Sustainable Agriculture-It's One in the Same

Sustainability has become a hot topic in recent years as consumers are beginning to take vested interest in food production and where their eggs, milk, steaks and whole wheat bread originate. As the "green movement" has taken hold, people are becoming more aware of environmental impact and are looking to be more sensible in their consumption and lifestyles.

Unfortunately, the use of this term has also taken a bit of a twist in the agriculture community.
Apparently, not all agriculture practices are considered sustainable. At least by the public. According to the general population, if you operate what may be considered a Concentrated Animal Feeding Operation (CAFO), use conventional production methods or follow other practices that aren't considered all-natural, your business and farm is not sustainable.

Courtesy www.certifiedangusbeef.com

Ok-time to turn this story around. It just so happens that agriculture as a whole is THE example of sustainability. It doesn't matter if it's organic, all-natural, grass-finished, cage-free or conventional. In fact, I would argue that conventional is still the most sustainable of all the options. According to Webster's dictionary, sustainable is defined as "a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged". So with this said, anything that conserves, preserves and reserves a resource is considered sustainable. This means organic, all-natural, conventional, any and all properly executed and managed production practices within agriculture fall under this category.

Today's conventional beef production remains highly sustainable
Courtesy www.wvu.edu

Focusing on beef production specifically, in this article from Missouri Farmer Today, Washington State University professor Jude Capper says "...sustainability in beef production systems is not constrained by size, style or scale. Rather sustainable beef production must be economically viable, environmentally responsible and socially conscious. And, conventional beef production meets all three of those qualifications." She continues by saying that if this wasn't the case, producers wouldn't continue to be in the business. "The long, rich history of farming and ranching in the United States is a testament to the cattle industry's sustainability," Capper said.

Numbers don't carry the weight and effect of personal application and feeling, but they still can't be overlooked. Beef production now requires
-19% less feed
-12% less water
-33% less land and
-has decreased carbon footprint by 16%

And meanwhile, carcass weights have increased almost 175# on average as compared to the 1970's. To top it all off, we've managed to reduce the number of days it takes to get an animal to harvest by four months!!! Guess what this means - conventionally raised beef requires less inputs, takes less time and yields more product.

Put this in the big picture: "In 1977, it would have taken about 3,000 days to make the same amount of beef that it took only 1,900 days in 2007. The result is a savings of 1,100 days of environmental impact," Capper said.

Farmers care for the land and livestock in hopes of preserving
the tradition for generations to come
Courtesy www.sustainableag.unl.edu

Producers today want to take every step possible to ensure the livestock and the land are around for generations to come. Passing on the family tradition is the dream. Raising safe and wholesome food for the world is the number one priority. And caring for the resources and animals that are entrusted to us is the commitment.

Consumers are BLESSED with a variety of food choices. That's the beauty of the agriculture industry, there's something for everyone. "...there is a place for all beef production systems, whether conventional, natural or grassfed. Sustainability comes down to which style is best suited to be economically viable and socially and environmentally conscious given the land and resources available," Capper said. "Feeding hungry people in a world where one in seven don't have enough food — that's sustainability."

Until next time, you can find me off the beaten path and ridin for the brand!!!

Never Lose the Real

What does it mean to lose the real? Or rather to keep it? And why is the real so important?

When I was young, one of my pet peeves was people who tried to be cool and fit in with the crowd through their actions, conversations and demeanor. Whatever was the popular style or way of doing things, that was their method. I've always appreciated authenticity and when someone has to do something to be noticed rather than just be themselves I lose respect for them.

I've recently realized multiple facets of my personality and interests that I believe derive from this concept of being honest and real. One is how I handle serious conversations or leading questions. I don't like people asking me a question indirectly or in a roundabout way. And when I ask a question, even if their answer that isn't what I want to hear, I would rather know the truth than have to figure it out myself. Direct and honest communication is the most effective. And when you can be honest and real about what you want to know or say, I believe that speaks volumes. Lately in my relationships, I've had people comment on how they appreciate the fact that I'm straightforward, open and honest and that I demand that of those with whom I communicate. I think society would benefit from this standard of direct and real dialogue.

Cowboys are the symbol of hard work, honesty and
commitment to what's right.
Courtesy www.westernhats.com

The second facet is my love and appreciation of cowboys and the western way of life. No one is more direct, straightforward, honest and true to form than a cowboy. The code of the west demands it. Cowboys don't need to create an image - they ARE an image. They stand by their word, are never above reproach and are willing to lay down their life for their horse, family, country and God.

When your personality and character isn't formulated by what you think society wants to see, but rather by who you really are as God made you, it's noticed. In fact, authenticity and genuine behavior stands out to the world. So why wouldn't you just be yourself, be honest and stand your ground? When you give in to what everyone else tells you is right rather than what you believe in your heart, you lose all sight of yourself and what you live for. Like Shane in the movie, you become a prisoner--to what the world is saying rather than what God has already stated.

