Cowboy Lifestyle Network - Spring 2023

WILD

ADDI AND HER BULL HAVE BEEN THROUGH IT ALL TOGETHER

CONTEMPORARY WESTERN ART

AGRICULTURE THE ORIGINAL WESTERN LIFESTYLE

Celebrating the connection between the western lifestyle & the hands that feed us.

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

Welcome to the ninth edition of Cowboy Lifestyle Magazine! In this issue, I am excited to celebrate the roots of agriculture and the ties it has to the western industry. I believe if we all dig deep enough, we all have a tie to agriculture, regardless of how far removed you might be from it. I hope to bring you a little bit closer to agriculture by sharing the stories of those who are at the forefront of feeding America.

Within the pages of this magazine, you will find stories of farmers, first and multi-generational ranchers, agriculture advocates, and those who are working to bridge the gap between themselves and the American families they feed daily. Agriculture is, in fact, the original western lifestyle. It is what built the country we live in today and it gave the western industry a foundation to be built on. Everything from rodeo to livestock shows, and horse shows to bull riding can be traced back to agriculture.

In fact, the term “rodeo” came from the Spanish word “rodear”, which meant “to encircle or round up”. Which is exactly what Mexican cowboys did to maintain control of their cattle herds before there was fencing and formal ranches like we know today. Over time, the actions performed by the cowboys grew into a healthy competition as the American cowboys of the southwest started working and coexisting with them through cattle drives and round-ups. There are claims of formal rodeos being present in the northern states as early as 1872 but the first official annual rodeo was held in 1888 in Prescott, Arizona which is now home to the Prescott Frontier Days Rodeo, also known as the World’s Oldest Rodeo. Without the early beef industry, there would be no rodeo or bull riding industry today.

While I am closer to agriculture than I have ever been, I have also been in the role of being fairly removed from it,

which is where a majority of Americans are today. While I currently work with those in the western and agriculture industry, I think it’s important to not only highlight but celebrate the lives of our American farmers and ranchers.

To set the stage for the stories on the following pages, here are some statistics based on the American farmer or rancher. (Pulled from the American Farm Bureau Federation)

• Farm and ranch families comprise less than 2% of the U.S. population.

• One U.S. farm feeds 166 people annually in the U.S. and abroad.

• 86% of U.S. agricultural products are produced on family farms or ranches.

• 2 million farms dot America’s rural landscape, and 98% are operated by families – individuals, family partnerships, or family corporations (America’s Diverse Family Farms, 2020 Edition).

With some of these stats in mind as you explore the pages beyond this story, I urge that if you are interested, passionate, or curious about the western or agriculture industry to reach out to me or even a local farmer to learn more about where your food comes from or how to get involved in the lifestyle. I will leave you with this, you don’t need to be a cowboy or cowgirl to love the western lifestyle and you don’t need to be a farmer or rancher to support agriculture.

Agriculture was the first occupation of man, and as it embraces the whole earth, it is the foundation of all other industries.

EDWARD W. STEWART

Getting Social with Farmer Froberg

BY LINDSI RIAN

Tyler Froberg is a fourth-generation farmer, veteran, and content creator that resides in Alvin, Texas. Who, in just two years, has become a social media sensation with his funny how-to videos and stories about living life on the farm.

LINDSI: HOW DID YOU GET INTO FARMING?

Tyler: I’m a 4th generation farmer on our current property, but my family has been farming in Alvin, Texas since 1899. It started off as a simple 22-acre farm during the World War II era that only grew strawberries. Now we grow fruit and vegetables, and we even have Christmas trees, but strawberries are our primary crop. From 2011-2015, we were the largest strawberry farm in Texas and since Covid, we’re the largest “You-Pick” farm.

LINDSI: YOU CO-HOST FARMING FOR DUMMIES, HAVE YOU NOTICED A POSITIVE RESPONSE FROM FOLLOWERS SHARING THEIR EXPERIENCES BASED ON WHAT THEY LEARNED FROM Y’ALL?

Tyler: We had a surprisingly positive response on social media. My co-host, Noah Young, and I didn’t necessarily start doing the social media thing because we saw a need, but because we just really like talking shop! Since we started doing this, we’ve met so many cool people! With our podcast, we try not to put ourselves in a corner with our content, we try to change it up a lot in a fun and positive way. In one episode you might hear us talking about growing tomatoes and in the next, we’re interviewing a

About Froberg Farms

farrier from the UK. We just try to create entertaining content for a wide variety of people.

LINDSI: WHAT DO YOU HOPE TO ACCOMPLISH WITH YOUR PLATFORM?

Tyler: I have two goals. The first goal is to entertain and educate people that are outside of the agriculture industry. I want to help people realize that they can grow a garden at home and do things to sustain their family in a fun way. We just launched our online farm store and our second goal is to reach people in the international market with our homegrown goods.

LINDSI: ANY ADVICE FOR FOLKS PLANNING THEIR SPRING GARDENS?

Tyler: Don’t overthink it and start small. Growing food is about small victories! Gardening is not easy, so starting simple and small with attainable goals is the best way to go about it. Also, don’t grow what you don’t eat! If you don’t like tomatoes, then don’t grow tomatoes. Carrots are always a good one to grow, not to mention there’s nothing more satisfying than pulling a carrot out of the ground.

CREATOR STATS

TikTok: 723.7K

TikTok Likes: 8.5 Million

IG Followers: 111K

Social Media Handle: @farmer.froberg

Website: https://frobergsfarm.com

Froberg has one of the best agriculture social media accounts out there, so those interested in learning how to start home gardens or small-scale farms can check out Tyler and his co-host, Noah’s other account, @farming4dummies.

AS TYLER MENTIONED IN HIS interview, Froberg Farms dates back to World War II when his great grandparents, Fred and Katie Froberg started the strawberry farm on the original 22 acres of the farm. Alfred (Coon), the youngest of Fred and Katie’s children, was on and off the farm in his younger years due to being drafted into the war. When he came home, he and Fred expanded the strawberry farm and also started growing vegetables.

The first “farm store” that Froberg Farms had, were two tables built under two of the biggest trees on the farm. In 1960, Coon and his wife took over the operations of the farm, with Fred passing away in 1961 at the age of 82. Coon and his wife, Jo Ann had five children, all of whom helped on the farm as they grew up. In 1978, they built a winter store, which was a huge hit with customers. The farm expanded into baking pies in 1989, when Alfred Jr. married Nina who started making pies and selling them in the store.

In June 2002, Coon passed away at the age of 74, then not too long after, his wife Jo Ann retired leaving their son, Alfred Jr., and Nina in charge. It was in this period of the farm that Alfred Jr. introduced a larger variety of fruits and vegetables. Then because of the growth the farm had seen, a larger farm store was built that opened on April 12, 2003. In 2006, Froberg’s started letting the public pick strawberries, which has become the farm’s biggest attraction and only gets more popular each year. You can learn more about Froberg Farms at Frobergsfarm.com.

As a fourth-generation Farmer, Tyler Froberg has brought Froberg Farms into the 21st Century by sharing his stories online.

RADICALLY TRADITIONAL W HITE O AK

In 1866, shortly after the Civil War, in the small town of Bluffton, Georgia (current population 103), White Oak Pastures came to life through the hard work of Captain James Edward Harris. Six generations later, Will Harris III and his family are radically transforming the old way of farming. What started as a small community farm of sharecroppers and their families is now a leader in regenerative land management and humane animal husbandry.

In 1995, Mr. Harris made the decision to change the way his family had been farming for decades. He traveled to

Zimbabwe to study under Allan Savory and came back de termined to return the farm to a production system that’s not only better for the environment but is healthier for the animals and in turn, healthier for the people who eat the meat. The transition started slowly at first with Harris implementing changes such as removing all chemical fertilizers and moving away from confinement feeding for their animals. This was the first step towards returning the farm to its most natural state.

White Oak Pastures is humanely raising ten different species of animals including beef, goat, lamb, pork, turkey, chicken, duck, goose, guinea, and rabbit. They are also marketing their farm-grown vegetables, leather products,

FARMING WITH PASTURES

BY LINDSI RIAN

Pastures has transitioned to a holistic, regenerative model, we’ve created the cowboy way of operating an ecosystem.”

That cowboy operation has turned the massive property into a thriving ecosystem not only for the livestock but for local inhabitants as well. White Oak Pastures believes that farming should not only be sustainable, but it has to be regenerative to rebuild the soil and mitigate climate change. The farm uses a holistic grazing method that uses animal impact to sequester carbon, control erosion, and increase organic matter found in the soil.

After having a Carbon Life Cycle Assessment done on their property, it was found that the farm stores more carbon in their soil than the pasture-raised cows can emit in their lifetime. This land regeneration has also had a positive effect on the local water supply as well. A large creek that flows through the property has now completely cleared up, encouraging fish and other animals to build their habitats on the White Oak side of the creek. Neighboring waterways have mass amounts of runoff from their land causing murky and muddy water which stops at a very distinct line once it crosses into White Oak Pastures.

Mr. Will Harris has no intention of stopping his methods and is working with other local farms and encouraging a mindset change for farmers across the country. White Oak has successfully regenerated former commodity row crops into perennial pastures and is partnering to provide planned livestock grazing and regenerative land management on another local 2,400-acre solar farm.

tallow goods, and pet chews; all of which are sustainably grown, harvested and processed.

Mr. Harris, a University of Georgia School of Agriculture graduate, will be the first to tell you that he got through college making all C’s in his courses. He studied reductive scientific research on foraging, the impact of fertilizers, pesticides, grazing techniques, the effect of various drugs on animals, and more.

“Every Ph.D. holding professor had a different idea of what we were supposed to do and what the best practices were. There was no consistency in what we were taught. They were just showing us a sliver of what farming entailed. I always felt like I was watching a ball game through a missing plank in a board fence.” says Mr. Harris. He adds, “they were teaching the industrial way of operating a meat production system. As White Oak

In addition to their radical farming practices, White Oak Pastures encourages people to come and visit their farm to see what it’s all about. They currently have four properties that are available for people to book to get an immersive experience of south Georgia. A farm tour can be added to any booking and guests are encouraged to explore as much or as little as they like. White Oak Pastures also has an on-site General Store as well as an on-farm dining experience with breakfast, lunch, and dinner options available.

“The Harris family prayer has always been, ‘We pray for plenty of good, hard work to do and the strength to do it.” Sometimes, it has taken all our strength to do the work, but our family has been on this farm for a century and a half, and we are in it for the long haul. If there was ever a time to know your farmer, it’s now. There’s never been more focus on the supply chain than there is right now, so when deciding who you want to support, we hope you’ll choose us- Cowboys and Butchers working together on a 5,000-acre, six-generation family farm, regenerating our land and producing food in a radically traditional way.”

HISTORY OF RANCHING IN ARIZONA

Arizona might not be the cattle ranching capital of the country, but cattle is one of the five C’s that makeup Arizona’s agricultural economy. When I really started digging into the history of the state’s beef industry, I realized it is as rich and established as any of our Western or Northern neighbors. Most people don’t realize that the history of cattle ranching in Arizona spans more than 300 years and has experienced periods of immense highs and even lower lows, but one thing remains the same, cattle ranching in Arizona is just as important now as it was in the old days, if not even more important.

