Angus+Advertising!

For those that don't know, I'm an Agricultural Journalism major at the University of Nebrasa-Lincoln. My emphasis is advertising and public relations. I have all sorts of fun in my city campus classes designing ads for sports drinks, camping resorts, and organic coffee. However, in these classes when I say my interest is agriculture, I get funny looks. After all most of my classmates have never seen an advertisement or PR campaign remotely connected to agriculture. That's why I love this video.

These fun spots from the past are famous among Angus producers. They sit in headquarters for the breed and are a point of interest on the tours. The creativity and big idea behind the ad campaign was that Angus cattle are a more practical size than other exotic cattle breeds, and was the beginning of the moderation we see in the show ring today.

The ads weren't perfect, and like the video says, we stopped before the original ending of the campaign, because the Angus breed was tired of poking fun at other breeds. It was however creative, and helped producers see Angus breed in a new way. I'm not sure what I want to do "when I grow up" but to be a part of a great beef advertising campaign would be the icing on my career cake.

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

Have an opinion

Last night I had a one of those unique opportunities that don't come often. Wayne Pacelle President of the Humane Society of the United States was in Lincoln, Nebraska, and spoke at a town hall style meeting. What he had to say was interesting.

To prevent widespread panic among agriculture groups let me quote him, "We are not launching a ballot initiative in Nebraska!" That doesn't mean they never will, but it means that Nebraska's safe for now.

He talked about the organizations care for animals, and how the enemy isn't animal agriculture, but rather cruelty to animals. I don't know how much of his smooth talk I believe. "Our goal is to curb the worst forms of abuse and cruelty towards animals." After all in his mind, we may reach a point when raising animals for food is the worst form of "cruelty." There was a brief question and answer session, but the last speaker was a lady who spoke as a consumer. She said that agriculture needs to stop fighting organizations like HSUS and reach out to consumers to understand their values and concerns.

That resonated with me, and I thanked her as a beef producer for her words at the town hall meeting. She had an educated opinion, not one that I necessarily agreed with, but an opinion just the same. What gets to me is that so many of my non-agriculture friends don't have an opinion. They simply don't care about animal welfare organizations, or the impact that current fads have on agriculture. I even start a conversation about HSUS or more extreme activist groups, and I get an eye roll or a joke. Sure, I understand that it's not something that is their passion, but having an opinion is important.

Know the difference between PETA and HSUS (or the similarities). Think about how important a safe healthy humane food supply system is. Because it will certainly matter when the system has become so over run with rules, regulations, and mandates that farmers and ranchers can't do their jobs, and the food isn't on the shelf anymore. Enjoy the thanksgiving dinner with your family, but take a moment to stop and think how it got to your plate.

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

The Elephant in the room!

Archrival is a prominent ad agency in Nebraska. Today in class we had co-founder of the agency (a former Husker) come and speak. He mentioned the elephant in the ad world, creativity. He said although creativity usually is a talent, it also can be learned. It takes commitment and passion! With those words I had a flashback to a recent conversation I had with a pair of friends of friends.

We had a great long conversation about how much I value my agriculture background, and then it took a different turn. We began to discuss our careers and futures. I'm in agriculture communications because that's where passion and commitment lie. Now I'm not sure what exactly I'll be doing when I graduate, there are no guarantees, but I'm sure I'll be using my voice in and for agriculture.

In a world where young people are stereotyped as uncaring, lazy, and unispired, I see commitment and passion all around me. Whether it's for solving the problems and equations of engineering, or designing and creating advertising, or mixing rations and moving cattle. That's the future, and it's looking so bright I gotta put on my shades!

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

One year!

Wow, it's hard to believe that about a year ago, I was getting ready to compete in the National Beef Ambassador contest. It has been a fast year full of fun, and hard work. My eyes we opened to new sides of the beef industry, and of course my favorite part was meeting all kinds of great folks along the way.

The most important thing I learned was to speak up about being a cowgirl. It is nothing to be embarassed about no matter how many friends tease you. Starting a blog and sharing my story online both helped me grow as a writer, and a advocate. Just because the year is coming to an end doesn't mean I'll stop being a beef ambassador. Once you're BA, you're always BA!

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

Life isn't fair

I can't count how many times my mom told me that. After I had whined to her about some injustice, her response was matter of fact, and always caused me to storm off in a huff. As the years went by I discovered more and more that she was right. What has come as a suprise is how bent people are on making life fair.

American's love justice. We have crime shows that highlight criminals getting what they deserve. We also love to make everybody equal, in an election, a reality TV show, or in the classroom. Every kid gets a prize, or participation award. Honors like valedictorian, champion, and best, are eliminated. Everyone deserves the same chances to succeed, to win, or to get ahead.

