th, 7th & 8th grades) 1st $2,000 and 2nd $1,000
Senior High (9th, 10th &11th grades) 1st $2,000 and 2nd $1,000
These scholarships may be used to purchase a “Beef Heifer” to show or begin their own herd. The heifer scholarship applications are now available, just visit Tennessee Cattlemen’s Association home page. Also, applications will be available in the October 2014 issue of Tennessee Cattle Business Magazine.
The Awards will be presented during Tennessee Cattlemen’s Convention in Murfreesboro January 15-17, 2015. Don’t miss this opportunity to purchase a Quality “Beef Heifer”.
The S.W.E.A.T Pledge
Skills and Work Ethics Aren’t Taboo
by Mike Rowe of “Dusty Jobs”
1. I believe that I have won the greatest lottery of all time. I am alive, I walk the earth, and above all things I am grateful.
2. I believe that I am entitled to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. Nothing more. I also understand that “happiness” and “the pursuit of happiness” are not the same thing.
3. I believe there is no such thing as a “bad job”. I believe that all jobs are opportunities and its up to me to make the best of them.
4. I do not “follow my passion”, I bring it with me. I believe that any job can be done with passion and enthusiasm.
5. I deplore debt, and do all I can to avoid it. I would rather live in a tent and eat beans than borrow money to pay for a lifestyle I can’t afford.
6. I believe that my safety is my responsibility. I understand that being in “compliance” does not necessarily mean I’m out of danger.
7. I believe the best way to distinguish myself at work is to show up early, stay late and cheerfully volunteer for every crappy task there is.
8. I believe the most annoying sounds in the world are whining and complaining. I will never make them, if I am unhappy in my work, I will either find a new job, or find a way to be happy.
9. I believe that my education is my responsibility, and absolutely critical to my success. I am resolved to learn as much as I can from whatever source is available to me. I will never stop learning and understand that library cards are free.
10. I believe that I am a product of my choices…not my circumstances. I will never blame anyone for my shortcomings or challenges I face. And I will never accept the credit for something I didn’t do.
11. I understand the world is not fair and I’m ok with that. I do not resent the success of others.
12. I believe that all people are created equal. I also believe that all people make choices, some choose to be lazy, some choose to sleep in. I choose to work my butt off.
Skilled workers, strong work ethic, technical skills, are lessons taught by my father, Hard work and dedication hasn’t gone out of style.
Related articles:
Life’s Character Building Rules
My Hero
Code of the West
“Live each day with courage”, “When you make a promise, keep it”, and “Remember that some things aren’t for sale.”
From James P. Owens “Cowboy Ethics”
Morality, Honesty, Integrity, Courage Patriotism---
Sure I wave the American Flag. Do you know a better way to wave? I love my country with all her faults. A quote by the “Duke”-John Wayne
Do you and your friends believe in the “Code of the West”? I think these statements sum it up rather nicely.
Other Articles of Interest:
Life’s Character Building Rules
My Hero
One Powerful Commercial
Why I Ranch…
I think the following may sum-up what lots of men/women and farmers/ranchers feel about the land and their joy of working with nature.
It is most pleasant to work around and in agriculture- farming/ranching and observe nature in action.
Read & Enjoy
“Why I Ranch”
Why I ranch? There ought to be a simple answer to give you.
I can't pick just one reason, so I'll tell you about a few.
There are many facets of this life I've chosen and adore,
Indeed, it's dirty, hard work, but for me, it's never a chore.
I admit it's true, it takes a strange, unique kind of passion,
To choose to spend your spare time mixin' up a new ration.
There's nothing like the sunrise as I load up the truck with corn,
Even the oldest of cows come runnin' when they hear me honk my horn.
The one sight that always makes me smile and always makes me laugh,
Is the first couple wobbly steps of a newborn baby calf.
If I'm honest, it's not always beautiful and fun,
No time for sittin' around. There's a job to be done!
I've pulled calves in the dead of winter when the snow is knee high,
And stretched fence by myself with a hot summer sun in the sky.