I'm realizing more all the time that it doesn't take long for people to figure out the majority of my personality shortly after I meet them. They see that I'm a Christian (at least that's my goal), a cowboy, and a good friend who is committed to being honest and loyal to those around me. I have no image to portray -- or hide -- I'm just who I am and that's what people see.

Do you have the real? When people see you, do they really see YOU or do they see the image and person you have created? Does your relationship with God shine or do people not even notice the difference in your life? Do you strive to live and communicate in a direct, honest and authentic way?

Being YOU is as real and honest as it gets.
Courtesy of whatdigitalcamera.media.ipcdigital.co.uk

Don't become a prisoner or puppet to what society says you should be. Be yourself. Be authentic. Be honest. And above all - Never Lose the Real.

Until next time, you can find me off the beaten path and ridin for the brand!!!

Take a Stand - Ride for the Brand!

At the end of my blog, you'll find this line "Until next time, you can find me off the beaten path and ridin for the brand!!!"

You might think it sounds catchy and country, and probably remember hearing the phrase "ridin for the brand" in some commercial or marketing campaign. But have you ever heard the real meaning and connotation behind those four words?

A brand signifies who you are and what you stand for.
Courtesy www.vdacs.virginia.gov

Beef Magazine
recently tweeted an editorial written by Troy Marshall on the importance of brand management. Marshall does a wonderful job giving credence to the historic significance of this saying and ties it to every aspect of a cattleman's life. "It's a creed that embodies a lot of values we hold dear. There are fewer compliments that are more meaningful than being able to say someone rode for the brand," Marshall writes.

He continues saying this phrase makes most people think of standing up for something they believe in, are proud of and honored to represent. "It's about living up to your own values and code; it's about exercising your potential," Marshall writes, "When you put your brand on something, it's a declaration to the world of not only pride in what you produce, but an announcement that you take ownership and responsibility for it."

Of course, Marshall's editorial is written to the direction of managing a ranch brand that advertises the cattle produced and the people in charge. But brands are more than a symbol burned onto the hip of a steer, or hung above the driveway entrance or affixed to the side of a stock trailer. A brand can be anything that represents who you are and what you believe in. It's something you stand behind, represent and are proud of. Ridin for the brand encompasses living for a purpose. It's enacting what you believe is honorable, right, just and true. It's living every day unashamed and ready to give your all for the cause.

Are you ridin for the brand or do you just go with whatever feels right at the time? Do you take a stand for what you believe in or mix with the crowds to see what ends up happening? Do you live your life with purpose or are you easily swayed to believe what other people say?

Live with purpose and ride for the brand!
Courtesy www.4.bp.blogspot.com

Be bold, take a stand, live with purpose and above all - Ride for the Brand.


Until next time, you can find me off the beaten path and ridin for the brand!!!

Love -The Waiting Game

"For this reason a man will leave his father and mother and be united to his wife, and the two will become one flesh." - Ephesians 5:31 (NIV)

The search for the one God has designed specifically for us can sometimes be challenging, frustrating, heartbreaking and very arduous. Especially when everyone else seems to be getting in relationships, engaged or married and you're still the single third wheel looking for that special someone. Sometimes we wonder what it is about us that people don't find attractive or why we can't seem to find the person that meets all our criteria and makes us feel whole. We may even come to a point where we wonder if we will ever find someone to fall in love with......

Courtesy of www.twodelighted.com

Her profile caught my attention and her story was intriguing. She was a Texas cowgirl who loved the Lord and loved the country. After a month or so of talking, I expressed interest in her and we began conversing over the idea of a relationship. She was impressed with me and I with her, but 12 hours distance was a hindrance and she was reluctant to advance further without actually meeting me. Four months after my initial online request found me on a plane headed South to meet this wonderful young lady whom I had come to admire very much. 

We could talk for hours, text each other all day and share almost anything with one another. She loved riding horses, shooting guns, cooking, and playing with kids. She had a heart for family, ministry and serving the Lord. She was everything I wanted in a girl. 

Upon returning from my trip down South we continued talking about the possibility of a relationship. Our number one desire was to follow God's will and listen to His calling. The problem was neither of us were totally sure what He was trying to tell us.

After lots of prayer, talking to each other and listening to God, I began to feel Him leading us to pursue a friendship only. The more I questioned if this was really what God wanted, the more He gave me a peace about it. My heart was screaming that it wanted to be with her and I continued to remind myself of all the qualities I loved about her. I was very aggravated because I had been making myself wait and be "picky" about who I pursued and I believed I had found a serious potential mate in this young lady.

