Ranch Raised

To be honest, I have to admit, it has been a rough few weeks for many farmers and ranchers across the Midwest.

This time of year we are all looking for those classic spring flavors and sides. Asparagus has got to be one of those iconic veggies that I think of this time of year. Long stalks of tender greens grilled on the side of a juice steak. Leftovers thrown into pasta dishes or with other roasted veggies. And who doesn’t like pickled asparagus as a change of pace?

Karina Jones is a real-life ranch wife in the Nebraska Sandhills and one of the most highly sought-after speakers in the cattle industry nationwide!

As I said yesterday, we are in the middle of weaning fall calves, so I thought I would explain a little further. We have two herds of cattle that calve at opposite times of year.

Balancing that parent and ranch life this time of year can be challenging. Yesterday was a perfect example. My husband and I were back and forth and all-over weaning fall calves. The girls were on their own to get their own projects done and keep themselves occupied and out of trouble.

Do any other parents of school age children get to this time of year and feel like you are a hamster just trying to stay on the spinning wheel?!?

Many gardeners in the Midwest will hold true to folklore and plant their potatoes today. But in the bigger picture, America’s potato farmers have a big job ahead of them because Americans love their potatoes!

If you are a gardener, especially in the Midwest, I’m sure you have your seed potatoes ready to go , to put in the ground, tomorrow, on Good Friday! The Farmer’s Almanac has great information on the Good Friday potato lore. Generations have used Good Friday as the right time to plant crops like potatoes and cool season veggies.

You know that one of the most untapped resources is inside of our local greenhouses and seed stores? THE PEOPLE! The thing about dirt loving, seed starting, flower growing people, it they are an open book and would love to share with you whatever you don’t know. You just have to ask.

I am lucky to live in an area, albeit rural, where I have multiple greenhouses within my county and pretty awesome ones at that. I have come to value these greenhouses as much as the community grocery store or gas station. Infact, I believe they are vital to our communities.