It's silly to think that I still cry when I have to put one down.
Even shed a tear last spring when I sent that ol' red bull to town.
Yes, I invest in Mother Nature, my time and my labor,
In hopes that she's kind enough to, one day, return the favor.
I ranch because I love it, through all often struggle and strife,
Let me tell you, this isn't just a business, This is my life.
Each and every day, I wake up and thank the Good Lord above,
He's blessed me with the resources to keep doing what I love.
Truth is, I'm just waitin' on the land of milk and honey,
Cause you dang sure know that I ain't in it for the money!
By Sarah Jane Abatti of Kingsville, Texas
I think the following may sum-up what lots of men/women and farmers/ranchers feel about the land and their joy of working with nature.
It is most pleasant to work around and in agriculture- farming/ranching and observe nature in action.
Read & Enjoy
“Why I Ranch”
Why I ranch? There ought to be a simple answer to give you.
I can't pick just one reason, so I'll tell you about a few.
There are many facets of this life I've chosen and adore,
Indeed, it's dirty, hard work, but for me, it's never a chore.
I admit it's true, it takes a strange, unique kind of passion,
To choose to spend your spare time mixin' up a new ration.
There's nothing like the sunrise as I load up the truck with corn,
Even the oldest of cows come runnin' when they hear me honk my horn.
The one sight that always makes me smile and always makes me laugh,
Is the first couple wobbly steps of a newborn baby calf.
If I'm honest, it's not always beautiful and fun,
No time for sittin' around. There's a job to be done!
I've pulled calves in the dead of winter when the snow is knee high,
And stretched fence by myself with a hot summer sun in the sky.
It's silly to think that I still cry when I have to put one down.
Even shed a tear last spring when I sent that ol' red bull to town.
Yes, I invest in Mother Nature, my time and my labor,
In hopes that she's kind enough to, one day, return the favor.
I ranch because I love it, through all often struggle and strife,
Let me tell you, this isn't just a business, This is my life.
Each and every day, I wake up and thank the Good Lord above,
He's blessed me with the resources to keep doing what I love.
Truth is, I'm just waitin' on the land of milk and honey,
Cause you dang sure know that I ain't in it for the money!
By Sarah Jane Abatti of Kingsville, Texas
Farmland Movie
Farmland, a documentary film, about the many challenges and opportunities that American farmers and ranchers face on a daily basis. The movie should be in theaters this spring. I have seen the trailer ( previews for us older folks) and have talked to three people who have seen the documentary movie, can’t wait to see the real thing.
The movie presents the challenges and opportunities faced by six young farmers and ranchers from the East coast, Sunbelt, Midwest and West Coast areas.; These farmers and ranchers feel its important to share their agriculture story with American family consumers as to where their food and fiber originates.
These young farmers and ranchers relate the hazards of weather and ever changing Agricultural markets along with demands for long hours of work. They have Faith, Family, Friends and love of Agriculture- Farming and Ranching. These farmers and ranchers are living their dream.
James Mall, filmmaker, has taken up the cause and is providing an opportunity for American family consumers that are “4 to 5 generations removed” from their agriculture roots to see and feel where their food and fiber originates.
Be sure to check your local theaters for show times. Don’t pass up this opportunity.
A Tough Question
Science tells us if we can do something.
Society tells us if we should do it.
Example: Beef irradiation technology is safe and proven to reduce food borne pathogens, E Coli, and others. However, American family consumers simple do not accept it.
If we loose consumers trust, we loose market that is near impossible to recover.
The Schwan Foods, that most of us see around especially their home delivery trucks, their meat and meat products are irradiated for food safety.
Do you believe you deserve a choice how and what you eat? Most people want choices. Sorta like George Jones song “Choices”.
Life’s Character Building Rules
I think these three statements offer a series of rule or examples for children both young and older.
These following three statements by Roy Rogers, Gene Autry and Troy Marshall define or relate to high character traits we desire to see in sons and daughters.