The Spanish Era of Cattle Ranching in Arizona and Mexico: 1500s-Mid 1800s

What’s interesting about the early days of cattle ranching in Arizona, is that it didn’t really start in Arizona. It was actually Mexico that deserves the credit for jumpstarting our state’s cattle economy. Now the dates get a little fuzzy depending on which publication you are reading, but it was around 1540 that would-be conqueror, Francisco Vasquez de Coronado, led an expedition of roughly 300 Spaniards, 1,000 Indian allies, 1,500 horses and mules, 5,000 sheep, and 150 cattle west towards the then-known “New World” to conquer the Seven Cities of Cíbola. The Seven Cities of Cíbola were said to be located on the border of Mexico and Arizona. The story goes that Coronado had intended to use all of his livestock to feed his troops, but he was forced to abandon some in a particularly rough area of Sinaloa. We can only predict that members of that original herd strayed out, starting wild cattle herds across the southwest and into the Rio Grande Valley.

The next major puzzle piece of Arizona Cattle Ranching includes a missionary by the name of Francisco Eusebio Kino. Father Kino immigrated to Mexico in 1681 and started creating a successful chain of missions across the Sonora desert in 1687. A major draw for his missions was the cattle he brought with him. He would often give cattle to Indian tribes throughout

the region, including the present-day Tohono O’odham tribe. These cattle were largely left to fend for themselves, foraging on the open range, and they soon began breeding in large numbers. The herds that Kino began expanded successfully well into the nineteenth century. Kino’s significance in Arizona history is well known, but his leading role in establishing cattle in Arizona in the Spanish period is so important that it deserves special notice here.

Jumping forward a hundred years or so, the 1790s to the early 1800s were considered a golden age for Spanish colonists in Arizona. This was when Arizona saw the number of settlers grow, as did the number of farms, mines, ranches, and cattle. It was also around this time that ranchers started wanting to expand their herds; however, with the expansion of cattle herds, came the need for the expansion of land. The expansion of land came in the form of land grants that helped establish permanent locations for ranching families in Arizona.

Unfortunately, due to increasing hostilities in the 1840s, the cattle ranching industry took a hit as most Mexican ranches in Arizona were being abandoned and the few remaining settlers relocated to Tucson. The animals were left to fend for themselves and over the next 15 years, their population came close to being wiped out, as the Apache tribes nearly extinguished them and put a huge strain on the reproduction of the herds.

• Ranching in Sulphur Springs Valley, Arizona.

Credit to Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, History and Archives Division.

• Empire Ranch in Arizona. Courtesy of Empire Ranch Foundation

• Cowboys rounding up a herd of Hereford cattle in Arizona.

Credit to Arizona State Library, Archives and Public Records, History and Archives Division.

The American Era of Cattle Ranching in Arizona: Mid 1800s-1900s

In the mid-1800s, the original Mexican land grants were re-evaluated when the United States saw victory in the Mexican-American War. This led to the acquisition in 1848 of what is now Texas, New Mexico, most of Arizona, and California. This was when Arizona entered what is referred to as the “Pioneer Period”. This was when the government was really pushing for the privatization of land and in 1862 the Homestead Act was passed, promising 160 acres of free land to anyone who would settle on and work it. This was a game-changer for the cattle industry.

In this time frame as well, northern Arizona started gaining some traction after the Civil War as Texas Cattlemen changed their routes, utilizing the new construction of Beale’s wagon trail and transcontinental railroad surveys. This was when we started seeing the foundation of today’s present-day ranches being built in towns such as Flagstaff, Ashfork, Prescott, and Dewey. Then in 1882, the area’s second transcontinental railroad line opened and completely changed the dynamic of northern Arizona cattle ranches. In 1883, Territorial Governor F.A. He claimed that Arizona Territory had 34 million acres of grasslands, which he claimed could support over 7 million cattle. When in reality, the state’s rangeland couldn’t support anywhere near that number. When the number of cattle went significantly over one million, not including other grazing animals, the conditions for a rangeland disaster were at hand. Up until this point, the Arizona cattle industry was booming across the state. That was until the number of cattle started to surpass the amount that the rangeland could support.

While there had been many relatively dry years from the 1860s through the 1880s, the great drought of the 1890s was particularly tragic and had a significant effect on the landscape and cattle industry. Over the next twenty years, cattle ranchers would see a continual decline in the quality of the rangelands they inhabited.

“During the bust of the 1890s, the taxable value of cattle declined almost in half from $12,769,572 in 1893 to $6,591,343 in 1900.” - NATIONAL REGISTER OF HISTORIC PLACES

Moving into the 1900s, cattle ranchers and cattle themselves went through some changes as they both had to adapt to a new landscape after the great drought. When World War I started, ranchers were promised that the agriculture industry would soar as demand increased, but that was far from the truth. In fact, even after the war ended livestock and agricultural prices started dropping. By 1921, that area of the economy was practically in a depression.

Over the next ten years leading up to the Second World War, we saw additional government intervention with rangelands and rancher’s rights so ranchers adapted as needed to steadily grow their operations. Ranchers didn’t know it at the time, but they were headed towards a cattle boom at the end of the Second World War. Just to give you a little idea of the industry numbers back then, the price of cattle rose from $23,010,195 in 1940 to $75,145,243 in 1950, which is almost a 200% increase over the course of a decade.

What Arizona’s Cattle Industry Look Like Today

Today, the cattle industry is just as important to Arizona as it was back in the day. Thankfully we have several wonderful organizations such as the Arizona Cattle Growers Association to help keep some of that history and heritage alive. Check out some of the facts on Arizona’s present-day cattle industry.

• There are 19,000 farms and ranches (source)

• Out of those, there are 7,075 farms and ranches with cattle (source)

• The total number of cattle and calves as of January 1, 2021, was 980,000 head (ranked 31st in the nation) (source)

• Beef cows that have calved as of January 1, 2021: 196,000 head (source)

• Dairy cows that have calved as of January 1, 2021: 194,000 head (source)

• Cattle on feed as of January 1, 2021: 265,000 head (source)

• 2020 calf crop: 305,000 (source)

• Cattle are raised in every county in Arizona: Apache, Cochise, Coconino, Gila, Graham, Greenlee, La Paz, Maricopa, Mohave, Navajo, Pima, Pinal, Santa Cruz, Yavapai & Yuma

• In 2020, cattle and calf sales surpassed $673,000,000 (source)

A Fresh Take on Agriculture

A dairy farmer and rancher are on a mission to change the way the world views agriculture, one podcast episode at a time.

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

Discover Ag is a podcast where hosts, Natalie Kovarik and Tara

Vander Dussen share relevant and captivating conversations about Agriculture so you can better understand the food system, and connect with the hands that feed us.

Every Thursday they highlight Agriculture in a modern and fun way, giving their professional farming opinions on a mix of entertainment, facts, and trending news articles. Discover Ag has been described as a mix between Mike Rowe’s “The Way I Heard It” podcast and the OShry sister’s “The Toast” podcast.

I am excited to sit down with both of them to hear their story and learn more about their mission of discovering and elevating agriculture.

KRYSTA: BEFORE WE GET INTO THE REALLY GOOD STUFF, I’M DYING TO KNOW, HOW DID THIS PARTNERSHIP COME ABOUT?

Tara: Natalie and I were both sharing online individually for years and when we started, there weren’t a ton of women in ag sharing online. We connected about five years ago in a DM where we would just talk and support each other pretty regularly. Then in March of 2021, we met in person for the first time when I ended up attending Natalie’s Rural Rooted Retreat. At the time, I was working on some things for my New Mexico Milkmaid platform that ended up falling through and in that struggle was the birth of Elevate Ag when we realized that we could come together and accomplish so much more than individually. Together, we shared some really cool goals of being able to give farmers, ranchers, and producers the tools to help them with their own online sharing journey. November 2021 is when we founded Elevate Ag and shortly after that, we started writing out the content for our first online course. Then by January 2022, we were filming the course, and we launched the podcast in April 2022.

Natalie: From my standpoint, I had been doing my Rural Rooted Retreats, and while I love them, and I’m a huge proponent for in-person learning, I also recognize that there was a large part of my audience that still had questions and needed help but couldn’t afford or attend those in-person events. So when Tara asked me what I thought about an online course, I was very drawn to the idea of creating something that was more accessible for everyone in our industry.

KRYSTA: DID EITHER OF YOU EVER EXPECT THAT YOU’D BE PRODUCING A PODCAST, SHARING ABOUT AGRICULTURE?

Tara: We founded Elevate Ag in November of 2021 but we actually signed up for a six-month mastermind individually in January and went as completely separate entities. Very early on, we realized we should probably just do our calls and everything together because a lot of our goals aligned, and even in the midst of that we still had our own individual things going on but that changed pretty quickly when we realized just how aligned our goals were.

Natalie: As far as the podcast goes, Tara and I both found that surprising when it came up. It was not something we had built into our quarterly goals or even yearly goals. I had actually been asked to start a podcast before and even though I love the podcast platform, I just didn’t see what I would talk about or how that fit into what I was doing. But the further Tara and I got into developing Elevate Ag, the more it became apparent that the podcast made sense for us. It wasn’t too long after the idea was planted, that we were boots on the ground running, so it was pretty quick from start to finish.

ABOUT NATALIE KOVARIK

NATALIE KOVARIK IS THE CO-HOST OF THE POPULAR PODCAST DISCOVER AG AS WELL AS THE CO-FOUNDER OF ELEVATE AG - an online course and community providing producers with the tools they need to successfully advocate and share online. She and her husband live in Central Nebraska where they own and operate Kovarik Cattle Co, a cow-calf operation with a growing registered herd. For the past 2 1/2 years Natalie has been sharing her ranching and familying story online to showcase the beauty of the western world and foster a community that supports and trusts in Agriculture as much as she does.

ABOUT TARA VANDER DUSSEN

TARA IS A NEW MEXICO NATIVE, 5TH GENERATION DAIRY FARMER, AN ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENTIST, AND A MOM OF TWO girls. Daniel, her husband, manages all day-to-day on his family dairy farm while Tara has her own career as an environmental consultant, speaker, online agriculture advocate and podcaster. Tara is also the Co-Founder of Elevate Ag, an online course to provide farmers and ranchers with the tools they need to successfully share their ag story and grow their businesses, and the Co-Founder of Discover Ag, a docuseries and podcast that shares relevant and captivating conversations in agriculture so people can better understand the food system and connect with the hands that feed us.

KRYSTA: ELEVATE AG CAME FIRST, BUT WHERE DID THE IDEA FOR DISCOVER AG STEM FROM?

Tara: Originally the podcast started as Elevate Ag to accompany the E-Course we had just launched. So season one of the podcast really focused on the education aspect to support the course. Then when we started to plan season two, we knew there were changes that we wanted to make. We both found ourselves in a place on our personal sharing journeys where we really wanted to dive into some of these topics that we were only touching on in nine-second reels but weren’t able to go into all the details. At first, we kind of were trying to straddle both the educational content and sharing about news in agriculture but halfway through season two, it was just obvious that we wanted to go feet first into sharing news articles that were all about discovering ag. So we went through a full rebrand in November and are now fully sharing trending news stories and topics on agriculture for the podcast.

The reason we got online originally was to share about agriculture so I think switching the podcast to Discover Ag was like going back to our roots and really opening up agriculture to people who might not otherwise know about it.

Natalie: It really got me excited to share about agriculture again on a new platform and in a new way. Everything right now online is so short, it’s like how much can you fit into your 8-9 second reel or your 15-second story. So the idea of having those deeper level conversations on a longer platform where we could really dive into topics and interview other people is just really really exciting.

KRYSTA: BEYOND THE PODCAST, YOU BOTH ARE PART OF THE LESS THAN 2% OF AMERICA THAT IS FEEDING THE REST OF THE COUNTRY, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE IMPORTANCE OF WHAT YOU’RE DOING ON YOUR PODCAST FROM A RANCHING AND FARMING PERSPECTIVE?

