I've Moved!

No - not to another state. I'm just switching platforms and upping my blogging game a bit by becoming a self-hosted blog on Wordpress.com!

I made this jump primarily because Blogger's antiquated editor and lack of functionality (or maybe it's my lack of tech skills) had me at my wit's end. So I figured, no time like the present. And, after hearing a friend and fellow blogger say "It's time to treat my own brand like I do my clients'," I bit the bullet, purchased my own domain name and have moved everything over to Wordpress! You can now find me at www.buzzardsbeat.com (that sounds so cool, I must admit) and after this post, all content will be over there. Starting next week, this page will redirect so instead of this Blogger site being on your Fave bar, make sure to change it to the new, improved site!

Don't worry - all your favorite posts will still be available for reading, along with my social properties, some new features and a snazzy new theme! I've got just one favor to ask of you - once you get to that new page, please sign up to receive email notifications of new posts. Those of you who already do that on this blog will likely lose that functionality due to Google's Feedburner transferability but all you have to do is put your email address in the box on the new site, push submit and you're set!

It's been great blogging here for 6+ years and I'm looking forward to continuing the chronicles of life on a Kansas ranch on a new platform. To celebrate the transfer, I've got an exciting giveaway planned for next week so don't miss out!

Thanks for reading and I hope to see you at the new and improved Buzzard's Beat!

Until next time,
~ Buzzard ~

I'm Taking a Seat

Listening in to a meeting about the Veterinary Feed Directive
at our local auction market.
I was the only young producer in attendance.

If you aren't at the table, you aren't part of the conversation.

That mantra is heard often throughout society during presidential elections and debates but have you ever taken the time to consider how your voice can affect everyday activities in your community or your professional interests?

Jennifer Latze, a phenomenal writer and outright awesome person, recently penned an article in the High Plains Journal titled, "Where Have All the Members Gone?" in which she discusses the need for young people in agriculture to pay our dues (literally, with money) and attend industry meetings and events. After all, the discussions taking place at local, state and national agriculture organization meetings are those that will shape policies, procedures and trends for our industry for several years to come. Jennifer hits the nail right on the head when she says, "Today, the average age of the American farmer is 57 to 58 years old. We need to not only think about who’s going to take his place in the field or on the ranch, but also who’s going to take his place in the grassroots organization he’s spent a lifetime supporting." It's my generation's responsibility to ensure that the time, sweat and efforts that have been devoted to improving agriculture for the past 30-40 years aren't wasted away by a lack of leadership or involvement.
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How to See Rome in 2.5 Days

I posted a few weeks ago about our whirlwind, trip-of-a-lifetime to Europe in December. Well, I'm back with a recap on how you can see Rome and the awesome architectural attractions in only 2.5 days.

 

Our half day was the first day we were in Rome - we left Australia and after three long flights we landed in Rome at 12:30 pm. So, here we go!
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5 Reasons Why Farmers Should Support Wendy's

Image courtesy: iSpot.Tv

More often than not, the only time we hear from fast-food restaurants is when they are making some groundbreaking announcement about their food safety procedures or their supply chain. In general, neither are a welcome message for consumers or producers alike.

However Wendy’s, the pro-ginger burger chain, is different than Subway, Panera and Chipotle – all of which have made headline-generating statements about their food supply. Wendy’s actually supports agriculture and wants to work together with farmers and ranchers to market delicious, safe and healthy food.

5 reasons why farmers and ranchers should support Wendy’s:

Wendy’s wants to Work WITH Beef Producers – not take away important technologies like antibiotics. In a press conference at Cattle Industry Convention, [reported on by BEEF Magazine], Wendy’s spokesperson Liliana Esposito said the chain wants to collaborate with producers to refine, reduce and replace antibiotics but they respect that when an animal is sick, it NEEDS treatment. Esposito added, “The best beef comes from healthy well-cared for animals. A sick animal needs to be treated and you won’t hear differently from us.”

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