Goals of Roy Rogers Riders Club:
1. Be neat and clean
2. Be courteous and polite
3. Always obey your parents
4. Protect the weak and help them
5. Be brave but never take chances
6. Study hard and learn all you can
7. Be kind to animals and care for them
8. Eat all your food and never waste any
9. Love God and go to Sunday School regularly
10. Always respect our flag and our country
May the good Lord take a liken’ to you
Happy Trails to you.
The Cowboy’s Code by Gene Autry
1. A cowboy must never shoot first, hit a smaller man, or take unfair advantage.
2. He must never go back on his word or a trust confided in him.
3. He must always tell the truth.
4. He must be gentle with children, the elderly and animals.
5. He must not advocate or possess radical or religious intolerant ideas.
6. He must help people in distress.
7. He must be a good worker.
8. He must keep himself clean in thought, speech, action and personal habits.
9. He must respect women, parents and his nation’s laws.
10. The cowboy is a Patriot.
written by Gene Autry in 1939. Gene’s desire to be a good role model was the reason he formulated “The Cowboy Code”.
Ten Reasons Why I Hope My Daughter Meets a Cowboy
1. A cowboy takes risks everyday, but they are calculated risk backed by a skill set. A boy takes unnecessary risks.
2. A cowboy will own up to his mistakes. A boy will make excuses for them.
3. A cowboy will extend you respect until you prove you don’t deserve it. A boy respects only those who offer something in return.
4. A cowboy will do whatever it takes to support his family and take care of the land and the animals in which he has been entrusted. A boy looks for others to take care of him.
5. A cowboy takes the long view. A boy lives in the moment.
6. A cowboy is always looking to earn the respect of others. A boy is looking to gain attention from others.
7. A cowboy is firm in his belief and values, regardless of the situation. A boy changes his belief based on those he is around.
8. A cowboy has integrity. A boy makes promises he knows he won’t keep; he writes checks he knows he can’t cash.
9. A cowboy is always willing to learn. A boy thinks he knows everything.
10. A cowboy looks for quality, whatever it’s in cattle, horses or women. A boy looks for something that he thinks will make him look good.
A cowboy knows he must take responsibility for his family and his actions. He understands that God has entrusted him with his family, the land and the animals under his care, and its his job to protect and serve them. And to set an example for them. A cowboy isn’t blameless, but he learns form his mistakes and walks with integrity. He understands and has a relationship with his maker and seeks to honor that relationship and the special calling he has been given. A cowboy is courageous and works everyday to fulfill his purpose in life.
by Troy Marshall 12-19-2013 contributing editor of Beef Magazine.
I think these could easily be 10 reasons I want my son to meet a cowgirl.
For those who may not know Roy Rogers and Gene Autry. Roy Rogers was the “king of the cowboys” and Gene Autry was “the singing cowboy”. Roy Rogers and Dale Evans (his wife) had their own TV show, Roy’s horse was Trigger and Dale’s was Buttermilk. They had a large family of children who were mostly adopted.
Gene Autry is the original recording artist of “Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer” and later owner of the Los Angeles Dodgers baseball team and his horse was Champion.
To see some of their early western movies tune into Marshall Andy’s Silver Screen on PBS TV on Saturday mornings.
Related Articles you may like:
One Powerful Commercial- So God Made a Farmer
My Hero
The Blizzard of Thirteen
Recently, during the government shutdown seems that’s all the talk shows and TV network news programs were talking about, opinioning and discussing. Everyone was busy playing the “blame” game; all with low scores on the court of public opinion.
An Agricultural occurrence, “The Blizzard of 2013” was seldom mentioned. The farmers/ranchers in western South Dakota, Nebraska and eastern Wyoming were faced with a devastating early snow storm. The storm caught everyone off guard. The storm began with some two inches of rain followed by nineteen to twenty four inches of snow and sixty to eighty mile per hour winds.