Tara: I don’t think we’ll be dairy farming or we won’t be dairy farming in the same way if we don’t get out and share ag with people and connect people back to where their food comes from. Does my sharing online change our milk check? No, but I do think that ultimately, people have to understand Ag in order to continue believing in these products, buying these products, and just being a part of where their food comes from.

KRYSTA PAFFRATH: IF YOU COULD HAVE ANY GUEST ON THE SHOW, WHO WOULD IT BE AND WHY?

Tara: I don’t think it’s a single person, it’s more of an idea of a person. I think it would be so fascinating to be connected to an Oprah of the world that has a TV show that reaches millions of people that are not connected to ag, people that are just everyday Americans. I just feel like being able really to open up our farms to the everyday American mom that’s looking for a recipe or something for their home would be so powerful. I just like the idea of being able to bring ag to people in a new way would be so impactful.

Natalie: I would have Mike Rowe on. I have always been the biggest fan of him, his mission, his belief system, and the way he supports and admires the western and ag industries. I think it would be such an honor to have him on the show.

KRYSTA: IF SOMEONE IS INTERESTED IN LEARNING MORE ABOUT WHERE THEIR FOOD COMES FROM OR ABOUT AGRICULTURE IN GENERAL, WHAT IS THE FIRST THING THAT PERSON SHOULD DO?

Tara: I always recommend finding a rancher or farmer to connect with, whether online or in real life. My husband has done tons of farm tours, so if you have a chance to do a farm tour, you should definitely go do it. If you don’t, the Internet has obviously connected us in ways we can’t even imagine so go find some farmers to follow and connect with them there. I just think when you get your information directly from the source of the people growing your food, it just leaves so much less room for misinformation and it can just be a conversation of being able to ask them the questions you have about your food.

Natalie: I second what Tara said, with the power behind social media, you could connect with someone across the nation or the world, any time of the day. So if you’re wanting to get in touch with the hands that feed us, then a really quick and affordable way is to do that online.

KRYSTA: HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE THE CONNECTION BETWEEN AGRICULTURE AND THE WESTERN LIFESTYLE?

Natalie: To me, they’re very interlaced. One of my original missions for sharing online was to be able to share the beauty of the western lifestyle and every aspect of our ranching operation. I think it even ties back to the passion that both industries really have as well. There may be people in the Western industry who aren’t as connected to raising beef or dairy but they still have that passion for the lifestyle we all live. They’re advocates of rural America and still support the agriculture industry. I think it comes down to those similar morals, passions, and belief systems that we all share, whether we’re raising the food or not.

Tara: I think my answer would probably be a little different because I don’t necessarily

consider our lifestyle, western but I’ve always appreciated the fact that there is a lot of overlap between the two industries. I have always been of the mindset that Ag united is so much stronger together than apart and when we loop in our western counterparts, whether that’s rodeo or something else, we’re such a stronger voice.

KRYSTA: WHAT DOES THE FUTURE LOOK LIKE FOR DISCOVER AG?

Tara: We are excited to be launching a docuseries that pairs with our podcast. We filmed the pilot episode last fall and are currently finishing up the edits on that now. Then hopefully we can start reaching out to production companies and networks to show them what we’ve put together.

Natalie: For the first series, we actually toured a cotton farm in California and the first episode is going to be about connecting people with the hands that feed them and how cotton plays a role in that.

Natalie and Tara come from different sides of the agriculture industry but have come together in a way to make agriculture fun and relatable to those who are curious about learning where their food comes from. You can learn more about Discover Ag the Podcast by visiting ElevateYourAgStory.com and you can catch the latest episode of the show by tuning into any of your favorite podcast players and searching for “Discover Ag”.

The Importance of

he US cattle industry pulled in $64 billion dollars in 2021 and continues to be a major economic driver in many areas across the United States. But outside of the numbers, there is more. More soul, tenacity, and spirit than many businesses all bundled up into what you might think of as the Western lifestyle.

The beef industry really comes down to two things: the business aspect and the lifestyle. What drives someone to buy a cattle ranch when historically it’s a tough life, whether you work and live on the ranch or hire a manager to run the business? What primal instinct are we looking to fulfill? Many businessmen and women have made their fortunes in another industry and then invested in a cattle ranch. They can often make the ranch profitable with their business expertise, but it takes lots of time and that initial investment to make it work. Then on the flip side, you have the families who have been ranching on the same ranch or have done this work for generations who don’t have a business background and survive year after year, decade after decade. They

work nonstop, up with the sun, and often not done until it’s dark, day in and day out. After personally watching, witnessing, and participating in this great industry, there might be easier ways to make a living, but you won’t find a career that fills your heart and soul the way cattle ranching does.

Cattle ranching and the western lifestyle have been a staple in the United States of America for literally centuries and in other countries, like our neighbors to the south, even longer. Often, ranches across the country became a thing simply out of a necessity to feed the growing population. The ranch I reside on was started because a wagon driver saw the need for beef at the mines for which he hauled lumber. So he found a spot in the mountains that was rough and rugged and turned out some cows. The jury is out on how long it took him to find those cows again, but he managed to do so, and that has continued in this same location for almost 150 years. There are many differences in how it’s done, but the same premise exists. Raise beef for families to nourish their bodies and enjoy.

The same story arose across the country as the western lifestyle

the Beef Industry

became a thing in the late 1800s. From that need arose a romance that has drawn people in since. This lifestyle is beautiful from the outside, but once someone has fought their way inside, it becomes one that is only suited for those who can see the beauty in the sharp rocks, busted fences, tragic endings, and constant upheaval of best-laid plans. That is to say, it’s still a beautiful way of life, but the beauty of hard work and appreciation for something so massive and outside of your own understanding makes it so.

While the US beef industry is more focused than it was at the beginning of its heyday, it’s still a teeming and vibrant one only made possible by the consumer of beef. The person who craves a good steak or a juicy hamburger and acts upon that urge is who keeps this industry and the lifestyle

alive. According to statistics compiled by the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association sourced from the United States Department of Agriculture, cattle are raised in every state in the USA, with almost 830,000 ranches and operations doing the work. Of all these operations, 96% are still family owned and operated. Without the consumer, all those families who have built their lives upon the back of a cow would be thrown to the wind and scattered like pollen on a spring day.

The western lifestyle is more than just boots and a horse. It’s also more than the struggle and hardship. It’s even more than the cows. The Western lifestyle, much like many things in our current day, has evolved to include many people. It is a state of mind. It’s the love for our country and the sweet sting of a tear you feel as our National Anthem is sung

at a rodeo. It’s the feeling of being completely alone, deep in the middle of nowhere, looking for a lost cow who took that fence meant to keep her in as just a suggestion. It’s the excitement of being invited to help gather cows at a friend’s ranch. It’s the smell of a juicy steak being grilled outside on a cool evening while you chat with friends and family. It’s a deep understanding that we are fortunate to have the freedom to do what we please, which so many around the world couldn’t even fathom. While some live and breathe the Western lifestyle, astride a horse daily or checking on their cattle, others embody it in different ways. However, if you connect to this industry and the lifestyle, know that by just enjoying and eating beef and attending your local rodeo, you are a part of it. Maybe even the most important part.

Q&A with First-Generation Cattle Producer

MARKIE JONES

Markie Jones didn’t set out to be a first generation cattle producer, but it’s exactly where she ended up.

Q: CAN YOU TELL OUR AUDIENCE A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOURSELF AND HOW YOU GREW UP?

A: I grew up in Tulare, California, surrounded by dairy, tree crops, and plenty of agriculture. My parents weren’t involved in production agriculture. My mom grew up around horses, and had retail or office jobs for ag-related companies and my dad grew up working on dairies, but when my brother and I came along, we lived in town and didn’t have much involvement in agriculture. I started riding horses early, and we showed some animals in 4-H when we were older, but to me, agriculture wasn’t anything I concerned myself with in the beginning.

In high school, I didn’t participate in FFA and became really disconnected with my horseback riding passion. I focused a lot more on socializing, yearbook, journalism, and moving to Los Angeles after I graduated. I had plans to attend the Fashion Institute of Design and Merchandising. At that point, my parents had since divorced and my mom remarried. We moved to a property where we had horses, goats, sheep and roping cattle, but again, I was too distracted with my angsty teenage years to be curious about the agriculture industry and why it was so important.

Q: WHAT INITIALLY LED TO YOU WANTING TO MAJOR IN FASHION?

A: My strength is creativity, and my interest in the obscurity (for lack of better term) of high fashion art drew me in. I loved the idea of being at New York Fashion Week, designing my own line of clothing, being glamorous and ingrained in the city life. We didn’t grow up poor exactly, but my parents were both very young when they had my brother and me (we are twins) so they had to raise us while still trying to finish school and get jobs when most kids were graduating and going off to college. It stemmed from growing up, being insecure about having Walmart clothes when my friends were wearing brand names. Looking back, I am so thankful for that life now and I know my parents really sacrificed to give us an amazing life, but when you’re a kid you are more concerned with what you don’t have than what you do have.

Q: HOW DID YOU TRANSITION FROM MAJORING IN FASHION TO DECIDING TO BECOME A FIRST GENERATION CATTLE PRODUCER?

A: My mom knew that moving to LA was going to be a huge transition for me. She presented me with the idea that maybe I needed to prioritize what was important to me in life. I knew that animals were something I loved more than anything else in life. That’s when I was introduced to animal science. While I ultimately graduated with my agribusiness degree, I have always had a passion for animals. I was introduced to the beef

cattle industry when I was about 26 and that’s when I learned about the struggles the industry was facing with consumers.

Q: BEING A MULTI-GENERATION CATTLE PRODUCER IS NOT AN EASY TASK IN AND OF ITSELF, WHAT HAS IT BEEN LIKE GOING THROUGH THE MOTIONS AS A BEGINNER?

A: For me, it has been trying to establish myself and my herd. You don’t just go buy cattle one day and have a successful beef operation, especially here in California. While it does feel a lot like I just bought cows and launched my business, the truth is that we are still in the early stages of building a foundation we can grow on. We have a lot to learn in terms of how to manage our animals the best way possible, how to be efficient, and how to successfully market our animals/ beef. We are as green as they come and finding resources for true beginners is very limited. Water, money, feed, pasture land, or land in general, are all things we struggle with and will continue to struggle with for years to come.

Q: AGRICULTURE IS AN INTERESTING PLACE RIGHT NOW, WITH INFORMATION BEING SO READILY AVAILABLE ONLINE, THERE IS A LOT OF MISINFORMATION OUT THERE. AS PART OF THE 1.5% FEEDING AMERICA, HOW DO YOU COMBAT THAT MISINFORMATION AND THEN GO ABOUT EDUCATING CONSUMERS?

A: I like to connect with consumers, not educate. Just a handful of years ago I was also a consumer who didn’t know anything about the food system. I didn’t know how cattle were managed, or what the difference was between grass-fed and grain-finished, so I know that there are a lot of confusing things about our food that need to be cleared up. Sharing my journey, and being vulnerable to the fact that we all have different perspectives, stories, experiences, and levels of knowledge help me relate to those who aren’t as well connected. I don’t think advocacy has to be complex, it just needs to be a willingness to listen and to share without being pretentious or defensive.

Q: WHAT ONE BIT OF ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR ANYONE THAT MIGHT BE INTERESTED IN BECOMING A FIRST GENERATION CATTLE PRODUCER BUT ISN’T SURE WHERE TO START?

