Did you know the Department of Labor is proposing that children under the age of 18 be restricted in being able to work around farms, ranches, and auctions. Basiclly, the DOL belives that it's too dangerous for anyone under 16 to work around livestock. IF the rule becomes law, no longer will ranch kids get to go brandin' with their parents. Kids won't be able to get a job working cattle or hauling hay. What about showing cattle at the 4-H and FFA level?
Everythng I learned about how to work and see a project thru to the end, I learned as a young boy on the ranch from my father and grandfather. What's this world coming to? My brother and I drove Model A Buck Rakes that had 4 inch wood blocks wired to the pedels (one way to make your legs longer). My grandfather braded seat belts from left over baler twine so we'd 'stay on the job' that we loved and were proud to do. The days were long and hot for us but so were they for everyone else in the family. That's what families are all about.
Anyway, the public comment period on this foolish notion has been extended from November 1st for an additional 60 days. May I suggest that you contact the Department of Labor and tell them your story and encourage others to do the same. We as farmers and ranchers need to take control of this country....again!
HAPPY THANKSGIVING
Wednesday, November 23, 2011
Saturday, November 19, 2011
GREAT TRUTHS THAT LITTLE CHILDREN HAVE LEARNED
1. No matter how hard you try, you can't baptize cats.
2. When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3. If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
4. Never ask your 3 year old brother to hold a tomato.
5. You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
6. Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7. Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
8. You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9. Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10. The best place to be when you're sad is Grandma's lap.
2. When your Mom is mad at your Dad, don't let her brush your hair.
3. If your sister hits you, don't hit her back. They always catch the second person.
4. Never ask your 3 year old brother to hold a tomato.
5. You can't trust dogs to watch your food.
6. Don't sneeze when someone is cutting your hair.
7. Never hold a Dust-Buster and a cat at the same time.
8. You can't hide a piece of broccoli in a glass of milk.
9. Don't wear polka-dot underwear under white shorts.
10. The best place to be when you're sad is Grandma's lap.
Tuesday, November 15, 2011
FIVE PEARLS OF SCOTTISH WISDOM...author unknown
1. Money cannot buy happiness, but somehow it is more comfortable to cry in a Mercedes Benz than it is on a bicycle.
2. Forgive your enemy, but remember the bastard's name.
3. Help a man when he is in trouble, and he will remember you when he is in trouble again.
4. Many people are alive only because it's illegal to shoot them.
5. Alcohol does not solve any problems, but then neither does milk.
2. Forgive your enemy, but remember the bastard's name.
3. Help a man when he is in trouble, and he will remember you when he is in trouble again.
4. Many people are alive only because it's illegal to shoot them.
5. Alcohol does not solve any problems, but then neither does milk.
Wednesday, November 9, 2011
Wal-Mart Stocking US Stores With Higher-Quality Beef
Copyright © 2011 Dow Jones Newswires
By Marshall Eckblad & Miguel Bustillo and Curt Thacker
November 8, 2011
November 07, 2011- CHICAGO -(Dow Jones)- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) is stocking its refrigerator cases with higher-quality beef in a bid to boost food sales, sending strong ripples through the U.S. beef market.
The world's largest retailer confirmed Monday that it is now selling choice-grade beef at all of its 3,800 U.S. locations after ramping up selections for the past three months. Wal-Mart traditionally has sold only select-grade beef, which is of a lower quality, keeping with its focus on low prices.
Because of Wal-Mart's unparalleled size -- more than half of its $260 billion in U.S. sales last year came from groceries -- its strategic shift is having a pronounced effect on the wholesale beef market.
Choice beef has gotten more expensive, while select has become cheaper. The result is the price difference between the two grades of meat has exploded to 19 cents a pound from 3 cents a pound just a few months ago, helping to make the higher-quality beef more costly for all shoppers.
Wal-Mart said the decision to add choice-grade beef is a response to customer demands for a broader selection of cuts. The Bentonville, Ark., retailer stressed that it is still offering lower grades of meat for value-conscious consumers.
"It was important to flesh out a range of offerings to meet everyone's needs," said company spokeswoman Tara Raddohl. "The early results have been positive."
Still, Wal-Mart has found it tricky to draw in customers who aren't focused on price alone. Steps to attract shoppers with organic foods stumbled, and an attempt three years ago to attract higher-income consumers by removing clutter from stores and offering more upscale merchandise alienated Wal-Mart's core audience.
Wal-Mart just logged its worst U.S. sales slump ever -- nine consecutive quarters of sales declines at stores open at least a year -- and has brought back more low-priced merchandise, as well as former best sellers such as guns and fishing tackle, to win back its traditional customers. The company said last month that it had notched three straight months of positive same-store sales, and is poised to finally end the losing streak when it reports earnings Nov. 15.
