Earth Day
Earth, our fragile island home,
Is in need of saving, that is known.
Millenniums of humans have taken a toll
So now we must fix the wrong we doled.
Earth Day reminds us of that time we borrowed.
Recycling and conserving are more imperative than ever to secure a tomorrow!
Ashley Grace
Filed under Ashley Grace's Corner, General
When I fell in love with my favorite farmer at the age of 18, I began to research his home state of Nebraska. This interest in “where he came from” transferred over to my studies, and I wrote a research paper on the Ogallala Aquifer for one of my Environmental Studies classes at Dartmouth College.
At the time I did not realize it, but the Ogallala Aquifer is perhaps the single most important natural resource for our farm. It is a subsurface body of water that underlies approximately 80% of the Hi Plains region of the country. Nebraska is located above one of the deepest parts of the aquifer.
Approximately 2/3′s of our crop ground is irrigated directly from the aquifer, and it is also our source for drinking water (although usually our family drinks it out of a facet)…
In addition to ground water irrigation, Central and Western Nebraska are known for surface irrigation. Our surface irrigation system is comprised of a series of ditches and reservoirs that work with the Platte River to bring rain water and snow melt from North Central Colorado and Eastern Wyoming to our region.
The irrigation pivot north of the feed yard that uses recycled water in addition to surface irrigation water to help this corn grow.
The surface irrigation system described above, in addition to irrigating our crops, also works to replenish the aquifer. Together with water conservation practices and more efficient irrigation methods, this surface irrigation system has actually increased the water levels of the aquifer underneath Central Nebraska during the last 25 years.
One of my favorite parts of summer is looking at the lush green of Matt’s alfalfa fields.
Water, quite literally, brings life to our farm. Our family, our animals, and our crops cannot survive without it. It is paramount for Matt and I to take care of our water supply—our farm is not sustainable without it.
The promise of life…
The use of soil water probes, center pivots, and water recycling practices all play a role in the conservation of our precious water sources. However, we must not only conserve the surface and ground water but also to protect the quality of the life-giving aquifer.
In partnership with the Nebraska Department of Environmental Quality, I began Ground Water Monitoring testing at the feed yard in 2003. I test the ground water (its depth and its quality) two times per year in five different strategically placed wells surrounding the feed yard.
Taking a water sample out of one of the five testing wells that surround the feed yard.
This allows me (and the NDEQ) to monitor the depth of ground water surrounding our farm, track the directional flow of the water, and ensure that ground water quality is not negatively impacted by my feed yard. In its simplest form, Ground Water Monitoring is my report card of the job that I do to responsibly manage the nutrients on my farm.
Twenty years ago, when I met my favorite farmer, I had no idea that I would become a key contributor to our farm and the protection of its natural resources. Today, I wear many hats: American, Wife, Mom, Cattle Feed Yard Boss Lady, Caregiver of Natural Resources. I wear them all with pride, never forgetting that my responsible diligence determines the environmental sustainability of my livelihood.
Filed under Environmental Stewardship, General, Sustainable Spring
Sustainable = The ability to endure
While I believe with all my heart that our farm’s ability to sustain is intrinsically tied to its capacity to endure, I also recognize that good planning and an attention to detail is critical to our success.
Sustaining is not just something that happens if you get lucky—it is the result of careful planning and diligent implementation. It is the art of taking what Mother Nature gives to you and turning it into a usable and beneficial resource.
Recent Sustainability research conducted by the Beef Check Off demonstrates that there are three components of sustainable beef production (raising cattle to grow beef): environmental responsibility, economic viability, and social diligence.
Because I care, I have the responsibility to minimize the environmental footprint of my farm.
While every decision that Matt and I make on the farm affects its environmental footprint, the following list denotes the key concepts of how we practically care for the farm’s environmental sustainability.
Matt and I have many “tools in our environmental sustainability tool box”. We believe that it is our obligation to both our farm and to you to use them responsibly and with diligence. Our farm has sustained for more than 60 years.
It is our goal that our grandchildren will one day care for it with the same reverence that we do today.
Filed under Environmental Stewardship, General, Sustainable Spring
My cowboy loves grass finished bison meat. He shared some with us this weekend and my favorite 11 year old cowgirl chef used it to make enchiladas. The following recipe is also really good with grain or grass finished beef hamburger. It’s your choice!
Enchilada needs: 2# ground meat, 8-10 soft whole wheat taco shells, package of Provolone cheese, 1/2 package of Mozarella cheese, package of McCormick Enchilada sauce mix, 8 ounce can of tomato sauce, Parmesan crusted “shake and bake” seasoning, water.