A: Beef Quality Assurance. I completed this as one of my first steps to get into the beef industry. I learned about the different sectors and what it took to manage that animal properly. Now, I follow those guidelines to ensure I am practicing animal welfare standards. I also think getting involved in your cattlemen’s associations like the USCA, NCBA, and local chapters will help you to connect to others in the industry who can be great resources. I got involved without having any cattle so don’t feel like you aren’t valuable to these organizations as an aspiring producer. Without the connections I made through these, I wouldn’t be where I am.

Q: IN YOUR OPINION, WHAT DOES THE CONNECTION BETWEEN WESTERN LIFESTYLE AND AGRICULTURE LOOK LIKE TO YOU?

A: To me, they go hand in hand. I think there are values that we all share like hard work, sacrifice, humility, stewardship for our land, and honoring tradition while still being present in today’s world.

CLOSING THOUGHTS

Markie started her journey in the beef industry through advocacy. Her biggest accomplishment to date has been growing her “Girls Eat Beef Too” brand on social media where she uses her sense of humor and knack for content creation to share about her life as a beginner cattlewoman and the beef industry.

Q&A with Ag-Vocate and Country Music Artist, STEPHANIE NASH

California grown, Stephanie Nash, talks about her family moving from the Golden State of California to Tennessee to pursue a life in agriculture and what her life looks like now.

Q: TO GET US STARTED, CAN YOU GIVE OUR AUDIENCE A LITTLE BIT OF BACKGROUND ON YOURSELF AND YOUR STORY?

A: My family and I are originally from Central California and I was born and raised in the valley my whole life. We had a dairy farm in Selma, California and my dad was on pretty much every farm and dairy board you can imagine. In 2010, we started to look for an exit strategy for getting out of California. We talked about selling the cows and doing almonds or walnuts, but I was not very interested in the crop side, I really wanted to stay on the livestock side of things. We started looking at places in Texas, but they started having problems with drought so we didn’t think it would be a good idea to go from a state that already has problems with water to another one. In 2013, we found an old walking horse farm in Shelbyville, Tennessee, which is the walking horse capital of the world and we’ve been milking there for about nine years now.

In 2019 we started to build the creamery and by 2020 we opened the creamery to the public. We make and sell our own ice cream, grilled cheeses,

and then add our own cheese from our cheese plant in 2021. We also created an agritourism spot for people to come out from the city and learn about agriculture and have access to locally grown products.

Q: YOU’VE BEEN IN AGRICULTURE YOUR WHOLE LIFE, BUT HOW DOES MUSIC PLAY A ROLE IN THAT?

A: I always knew that I wanted to have a career in agriculture as it’s something I’ve always been connected to. I found, when you’re in agriculture, a lot of people listen to country music and a lot of artists I listened to growing up like, Dolly Parton, Reba, Ronnie Dunn, and George Strait grew up on cattle ranches or had cattle at some point in their life. So I really connected with 90’s music because of the stories and lifestyle portrayed in the songs. My goal for my own music was to capture that lifestyle of growing up on a farm, write my own music, and share it with the world.

Q: DID GROWING UP IN AGRICULTURE HELP SHAPE YOUR CAREER IN MUSIC?

A: Growing up in agriculture makes you a hard worker and that has definitely carried over into my music career. I’ve always been a fighter for what I believe in and so when I have conversations with publishers or recording producers, I really want to know if they are going to try to change me down the road or encourage my artistic values and what I believe in.

Q: WHAT DID THE BEGINNING OF YOUR JOURNEY IN AGRICULTURE ADVOCACY LOOK LIKE?

A: I went to Fresno State and had some amazing professors that

were also advocates for agriculture, working to strengthen California agriculture. So when I moved to Tennessee, I wanted to do the same thing and make sure agriculture wasn’t going to be an afterthought. During Covid, there was a big shift in funding being taken away from livestock farmers, enough so that a lot of them were going out of business. So when it got hard for farming families and friends, I saw an opportunity to promote our lifestyle and started advocating online. I’m really passionate about people working in the livestock industry and also having a say in what they do. Our jobs are hard enough and then, in addition, we are sacrificing a lot of time and money to be a voice for agriculture. Our purpose is to educate the public about where their food comes from and to help them understand that we’re not the enemy, we are just working to try to increase our food security here in the United States.

Q: WHERE HAS YOUR ADVOCACY JOURNEY LED YOU?

A: When it comes to my local advocacy in Tennessee, it’s a little bit different because I really have a passion for kids. While I don’t have any myself, I grew up with such great mentors and I want our state to have that as well. I’ve really taken on the opportunity to connect with families in regard to where their food comes from. I’ve held about six farm camps, and they get to milk the cow, where the babies come from, and their health. Tennessee has been one of the best states we could have moved to because we have so many farmers’ markets and people moving from other states that are excited to buy local and support family farms.

Q: ADVOCACY CAN BE A TOUGH SUBJECT FOR FARMERS AND RANCHERS TO TALK ABOUT. WHAT ADVICE WOULD YOU GIVE TO SOMEONE WHO WANTS TO START ADVOCATING FOR AGRICULTURE?

A: For people that want to start sharing, I think it’s really important for us to start getting our information from the farmers and ranchers that are working to educate us. There are so many great advocates out there doing the best they can, speaking at events, going to conferences, and really getting back to having the conversation about where our food comes from and how to make the food system better. Getting on national news has been lifechanging for me because it has created so many new relationships and I’m helping get other farmers on TV to talk about what’s going on in their own communities. Now Americans have the opportunity to see how they can help their rural communities when they need it most. I think people like to hear the stories of those feeding America and sharing the correct information is so important for our country and our future.

Q: WHERE DO YOU HOPE TO SEE THE FUTURE OF AGRICULTURE GO?

A: I truly hope that people start to see the value of the family farmer and rancher, because they bring a lot to the table. We want you to know where your food is coming from and that’s going to go away if we continue to dismiss the conversation. Close to 97% of the farms in this country are family farms and there’s massive value there, but people need to be able to appreciate that statistic.

Q: WHAT CAN MUSIC AND AG FANS ALIKE EXPECT FROM YOU IN 2023?

A: I have a series called the Life of a Farmer that I’m really working to get back up and running and I also took on a big position with Turning Point to be their Agriculture Ambassador. Music has been on the back burner for me but you’re gonna be seeing some new music from me this year as well. If you want to follow along with Stephanie’s journey in agriculture and her career in music, you can find her on LinkedIn, TikTok, Instagram, and Facebook or follow her cheese journey at NashCheeseCo.com.

A LABOR OF LOVE: A Journey of a Girl & her Bucking Bull

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

It’s pretty common for little girls to grow up wanting to ride horses or have puppies, but it’s not very often you find a girl that grows up wanting to raise bucking bulls. Addi is that girl. Her parents, Jenny and Chad Drury are PBR and ABBI stock contractors, raising quality bulls and hauling them across the country for bull riding events and competitions. If you check the family out on Instagram (@NothinButTryRanch) you will find that they aren’t just raising bulls, they are raising animals that they call family as well and this story is a perfect example of that.

Having grown up in the bull industry, Addi was no stranger to how things worked on the ranch, so when a first-time heifer was having a hard time bringing her calf into the world, Addi stepped up to the plate to help take care of him. This is exactly how Hard Labor got his name and how the beginning of a great friendship started.

As Addi and Hard Labor grew up, their relation ship grew stronger and with a quick scroll on social media, you will find videos and photos of Addi and Hard Labor playing in a pen together, cuddling on the ground next to a feeder, or Addi just sitting next to Hard Labor’s pen to keep him company. If you’re wondering if it’s common for bulls to have this type of relationship with people, I will tell you that bulls are a lot like people and they all have their own personalities. But what makes this relationship special is the clear love that this bull has for his largerthan-life partner.

Hard Labor made his PBR bucking debut in April 2022 and was quickly rec ognized as a force to be reckoned with inside of the arena, but outside of the arena, he was still the big lovable bull that Addi knew and loved. Hard Labor made impressive bounds in his PBR career, it was only the next month that Hard Labor

was chosen to buck at the PBR World Finals in Fort Worth, Texas. He made Addi proud that week and this was about the time that their relationship started to gain some serious traction on social media.

Unfortunately, it was also about the time that the Drury’s and Hard Labor’s lives would change forever. In June 2022 at a PBR Teams event in North Carolina, Hard Labor’s bucking career was brought to an abrupt end when he injured his back leg. The Drury’s didn’t waste any time and immediately sent him to the best of the best at Oklahoma State University to get the care he needed and determine the

The injury that Hard Labor sustained was a careerender, but the Drury’s were determined to do everything they could to help him recover and live a long, happy and healthy life. The team at OSU took great care of Hard Labor and he quickly became a favorite, so much so that they had to put signs up on his pen to keep people from scratching on him so he wouldn’t move around too much. Addi visited him whenever she had the chance and would spend as much time as possible sitting and comforting

After three months, (99 days to be exact), Hard Labor was released from OSU and was sent home in a cast to continue his healing process. Addi was thrilled to have her best friend back home on the ranch and while Hard Labor’s bucking career might be over, he will remain a part of the Drury family for the rest of his life. Here’s what Addi has to say about her

“I’m thankful Hard Labor is home living his best life with me. He is my best friend and he means the world to me. He will never buck again, but his life is starting a new chapter. My heart is full because he is home being loved like he deserves. He is the most beautiful bull inside and out. He is my best friend and we have a bond that will never be

Make sure to follow the Drury’s on Facebook and Instagram for regular updates on Addi and Hard Labor, @NothingButTryRanch.

From calf to full-grown bucking bull, Addi and her bull, Hard Labor have been through it all together.

Forney Industries

For 90 years, Forney Industries has been disrupting the welding market with innovative products at competitive prices. 2023 is no exception, as the company releases several new machines for any level of metalworker.

WHAT’S NEW FOR 2023?

Forney 180 ST + Pulse Welder

THE FORNEY 180 ST + PULSE IS FORNEY’S FIRST MACHINE capable of pulse stick and pulse TIG welding. Powerful enough to weld up to 3/8”, but easy on thin materials; this ultra-light machine brings advanced welding to all levels of metalworkers in a variety of trades. Pulse welding alternates between the set output amperage and a reduced amperage, allowing the weld puddle to cool and solidify during each low amp cycle. With this capability, you can easily weld out of position and create more visually appealing results.

Forney 45 P PRO Plasma Cutter

THIS POWERFUL PLASMA CUTTER PROVIDES INDUSTRYleading cutting performance for 45-amp machines. Ideal for professionals, this plasma cutter can clean cut 7/8” and sever cut more than 1”. Space restrictions are not a problem with the 15-foot power cable and 25-foot lead – together providing one of the largest working envelopes on the market. What’s more, the specially engineered Forney® Ignite™ plasma torch extends the life of your consumables, saving you time, money and frustration.

Forney 190 MP Multi-Process Machine

THE FORNEY 190 MULTI-PROCESS MACHINE IS ONE OF Forney’s most powerful welders, able to weld up to 3/8” single pass. It was designed with a patented “set and forget” despooler that helps to eliminate user error, ultimately resulting in better welds and reduced frustration. This machine also features Truset™ MIG, an optimal welding mode that automatically adjusts machine settings based on specific application.

New ADF Helmet Designs

FORNEY’S LINE OF AUTO-DARKENING WELDING helmets has expanded with the addition of four new custom designs. These unique designs include one-of-a-kind camo, vibrant Forney green lightning, a smoking green rose and, finally, a limited-edition tribute to Forney’s 90th year of business. Forney’s family of ADF hoods are divided into three lines, The Forney Easy Weld Series, Forney Series and the Forney PRO series, making it easy to find the perfect helmet for any level of metalworker.