I'm not saying there's anything wrong with giving opportunities to everyone, but there is a limit. If everyone is equal, there is no striving for better. There is no motivation to improve. Instead we stay stuck in mediocrity. Competition is good, and no matter how hard we try, there will always be someone smarter, faster, stronger, better-looking than me.

The secret is balance. I am by no means an expert, but I have learned that there is a difference between the drive to improve and envy. I will always be growing and changing, but I must realize that things will never be "fair."

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

Power

"I have always been a reader; I have read at every stage of my life, and there has never been a time when reading was not my greatest joy."-The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield.

That quote from my current novel describes my passion for words. I have always loved reading. In kindergarten I ate up each new picture book, and today my secret dream is to work in a Library. I listen to a book on tape during my workout. I simply love the knowledge to be found in a good book.

The written word is not my only passion. I also love speaking. Sharing ideas, stories, and jokes is perhaps my "greatest joy." In fact, I enjoyed speech team and public speaking. Luckily, I no longer have the #1 fear in America, the fear of speaking in public.

Why are words so exciting to me? Words are power. The first person to call the red fruit from trees "apple" had the power to define that fruit. Words describe the human heart it's good (I love you) and evil (I hate you). Think about a time when something someone said put a smile on your face, and brightened the entire day. Words are fluid. Their meanings change depending on the decade, person, or simply the pitch at which they are spoken. There are few absolutes with words, and they can never be "wrong." Simple words have become the foundations of relationships, businesses, and even entire nations.

Words must be handled very carefully. One wrong one can give the wrong impression or destroy a friendship. I have learned the hard way that words spoken without thought don't disappear. I will be the butt of one joke for years because of one simple word slip-up. On a more serious note, words once read or spoken can not be taken back. Understand the importance of that.

When speaking with your family, friends, or consumers, know what you are saying. You never know what the consequences will be. After all "speaking your mind is an awfully dangerous thing to do. Choose your words carefully."-Rick Beneteau

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

Moooving In

I have a rule, it's an easy and fun rule to follow. The rule is that everything hung on my dorm room/apartment room wall has to have a story. I refuse to buy posters or pictures for no reason. I won't have a "design" for my room, but rather like to decorate it with items that bring back fond memories. I have started thinking about packing up my stuff for the move down to college. (I haven't started any actual packing). I have begun deciding what will make the trip down and what won't.

Among the things to pack to decorate my room are my husker posters, pictures from london made into posters, and my cattle drive poster from the Winter Conference, a cow clock, pictures of friends and family, and a foldable chair from a cattle show. As I consider these items that are a part of my "interior design" I laugh. It will definitely be a cow theme, especially if I include the painting of an Angus herd that I received. I can just hear the comments from friends, "she couldn't bear to leave the barn at home."

(My 300th Nebraska Sell Out poster will hang right above my Angus Chair)

I have long been known among my friends as the cowgirl. In fact there was where my ambassador work began, and is still going on. As my friends asked questions about what a cattle show involved, or why I had to get up so early, I answered honestly, and with a joke or two. These fun back and forth conversations have grown not only my friendships, but also their knowledge. My "city" friends (they hate that term) know about PETA and HSUS and their agenda to hurt my family and others like it by eliminating animal agriculture. They also enjoy good beef, and are looking forward to evenings when I prepare Beef it's what's for dinner recipes.

Advocating is about the connections and conversations you have with the people you already know. You don't have to become a traveling spokesperson who devotes all their time to debunking myths, but rather, chat with a friend, and be willing to answer their questions. In fact that picture on your wall would be a great place to start.

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

Summer sunset...

I'm old, ok not really, but today I feel old. I'm reminiscing about how fast this summer has gone, and the impact it has had on me. In just 2 short weeks I will be back at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, and starting another year as a college kid. The summer's adventures have taught me some key lessons, and since I'm a big fan of lists here are the top 10 things I learned this summer.

10. The real world does operate from 8-5. When I get a real job that will most likely be my schedule. It's not a bad thing, working 8 hours a day, it's a reality.

9. Sleep is good, get it when you can. It may mean leaving a party early, or telling your friends that you're staying home tonight. That's okay, they will still be your friends.

8. Sleep isn't that important. If it's waking up early to spend a day with the folks you haven't seen in a while, or staying up late to have a crazy Skype or phone chat getting rest can wait. People are more important than your beauty sleep (trust me, it's not working to well anyway).

7. Act your age. At 20 whining is never appropriate, and won't leave a good impression on the folks around you. On the other hand, a mature conversation at a dinner table of adults will win you some points.

6. Don't act your age. A Nerf war or water fight is a good idea. The art letting loose and acting immature around your buddies and family is the best therapy, and helps me appreciate the little things, like a good laugh.