Bake for approximately 20 minutes in a 325 degree oven (until cheese is melted and sauce is bubbling).
Serve alongside your favorite vegetable and enjoy!
Filed under General, Recipes and Beef Cooking Tips...
The only constant factor with spring weather in Nebraska is its ever-changing nature! Monday we began the week with 60 degrees and sun—by Tuesday we had received high winds and a nice 2+ inch rain—Wednesday we were covered in a layer of ice—Thursday there was snow on top of the ice—finally today we saw the sun again and temperatures rose above freezing!
I took some pictures throughout the week in order to share the ever changing roller coaster ride that Mother Nature takes us on…
Enjoying the sun on Monday afternoon…
The rain water Tuesday draining out of my cattle pens…
And into my lined Livestock Waste Control Facility where we will store it for later use as irrigation water on our farm ground…
By Wednesday we had snow…
and ice…
With the hard work of my crew and some carefully placed sand…
We were still able to ship cattle to harvest despite the wintery conditions…
We are thankful for the moisture, and looking with hope toward melting ice and a green spring!
It is beautiful, but I am ready for winter to end…
My favorite 8 year old is hoping for sun and warmth for tomorrow’s AYSO soccer game—keep your fingers crossed!
As the week draws to an end, I am thankful for the moisture and hope that it will bring a Sustainable Green Spring! Was your week a weather roller coaster ride as well?
Filed under General, Sustainable Spring
Just over a year go I published a post called “Wow the Cow”, and it was a resounding success. Because it fits so well with my current sustainability series, I have revised the post and an edited version appears here.
It always amazes me when I read about all of the different products that come from cattle. Many times when I think of cattle, I think of beef—but there are so many other products that cattle give us!
For instance, the pickup that my favorite teenager drove last weekend in the alfalfa field while she helped me to take down temporary winter fences would not run without cattle by products. The basketball that she likes to play with was also made from cattle leather as were the shoes on her feet!
She’s not just fueled by beef–many of her favorite things are in part made from cattle products…
The reality is that 98% of the beef animal is used to make products that we all rely on. Many of those are products other than the great tasting beef that we all normally associate with cattle. I would like to share some of the other products that are made from cattle. These products are made from the stuff that is left over after the beef muscle cuts are taken out…
WOW THAT SUSTAINABLE COW!
Pharmaceuticals
*blood factors (for treating hemophilia, killing viruses, and making anti-rejection drugs)
*Chymotrypsin (promotes the healing of wounds)
*Collagen (used in plastic surgery and to make non-stick bandages)
*Cortisol (anti-inflammatory)
*Glucagon (treats hypoglycemia or low blood sugar)
*Heparin (anticoagulant used to treat blood clots)
*Insulin (for treating diabetes or high blood sugar)
*Pancreatin (aids in digestion of food)
*Thrombin (coagulant which helps blood to clot)
*Vasopressin (controls intestinal and renal functions)
*Vitamin B-12 (prevention of B-complex deficiencies)
Food
Gelatin comes from the connective tissue of cattle and is used to make non-beef food items such as: candies, dairy products, deserts, diet products and jellies.
Household Products
*Candles *Ceramics *Cosmetics *Crayons
*Deodorants *Detergents *Floor Wax *Insecticides
*Insulation *Linoleum *Mouthwash *Paints
*Paper *Perfume *Plastic *Shaving Cream
*Soaps *Synthetic Rubber *Toothpaste *Car Polish and Wax
Textiles/Apparel
Cowhide Leather!–Which is used to make clothing, shoes, boots, belts, purses, wallets, gloves, luggage and upholstery for cars and furniture, and sports balls.
Travel
*Antifreeze (contains glycerol which is derived from beef fat)…
*Asphalt (contains a binding agent made from beef fat)…
*Beef Fats and Proteins are used to make: auto and jet lubricants, outboard engine oil, high performance greases, and brake fluid…
*Glue from beef protein is used in automobile bodies…
*Tires have stearic acid which allows rubber to hold its shape…
Have you thanked a bovine today for all of the things that he provides you with?
Cattle are not only great recyclers converting non-edible feedstuffs into great tasting beef, but they are also highly diverse in the products that they offer to us.
Thanks to the American National CattleWomen for providing the information listed above which helps us to have a better appreciation for all of the products that cattle give to us…
Filed under General, Sustainable Spring
Most of the cow breeding herd and young calves in Nebraska garnish the bulk of their winter nourishment grazing the leftovers of crop fields. The roughage and corn that remain in the field after harvest (the leftovers) provide an important source of winter feed for cattle.