2023 IS UNDERWAY, AND FORNEY

Industries has embraced the new year with the release of several new and innovative products.

The Forney 190 MP Multi-Process machine is one of Forney’s most powerful welders, able to weld up to 3/8” single pass. It was designed with a patented “set and forget” despooler that helps to eliminate user error, ultimately resulting in better welds and reduced frustration. This machine also features TruSet™ MIG, an optimal welding mode that automatically adjusts machine settings based on specific applications.

Jason Mahugh, Forney’s Director of Engineering and Technical Services, knows TruSet MIG sets the Forney 190 MP apart from other welders on the market. “The 190 MP is our most userfriendly multi-process machine yet. It can be set by adjusting wire-feed speed and voltage like traditional machines or set by material thickness using TruSet. It’s also capable of welding aluminum with a spool gun.”

Forney also launched the SpoolPro Hornet™ SG250 spool gun. This ergonomic tool is revolutionary, designed with patented features that make out-of-position welding a breeze. The cutting-edge design relieves wrist fatigue, allowing you to weld for longer periods of time. This groundbreaking spool gun is assembled in America, and designed by our engineers right here in Fort Collins, Colorado. It’s also compatible with the Forney 190 MP.

“The Hornet is a real game changer. We worked together with our customers to develop a spool gun that fits the needs of the working professional. This thing has the power you need to get serious jobs done with maximum efficiency, weld quality, dependability, and comfort,” explained Zach Martin, the project engineer behind this innovative tool.

Refuse to settle for ordinary.

Q&A with Katherine Merck, Former Miss Rodeo America Turned Lawyer

Katherine has worked just about every job in rodeo and shares her journey of going from Miss Rodeo America to entrepreneur and lawyer.

BY HANNAH CRANDALL

Katherine Merck is an agricultural lawyer, consultant/coach, entrepreneur, speaker, PRCA timer/secretary and Miss Rodeo America 2016. From Spokane, Washington, Merck graduated from the University of Notre Dame and Gonzaga University School of Law. She is licensed to practice law in Idaho, Montana and Wyoming with a focus on property rights, tax and estate planning, local and federal government involvement and other areas of law affecting ranchers, farmers and other landowners. Her business, Rodeo Advantage, is a comprehensive rodeo consulting business serving rodeo committees, rodeo contestants and rodeo queens. This past year in 2022, Merck was also selected to time the National Finals Steer Roping.

WHY DID YOU DECIDE TO BECOME A LAWYER, AND HOW HAS YOUR EXPERIENCE IN AGRICULTURE AND THE WESTERN INDUSTRY AFFECTED YOUR CAREER PLANS?

I definitely feel like I have a nontraditional way in which I ended up deciding to become a lawyer. I am not the person who has wanted to be a lawyer since they were 12 years old. After college, I had a job lined up in New York and ended up having to have double jaw surgery, so I couldn’t take that job. Having my jaw wired shut gave me a lot of time to think about what I am good at, what I like to do and how I can help people. That was when I decided to go to law school.

Where I grew up in Spokane, Washington, I’ve watched this agricultural area get more developed; and it is just exponential at this point. I recently went back to my high school this year for a distinguished alumni program, and my English teacher said, “Do you remember the paper you did junior year on urban sprawl?” so, I’ve always kind of been interested in advocating for agriculture, especially when demographics are changing in an area. I didn’t grow up with horses but eventually I got into horses and showed reining horses, and then I really got into rodeo after college by being a rodeo queen People don’t realize, but so much of being a rodeo queen in advocating for the entire western way of life, including the agricultural industry.

Then, I got a great opportunity when I was Miss Rodeo America to meet the Executive Vice President of the Wyoming Stock Growers Association when I was at Cheyenne Frontier Days, and he hired me as his legal intern the next summer. My law school essay was written based on the quote, ‘If

you want peace, work for justice,’ and I think that’s a really important aspect of it. To me, agriculture is definitely not as powerfully represented as some other industries from the legal perspective, so I want to be that voice.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE PART ABOUT WORKING WITH FARMERS AND RANCHERS?

One of my favorite things about representing farmers and ranchers, especially on the estate planning side, is really getting to understand people’s families. Sometimes you’ll have parents that are so worried with two kids and so often things resolve themselves with the kids saying, “Well you know, this sister has always wanted to take over the farm and ranch and this brother has always wanted to live in town.” So that is really fun to me, just understanding the family dynamics and problem-solving to help create the desired result.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR EXPERIENCE AS MISS RODEO AMERICA.

It was absolutely the experience of a lifetime, and I loved every second. My whole rodeo queen career was a total whirlwind. I won Miss Rodeo America less than two years after my very first pageant, so it was a lot of learning on the fly for me. I love interacting with people and having the opportunity to open up people’s eyes who might have no experience with agriculture or with rodeo because I was that little girl. I grew up in the city and didn’t have horses so when I was introduced to our world, I got to choose that. I got to turn around and be somebody that was able to introduce people, like me, to the western lifestyle. I like to joke that being Miss Rodeo America prepared me to be in court more than law school ever did.

TELL ME ABOUT YOUR CONSULTING AND COACHING WORK WITH YOUR BUSINESS, RODEO ADVANTAGE?

A big part of it for me was that I didn’t really know what a rodeo queen was when I decided I wanted to be one, and there were very limited resources out there compared to other industries. I wanted to be that person who could provide guidance and resources that I wish I had. I’m now a PRCA timer and secretary, and I’ve had the opportunity to be part of rodeo production from many different perspectives. It’s really fun for me to be able to also help rodeos and contestants with everything from social media and sponsorships to production. If you couldn’t tell, my common thread is I love people and helping people.

WHEN AND WHY DID YOU DECIDE YOU WANTED TO BE A TIMER AND SECRETARY IN RODEO, AND WHAT WAS IT LIKE TO BE CHOSEN TO TIME THE NATIONAL FINALS STEER ROPING FOR THE FIRST TIME?

The National Finals Steer Roping was a dream come true. When I was Miss Rodeo Washington, I was lucky enough to have great support from contract personnel. I think part of that goes back to not growing up in rodeo, so I was never ashamed to ask questions. I was constantly asking to shadow different people. Miss Rodeo America has a written test, and you need to know the rule book; so some of our Columbia River Circuit team decided, ‘We’re going to put you through the timer’s training.’

Once I was done being Miss Rodeo America, I had already been through the training and knew so much of the rule book, I figured I might as well put it to use. I’m not very good at being at a rodeo and not being useful, so that’s why I decided to do it. I fell in love with it, because I get to ensure that the contestants who have worked so hard, driven long hours and paid to be there have the fairest chance and that the integrity of the competition is always preserved.

My number one goal as a timer was to time the NFSR, and I hope to go back again. From there, I decided to secretary, because we don’t have as many secretaries in rodeo as we used to; and I wanted to get in there and learn from this incredible generation.

HOW HAVE YOU SEEN THINGS IN THE INDUSTRY GROW, CHANGE AND DEVELOP SINCE YOU GOT INVOLVED?

One thing that is really huge is rodeo has started to truly embrace technology. As silly as that sounds, it’s made a difference in everything from being able to stream rodeos to how contestants enter. The secretaries just got a big update in their technology, too. I think rodeo is really embracing it faster than we have in the past, and that’s a hugely positive move in the right direction.

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE THING ABOUT WORKING IN THE WESTERN INDUSTRY, AND WHAT IS YOUR LEAST FAVORITE THING?

With rodeo and the whole western industry, the best part is the people, the community and how close people are. Something that has been really fun for me is how closely my agricultural law practice has tied into rodeo. Someone will have a friend who used to rodeo that needs some legal work done, and they’ll send them to me; and it’s great because I feel really all over the country, I have friends. I love that that community is just absolutely incomparable. On the flip side, it definitely can be a challenge how some people will try to put somebody in a category and assume they can’t be anything else. I think so many people in the industry and the younger generation are pushing past that, but we still kind of come back to it.

Challenging the norms and stereotypes can be a little harder in agriculture and rodeo because it is so traditional but at the same time, I can counter that and say we still value hard work more than any other industry, have integrity and treat people well.

CELEBRATING THE ART OF

NAVAJO SILVERSMITHING WITH WILD PONY TRADING COMPANY

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

The concept of Wild Pony Trading Company started long before the company was actually founded. Theresa, remembers when she was growing up driving between her home in Southern California and Texas to visit family and being enthralled by the Southwest. She fell in love with everything from the landscape to the people, and the different cultures but she was particularly fascinated by the Native American culture. Later on in life, after many different careers, she had the opportunity to create a small craftsman gallery in Texas. This is where her involvement with Navajo jewelry really took off. She had collected pieces on and off through the years, but as she began to curate the collection for the gallery, she started to develop and foster friendships with many of the Navajo artists that Wild Pony currently works with today. Join me as we take a deeper look at Wild Pony Trading Company and how Theresa and Bo are celebrating the art of Navajo jewelry.

KRYSTA:

WHAT DID THE EARLY DAYS OF WILD PONY TRADING COMPANY LOOK LIKE?

Theresa: Early in 2020, I made the decision to sell my half of the gallery and make the move to New Mexico with my elderly father. Him and I both knew that we were on borrowed time together as he had been diagnosed with Pulmonary Fibrosis several years before. It was then that I began the process of creating all of the components that would be needed to get WPTCo. off the ground. In the beginning, the main focus was really about building up a higher end, quality collection and fostering those relationships and friendships I had made with the Navajo artists we work with. In the same fashion, I began building our Instagram account, again, with the emphasis on fostering relationships. To us, it is not just about a sale, we truly believe that it is about building relationships that transcend the traditional role of retailer/client. I knew that to create an online business and asking people to trust us with their jewelry collection, they would need to feel confident and secure in us as individuals and not just as a business.

We started doing tradeshows in September of 2022 and it was within those first few shows that we really took off and it has just been a wild ride ever since!

KRYSTA: CURATING BEAUTIFUL SILVERSMITH AND TURQUOISE JEWELRY PIECES IS NO EASY FEAT. HOW DO YOU PICK PIECES TO OFFER IN YOUR BUSINESS?

Theresa: One of the biggest factors when considering new pieces to add to the collection is always quality. For us, we want to showcase pieces from Navajo artists that capture the essence of the culture but are also high quality and showcase the artistry of it. We do want to set ourselves apart from the crowd so we do try to offer unique, individual pieces. There are, of course, certain artists that we try to always have in the case such as Sunshine Reeves, Leon Martinez, and of course the work of our family members. There are quite a few others that we love to work with and we just love their incredible creations!

Navajo silversmith, Ernest “Bo” Reeder and wife, Theresa share their story and passion for the Navajo culture and art of silversmithing.

Sterling Silver and Sonoran Gold Cuff

Crafted by Darryl Becenti

KRYSTA: WHAT IS IT LIKE WORKING WITH AUTHENTIC NAVAJO ARTISTS TO SUPPLY SOME OF YOUR JEWELRY?

Theresa: I will never forget the first time I actually met Sunshine Reeves. I tried to remain composed, but in all honesty I completely “fan girled”. I had been a fan of his work for quite some time as his stampwork is some of the best in the world! I have such high regard for these artists and their craft. I love having the ability to ask them to create pieces and to have total creative freedom in the design process. It’s always exciting when I get to see the finished piece.

KRYSA: YOU DON’T JUST CURATE BEAUTIFUL JEWELRY, BO ALSO MAKES PIECES OF HIS OWN. BO, CAN YOU TELL ME A LITTLE MORE ABOUT HOW YOU GOT STARTED IN SILVERSMITHING?