5. When one door closes another opens. I spent much of last summer moping about the state FFA officer disappointment. I regret that, but this summer has been the polar opposite. I have been excitedly serving not just Nebraska, but the whole United States as a National Beef Ambassador. I have traveled to neat places, and met the most interesting folks, and I wouldn't trade anything for those experiences.

4. Have a plan. It is a good idea to know what you are going to do or say before you have start. It makes things a lot simpler.

3. Don't have a plan. In London, we weren't sure what our experiences would be, so we didn't plan any outings until we got there. It was a blast! For at least part of every day we didn't have a schedule to worry about, and instead did our own thing (like seeing 2 musicals!)

2. Invest in the people around you. I have seen countless individuals involved in various organizations this summer miss the chance to have an impact on the people around them because they were too wrapped up in their own "group." I too have been guilty of this, but in a van/taxi ride to the Denver Airport, I chose to open up to the strangers around me. Not only did I get to share my story, but was enlightened by theirs too.

1. "You might as well jump!" Nothing is perfect, nothing goes exactly as planned, and nothing will be fun 100% of the time, but go ahead and jump in. Get involved, be engaged, and work. You may find something like co-hosting a national event is a lot of work, but also a huge amount of fun. You can't judge the temperature of the water by standing on the edge, you have to just jump in!

The Water was cold in Dover, but I'm glad I jumped in!

Those are the things I will be carrying over into my college experiences this fall. I would like to thank anyone who helped me out, cheered me on, or just listened this summer. Turn the radio up, roll down the windows, and sing at the top of your lungs, because:

"days go by...

I can feel 'em flyin'
Like a hand out the window in the wind.
The cars go by...
Yeah it's all we've been given,
So you better start livin' right now
'Cause days go by..."

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

When legacy becomes legend!

I love my family! Over the years hard work, knock-down-drag-out fights, and laughter has made us very close. My mom and dad are enjoying their older kids (Jake-22, Me-20, Jud-18), and the best moments happen when we sit down around the table for a meal, or just a snack, and talk. Our conversations range from funny stories, to politics, concerns, and of course cattle. There was however one conversation that we had at NJAS 2010 that has got me thinking.

While at the show, I did more than just compete in the show ring. Read more about it here. While accepted my award for Extemporaneous Speaking from Sheri Spader, I learned about her advocacy work with NCBA. We had a great chat, but she seemed so familiar, I just couldn't put my finger on it. When I made it back to mom, she explained that I had interviewed Sheri before as a member of the Jr. Angus publication, The Scoop, and she had known my grandfather Otto.

After the evenings events were over, my family and I took time to visit with Sheri. She laughed recalling my interview with her, and spoke again of Otto. I never met my grandfather, but he has been the inspiration behind my involvement with cattle, and more specifically Angus Cattle. Mom had told countless stories, but it is always cool to hear someone else's perspective. Sheri commented on grandpa's 2 loves, cows and the Cornhuskers. She said that she was impressed with Otto's integrity, passion, and honesty in the business, and simply put: "he was a great man."

(Grandpa Otto on the far right)

Not many folks remember my grandfather, as he died more than 25 years ago, but those that do, recall him much like Sheri did. That in itself makes me think. How will folks remember me after my time on earth is done? While Otto didn't win accolades, or hold important offices, folks still respected him, and he earned that respect by working to be a man of character. Awards fade, Leadership terms end, and what is left, is what becomes your legacy.

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

Patience is a Virtue

Have you ever planned a vacation 3 years in advance? Well, to be completely honest, it wasn't just my vacation, but a vacation for my family and over 800 others. That's right the largest single breed show in America will kick-off next Monday in Denver, CO. In a National Jr. Angus Show first, 3 states: Kansas, Colorado, and Nebraska teamed up to take on the huge responsibility of hosting. Serving as a co-chair, has been a blast, but the real fun starts when we get to Denver. I have never been a patient person, but these past 2 days have been killing me. It is probably a combination of no chores to do (mom and dad drove out with the heifers early, and the steers have gone to town, and the cows are in the pasture) and being home alone. With all the packing done, all that is left to do is wait. Just thinking about "NJAS 2010 Rush to the Rockies" makes me excited, so here are my top 5 favorite things about going to the National Jr. Angus Show.

5. Exploring different places. This Show has taken my family to: Kansas City, MO; Denver, CO; Indianapolis, IN; Tulsa, OK; Des Moines, IA; and Perry, GA. Each place means a different fairgrounds, and different restaurants.

4. Participating in contests/activities. Sure a 1 week cattle show may sound boring at first, but the show-ring is hardly the only action of the week. From speech to cooking contests, and then socials, and even a junior newspaper, there is enough to keep everyone busy.