The area farmers/ranchers cattle herds were on summer ranges and had not been brought down for winter near home base. These cattle were found seeking shelter anywhere available, some were found in low areas where snow drifts simply smothered the cattle. Others were soaked from rain and were frozen. Several reports place losses from 80 to 100,000 head. Can you imagine these losses and conditions? Reports from various agriculture sources describe the situation; one contained a poem by “Will Sturgeon” ranch hand related to their situation.
The Blizzard of Thirteen
The hum of happy chatter filled the mood-lit dining room.
Scraping plates and clinking glasses eased October gloom.
The politicians chuckled, regaling battles won,
The government had been shutdown, for now their work was done.
They sawed away industriously, at steak, and polemic pie,
Sharp tongues and empty rhetoric, while out West cattle died.
A government statement, no farm bill in two years,
Eighty thousand cattle died while they prattled in their beers.
Torrential rain, then gusting wind, then driving drifting snow.
No winter coats, nowhere to hide, and nowhere else to go.
Unweaned calves and pregnant cows still grazing prairie green,
Caught by surprise, soaked to the bone, by the blizzard of thirteen.
Driven East before the storm, taking shelter where they could.
Hypothermic, caught in fences, frozen as they stood.
Driven down by weighted coats, buried in the draws; saturated,
suffocated, while DC debates laws.
Year after year the same routine, and never progress made.
The house and congress impotent, while nature rules her stage.
Two years the Farm Bill sat expired, while officials spout and proem.
Two days for nature’s verdict passed, the Blizzard of Thirteen.
The dark suits wave their banners high, “We’ve got to stand our ground!”
It’s good for the people, so lets shut the country down.
No matter there’s no services, no leadership, no teams
This is how our Leaders treat our Founding Fathers Dream?
While out in South Dakota, where the Western Code holds sway,
Ranchers Care for neighbors cows, and strangers donate hay.
Town folks come with four-wheelers, sleds and flat bed trucks,
Helping wounded ranchers wrestle dead cows from the muck.
For through the Government won’t work, or get its business right,
If you don’t render them dead cows, they’ll fine you quick as light.
And while you’re burning this years calf crop, and next years in her mother,
They sit at home sill getting paid, their backs turned on their brother.
The smell of death blows on the wind, across the Western Range.
Broken ranchers soldier on, their virtues never change.
Land and Family still intact, heart and soul still keen.
Out West they had their Brothers back, through the Blizzard of Thirteen.
My Hero
Some people say he was born the best that there could be.
He could ride the fastest, rope the swiftest, and was the best anyone had seen.
He would often have admirers, some lookers at the sight.
But he really wouldn’t notice, and would continue with his might.
He could tie a calf in seconds, rope a calf in three.
With his trusty horse named Ruckus he would mesmerize me.
Roundin’ up the cattle, that had gone astray.
Keepin’ them in line, and workin’ all day.
Hands as rough as leather, callused, rough and tough
Skin golden brown from the hot western sun.
From dusk ‘til dawn he would work, doin’ what he loved.
Sometimes getting down on his knees needin’ help from above.
He worked hard for his family, not one mouth went unfed.
He would work until exhaustion, stumbling to bed.
He would do anything for you, not one favor was looked by.
He would do it without thinkin’, not even mutterin’ a sigh.
Arms like powerful shotguns, muscular, toned, and strong,
Strong from heavy lifting, hard work all day long.
Wearn’ worn out Levis, dusty, ragged, and ripped,
A scruffy small beard that for days went unclipped.
He loved his wife with all his heart, cared for her in every way,
He couldn’t wait ‘til he could see her, even if it was five minutes of the day.
He would sweep her off of her feet in one mighty hug.
They laughed and looked as if it were the time they fell in love.
He would wake up in the mornin’, ready to get his work done.
Dustin’ off his Stetson that protected from the sun,
Slippin’ on his boots, the protectors of his feet,
Protectors from the dust, mud and the sleet.
He never once complained about the work he had to do.
