Our big girls are showing cattle this weekend in Kearney, NE which is not too far from home. Competing in that arena is only a small part of the experience. I have told you that I am a student of life. I look at any situation as a classroom.

A few years ago, it became very apparent to my husband and I that if the next generation wants any possibility at being able to come back to the family farm and ranch, we have to make some systematic changes today in order to ward off the threat of vertically integrating the cattle industry like what has been done in chicken and hogs.

I have been making and sharing my Buckaroo Brownie recipe for years. Chances are if you have ever been a part of the crew that works cattle at our ranch, Buckaroo Brownies are always on the menu, especially if I am serving lunch somewhere out in a pasture.

Our girls are all back to school today after enjoying a 3 day weekend at home. They did all of the things our kids are known to do when they are home, they worked with some of their show cattle in the barn, they rode horses, and they helped with some ranch projects.

The first order of the day is announcing our winner of our 4-H memory contest giveaway. There were some great entries that truly made me smile. Almost all of them talked about special people and unforgettable experiences that 4-H brought in to their lives. But, I have to say that Jackie Maude, from Hermosa, SD takes the cake and is our winner!

Welcome to the kickoff of a 3-day weekend full of sugar, meltdowns, late nights and memories made! Who doesn’t love seeing all of the kids dressed up?

For months the United States Department of Agriculture had been putting out strong messaging about TREATING American agriculture as a priority. But I think we have been TRICKED!

I just want to take a minute to show appreciation for all the volunteers that are making events and celebrations happen for families in communities across our listening area. As production ag families, we get so caught up in the hustle and bustle of fall harvest, weaning calves, and all the things happening on the farm and ranch this time of year.

Hard to believe that it is almost November. Our harvest on the farm is not quite wrapped up. I am starting to think about next year and the challenges we will face. We can not ignore the explosion in the cost of energy. Winter is coming.

4-H is under recognized as the incredible community service organization that it is. Community service projects are my favorite thing to watch my girls be involved in.