3. State bonding. Every person is stalled according to their home state, and many contests involve teams made up of fellow Nebraskans. This leads to closer friendships, and more mischief. One of my favorite memories from the last time the show was in Denver, was a 3-year-old boy drinking directly from the heifer water bucket!

The Nebraska Juniors at the 2009 National Jr. Angus Show

2. Family time. This is our "family vacation." My brothers and I laugh and talk on the walk up from tie-outs, while we rinse, and as we feed. It is the perfect balance of time with family, and breaks to escape them.

1. Meeting new people. Shocking, I know from a girl who says laughing and talking are her favorite activities. It's the easiest place to make new friends. We already have Angus cattle in common, and all it takes is a card game or just an empty seat to make a stranger a new amigo.

Can you tell I'm excited? If you're in Denver next week, stop by the stockyards and check out all the happenings. It's an example of what is so great about beef people. We are passionate folks who work hard, but also know how to have some fun.

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

Holy Cow!!! where did June go?

This morning I got to the office and turned on my computer only to notice up at the corner the date plainly read Monday, June 28. For a second there, I actually thought that my Mac was wrong. Of course, it was right, and now I was distracted by the memories this month has brought.

On the lovely first day of June, I was driving in a car back to Nebraska from Chicago. The flight from London to Chicago had been great, but the 5 hour layover, cancelled flight back to Omaha, and a 4 hour wait to retrieve our bags, had soured everyones mood. Needless to say I spent the rest of the afternoon sleeping.

A canoe trip down the Niobrara river with my fun-loving cousins was the highlight of the first weekend in June. As the only girl cousin on that side of the family, I get my far share of teasing, but also enjoy the status of "favorite niece" among the aunts, so I can't complain much.

June provided me the opportunity to actually dig into my internship. I am working in the marketing department at Central Valley Ag, an Eastern Nebraska Co-op, check out their website here . I get to write articles and copy for mailings, do some online data capture, (and write my blog). I feel really grown up, I have my own desk, and work from 9 to 5. It's like playing pretend, except it's reality.

Of course June was also the month for beef activities. An early morning flight to Washington DC was not appreciated, however promoting beef in a neat "I 'heart' beef" shirt was a blast. It was hot, but it was a fun chance to answer consumer questions. One particular one stands out in my mind, a young man asked, "Is raising beef bad, and by bad I mean all corporate and stuff." I answered with a chuckle, and told him my small family operation was could never be described as corporate, and went on to share that 97% of all ranches and farms are family owned. With a smile and a high-five we parted ways, but I'm hoping my words will remain with him.

Doing a brief radio spot at the Food and Wine Festival in Washington D.C.

On Father's Day I celebrated with my dad by attending a cattle show. At the Nebraska Jr. Angus Show, I enjoyed showing cattle, and sharing time with beef enthusiasts, both the young and old, who also happen to be good friends.

Lastly I squeezed in some time with friends. We held a giant nerf war, (aka, 19 year olds running around in camo and face paint, shooting each other with bright yellow foam darts, and "dying" in very dramatic ways).

The Youtube video that inspired us!

My friends also touched my heart by throwing me a birthday party on June 26th. Although, my birthday isn't till July 6th, it was the closest day we would all be together. They made me a cake, and even decorated the cabin where we celebrated. It was the best birthday ever!

June flew by faster than a jet-plane, but the scary thing is July will be even busier. Stay posted for news of my birthday, the 2010 National Jr. Angus Show, and Midsummer NCBA meeting.

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

Jack of all trades!

Let's travel back in time about 10 years. I was 10 years old, enjoying a much simpler life. It was summer, softball season had just ended and I had been working on my calves to get ready for county fair. It was a warm summer evening not too much different from last night that my parents presented a choice to my brothers and I. It was: softball/baseball or showing cattle. My parents had decided the hectic summer ball schedule just didn't work with a beef project, so each of us had to decide. I'll bet you can guess what I chose. Yes, each one of us decided that we would rather show calves thanplay with a bat and ball. Each of us has admitted that part of our reasoning at that time was the belief that our parents would have been a little disappointed had we made the other choice, but now I am so glad my parents made me choose, and I 100% believe I made the right decision.

(That's Me with my last softball team, I'm in the front 2nd from the right)

I'm not saying that softball and baseball are bad sports, or that both can't be done. I had a high school friend who was very successful at both. My parents wanted their children to learn a valuable lesson. You can't do everything! Both options were good, and my parents were completely supportive of us in both, but we couldn't provide a commitment to both activities. So we had to choose, and I am still applying that lesson today.