Choice and select ratings are placed on beef by federal inspectors on a voluntary basis. About 63% of meat graded for quality is classified as choice, while 29% is classified as select. The remainder is prime -- the highest rating -- or one of several lower grades.
Choice beef has more internal fat, or marbling, which makes the meat tender and more flavorful. It's sold widely in supermarkets and often is used by restaurants. Select beef is tougher and sold mostly in grocers catering to middle- and low-income customers.
The interest by Wal-Mart in higher quality meat is being welcomed by cattlemen who raise choice animals. They haven't always been rewarded for the higher feed costs and better animal genetics it takes to produce choice beef.
The shift by Wal-Mart has translated into a noticeable jump in profits for ranches such as Mushrush Ranches, in Strong City, Kan. Ninety percent of the cattle it produces achieve the grade of choice.
"It's like gravy. They're the biggest beef retailer in the world. When they upgrade their product, it's going to ripple through the market," said Daniel Mushrush, a third-generation partner in the business.
Wal-Mart started to stock up on choice-grade beef in August as a prolonged heat wave stressed cattle in much of the U.S. Under withering temperatures, the animals ate less and burned fat, curbing supplies of choice-grade beef.
Analysts said the wide gap in prices between choice- and select-grade beef isn't likely to grow further now that Wal-Mart's demand is a constant factor in the market. Still, the spread isn't likely to narrow anytime soon as supermarkets stock up on higher-quality beef ahead of the holiday season and strong demand from export markets continues.
By Marshall Eckblad & Miguel Bustillo and Curt Thacker
November 8, 2011
November 07, 2011- CHICAGO -(Dow Jones)- Wal-Mart Stores Inc. (WMT) is stocking its refrigerator cases with higher-quality beef in a bid to boost food sales, sending strong ripples through the U.S. beef market.
The world's largest retailer confirmed Monday that it is now selling choice-grade beef at all of its 3,800 U.S. locations after ramping up selections for the past three months. Wal-Mart traditionally has sold only select-grade beef, which is of a lower quality, keeping with its focus on low prices.
Because of Wal-Mart's unparalleled size -- more than half of its $260 billion in U.S. sales last year came from groceries -- its strategic shift is having a pronounced effect on the wholesale beef market.
Choice beef has gotten more expensive, while select has become cheaper. The result is the price difference between the two grades of meat has exploded to 19 cents a pound from 3 cents a pound just a few months ago, helping to make the higher-quality beef more costly for all shoppers.
Wal-Mart said the decision to add choice-grade beef is a response to customer demands for a broader selection of cuts. The Bentonville, Ark., retailer stressed that it is still offering lower grades of meat for value-conscious consumers.
"It was important to flesh out a range of offerings to meet everyone's needs," said company spokeswoman Tara Raddohl. "The early results have been positive."
Still, Wal-Mart has found it tricky to draw in customers who aren't focused on price alone. Steps to attract shoppers with organic foods stumbled, and an attempt three years ago to attract higher-income consumers by removing clutter from stores and offering more upscale merchandise alienated Wal-Mart's core audience.
Wal-Mart just logged its worst U.S. sales slump ever -- nine consecutive quarters of sales declines at stores open at least a year -- and has brought back more low-priced merchandise, as well as former best sellers such as guns and fishing tackle, to win back its traditional customers. The company said last month that it had notched three straight months of positive same-store sales, and is poised to finally end the losing streak when it reports earnings Nov. 15.
Choice and select ratings are placed on beef by federal inspectors on a voluntary basis. About 63% of meat graded for quality is classified as choice, while 29% is classified as select. The remainder is prime -- the highest rating -- or one of several lower grades.
Choice beef has more internal fat, or marbling, which makes the meat tender and more flavorful. It's sold widely in supermarkets and often is used by restaurants. Select beef is tougher and sold mostly in grocers catering to middle- and low-income customers.
The interest by Wal-Mart in higher quality meat is being welcomed by cattlemen who raise choice animals. They haven't always been rewarded for the higher feed costs and better animal genetics it takes to produce choice beef.
The shift by Wal-Mart has translated into a noticeable jump in profits for ranches such as Mushrush Ranches, in Strong City, Kan. Ninety percent of the cattle it produces achieve the grade of choice.
"It's like gravy. They're the biggest beef retailer in the world. When they upgrade their product, it's going to ripple through the market," said Daniel Mushrush, a third-generation partner in the business.
Wal-Mart started to stock up on choice-grade beef in August as a prolonged heat wave stressed cattle in much of the U.S. Under withering temperatures, the animals ate less and burned fat, curbing supplies of choice-grade beef.