Bo: I began by watching my mother and aunts as a young boy and then as I got older I started working with my brother Tommy, cutting and shaping stones after school each day. As I got older, I moved on to buffing the finished pieces for him. Then, when I was about 12 years old, he gave me some scraps of silver and a few stones and that was the beginning of my first piece of jewelry. I turned those scrap pieces into a ring with Sleeping Beauty turquoise.

From there, my mom taught me how to make simple rings and earrings that could be made on the go. I still create some of those pieces to this day as we travel from show to show. My aunts Stella and Ida taught me how to match and set stones. I worked on jewelry with my family until I was about 30 and that’s when life took me in a different direction as my focus turned to

my young daughters. It would be almost another 30 years before I returned to silversmithing again thanks to Theresa.

KRYSTA: DO YOU HAVE A CREATIVE PROCESS FOR CREATING SPECIALTY PIECES?

Bo: Not so much a set procedure or process, it is more of a feeling if you will. I let my heart and passion for creating lead me. Often times, I will dream about a piece or an idea then when I get up the next morning I will either draw out my ideas on a scrap of paper or I will start laying out stones, working off of the ideas in my dreams.

Each piece of custom work that I create is made with a lot of positive thoughts and feelings. I like to instill good energy into each piece so that the piece carries that positivity over for the new owner.

KRYSTA: WHAT SIGNIFICANCE DOES TURQUOISE HAVE IN THE NAVAJO CULTURE?

Bo: Known in Navajo as “Doo tl’ izh ii,” turquoise is representative of one of the four sacred mountains to the Navajo. In fact, Mt. Taylor, just outside of Grants, New Mexico where we are based, is known as the turquoise mountain. Turquoise itself represents protection, good fortune, wisdom and has a very calming effect.

KRYSTA: WHEN PEOPLE ARE SHOPPING FOR AUTHENTIC NAVAJO JEWELRY, WHAT ARE YOUR BEST RECOMMENDATIONS TO ENSURE YOU’RE SUPPORTING ARTISTS WHILE ALSO MAKING SURE YOU’RE GETTING A REAL PIECE?

Theresa: We always tell people that when they are looking for pieces, to consider them as wearable works of art. Quality is foremost when we are

A: Sterling Silver, Coral and Turquoise Cuff Crafted by Aaron Toadlena

B: Sterling Silver and Turquoise Cuff Crafted by Sunshine Reeves

C: Oval Concho Earrings Crafted by Arnold Blackgoat

D: Kingman Turquoise 3 Pc. Set

Crafted by Darryl Becenti

E: Lapis Cluster Ring Crafted by Geraldine James

F: Freshwater Pearl & Dot Earrings

Crafted by Raymond Coriz

G: Sterling Silver & Pilot Mountain

Turquoise Necklace Crafted by Ernest “Bo” Reeder

H: Sterling Silver & Turquoise Set

Crafted by Dean Sandoval

I: Sterling Silver Tooled Ring Crafted by Leon Martinez

considering which pieces to bring in to the collection. We want to make sure all of our pieces, whether they are made by Bo or another artist, are of superior quality. When someone buys a piece from us, we want it to be something that they can pass down for years to come. We always tell them to do their research and look for reputable sources (should they be purchasing from somewhere other than Wild Pony Trading.

As a rule, we try to purchase our pieces directly from the artists themselves, whenever possible. All pieces should be stamped with “sterling” if they are in fact sterling silver. There should also be the artist’s hallmark stamp if the piece is Native American made.

Turquoise and traditional Navajo Jewelry is still used in religious and cultural observations to this day. One of our passions at WPTCo. is to educate people on the significance of turquoise in the Navajo culture and the important role that it still plays to this day. One thing that we often see while on the road is the misunderstanding between authentic Navajo made jewelry and other pieces that are either utilizing fake turquoise or using culturally appropriated designs. Not only do these pieces undermine the generations of tradition and techniques, they take something that is sacred and holy to the Navajo people and turn it into a mass produced item. When you purchase 100% authentic Native made designs and artwork, you can rest easy knowing that you are not only making an investment in a wearable work of art, but you are also taking a big step in helping to ensure that a long standing history and art form will continue for future generations to enjoy and learn from.

Having met Bo and Theresa personally, I am genuinely thrilled to share their story. While Navajo jewelry is all the trend in the western industry, it’s important to remember and respect the culture that created it. You can learn more about Wild Pony Trading Company at WildPonyTradingCo.com. They are traveling to several shows this spring so make sure to follow them on Facebook and Instagram to see where they will be next.

Featured Navajo Artists

SUNSHINE REEVES

Daniel “Sunshine” Reeves was born in 1966 into a family of silversmiths and has been an active, professional Navajo silversmith since 1986 and has gone on to become one of the most distinguished silversmiths in the country. Sunshine is known for his distinctive stamp work as mentioned in the story, he uses an average of 10-20 handmade stamps to complete a specific pattern. His work has been displayed at the Peabody Museum, Harvard University and the Heard Museum.

AARON TOADLENA

Aaron and his wife, Eve, along with their full family of children and grandchildren live with the four sacred mountains of his people, the Dine’, in the southwest highlands of Arizona. Aaron understands that his talent is a blessing from the Holy People, and with his gift he has been able to sustain the livelihood of his family. The ideas and creation of his jewelry evolve when his mind, heart, eyes and hands work together. In the language of his people Toadlena translates into “where the streams come together.”

Darryl was born June 2nd 1957 and originally worked in heavy construction for about 20 years before he began working in silversmithing. He began learning the art from his brother in law, David Reeves in 1985. The Reeves family is one of the best known and highly regarded Navajo families in jewelry making. Darryl’s first pieces were actually in copper and this is where he perfected his stamping style. What makes his work so special is that all of his stamps were hand made. Unfortunately, Darryl passed away in April of 2020, making his pieces even more valuable.

LEON MARTINEZ

Leon Martinez, brother to Terry and Calvin Martinez, grew up on the Navajo reservation near Zuni New Mexico. Following in his brother’s footsteps and mentored by famed jeweler Kirk Smith, his creations mirror traditional Navajo design themes. Leon is known for his work in ingot sterling silver, hand rolling the plate and wire he uses in his creations.

DARRYL BECENTI

CATCHING UP WITH KATIE BEAL BROWN

FOUNDER OF LONE RIVER BEVERAGE COMPANY

From the deserts of West Texas, Western Entrepreneur, Katie Beal Brown singlehandedly changed the course of the seltzer industry forever.

I was thrilled to be able to sit down with Katie Beal Brown, Founder of Lone River Beverage Company for a few minutes to catch up with her to chat about all things Ranch Water, entrepreneurship, and what the future holds for her and Lone River Ranch Water.

Humble Beginnings

Katie’s story of building Lone River Beverage Company is one that deserves to be shared because it grounds us in the values of an industry we love so much. It’s a testament to hard work and determination, and there’s a lot to be learned from it. We will hear more from Katie below, but she grew up on her family’s ranch in a small, farwest Texas town. Having grown up living the western lifestyle, she was itching to get away to experience new things and a new place. After marrying her husband, Tyler, the couple set off to New York. Little did Katie know, this is where she would develop a way to capture a little glimpse of far west Texas in order to share it with the world.

KRYSTA: WE ARE SITTING HERE ON THE GROUND FLOOR OF THE LAS VEGAS CONVENTION CENTER AT COWBOY CHRISTMAS WITH RANCH WATER BEING PROMOTED AROUND EVERY TURN. HOW DOES THAT FEEL FOR YOU LOOKING BACK FROM WHERE IT ALL STARTED TWO YEARS AGO?

Katie: It’s crazy! We started in April 2020 only selling Ranch Water in Texas and Tennessee. I knew I always wanted to get involved in the NFR in some way but I felt like it would be a long time before we were able to do that. At the time, it would have required us to expand into

Nevada plus all of the logistics that came with that. So in 2020, when they moved the NFR to Texas, it was like this serendipitous opportunity for us and we were able to sponsor the event to start getting our name out there.

At that time, we had spent so much time building our business and connecting with people online that we hadn’t really been out in public at all since our business had launched. It was truly an experience I will never forget. Being here this year is a reminder of where we’ve come from and it’s really the people in this community that have got behind us to help make this business a success.

KRYSTA: FROM IDEA TO LAUNCH, WHAT DID THAT TIMELINE FOR RANCH WATER LOOK LIKE?

Katie: I grew up in West Texas on my family’s working ranch that was settled over 100 years ago. Then, when I got married, I moved to New York with my husband. That was really a pivotal moment in my life because it was my first time really far away from home and when you’re in that situation, it can bring a lot of clarity to defining things about yourself. At that time, I realized how much where I grew up really defined me and set me apart, especially being in a world that was so different. With moving to New York, I was always trying to find a way to introduce where I came from. But to be honest, a lot of people had no frame or reference of the town I grew up in without a map. So I started using this cocktail called “Ranch Water” as a way to share more about where I was from. As I started to introduce it to my friends up there, they were always so interested in the story and asked me more about the culture, and then they started introducing the cocktail to their friends.

That really got my wheels turning and at the time I was working in advertising so I really had the tools to go out and start to build a brand to bring it to life. I started the development process in New York and in 2020 we decided to put it on the shelf. We got buy-in from one of the biggest retailers in Texas, but we had a deadline to have it on the shelf by April 1, 2020, which was right when the global pandemic unfolded. We had every challenge in the book that we had to navigate through, but we were incredibly resilient and made the deadline. I owe the resiliency to how I grew up. I was raised to figure out how to problem solve for myself and how to be resourceful and never take “no” at face value.

KRYSTA: YOU MENTION WORK ETHIC QUITE A BIT WHEN DESCRIBING WHAT IT TOOK TO HELP YOU BUILD THIS COMPANY TO WHERE IT IS TODAY, BUT WHAT DID THAT WORK ETHIC LOOK LIKE IN THE DAY-TO-DAY OPERATIONS IN THE BEGINNING?

Katie: When we first set out to do this, I was really doing three jobs; a full-time job in advertising, a new mom with a

newborn baby and then I was doing this on the side, trying to figure out how to build this business, which required a lot of discipline and sacrifices. A lot of times, people have great ideas but the difference is not a lot of people are willing to make the sacrifices to go the extra mile to bring them to life. Work ethic is a value for us. That’s just how I grew up and I’m always going to work hard. Someone told me early in my life, if you’re going to do something, do it 100% and that’s just how I’ve approached everything.

KRYSTA: MANAGING A GROWING COMPANY IS ONE THING, BUT MANAGING A GROWING COMPANY WHILE STARTING A FAMILY IS A WHOLE OTHER STORY. CAN YOU DIVE DEEPER INTO WHAT IT’S LIKE MANAGING IT ALL AND FINDING BALANCE WHEN YOU’RE BEING PULLED IN SO MANY DIRECTIONS?

Katie: We raised a million dollars from our friends and family while I still was working full-time in advertising. At that point, I had a real responsibility to those people to go out there and be focused on this so that I could get the best value for them. The last thing I wanted to do is look my family in the face and have lost their money. There is a defining moment for every entrepreneur where you have to make that decision to go all in and that for me, was the clearest moment where I felt like it wasn’t just about me anymore.

KRYSTA: THE FUTURE FOR LOVE RIVER BEVERAGE COMPANY IS BRIGHT, BUT WHERE DO YOU PERSONALLY HOPE TO SEE THE COMPANY IN THE NEXT 3-5 YEARS?