(2 years ago showing at the National Jr. Angus Show, an opportunity we definitely wouldn't have had time for if I had still played summer ball)

There are so many great opportunities out there for young people, and it's great to see so many kids involved in different things. I think, however, this causes a problem. With so many opportunities, choices must be made, and people aren't choosing. I see folks rushing from one event to another, and missing the opportunities to grow and connect in one area. By urging us to focus on a few specific activities, my parents helped each of their children find a different passion. My older brother is the strongest showman, livestock judge, and cattleman among us. I have a passion for speaking and communicating. My younger brother is a great basketball player, and a hardworking "do-er." I have had to say no, to great opportunities throughout my life, but I have no regrets. Making one decision set me up to make many more, helping me to avoid: "Jack of all trades, master of none."

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

Fill in the Blank

"______ is the most important industry in the world." How would you fill in that blank? Perhaps it is the fashion industry, after all they provide beautiful clothing on pretty models, or the entertainment industry, they contribute movies, television, music, and enough celebrity drama to keep us amused for hours. It must be the computer/technology industry, after all, every day they are finding new ways to make our lives faster, smarter, and simpler. (This blog wouldn't be possible without that industry.) So who wins the Oscar, Pulitzer, or Nobel Peace Prize among industries.........AGRICULTURE!

That's right, kid in muddy boots, the dad in a sweat stained hat, the mom with worn leather gloves, and the grandpa in over-alls beat the well-dressed, famous, and geniuses. It seems shocking, but it's true. The life that I and so many others love to live, also feeds, clothes, and fuels the world. Each bolt of cloth (or some part of it) can be traced back to a field. Even though it doesn't seem like it, every celebrity needs to eat to perform on screen, on stage, or start a scandal. And the minds that create the computers are fueled by food raised on a farm. The world needs agriculture, just as agriculture needs the world. It's a cycle, for my family farm to continue to grow, we need consumers to eat, and in order to eat, consumers need the food we provide. It's a great relationship!

So next time you hear the phrase "factory farm" or any other anti-agriculture words, remind the individual speaking that without those farms and ranches, you would be naked and hungary!

'till the cows come home

Ellie

(happily clothed and full!)

Confessions

I have to admit something, well two things to be exact. So that it can no longer be used as blackmail, I am admitting to the world that I do not like roast beef. The only exception to that is the thinly sliced cold cut roast beef that you eat on sandwiches. I am not a fan of the sunday pot roast that my mother loves to make.

With that off my chest, I will get to the actual point of this blog, I am a bad cook. Well, maybe not a bad cook, but I'm definitely not a good cook. I like baking, but when it comes to making meals, I am a nervous wreck. I stress over what I'm grilling, broiling, or frying, and usually end with a less than satisfactory product. In fact, my family has taken to calling the things (beyond hamburger helper) that I try to cook "wanna-be's." My "wanna-be hamburgers" more closely resembled very charred versions of their cousins, meatballs.

I usually simply avoid the kitchen and let my mother prepare the greatest meals. (I have no chance of ever living up to her, and that's not just a daughter's prejudice, but cold hard fact.) Next year, however, forces me to step up to the plate, or more appropriately the stove. I am living in apartment-style housing with 3 other girls, and we are making all our own meals. I refuse to let them carry the load and cook for me, while I mooch off their skills. It is time I faced the kitchen.

This past weekend, though, I was heartened by the gift of some tools of the trade to help me on my adventure. As a gift for helping with the Nebraska Beef Ambassador contest, I gained what I am certain will become my bible for the coming year. The Healthy Beef Cook Book may be my salvation. I know how to follow a recipe, and this book has a variety of recipes, including ones I'm sure that will be simple enough for me, the culinary challenged.

Armed with a spatula, tasty and nutritious beef (probably stolen from the freezer at home), and The Healthy Beef Cook Book, I will begin a quest to create tasty meals that don't come from a box!

'till the cows come home

Ellie

Agriculture, passion no matter where you call home!

I recently returned from a two week trip to the UK. I figured this was a safe place to start studying abroad. After all, we share the same language, and have many of the same customs. I was also glad for this trip because it directly involved my field of interest, agriculture communications. Yes, this trip was going to be fun and relaxing, and navigating British culture and agriculture shouldn't be too hard!

Well, I was wrong. Believe it or not, even though we speak the same language, London is quite the melting pot of people, and each has a different accent. I can't tell you how many times I asked, "what did you say?" to a waiter or cashier. Speaking wasn't the only challenge. Any time you take this Nebraska Cowgirl out of the country, and put her in a city, she will become lost. After a few days, I mastered London's underground system, but still struggled to find my

way above ground. Many times, what should have been a ten minute trip, turned into a 20 minute journey (yes, I'm from Nebraska, we measure distance in the amount of time it takes to get to the destination.) Even cultural differences in customer service, and small town friendliness threw me for a loop. To read all the stories from the trip click here

The common ground I found on the Isle was agriculture. As we met with folks from different ag entities, I heard the same passion and excitement in their voices. They too struggle with educating their citizens about agriculture. One difference is the voice of dissenters. While here in the US we struggle against the voices that claim we are a heartless money-hungary industry, In the UK, they are trying to share that agriculture is a legitimate industry, not just hobby farmers. Other topics like organic, and local foods are relevant no matter what side of the Atlantic you're on.