Analysts said the wide gap in prices between choice- and select-grade beef isn't likely to grow further now that Wal-Mart's demand is a constant factor in the market. Still, the spread isn't likely to narrow anytime soon as supermarkets stock up on higher-quality beef ahead of the holiday season and strong demand from export markets continues.
Monday, November 7, 2011
What a great story titled 'SACK LUNCHES'.
I put my carry-on in the luggage compartment and sat down in my assigned seat. It was going to be a long flight. 'I'm glad I have a good book to read. Perhaps I will get a short nap,' I thought.
Just before take-off,a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to
me. 'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time...
As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base.'His friend agreed.
I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked
to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or
chicken?' 'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks.'
After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane,heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down
the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand and said, 'I want to shake your hand.' Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was
heard from all of the passengers.
Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A
man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It
will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little....
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and
including my life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'
Just before take-off,a line of soldiers came down the aisle and filled all the vacant seats, totally surrounding me. I decided to start a conversation. 'Where are you headed?' I asked the soldier seated nearest to
me. 'Petawawa. We'll be there for two weeks for special training, and then we're being deployed to Afghanistan.
After flying for about an hour, an announcement was made that sack lunches were available for five dollars. It would be several hours before we reached the east, and I quickly decided a lunch would help pass the time...
As I reached for my wallet, I overheard a soldier ask his buddy if he planned to buy lunch. 'No, that seems like a lot of money for just a sack lunch. Probably wouldn't be worth five bucks. I'll wait till we get to base.'His friend agreed.
I looked around at the other soldiers. None were buying lunch. I walked
to the back of the plane and handed the flight attendant a fifty dollar bill. 'Take a lunch to all those soldiers.' She grabbed my arms and squeezed tightly. Her eyes wet with tears, she thanked me. 'My son was a soldier in Iraq ; it's almost like you are doing it for him.'
Picking up ten sacks, she headed up the aisle to where the soldiers were seated. She stopped at my seat and asked, 'Which do you like best - beef or
chicken?' 'Chicken,' I replied, wondering why she asked. She turned and went to the front of plane, returning a minute later with a dinner plate from first class. 'This is your thanks.'
After we finished eating, I went again to the back of the plane,heading for the rest room. A man stopped me. 'I saw what you did. I want to be part of it. Here, take this.' He handed me twenty-five dollars.
Soon after I returned to my seat, I saw the Flight Captain coming down
the aisle, looking at the aisle numbers as he walked, I hoped he was not looking for me, but noticed he was looking at the numbers only on my side of the plane. When he got to my row he stopped, smiled, held out his hand and said, 'I want to shake your hand.' Quickly unfastening my seatbelt I stood and took the Captain's hand. With a booming voice he said, 'I was a soldier and I was a military pilot. Once, someone bought me a lunch. It was an act of kindness I never forgot.' I was embarrassed when applause was
heard from all of the passengers.
Later I walked to the front of the plane so I could stretch my legs. A
man who was seated about six rows in front of me reached out his hand, wanting to shake mine. He left another twenty-five dollars in my palm.
When we landed I gathered my belongings and started to deplane. Waiting just inside the airplane door was a man who stopped me, put something in my shirt pocket, turned, and walked away without saying a word. Another twenty-five dollars!
Upon entering the terminal, I saw the soldiers gathering for their trip to the base. I walked over to them and handed them seventy-five dollars. 'It
will take you some time to reach the base. It will be about time for a sandwich. God Bless You.'
Ten young men left that flight feeling the love and respect of their fellow travelers. As I walked briskly to my car, I whispered a prayer for their safe return. These soldiers were giving their all for our country. I could only give them a couple of meals. It seemed so little....
A veteran is someone who, at one point in his life, wrote a blank check made payable to 'The United States of America ' for an amount of 'up to and
including my life.' That is Honor, and there are way too many people in this country who no longer understand it.'
Friday, November 4, 2011
A GREAT LESSON FOR ALL OF US
A teacher in New York was teaching her class about bullying and gave them the following exercise to perform. She had the children take a piece of paper and told them to crumple it up, stomp on it and really mess it up but do not rip it. Then she had them unfold the paper, smooth it out and look at how scarred and dirty is was. She then told them to tell it they’re sorry. Now, even though they said.................. they were sorry and tried to fix the paper, she pointed out all the scars they left behind. And that those scars will never go away no matter how hard they tried to fix it. That is what happens when a child bullies another child, they may say they’re sorry but the scars are there forever. The looks on the faces of the children in the classroom told her the message hit home.
Copy and paste this if you're against bullying. A good lesson for adults, too.
Simple concept...insightful message. Thanks from children everywhere.
Copy and paste this if you're against bullying. A good lesson for adults, too.
Simple concept...insightful message. Thanks from children everywhere.