Yesterday I took you through the first half of my day in the snow storm. Several inches of snow were falling on the ground, I found myself with a prolapsed cow who wanted me on the other side of the fence, and hours behind in getting things done around the ranch. I promised a more … Continue reading Ranch Snow Day: Calving Heifers
Ranch Snow Day: The Prolapse
We have heard it time and time again, "No farms or ranches closed today due to winter weather." Farmers and Ranchers must brave any and all weather conditions to care for and feed livestock. But how often do we hear what happens during those days? It is very difficult to get work done and document … Continue reading Ranch Snow Day: The Prolapse
Now, Where is that Clutch?
If you have been on a tractor lately, you probably know the clutch has pretty much been rendered useless by those new transmissions. As a kid, my family had several newer tractors, but my dad made sure I learned how to drive that ole rugged Massey before anything else. Drive a few rounds on that … Continue reading Now, Where is that Clutch?
Winter on the Ranch
Big News Folks: We are expecting another 9+ inches of snow in Arkansas again this week! Is it just me or does it seem like the weather forecasters have just started hitting "copy and paste" from the Alaska menu? My brother was complaining because there was an inch of snow on the road Monday morning … Continue reading Winter on the Ranch
Preparations for Calving
Calving season is upon us in Prattsville. Our first calf was born Saturday morning in the fresh snow. The first-calf heifer, now a cow, had no problems calving and got the young calf warmed up and dried off. So what work is there before calving season starts? I have talked in many Tweets and posts … Continue reading Preparations for Calving
The Super Bowl and Texas Agriculture
Ever make the connection between tomorrow's Super Bowl in snowy Dallas? From the footballs used to your favorite snacks, Texas Agriculture gives a big boost to the gridiron game plan. Thanks to the North Texas E-News for these AgFacts!Leather is used to make footballs and Texas leads the nation in cattle with more than 13 million head … Continue reading The Super Bowl and Texas Agriculture
Thoughts on Humane Animal Handling
Earlier this week, #AgChat hosted a discussion over Humane Animal Handling, including third-party audited verification of handling practices for farms and ranches. I found it unusual to have a topic this closely related to actual daily livestock production, so I made a little extra effort to join in. The archives of the discussion are posted … Continue reading Thoughts on Humane Animal Handling
Food For Thought: Good Cattle Producers
A good beef cattle producer takes time to admire and evaluate mistakes. Successful producers focus their time and energy on sustainable and profitable beef production. In addition, they use their knowledge of beef cattle breeding principles combined with reliable selection methods to identify animals appropriate for their production system. They maintain detailed financial and performance … Continue reading Food For Thought: Good Cattle Producers
Oprah, I Eat Vegan Too!
As I've said before, with the exception of only a few months in a college apartment, I have spent my entire life on the ranch. Whether it was in Arkansas, Oklahoma, Wyoming, or Texas, I have been immersed in a life of food production. Because of this lifestyle, there are many things I miss about … Continue reading Oprah, I Eat Vegan Too!
Caleb is AgProud and Ag-Thankful
Sometimes I forget what it would be like to be a first-generation Aggie. I grew up on the ranch, my dad the same, and the other Goodmans before him. Because of that there is probably a lot I miss, or maybe do not notice. But I wouldn't give my raising on the ranch for the … Continue reading Caleb is AgProud and Ag-Thankful