It was an eye-opening journey. I learned to appreciate a warm shower and my cell phone (neither worked in the UK). The history of their country, and their agriculture is also unique and interesting. Advocating in England would be an exciting challenge, and it helped to inspire me to continue working to spread the word. Although I'm going to miss London, it's good to be back home among my cows and fields, which beat any palace or castle!

(Myself and fellow UNL students in front of Hampton Courts Palace)

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

"You should blog about that"

The quotes are there for a reason. I was joking at a Tuesday night softball game that I can't slide in the dirt, only cow poop! One of my friends jokingly responded with that quote, so I have decided to do just that! It was refreshing to hear him say that, because sometimes I think that no one ever reads these. I get disappointed, and don't believe I have any impact, it's at that point and time that a friendly reminder from a friend lifts my spirits again.

Sometimes it's like that on the farm, I get bogged down by the work we have to do, and for just a brief moment, wish I lived in town. I could sleep in and the only animal I would ever have to feed is my dog. As soon as I begin wishing that, I take a step out the back door, and take in the rolling fields of Eastern Nebraska. I remember how blessed I am to have the wide open space around me, and the chance to care for God's creatures. I am also reminded of all the great people I wouldn't know if I didn't have these calves and the chores that come with them. After a bit of contemplation, I realize again what a great life I have. So thanks for reading, and thanks even more for eating the beef that keeps my family on our farm!

'till the cows come home

Ellie

PS I made this video for Earth Day...Check out the neat photos!

Get Informed, No Bull

It's springtime, finals are happening, and at home, the bulls are getting antsy to strut their stuff. This is the time of year they show off their stuff for the ladies (heifers). It's always a fun thing to watch, as they prance around checkin out the girls. It also reminded me of something that we humans do.

How many times have you completely made something up, and somehow gotten away with it? I can think of quite a few essay questions that included a lot of "bull." I used big words, complicated ideas, and a few broad statements to impress the teacher with my answer. In conversations with friends the best thing is to call someone out on their "bull." It's fun watching their face as you lay down cold hard facts to blow their words out of the water. It happens all the time in everyday life, but it should never happen when talking about your passion.

Sure, consumers might ask a question you can't answer, or one you don't want to, but that's no excuse to begin "bull"-ing them. If your even one answer isn't completely honest or straightforward, you will lose any individual's trust. That is something that can't be earned back easily. Know what you do, why you do it, and if you're embarrassed about something, then maybe it shouldn't be a part of your practice. That my friends is no "Bull"

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

"I feel a very unusual sensation - if it is not indigestion, I think it must be gratitude." ~Benjamin Disraeli

I am a busy girl. With finals around the corner, study abroad trips, Beef Ambassador events, and a summer internship, I don't get much resting time. I enjoy always having something to do, and staying busy keeps me energized. I know, though, that I can't do it alone. There is no way I could balance everything without help from others.

I attended 2 banquets this week where I got to interact with donors of scholarships I have received. College, and all the things that go with it, costs money. I have been fortunate enough to not have to work this semester, and because of scholarships donated by generous folks, my first year is completely paid. Thanks to the generous people I have met, and those I haven't been introduced to, I am able to be attending a college I love with a major I am passionate about.

It's more than just money. People in my life have taught me and encouraged me to strive for excellence. Beginning with my parent's loving care, I was able to feel confident enough to step out and try things like public speaking and showing cattle. In school I had a variety of teachers who challenged me to reach my potential, and not settle for just getting by. Whether it was a Calculus class I thought I didn't need, a Spanish video we took some extra time to do, or a simple chat in the English room, these adults inspired and taught me to go the extra mile.

Today, there are still supporters and mentors helping me. A professional in my field, and inspiring cattle woman has helped me pursue my dream. An understanding advisor was willing to meet with me even after I was late to the meeting, and helped me create a Beef Ambassador friendly schedule. A professor for just a semester still remembers my name, and greets me on campus. On campus and in the real world, folks like these help me continue.

And finally, my friends. What they do may not seem like much, but it is a vital part of me. They keep my schedule (you know who you are), make me laugh even when I don't want to, challenge me to think outside the box (and to use correct grammar), and are simply there when I need them. They come to the airport with "welcome home" signs after a long trip, eat lunch with me when I need to talk, and ride along on all my adventures.