Then in my quick devotion time Friday morning, I read Psalms 37:4 "Delight yourself in the LORD and he will give you the desires of your heart." BAM!!! It was like a punch to the gut and yet a reassuring hug. I knew God had a plan and only wanted me to fully trust Him, fully love Him and fully be happy in Him. So I finally broke down and gave in. I messaged her and shared what I felt God was telling me. I expressed my feelings and how hard it was for me to let go of this opportunity, but admitted that I believed God had a perfect plan in place and would reveal the right person at the right time to both of us. Her response touched my heart in a way that only God can do. She was amazed and impressed at my spiritual discernment and ability to relinquish my desires. She commented on how much she had learned through our friendship and we agreed there was a reason for us to become friends and experience this journey.

But what really got me was when she began talking about how this situation just went to show that God wants us to believe He has someone picked out that will be perfect for us and He isn't teasing us by not letting us have what we want - He's showing us what we want and saying "I can do even better!!!"
Everything we experience in relationships is for a reason and if we are mature and discerning we can learn from all things - good and bad. The joys and trials we go through in trying to find the one God has made for us prepares us to be ready when He really does show us the one. But we must be willing to give up what we think we want, turn loose of what we would like to control and say "God, I trust you, I believe in you and I know whatever you have planned will be the best possible!"

Waiting for the one God has designed can be incredibly difficult,
but we will be rewarded in the end!
Courtesy of www.3.bp.blogspot.com

For me, relationships are a waiting game. I've learned to not dive into them with just any girl that I think might be a possibility. I've decided to take time and develop good friendships with them and follow God's calling in regards to love. Does my heart sometimes want to jump ahead and bask in the emotions love entertains? Absolutely!! But I've made up my mind that what God wants is the best thing possible. Though it can hurt, I only want what He gives me.

Do you ever wonder if the day will come when you find someone that you not only can live with, but can't live without? Do you feel sometimes like you're waiting forever without results or reassurance? Don't worry, don't be anxious, don't be afraid. The Lord has a perfect plan, a perfect mate and a perfect love that can not be beaten. Listen to His will, follow His calling and delight yourself in Him - and he WILL grant you what your heart desires!!!


 Are you patient enough to wait?

Courtesy of www.courtneymardon.files.wordpress.com

Family, Friends and the Outdoors

Bill Jordan's motto is one that rings true with every hardcore hunter. The combination of camaraderie and creation is a luring characteristic of this wonderful sport. Granted it's always exhilarating to hear a thundering gobble, be within bow range of a giant buck or have a flock of teal buzz past your blind at 70mph, but that's all just icing on the cake to what truly makes hunting such an enjoyable sport.

I've had the wonderful opportunity the last three weekends to spend time in the deer woods with family and friends. And it's given me a renewed appreciation for this passion. Halloween weekend I met up with a friend that I met just this past fall and taped him on a Sat eve/Sun morning hunt in North Mo. We were on public land and never saw a single deer, but I had such a blast spending time in the woods with him and his buddy and witnessing amazing weather and beauty.

The first weekend in November, I traveled back to my folk's place and went out with my brother for another Sat eve/Sun morning run. Saturday night we were fortunate enough to see a flock of turkeys going to roost, but no deer showed up. That was still probably one of the funnest hunts I've been on with my brother though. We laughed and joked around and had a great time together sitting in a tree. Sunday morning we witnessed a beautiful fog/frost, heard and watched about 20 turkeys come off the roost and were fortunate enough to harvest a nice mature doe, capturing it all on camera - and we made it to church on time!!!

My brother Cooper was fortunate enough to
harvest this mature doe and get the shot on camera.
I'm so glad I was able to experience it with him!

This last weekend I made the trek to NE Kansas (not really a trek, only 3 1/2 hrs) to sit in a tree with my cousin bowhunting. Unfortunately deer sightings were at a minimum and I only saw one myself, but was unable to get him on camera. We faced unseasonably warm temperatures and incredible gusts Saturday and literally almost froze our toes off Sunday afternoon. We sat from just about 1:30 til almost 6 and experienced cutting winds and what felt like freezing temperatures. At more than 20 feet up a tree I broke three records: my longest sit in a deer stand, my longest time holding in liquids (I finally used the bottle when I started doing the potty dance!) and the coldest I have ever been!!! To say the least it was an unpleasant afternoon, but I got to spend some awesome quality time with my cousin and witness some beautiful Kansas country.

As we sat perched in that tree overlooking a beautiful pond and surrounded by massive trees and draws, I told my cousin there was nothing quite like sitting in a deer stand. He replied saying that was one of the things he loved most about hunting, was that it was one of the few sports that revered God by glorifying nature and creation. The sunrises, sunsets, towering oaks and passing clouds make for a beautiful panorama that only God could create. Being able to experience that is truly a blessing from above.