Katie: I set out to share the story of Ranch Water and Lone River Beverage Company to celebrate the culture of Farwest Texas. What I didn’t realize is that that culture is emblematic of the larger western lifestyle and it would resonate with so many people across the country who have similar stories and experiences. Watching how much other people from far-reaching places have related to our culture has been really powerful for me to see. I really want Lone River to be a platform to pioneer this kind of modern west in America, and we’ll be able to continue to do that through our brand. When we look at bringing new people into the western lifestyle, it is very easy for them to justify buying a six-pack of Ranch Water so they can feel like they’re part of the western culture. My goal is to start bringing more people into this lifestyle while also ensuring that it feels very modern, inclusive, and relatable.

KRYSTA: RANCH WATER ASIDE, WHAT DOES YOUR NEXT VENTURE LOOK LIKE? OR WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO PERSONALLY BE WORKING ON IN THE COMING YEARS?

Katie: We came in and we really challenged the way that people were doing things and we disrupted an entire category.

I was raised to figure out how to problem solve for myself and how to be resourceful and never take “no” at face value.

KATIE BEAL BROWN

I think there’s so much opportunity for us to do this in other segments or products that come from the Lone River spirit and I really want to see how far we can take that. Then personally, I’ve just gotten so much fulfillment out of doing things like speaking, attending mastermind events, and connecting with other women that have entrepreneurial ambitions and I want to find a way to more formally, give them a platform and use my experience and wisdom from my journey to help them start to go down that path. That’s something I’m still figuring out but hopefully, in the next five or so years, I’ll come up with something in that area as well.

KRYSTA: A LOT OF ENTREPRENEURS HAVE A DEEP CALLING TOWARDS CREATING AND BEING A PART OF SOMETHING LARGER THAN THEMSELVES. IT SEEMS AS THOUGH YOU FOLLOWED YOUR OWN CALLING, BUT WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO OTHER ENTREPRENEURS WHO ARE ON THE PATH OF DISCOVERING THEIR OWN?

Katie: Having grown up in a small town, I was dead set on getting out of there because I felt like I was meant for bigger things. The irony is not lost on me that after moving away, the bigger thing was actually connecting back with where I come from and what that means. I always knew that I wanted to do something entrepreneurial and I wanted to build something myself and this was the first idea that I felt so personally connected to, that no matter what happens, I can stand behind it and say that was the right decision. It wouldn’t have mattered if I lost every dime, or if it was incredibly successful. I think it’s really digging into understanding what the purpose is behind what you’re doing, and if that’s something that you feel like you can wake up every day and feel inspired by, then I think it’s the right thing to do, because no matter what happens, you’re gonna learn something, and you’re gonna feel like there was a reason for you to be walking down that path.

About Lone River Beverage Company

Lone River Beverage Company was founded in 2019 by Texas native, Katie Beal Brown. Her product, “Ranch Water” is a celebration of her Texas heritage and an homage to what West Texas stands for. She also had a goal of offering something beyond the typical seltzer flavors that were currently on the market. With that goal in mind, she was able to grow and expand the brand exponentially during a time when many others were sitting on the sidelines waiting to see what would happen. Because of that, Lone River Ranch Water is the premier source for a truly authentic, West Texas experience.

If you were to look up “ranch water” on Google right now, you are going to find that its origins actually stem from a long-time recipe traditionally made with Topo Chico, tequila, and a squeeze of lime. As the story goes, a rancher in West Texas “created” the recipe in the 1960s. It was said that the drink had him following the stars in Texas, all the way from Fort Davis to Marathon. Then, at the end of his journey, he was found sound asleep under a piñon tree. Since then, the recipe has been a West Texas staple for the last several decades, but only now is it coming together to be available in a town near you.

Lone River is also available via delivery platforms Drizly, GoPuff, and Minibar. To learn more, visit www.loneriverbevco. com. Make sure to follow them on your favorite social media channel by following the links below. Enjoy Responsibly.

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THE FARM OF MANY FACES: INTERVIEW WITH POLYFACE FARM FOUNDER, JOEL SALATIN

BY ROBERT LANG

Cowboys, farmers, and ranchers, while performing different jobs share many of the same values and ideals. They all respect the land that provides our food and understands the consequences of not doing so. They all share core values such as integrity and perseverance, and they work hard in their roles to ensure they get the best end result whether that’s training a horse, raising beef, or growing crops.

In this case, we are exploring the story of Polyface Farm, based in the rolling hills of Western Virginia. Since the 1960s, Polyface Farm has been owned and operated by Joel Salatin and his family while they’ve raised a variety of animals including cows, pigs, chickens, and turkeys. The farm runs a small, onsite general store that has an open-door policy, that allows the public to stop by anytime for a visit to see the operation in addition to offering farm tours. Something that you will notice when you arrive is that there is a distinct lack of manure when you visit the farm. According to Joel “if you smell manure [on a livestock farm], you are smelling mismanagement.”

Joel has published fifteen books and speaks at events around the world. He is also the editor of The Stockman Grass Farmer and writes for the Plain Values magazine, the Homestead Living magazine, and three columns a month for the e-magazine Manward. If he wasn’t busy enough, he also co-hosts a podcast titled “Beyond Labels” with the coauthor of that book, Dr. Sina McCullough.

The farm itself is also rather distinguished, having been featured in the documentary, “Food, Inc.”, and “Fresh”, as well as the BBC documentary series, “Jimmy’s Global Harvest”. Joel and his farm were also the main topics in the documentary “Polyfaces”.

I was excited to find some time to sit down with Joel to learn more about himself and the mission of Polyface Farm.

ROBERT: CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOUR STORY?

Joel: I’m 65 years old and have lived on this property for 61 of those years, ever since Mom and Dad purchased it in 1961. Mom and Dad both took offfarm jobs to pay the mortgage. Dad was quite a visionary and we began doing a lot of experiments with mobile livestock shelters, composting, gardening, low-cost hay-making, feeding systems, and direct marketing. During that time too we planted thousands of trees on steep, eroded hillsides to reforest them and arrest the gullies.

ROBERT: WHAT DID THE BEGINNING OF POLYFACE FARM LOOK LIKE?

Joel: We began direct marketing everything from firewood and beef to chickens, building a brand and refining the principles we’d experimented with during those early days. Dad passed away in 1988 (I was 31) but the launch was well done and I continued moving forward. Today, more than 20 of us earn a full-time living from the farm and we service thousands of families in the region, ship nationwide, and service numerous commercial establishments. I do a lot of consulting for new farmers and speak at farm and food conferences around the world. My son Daniel is now in charge of day-to-day operations at Polyface Farm. My dad was an accountant and for tax and liability reasons, we incorporated when I came back to the farm full-time in 1982. We wanted to be Interface Inc. named after the three great environments of open land, forest, and riparian, but that was already taken so we decided to be Polyface—the farm of many faces.

ROBERT: WHAT MAKES POLYFACE DIFFERENT FROM OTHER FARMS?

Joel: Our farm is drastically unconventional. Our livestock is pasturebased, meaning we don’t have Concentrated Animal Feeding Operations (CAFOs) but rather, have them out in grassy fields, both omnivores and herbivores. While the grass doesn’t completely feed the omnivores, it acts as a nutritive supplement and the carotenes completely change the fats and nutritional profiles of the meat and eggs. Almost everything is moved daily to a new paddock, giving them a totally fresh dining, lounge, and bedding area. This movement is certainly our signature distinctive.

We also don’t use any chemical fertilizers, herbicides, or pesticides. The animal movement across the landscape mimics the multi-species migratory choreography of prehistoric times and the incumbent fertility it engendered. In the winter, when we house for comfort and safety, we use wood chips as a carbonaceous diaper to absorb and tie down manure and urine. Rather than making windrow compost piles, we use pigs (pig aerators) to turn the bedding and create aerobic compost. This works through embedded fermented corn that attracts the pigs and pays them for doing this work for us. A commercial chipper is our primary fertilizer investment for all this bedding and compost. We’ve been able to create an authentic carbon economy.

We follow the cows with the Eggmobiles (portable hen houses) that enable the chickens to scratch through dung, eating fly larvae and other parasites, and scratching the dung into the soil. The chickens also eat grass-

One constraint on this kind of movement is water and shelter. Over the years, we’ve developed numerous permaculture-style high ponds that gravity feed a 10-mile network of water pipes around the farm, giving us high-pressure water without any electricity or pumps. That is certainly the largest asset that nobody sees—the water lines are buried. Cow “shademobiles”, turkey shades “gobbledygoes”, broiler shelters, and mobile pig shades offer shelter to the animals as they move around.

ROBERT: WHAT IS YOUR ULTIMATE GOAL FOR FARMING?

Joel: Our ultimate goal is clear: to develop agricultural prototypes that environmentally, economically, and emotionally enhance and facilitate their duplication throughout the world. Our brand mantra is “healing the land one bite at a time.” Everything else is ancillary: nutritious food, germinating new farmers, educating people, and animal welfare. Healing land is what gets us up in the morning.

ROBERT: WHAT TYPES OF PRODUCTS DO YOU SELL, AND WHERE DO YOU SELL THEM?

Joel: Right now we sell beef, pork, chicken, eggs, turkey, lamb, rabbit, and forestry products (lumber and firewood). We service about thirty urban neighborhood drop points within four hours of the farm, delivering to a host hub home monthly and sales are online. We ship nationwide every Tuesday in three different-sized boxes. Our farm store is open during the season weekdays 9-noon and Saturdays 9-4, closed Sundays. We service numerous restaurants and institutions (like a VA hospital), as well as some boutique grocery stores. We’re entering our third year of hosting gatherings

ROBERT: WHAT ARE THE BIGGEST CHALLENGES FARMERS ARE FACING TODAY?

Joel: The biggest challenges farmers face today are in this order:

1) Inability to think differently. The biggest weakness is between the ears, to think, see, and do differently.

2) Paralysis to change. Even when you know you need to change, you’re intimidated by difficulty, ignorance, and lack of a recipe.

3) Age. The average American farmer is 60; older people aren’t as innovative because innovation naturally means lots of failure on the way to developing mastery. Old farm ers are less innovative, which means American agriculture is bereft of innovation.

4) Cultural antagonism to everything that would make farmers thrive cheap food policy, convenience cult, marginalization of farming as a vocation.

5) Government intervention, from food safety regulations to subsidies (insurance) and food assistance programs, including the school lunch program. It all manipulates the marketplace in unfair ways and puts bureaucrats between producer and consumer, artificially restricting the market, prejudicing smaller players, and reducing freedom of food choice.

ROBERT: HOW CAN PEOPLE FIND GOOD FARMS IN THEIR AREA?

Joel: You can find good farms in your area simply by looking for them. You can’t do the same thing and hope for a different result. That’s insanity. You have to join a Weston A. Price Foundation chapter, stop going to the supermarket, quit letting the kids tell you what to eat, visit farms instead of Disneyland, and find the authentic food subculture. It’s everywhere, but you won’t find it at Walmart. Until you find your local option, I invite you to buy from us. At least that way you’ll be able to find out what integrity food looks like, feels like, and tastes like.

ROBERT: WHAT WOULD YOU SAY TO FARMERS THAT ARE JUST STARTING OUT?

Joel: To farmers just starting out I would say read my books. Most farmers are not readers, but one of the most consistent characteristics of successful people is that they read. Your biggest weak link is ideas. Exposure to ideas is always your best investment. Next, don’t quit. Mastery takes years and lots of experiments. You simply have to outlast

your disappointments. Finally, embrace being different. Whatever government experts say and your conventional neighbor says, do the opposite. Take advice only from people who have achieved success on their own.

ROBERT: HOW INVOLVED IS YOUR FAMILY WITH THE FARM?