To each of these people I say thank you. You have changed the life of this farm girl, and are still influencing her today. I thank God for bringing each of you into my life, and pray you will continue to be a part of it! Thanks!

'till the cows come home

Ellie

Not cool HSUS, 4-H is important to me!

my first bucket calf project

Recently HSUS held a campaign at the National 4-H Conference, where they handed out pamphlets and hosted a workshop (read about it here). This frustrates me; 4-H is one of the organizations that encouraged me in the beef industry. This hits too close to home.

As a young girl I was afraid to show big calves, so I began my 4-H showing bucket calves. I was completely responsible for that calf, and I learned about keeping records, and even gained interview experience through the contest. In later years as I began showing Angus Breeding Heifers, I learned even more about the beef industry. It was through 4-H that I first received Beef Quality Assurance training. Caring for livestock is an integral part of any 4-H project. Through 4-H I have met some of my closest friends, and learned to take pride in my hard work regardless of the placing I receive.

HSUS, 4-H is the wrong venue for your propaganda. Too many knowledgeable members and alumni know the truth about your ultimate goal. After all, 4-H is about learning and discovering, and I hope the organization takes their own advice and does some research for themselves. Humanewatch is a great place to start!

'till the cows come home

Ellie

What a Girl Wants

I titled this post what a girl wants, but rather, I should have said, "what the consumer wants." There is a lot of talk about animal welfare out there, about what is best for consumers, what consumers need to understand, and what consumers should do. The expert on what actions or opinions the consumer should have is...the consumer themselves.

Who am I to tell a consumer they should or should not do something. I should stop focusing on the "enemy" (HSUS, PETA, and other activist groups) and instead focus on what the consumer wants to know. As a member of the site know your beef, I have been learning from consumers. On there folks have simply been curious about what I do, and I do my best to answer their questions. After all, if they have their questions answered, they will be able to make informed decisions for themselves. I certainly encourage them to do that! So ask away!

'till the cows come home,

Ellie

Lessons learned!

I have a pair of wonderful people as parents, and they taught me a lot of important things from brushing my teeth to tying my shoes, forgiveness and treating others how you want to be treated. They taught my brothers and me these things through every day parenting, their example, and on the farm.

On our small operation, I learned valuable life lessons. I learned how to effectively communicate when yelling directions across the lot (fewer words=more likely to get the message). I learned hard work and responsibility in caring for the daily needs including feed and water for my calves. I learned how to wake up early to rinse heifers and put them in the barn; a lesson I'm not fond of applying in college. I learned to be proud of what I had done, not because of an award, but because I had done my best. Finally, I learned honesty is always the best policy. I had to " 'fess up" when I had let the wrong cows out, forgotten to fill the water tank, or started the fight with my younger brother that caused a trip to the emergency room. Openly admitting what I had done, or was doing, was not easy, but I learned the importance of integrity.

The above is an ad for humane watch, an organization that is digging through all the information and gathering the facts about the Humane Society of the United States. They are looking at the integrity of an organization with a huge budget and an emotional agenda. Humane watch is doing a great job, after all, an organization with that kind of influence should be held to the same standards of honesty I learned on the farm. Thanks for what your doing Humane Watch!

'till the cows come home

Ellie

Homesick!?!

Today I was feeling homesick. Not just for the members of my family (well maybe not my little brother ;), but also for the place. I don't have a big house, or a fancy, spacious bedroom, no my home is a small farmhouse in eastern Nebraska. I miss the cows, doing chores, seeing the new babies, and just sitting on a fence contemplating the meaning of life. I long for the quiet moments, the laughter, the peace, that just can't be found on a city street. I am a realist, and I know life at home is certainly not perfect, but my heart yearns for the simplicity of accomplishing something with hard work and dedication.

That is something many will never understand. It takes the real life experience of building fences, checking cows, and dumping feed to catch the passion. It's not temporary either. I recently wrote a list of goals and values for my life...They say it all

Values

1. Being Christ-like

2. responsibility/ hard work

3. Passion/excitement

4. Integrity

5. The rural life (the sum of all of the above)

Goals

1. Grow as a Christian

2. Have a family

3. Live in the country and run some cows

4. Advocate Agriculture

5. Be generally excited about my career

These goals I know aren't measurable, but things I will keep in mind as I make decisions about the future. I encourage everyone to make a Values and a Goals lists to focus their personal lives. In the mean time, I think a trip home might be necessary next weekend!

'till the cows come home

Ellie

Media Bias

Recently for my Journalism 101 class I was assigned to write a paper about an issue that is important to me and how the mass media treats that issue.l Of course I chose the beef industry. I admitted up front that I was a producer, so I may be harsh on the articles sometimes, but I did say that I demand the truth like any other consumer. What was interesting was not that the professor that graded my paper agreed that I was biased, but the questions that she wrote on the side asking about anti-biotics and E-Coli. She also wanted specific examples of where the media had been dead wrong, so this was the paragraph I added:

The media is often wrong about the stories they publish regarding the beef industry. They reflect my industry as cold money-hungry factory farmers. Often the stories they chose to print point out the problems of one specific operation and apply that problem to all producers.