The big Kansas bucks didn't show themselves,
but my cousin Brady and I braced extremes of unpleasant weather and enjoyed a great weekend in the stand together!!!

Hunting for me is a passion. I love nothing more than chasing gobbling turkeys and watching flocks of ducks and geese funnel into a decoy spread. The crisp stillness of an April morning and the warmth of a November sunrise fill me with excitement and desire. And of course nothing makes my heart race more than hearing the words "Take 'Em!!!"

But what really drives me to love this sport is simple: Family. Friends. And God's Great Outdoors.

Seeing God's handiwork displayed in creation is utterly breathtaking sometimes.
Although I tend to get bored sitting in a deerstand,
being able to witness this beauty is incredible!

Until next time, you can find me off the beaten path and ridin for the brand!!!

The Choice of 2012

Courtesy www.dane101.com

One week from today the future of America will once again be changed. One week from today our nation will respond and give authority to someone to govern over us. On November 6th, the democratic society of the United States of America will once again dictate who we want to lead our country, command our armed forces and set policies for our economy.

I don't think it would be a far fetched statement to say every American citizen is concerned and anxious to see who will take up residency of the oval office. There are followers to both sides and both parties have respectable ideas and policies in place. Both candidates understand what is important to this nation, what issues need to be addressed and both have what they believe to be concrete fundamentals that will turn the tables for the next four years and following. And yet, as confident and committed and assuring as both candidates appear, they both humans that hold flaws and exemplify weakness.

Which candidate do you think will truly benefit America?
Courtesy www.specials-images.forbes.com

When I look at the candidates, I see some very vast differences that strike me as interesting. Both individuals are focused on the same task and issues, but both have quite different approaches. I believe Obama is extremely out of touch with middle-class America, Midwestern policy and the true condition of this nation. While Romney obviously can't be classified as a middle-class individual, in my opinion he at least understands what it will take to place the country back in balance, bring relief to the middle-class economically and strive towards positive "change".
It's definitely a little unnerving not knowing what will take place and how it will change the course of this nation's future, but it's reassuring to know no matter what we do or think, there is someone else in charge of this whole game!

What are your thoughts on the election? Do you see major differences in the candidates? Are you ready to move to Mexico if one of them doesn't win?!! :)

I Love Mexico!!!!!!!!
Courtesy www.mexico-travel.com

Until next time, you can find me off the beaten path and ridin' for the brand!!!

Livin' and Learnin'!!!

Hillsides covered with cattle is a common sight in the
Flinthills of East Central and Southeast Kansas

One of my favorite things about my job is the opportunity to travel a four state area, meet new people and learn about different sectors of agriculture. This week I spent three days in Kansas taking pictures of newly acquired company locations, a soil sampling crew and a large cattle backgrounding operation. As I traversed through Emporia, KS and headed southeast to Pittsburg, I rolled through the beautiful flinthills and was in awe of the continuous miles of rolling grass and cattle dotting the landscape. One stretch of road led me across an ENORMOUS plateau that provided a view of literally thousands of acres of grass, hay bales, lakes and the prettiest sunset imaginable. All I could think as I drove across the endless pastures and prairies was that our Creator delights in pleasuring us with beauty.

Miles upon miles of grassy hills, lakes and occasional creek draws
provide for breathtaking views!!!!

As the sun sets in Southeast Kansas, I am so thankful for the creation God
has provided for us to delight in and the land He gives us to care for and manage

Riding a 4 wheeler over hundreds of acres to collect soil samples
is quite entertaining and enjoyable, despite the monotony of the job

To wrap up the trip, I visited a large cattle backgrounding operation near Hepler, KS and was joined by a co-worker to conduct a photo & video shoot and interview for the magazine. In what has been one of the worst drought years in decades, this backgrounder was able to INCREASE his stocking rate to over two head per acre due to his forage nutrient plan and working with the present fescue grass to maximize production. It was incredible to see the pastures covering his 2,000 acres which provided grazing for 3,000 head of cattle each year. At the end of the video interview, this producer commented that what he loved most about his operation was running calves on grass and grain supplement just one week after weaning and experiencing little stress and sickness because they were content and doing what they were made to do - converting grass into gain.
Following our visit, we were taken for a roadside tour to view neighboring backgrounding operations, including a 7,000 acre ranch that grazed over 15,000 head of cattle this last year and had the goal of running 30,000 head a year in the future. I must say seeing a 1,900 acre section of land in one fenced piece as part of this ranch was truly a sight to behold.

Receiving pens of a small backgrounding operation in Southeast Kansas.
And by small I'm talking a couple thousand head of cattle grazed and sold each year!

 I consider a great joy and honor to meet and witness the people and operations that contribute to our food supply and learn even more about the greatest industry in the nation!!!


Until next time, you can find me off the beaten path and ridin' for the brand!!!