A group of 8 month old calves grazing the corn and alfalfa field north of the feed yard last fall…
During corn, soybean, and wheat harvest, some of the forage of the plants along with a small amount of grain is left in the field. This feed can either be baled for future feed use, or can be grazed by cattle. On our farm, most is baled for future feed use at the feed yard, but we do use about 100 acres for fall cattle grazing and winter horse grazing.
Wheat straw that is baled and waiting to be transported from the field to the feed yard…
When the tulips bravely show their heads and the alfalfa begins to green, it is time to take down the portable winter fences that were needed to keep the cattle and horses in the correct fields while grazing. These fences must be taken down before my favorite farmer and his crew can begin spring farm work.
The temporary winter fence on the field by my house…
One of the fields that is used for grazing is just west of our house. Archie helps me to fence the field so that my horses can get their winter feed from the leftovers. My horses love to have a large space to graze all winter and it saves me feed resources to have them spend November to April grazing the stubble that is left in the field.
Out grazing on a beautiful winter morning…
Ensuring that the leftover feed is used by our livestock plays an important role in the sustainability of our farm. The goal is to minimize waste, and the cattle are very helpful at accomplishing this.
The majority of what I feed my cattle is not the primary harvest crop. Corn stalks and wheat stubble are baled after harvest and provide the main source of forage or roughage in the feed yard casserole. Additionally, a significantly large part of that casserole is Wet Distillers Grains which is what is left of the corn after ethanol has been extracted.
The great recyclers!
Cattle are great recyclers—whether they are grazing a corn stalk field after harvest or eating those leftovers once they have been transported to the feed yard.
The beauty of spring…
When the tulips begin to bloom in my front yard, my horses lose their winter grazing pasture. As Dandy whinnies from the gate, my favorite teenager and I take out the fence posts so that Archie can roll up the wire and Matt can begin to farm.
Taking out the fence posts last weekend…
Helping me to take down fence is one of Ashley Grace’s favorite chores because I let her practice her driving skills on the alfalfa field while I take out the fence. Together we make a great team!
Making memories while doing chores…
As spring descends on Nebraska, I am thankful for both the resilience of our land and the winter feed that it has provided for our animals. Our cattle and horses are big fans of leftovers!
Filed under General, Sustainable Spring
Sustainability: Pass It On…
The ability to endure is strengthened by an individual’s ability to “think outside of the box”. I am notorious for stopping my daughters’ mid-sentence as they claim that they cannot do something and simply stating three words: Problem Solving Skills.
I believe that any challenge can be solved with creative thinking, hard work, and a positive attitude. One of my favorite Mother Theresa quotes speaks to this. It states:
Often, under the pretext of humility, of trust, of abandonment, we can forget to use the strength of our will. Everything depends on these two words: “I will” or “I will not”. And into the expression of “I will” I must put all of my energy.
I believe that our farm can be sustainable both today and in the future. It is ever evolving and changing in order to endure. My favorite farmer and I believe that “We will” accomplish our goal of sustaining. Where there is a will, there is a way.
We must balance environmental responsibility and economic viability with social diligence.
Matt and I accept our responsibility and do our best to always be stewards. We believe that a culture of sustainability can be created when we teach our children to creatively look for ways to conserve our resources and limit waste.
What follows below is a fun family illustration of how we
Pass It On!
My girls learned their numbers prior to starting school by helping me to read bunks at the feed yard. One would call out the pen number, another would assess the feed bunk and make a call, and the third would notate the information.
Karyn’s “bunk reading” position…
One morning my two favorite blondes noted that a couple of the feed yard pens did not have pen number signs. This was problematic for my youngest daughter because she could not call out the pen number if there was no sign to read. Megan was inspired to action and left this note for Jared, one of my feed yard crew.
Jared has great welding skills, and was able to fashion two pen signs for Megan out of left over scrap iron. Megan happily painted the signs, and they are now proudly denoting Pen 21 and Pen 25 at the feed yard.
Recycling materials on the farm is common place. I was proud of Megan for automatically thinking of a way to use materials in the scrap pile to build what we needed. I was also proud of Jared for doing a great job helping Megan to bring her idea to life.
A job well done!
I smile every time that I drive past the new pen signs. They are a constant reminder that in addition to helping our farm achieve sustainability, recycling materials can also be a fun learning project for the next generation.
Filed under General, Sustainable Spring
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