For example in Michael Pollan’s article “Power Steer”, published in the New York Times on March 2002, he says about the industry as a whole: “And how cheap, really, is cheap feedlot beef? Not cheap at all, when you add in the invisible costs: of antibiotic resistance, environmental degradation, heart disease, E. coli poisoning, corn subsidies, imported oil and so on.” Each of the things he listed is an insulting biased opinion, not a fact. Beef Producers follow strict guidelines about withdrawal time, so virtually no antibiotic is in the meat. Producers are also mandated by the government to make certain their operations follow certain environmental guidelines. No conclusive study by an unbiased organization has linked heart disease and red meat. E coli poisoning is often caused by undercooked meat, something the rancher has no control over, and corn subsidies and imported oil are beyond the rancher’s ability to change. This kind of misunderstanding printed in the media leads to decline in consumers’ trust of the safest beef supply in the world. This is only one example from the New York Times, other magazines including Time’s “The Real Cost of Cheap Food” by Bryan Walsh (published in August 2009) are following the trendy vegetarian lifestyle, and printing opinion based stories. Newspapers and magazines do not often print stories of the positive events occurring in the industry.

I hope she is willing to email me again to hear more about what I do everyday. It just goes to show that consumers are curious, and want to know about the beef they love to eat. I'm excited she recognized my passion and wanted to learn more. So stand up for what you do, you never know where the next question is coming from.

'till the cows come home

Ellie

Lazy Dayz

A friend recently told me he liked going home from college because it gave him a chance to just do nothing. I kinda laughed in my head at that. When I want to do nothing, I stay at school! At home there are calves to feed, vaccinate, and break. Especially now that we are calving, the workload at home has increased. Getting up to check cows and making sure calves keep their ears is certainly not a "break."

I am not complaining. I love the life I have, and going home to help out is actually fun. We have learned to have fun while we work. A water fight when rinsing calves, a race across the lot, or even just sharing funny stories while working the chute. Living on a farm is fun, but it is also work. Farm families like mine don't get sick days, a closing time, or 2 weeks of vacation. Yes, we do take time away (my family vacation just happens to be a cattle show!), but we have to work days before we leave making sure that the cows will be ok in the pasture, and measuring feed for the neighbor to feed while we are gone. The days before vacation are a busy frenzy often including late nights. Once we leave, we keep the cell phones close in case something happens at home.

Ranchers and Farmers feed the world, and they do it 24 hours a day 7 days a week, and I am certainly one thankful girl who appreciates all the hard work they put in so I can enjoy a great meal. So for my "do-nothing day" I think I'll stay in town :)

'Till the cows come home

Ellie

Warning: Passion May Be Contagious

I've got it....The beef flu! No this isn't a mis-named virus that has nothing to do with cattle, I actually have the beef flu. I got it again in San Antonio. Just being among that many great producers and hearing excellent speakers gets me excited. It's more than excitement though, we are sharing a passion.

No, I did not enjoy waking up early throughout the week, but I did enjoy the chance to meet advocates like Troy Hadrick and his wife Stacy. Their passion stems from the love they have for their family and farm. It's moving to hear from them, and it lights a fire in my heart. This is a passion that runs like a river throughout the hearts of the cattlemen at convention, the same water binds us all.

Thankfully, there is no known cure for the beef flu, and I hope they never find one. I will always be infected, and will continue to do my best to pass the illness on to others. From the bottom of my heart, I hope you catch it too.

'Till the cows come home

Ellie

Fighting fire with fire!

It comes from everywhere. The claims about factory farming harming the environment, torturing animals, and creating deadly food. Heck, its even in my AGRICULTURE 103 class. Presenting the facts never seems to get us anywhere, because organizations rely on passion and emotion...So here it is.

I am a beef rancher. I have a small herd of Angus cows. Why? Because its a part of who I am. Because each time I work that herd, I get a sense of satisfaction of having worked hard. Because I wouldn't trade anything in the world, for that time with my family. Any family can have a fun vacation together, but a real one can work together, and have fun at the same time. Because that herd of cows connects me to a man I have never met, but admire, my grandfather. Its not about money or winning shows, its a way of life, I will NEVER it give up. If that's not passion I don't know what is?

I guess it just comes back to the age old phrase "you can't knock it till you've tried it" Don't blame a group of folks you don't understand. Instead, be open to conversations, ask questions, I will never be afraid to answer!