It never went unfinished, he would always follow through
He never gave up on anything, tried his best on all.
He would do the very best he could from summer, winter, spring to fall.
This man is my hero; I have looked up to him all life long.
I hope to be just like him, grow up big, tough, and strong.
This man is probably the best cowboy the world has ever had.
This cowboy is my hero, the one I call dad.
By Elliza Casey, Pepperell High School
VETERANS REMEMBERED
We would like to say a huge "THANK YOU" to all our U.S.A. men and women who wear the uniform, both past and present for your service to our country. The price that is paid and has been paid for our freedom and the freedom of others all around the world can never be repaid, thanks to our veterans.
Your service allows us today to enjoy living in the land of the free. Everyday is Memorial Day along with Armed Forces Day May 18th,Memorial Day May 30th, D Day June 6th, Independence Day July 4th, Patriot Day September 11th, Veterans Day November 11th, and Pearl Harbor Day December 7th.
It is the Veteran, not the preacher, who has given us freedom of religion.
It is the Veteran, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press.
It is the Veteran, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech.
It is the Veteran, not the campus organizer, who has given us freedom to assemble.
It is the Veteran, not the lawyer, who has given us the right to a fair trail.
It is the Veteran, not the politician, who has given us the right to vote.
It is the Veteran, who salutes the flag, who serves under the flag, and whose coffin will be draped by the flag.
Author: Unknown
Everyday should be Veteran's Day!
Junior Livestock Shows, Are They Worth It?
Before we discuss the merits of a junior livestock show, maybe I better define it. First of all, it is not a junior livestock show. It is a young people's show where: beef heifers, steers, dairy heifers, market lambs, breeding ewes, market hogs, horses and other animals are used as visual aids. About ninety percent of the people who come to a junior livestock show, come to see a son or daughter or someone else's son or daughter show themselves. The exhibitor must have a live animal in order to get into the show ring! Tennessee 4-Hers, FFA members and other young people have the opportunity to participate in several local, county, district, state and national livestock project activities.
The growth and success of these junior livestock projects depends upon the interest of the youngsters and encouragement from their parents, who get involved and invest their time and money in a livestock project. The junior livestock project should never be sold as a money making project. It is a teaching, learning project or an investment for the future and should be sold as such. The value of the junior livestock project is the opportunity offered to the youth to learn, grow and develop his or her character.
What Does It Teach?
First, it teaches the youth to get along with people. Showing animals; winning, losing and so forth helps the youth get along with others. Also, during this time the youth work closely with family members, creating closer family ties. The activities involved with these junior livestock projects demonstrates other skills the 4-H and FFA members have acquired.
Second, feeding and caring for the junior livestock animal teaches responsibility. Its the 4-H or FFA members responsibility to hear the alarm clock and obey it. It takes a lot of determination to go out on a cold morning to feed and care for an animal that depends on them; skip ball practice or other activities to care for the needs of their project animal. If they learn nothing more than that, then feeding is worth while.
Third, junior livestock projects teaches youth to attend to details. In feeding and caring for their animals and especially thru life, it is often the little things that count. The youth who goes the extra mile to get the job done. Responding to an animals needs can easily be carried over into responding to one's fellowman's needs.
Fourth, It teaches the members about making decisions. Decision making is the most painful task a person has. The good animal shown this year did not just happen to be there. Someone planned it that way! Deciding which animal to select, what to feed, how to break it to lead and train it to show.
Fifth, Feeding teaches the youth to plan. For without a good planning to have plenty of fresh feed on hand we are sunk.
Sixth, somewhere along the line, we hope these 4-Hers and FFA members will learn a little about agriculture and livestock production. An appreciation for animal agriculture is an asset that has no dollar value. We do not expect every youth who feeds, cares for, trains, fits and shows a junior livestock project animal to become a livestock farmer/rancher. Neither do we expect all little league baseball and football players to go professional.
Livestock projects are a family affair. I do not mean the whole family does the work. I mean the whole family must enjoy and have an interest in the project. Half of the value is lost if the parents do not attend the show.
