Ranch Raised

Before there were livestock markets and sale barns dotted the Midwest prairie towns, the big ranches were sending their market stock to the huge livestock market in Chicago, IL.

September is national honey month! I am truly fascinated by this golden nectar and how it is produced. Getting bees is a life goal of mine, but we won’t tell my husband.

My past pregnancies were no excuse to slow me down. I rode horses, did chores, worked cattle, all the ranch things. But this pregnancy has slowed me down the last few weeks and it was time to listen to my body and take a break.

As combines are hitting the fields chasing this year’s corn and bean harvest, ranchers are seeking information on a harvest of their own. This time of year finds many ranches rounding up their herds of cows to pregnancy check them.

As my loyal listeners, I feel like you became invested in our little broody hen, Penelope. Oye Vey, what a learning experience! The truth is, despite our best efforts, we ended up with zero live chicks. It was like Penelope was so broody that she suffocated the first couple that hatched.

Anyone else feel like we are caught in that awkward stage with Mother Nature? The days kiss your skin with warmth and have you hanging on to those summer time feelings.

There are invisible threats to farmers and ranchers and I’m ready to dive in, right here on Ranch Raised.

Growing up on a farm and ranch has many benefits for children, but farms can also be dangerous.

If you’re a farmer, rancher, or farmworker, you already know that your work can expose you to a variety of hazards. Whether these are physical, mental, environmental, or social, they are all intertwined.

You’ve heard me say it before and you will hear me say it again, slow down, be alert and stay safe on our rural roads!