All We Need’s More Rain
Way back in the 1960s, James Erwin, my boss at Tyson who was over the field men, talked to us about a new field man he'd hired. James, who'd been an agri teacher at Lincoln before coming to Tyson, was a great boss and knew lots of people. He explained that the new employee had been a victim of polio. He was concerned whether he could handle the job, but wanted all of us to give him a chance, and a hand if he needed it. James considered him a hard worker, but handicapped, he might have problems keeping up.
Life Is Simple
There is a debate raging all across the country; that debate is whether or not to allow the sale of raw milk for human consumption. Those opposed to this type of transaction claim that raw milk contains all sorts of bad things that will lead to a multitude of sick people and possibly their deaths. The proponents of legalizing the sale of raw milk argue that fresh, raw milk is healthier than pasteurized milk and the bacteria that is naturally present in that milk is actually good for people's digestive systems and would result in a healthier population. Honestly, I don't know which side is correct, but what I do know is…
Across the Ozarks
Did fall sneak up on you like it has me this year? I woke up one morning to cool weather, steaming hay bales and spider webs adorning the trees and outbuildings. This fall is beautiful, and it is also an important fall. There is a ballot initiative facing Missourians this year, which, at first glance, doesn’t seem to affect livestock producers, but I encourage you to carefully review the facts. The ballot initiative before voters Nov. 2, called Proposition B, presented as the 'Puppy Mill Cruelty Prevention Act,’ I believe will only regulate law-abiding pet owners. This proposition will change the law to regulate “puppy mills” in our state but what will this type of legislation open the door to? There have been so many of you working tirelessly already to get the word out about this important issue being put to Missouri voters. Groups such as Farm Bureau and the Missouri Pet Breeders Association have uncovered that 90 percent of the funds to pass Proposition B are being donated by out-of-state animal rights groups and supporters. The Humane Society of the United States is a true enemy of agriculture, and Proposition B is a measure they are championing. Many other states have seen this type of bill passed already, and unfortunately, it all too often opens the door to more HSUS intervention in animal practices in the state. That is the last thing Missouri agriculturists want. To me, scare tactics to sway voters is no way to get effective animal practices and welfare-minded standards put into place. For these reasons, I’ll be voting “No,” on Proposition B Nov. 2. I hope you will do your homework on this proposition, and encourage everyone you know to do the same.
Headin’ for the Last Roundup
His tone was rather quarrelsome. Or maybe I just don’t like a finger stuck under my nose.
Life Is Simple
There is a debate raging all across the country; that debate is whether or not to allow the sale of raw milk for human consumption. Those opposed to this type of transaction claim that raw milk contains all sorts of bad things that will lead to a multitude of sick people and possibly their deaths. The proponents of legalizing the sale of raw milk argue that fresh, raw milk is healthier than pasteurized milk and the bacteria that is naturally present in that milk is actually good for people's digestive systems and would result in a healthier population. Honestly, I don't know which side is correct, but what I do know is…
Across the Ozarks
We married off one of my younger sisters, Jordan, a few weekends back. For my close-knit family, this wedding weekend extravaganza was an absolute blast of a roller-coaster ride. It was a weekend full of great joy, and plenty of stress in working to have the big day go off without a hitch. And of course, it did, and they are happily married today.
Across the Ozarks
We married off one of my younger sisters, Jordan, a few weekends back. For my close-knit family, this wedding weekend extravaganza was an absolute blast of a roller-coaster ride. It was a weekend full of great joy, and plenty of stress in working to have the big day go off without a hitch. And of course, it did, and they are happily married today.
All We Need’s More Rain
Over the years I have been involved in the local junior livestock auctions at Madison, Benton and Washington County fairs. I became the auctioneer for those sales for several years and had lots of fun doing them. Of course, I think the 4-H and FFA programs in these livestock projects are real lesson learners for youngsters – teaching them how to stay with something and lots more. I never charged any of them a dime for my services. Also, I usually brought enough other companies' money along besides Tyson Foods to hold up the prices and help maintain that every youngster received a fair amount.
Life Is Simple
Today was a day unlike any other. As I sit here recapping the day's events, I can only conclude that either the planets are aligned or the "signs" are right. My first job was to replace a post in the yard fence that the cows broke off over a month ago. Since we had finally gotten some good fall rains, I was hoping the rocks would dig a little easier than back in July. I had been dreading it, but this cool morning seemed like just the right time. I dug the entire hole, two feet deep, and never hit a single rock! People who know where I live will think I'm lying, but I swear that it's true. After replacing the broken post, I proceeded to shovel dirt around it and, much to my surprise, there was more than enough dirt to fill the hole. Any farmer knows that never happens.
Headin’ for the Last Roundup
The ranch was 250,000 acres in size and 10,000 Texas cows knew it as home.