I think we are prone to look at investment thru the wrong end of the telescope. For example: we do not by a TV, we buy entertainment; we do not miss a day of school, we loose a day of education. By the same token we do not invest toward a premium list or purchase a youths market animal in a premium sale. Rather, we invest in the future of some boy or girl, who will in turn will help to keep America the greatest country on Earth.
There are many times when all of us: 4-Hers, FFA members, parents and leaders wonder if the long hours required in the junior livestock projects are really worth the effort. If teaching other young people to cooperate with others, handle responsibility, learn skills and have an appreciation for animal agriculture are worthy endeavors, then junior livestock projects are an investment in the future that cannot be measured in dollars and cents.
I trust that a few of my comments will serve to help convince youth, parents and others that they are "worth it".
The article "Junior Livestock Shows, Are They Worth It? was a speech or project report given by a 4-Her some 29 years previous to today. It was found going through a box of archives recently. These same lessons hold true for the youth of today.
Before we discuss the merits of a junior livestock show, maybe I better define it. First of all, it is not a junior livestock show. It is a young people's show where: beef heifers, steers, dairy heifers, market lambs, breeding ewes, market hogs, horses and other animals are used as visual aids. About ninety percent of the people who come to a junior livestock show, come to see a son or daughter or someone else's son or daughter show themselves. The exhibitor must have a live animal in order to get into the show ring! Tennessee 4-Hers, FFA members and other young people have the opportunity to participate in several local, county, district, state and national livestock project activities.
The growth and success of these junior livestock projects depends upon the interest of the youngsters and encouragement from their parents, who get involved and invest their time and money in a livestock project. The junior livestock project should never be sold as a money making project. It is a teaching, learning project or an investment for the future and should be sold as such. The value of the junior livestock project is the opportunity offered to the youth to learn, grow and develop his or her character.
What Does It Teach?
First, it teaches the youth to get along with people. Showing animals; winning, losing and so forth helps the youth get along with others. Also, during this time the youth work closely with family members, creating closer family ties. The activities involved with these junior livestock projects demonstrates other skills the 4-H and FFA members have acquired.
Second, feeding and caring for the junior livestock animal teaches responsibility. Its the 4-H or FFA members responsibility to hear the alarm clock and obey it. It takes a lot of determination to go out on a cold morning to feed and care for an animal that depends on them; skip ball practice or other activities to care for the needs of their project animal. If they learn nothing more than that, then feeding is worth while.
Third, junior livestock projects teaches youth to attend to details. In feeding and caring for their animals and especially thru life, it is often the little things that count. The youth who goes the extra mile to get the job done. Responding to an animals needs can easily be carried over into responding to one's fellowman's needs.
Fourth, It teaches the members about making decisions. Decision making is the most painful task a person has. The good animal shown this year did not just happen to be there. Someone planned it that way! Deciding which animal to select, what to feed, how to break it to lead and train it to show.
Fifth, Feeding teaches the youth to plan. For without a good planning to have plenty of fresh feed on hand we are sunk.
Sixth, somewhere along the line, we hope these 4-Hers and FFA members will learn a little about agriculture and livestock production. An appreciation for animal agriculture is an asset that has no dollar value. We do not expect every youth who feeds, cares for, trains, fits and shows a junior livestock project animal to become a livestock farmer/rancher. Neither do we expect all little league baseball and football players to go professional.
Livestock projects are a family affair. I do not mean the whole family does the work. I mean the whole family must enjoy and have an interest in the project. Half of the value is lost if the parents do not attend the show.
I think we are prone to look at investment thru the wrong end of the telescope. For example: we do not by a TV, we buy entertainment; we do not miss a day of school, we loose a day of education. By the same token we do not invest toward a premium list or purchase a youths market animal in a premium sale. Rather, we invest in the future of some boy or girl, who will in turn will help to keep America the greatest country on Earth.
There are many times when all of us: 4-Hers, FFA members, parents and leaders wonder if the long hours required in the junior livestock projects are really worth the effort. If teaching other young people to cooperate with others, handle responsibility, learn skills and have an appreciation for animal agriculture are worthy endeavors, then junior livestock projects are an investment in the future that cannot be measured in dollars and cents.
I trust that a few of my comments will serve to help convince youth, parents and others that they are "worth it".
The article "Junior Livestock Shows, Are They Worth It? was a speech or project report given by a 4-Her some 29 years previous to today. It was found going through a box of archives recently. These same lessons hold true for the youth of today.
One
Powerful Commercial
If you were one of the 111.3 million viewers of the February
2013 Super Bowl (Ravens vs. 49’ers); Dodge Trucks scored more points than either
team with a most powerful commercial: “So God Made a
Farmer”.
The poem truly shares the heart and soul of American
farmers/ranchers with many generations removed from America’s farms and ranches. Paul
Harvey’s poem and recitation gets straight to the heart of American Agriculture.
Here’s the Poem!
So God Made A Farmer
And on the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, “I need a caretaker”. So God Made a Farmer.
God said, “I need somebody willing to get up before down, milk
cows, work all day in the fields, milk cows again, eat supper and then go to
town and stay past midnight at a meeting of the school board.”
So God Made a Farmer.
“I need somebody with arms strong enough to rustle a calf and
gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild. Somebody to call hogs, tame
cantankerous machinery, come home hungry, has to wait on lunch until his wife’s
done feeding visiting ladies and the ladies to be sure and come back real soon
and mean it.” So God Made a Farmer.
God said, “I need somebody willing to sit up all night with a
new born colt, and watch it die, then dry his eyes and say, “Maybe next year.” I
need somebody who can shape an ax handle from a persimmon sprout, shoe a horse
with a hunk of car tire, who cam make a harness out of haywire, feed sacks and
shoe scrap and who during planting time and harvest season will finish his forty
hour week by Tuesday noon and then, pain’N from tractor back, put in another
seventy-two hours”. So God Made a Farmer.
God had to have somebody willing to ride the ruts at double
speed to get the hay in ahead of the rain clouds and yet stop in mid-field and
race to help when he see’s first smoke from a neighbors place.
So God Made a Farmer.
God said, “I need somebody strong enough to clear trees, heave
bales, yet gentle enough to wean lambs and wean pigs and tend pink-combed
pullets, which will stop his mower for an hour to splint the broken leg of a
meadowlark.” It had to be somebody who’d plow deep and straight and not cut
corners. Somebody to seed, weed, feed, breed and rake and disc and plow and
plant and tie the fleece and strain the milk and replenish the self-feeder and
finish a hard week’s work with a five mile drive to
church.
Somebody who’d bale a family together with the soft strong bonds
of sharing, who would laugh and sigh, and then reply with smiling eyes when his
son says that he wants to spend his life doing what Dad does.
So God Made a Farmer.
The Super Bowl’s most valuable player, “Dodge
Trucks”.
The poem truly describes today’s farmers/ranchers and their
untiring work to raise and deliver a safe wholesome food to America’s dinner
tables.
Today’s farmer/rancher wears many hats: Banker- financial manager of the farm/ranches business dealings.
Citizen-concerned member of school board, library, health care, church and local government bodies.
Environmentalist-Land soil and water manager to use natural resources wisely.
Veterinarian-care of animals trusted to their care.
Mechanic-repair and maintenance of farm equipment and family vehicles.
Purchasing agent-securing all the necessary supplies to raise crops and livestock.
Marketing agent- sale and delivery of crops and livestock raised for family consumers.
Inspector-providing a safe and healthy wholesome food supply for family consumer’s dinner table.
Father-Assisting children with homework, school related
activities (sports and band) 4-H club and Future Farmers of America projects.
We may not recognize which hat he wears today but the
farmer/rancher’s goal is raising and delivery of a safe healthy wholesome food
to your dinner table.