Joel: Our family owns and operates the farm. Although I am only outside part-time now due to my travel and writing schedule, I still have deep callouses and love the work and interaction with all these young people. At the age when most farmers find themselves alone, I’m surrounded by bright-eyed bushy-tailed young people who think everything I’ve done for half a century is the coolest thing since sliced bread. Daniel is in charge of day-to-day operations. Teresa is in charge of accounting. We have been blessed with staff now (pretty much all former apprentices) who lead various initiatives from maintenance to herdsman to logistics coordinator. With the eclectic talent and interest on our team, our mentorship goes far beyond anything I could offer by myself.

We always maintain an open hand for new partners. We see ourselves as a germination tray for entrepreneurs. If you have an idea for an enterprise that’s complementary to Polyface, we want you to feel welcome to give it a go. We have no hourly workers; everyone is either on salary with clearly defined expectations or on a performance (commission) based compensation plan. We welcome any and all partners who can find a place and complement our mission.

ROBERT:

HOW CONCERNED ARE YOU ABOUT THE AMOUNT OF FARMLAND THAT IS BEING LOST?

Joel: While losing farmland concerns many, it’s not the bigger problem. The bigger problem is all the land that’s available that is not being used or is being squandered. America has 35 million acres of lawn compared to the 36 million acres of housing and feeding recreational horses. Millions of acres are being overgrazed, overfilled, eroded, or simply underutilized. Cornel says New York has 2 million acres that were actively farmed 40 years ago that are turning into the forest today. I’d say the bigger issue is not the loss of farmland to development, it’s the loss of farmland to stewardship.

ROBERT: WHAT IS NEXT FOR YOU?

Joel: I’m writing another book right now. Several more titles are dancing around. I’d love to have a Polyface Diner to offer a McDonald’s challenge so folks could actually get edible and clean fast food. I’d love to see more variety on our own farm, from produce to orchard to further processing. We may develop a completely non-compliant guerrilla meat processing model to circumvent regulations and offer food insurance to a select group of patron partners. Lots of interesting things to do, way more than I can do in my lifetime, but I guess that means I won’t get bored.

Joel’s passion for farming, food, and health is evident. His books and talks have affected numerous farms and farms and in turn those consumers. If you find yourself in the western part of Virginia and want to stop in and see the farm, all the details can be found at polyfacefarms.com. You can also purchase his books, sign up for tours or sign up for their meat delivery.

Defining Quality for Generations

For over a century, Murray McMurray Hatchery has remained a trusted, family-owned business, working tirelessly to ensure our poultry meets the highest standards. Whether you are an experienced enthusiast, or just embarking on the journey, look to McMurray Hatchery for guaranteed quality rare and Heritage breeds, low minimums, and all the supplies you need to raise your flock.

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Photography by Anna Christian, @call.it.christian

THE RISE OF JENNA PAULETTE

Rising country star Jenna Paulette rewriting history by staying true to her roots

BY: MEGAN DEFABRY

inger and songwriter, Jenna Paulette the ‘Modern Cowgirl’, is taking the western industry by storm not only through her music, but also what she represents. Through her progression in the music industry, Jenna has never lost touch with her roots. She often thinks of the day that she can be back home, running her family’s ranch, and raising cattle while still pursuing a career in music.

Jenna was born and raised in Texas in a town called Lewisville and it’s not every day that you see a Nashville country artist that also happens to be a true cowgirl. Her family ran a cow-calf operation in Thackerville, Oklahoma which gave Jenna an opportunity to fall in love with the western lifestyle from a very young age.

“I just remember feeling totally like myself for the first time. I was seven or eight and I was watching my grandad selling cattle on my Uncle Hick’s operation and I was wearing a pair of overalls. I had my hair in pigtail braids and my freckles were out that summer. I was drinking a Sunkist in my hand, it was hot and I just remember looking at the cows and thinking, “I love this.””

In 2020, Jenna’s Grandad William Allie “Pete” Jones

Lorrie Morgan & Lee Ann Womack

passed away and her family decided to sell the ranch but that doesn’t keep Jenna from sharing her western heritage and paving the way for cowgirls following in her foot steps.

Jenna has been fortunate to experience two sides of the western industry, one being agriculture and the other being country music. Through her platform, she’s been able to bring awareness and help educate others about values and positivity in agriculture. She’s been giving insight into what life can look like in the most idyllic aspects, but also honoring the grit and character that the agricultural lifestyle instills in people. Even people who weren’t exposed to the western lifestyle growing up, will listen to Jenna’s music and want to be a part of it because they fall in love with the picture that is painted.

With 2023 well under way, Jenna has lots of new music in store and plans to be touring as much as possible. In addition, she’s also making time to work on people’s ranches in between recording and concerts. Jenna is unique, ranchy, fashionable and she’s making waves in the western industry in a modern, cowgirl way. Most importantly she hasn’t forgotten her roots and the importance that agriculture plays in the western lifestyle.

NAME Jenna Paulette HOMETOWN Lewisville, Texas

WITH KRYSTA PAFFRATH

Recipe for a Lemon Blueberry Mint Spritzer

Hi y’all! Welcome to another Krysta’s Kitchen. Today, we are trading in our regular Coors Light for something a little more seasonal and I figured I was a bit overdue for a cocktail recipe! For this issue, I wanted to really lean into bright, fresh flavors for spring but also keep it low key enough that anyone can make this beverage at home.

One thing I do love about this recipe, much like many of my others, is that you can swap out any of the ingredients to match your preference. For example, I did try this recipe with both vodka and gin and it was almost two completely different drinks. If you’re a gin drinker, I highly recommend swapping out the vodka for gin, as it really brings out the botanicals in the mint and earthiness of the blueberries.

I also went a little above and beyond and candied some lemons and used the syrup in this drink, but you can use regular simple syrup if you don’t want to get fancy with it. Now, let’s get into it!

LEMON BLUEBERRY MINT SPRITZER

This cocktail is perfect for any spring afternoon get-together or brunch. Dress it up or down and it’s good either way!

Ingredients FOR THE COCKTAIL

1/2 Cup Blueberries

A few sprigs of mint

1 Lemon

2 Ounces Vodka or Gin

1/2 Ounce simple syrup

Soda water (I used lemon soda water but you can use plain or whatever suits your fancy)

A cocktail shaker or mason jar with a lid

FOR THE CANDIED LEMONS

2-3 additional lemons

2 cups white sugar

2 cups water

Directions for Spritzer

1 Use your cocktail shaker or mason jar and drop in ¼ cup or so of blueberries as well as 4-5 leaves of mint. Muddle these together until all of the blueberries are smashed and the mint is broken up. I used the end of a wooden spoon to do this, so no worries if you don’t have a muddler!

2 Once you have muddled the blueberries and mint, pour in your vodka, simple syrup and a squeeze of lemon to the same glass or shaker.

3 Shake it thoroughly for about 20-30 seconds to make sure the blueberry and mint infused with the vodka and set aside.

4 Fill a glass with ice and fill it with sparkling water until it’s about ¾ of the way full and drop in a few remaining blueberries over the top for garnish.

5 Strain your blueberry vodka mixture into your glass. You can float the vodka to make the drinks pretty but make sure to stir everything together before enjoying.

6 Garnish with fresh or candied lemon and mint.

To

Make

Candied Lemons & Simple Syrup

1 Grab a wide pot and stir together 2 cups of water and 2 cups of sugar. Set the temperature to medium high and bring to a boil.

2 Slice your lemons as thin as possible. You want 8-10 slices total depending on the size of your pot.

3 Once your sugar/water mixture comes to a boil, drop in the lemon slices in a single layer and turn heat down to low and simmer lemons for up to an hour. You want the pith of the lemons to be slightly translucent. Make sure to watch your syrup to ensure it doesn’t over reduce.

4 Once your lemons are thoroughly boiled, get a cooking sheet lined with parchment paper and lay out your lemon slices.

5 Set your oven to 250 and let your lemon slices dry out. I would recommend just keeping an eye on them because they will over carmelize in the oven.

6 Once your lemons are just slightly golden, they are ready! These are delicious to eat or use as garnish in drinks or dessert.

A NEW SPIN ON CONTEMPORARY Lyndon

Lyndon Gaither grew up on his Grandad Gaither’s farm in West Texas, riding stick horses and wearing a Cowboy hat and boots. As a child, he spent a lot of time drawing the animals that were part of his daily life and he always knew he wanted to be an artist. He pursued art in college and graduated with a BFA in Graphic Design. Lyndon then spent three years in the US Army designing and building 3-dimensional exhibits for the Recruiting Support Center in Virginia while working alongside and being inspired by very talented artists who were Graphic Designers, Photographers, Illustrators, & Writers. He spent his professional career in several jobs such as a graphic designer, museum exhibit designer, and illustrator who used to design themed amusement parks. He currently lives in Dallas, Texas with his wife and is blessed to have a fun family of two children and four grandchildren.

ART WITH Gaither

Q: HOW DID YOU FIND YOUR WAY INTO PAINTING MODERN WESTERN ART?

A: Throughout my design career, I also painted, often doing outdoor art festivals. In my early years, I created western and nostalgic paintings in brown sepia tones.Then, later in life, I reinvented myself and began painting full-time, but this time my paintings reflected a lot of new ideas that included painting with bright colors. I went back to my western roots and began to create Contemporary Western Art using a palette of bright colors. I wanted to introduce a “Pop of Color” to the world of horses, cowboys, and western decor.

Q: WHEN YOU ARE WORKING ON NEW PIECES, HOW DO YOU DETERMINE YOUR SUBJECT?

A: I often go back to “my young self “ and paint what I love, horses! I love painting vibrantcolored horses with flowing red and blue manes! I have found myself evolving into painting other farm and ranch animals, such as cows, bulls, pigs, roosters, and goats as well.

Naturally, with my Texas roots, I have painted Texas Longhorns and several varieties of cacti. My travels to Yellowstone National Park, Montana, and Wyoming have inspired me to begin painting wildlife. I have completed several paintings of bison, wolves, and bears. I have an elk drawn on canvas ready to begin painting next.

Q: WHAT DOES YOUR CREATIVE PROCESS LOOK LIKE FROM START TO FINISH AFTER YOU’VE DECIDED ON WHAT YOU WILL BE PAINTING?

A: I spend a lot of time researching the subjects of my paintings as I paint from photographs. Each painting is the result of parts and pieces of different images taken from multiple photographs which result in the final composition of every new painting. I start out by drawing in pencil on canvas, then as I draw, I visualize what the final painting will look like upon completion and in my mind, I am seeing what colors I will use as I draw.

I begin every canvas by painting the reflection in the eyes first. I have had many compliments from farmers and ranchers who raise animals, that I have a gift for painting animals’ eyes. To me, this is the highest compliment I could receive. When I start a new painting, I start with the eyes because I believe the eyes reflect the soul of the animal. If I get the eyes right, I have captured the essence of my subject.

My next step is to begin painting layers upon layers of different colors and textures until I am satisfied that the painting is complete.

Q: HOW LONG DOES EACH PAINTING TYPICALLY TAKE FROM START TO FINISH?

A: It really depends on the size, subject matter, and complexity of the painting, all paintings are different and some take longer than others. Once I start a painting and get into it, I often work long days and into the night. I don’t want to rush and often am working on several paintings at a time.

Q: WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HOPE TO SHARE WITH YOUR ART?

A: I show my work at the Houston Rodeo in March and the NFR in Vegas during December. I paint in my booth during both of these shows. It allows me to continue to work and I enjoy visiting with people about what I am working on. They are always amazed that painting in front of a crowd does not bother me. No one is more amazed at that than I am! One of the biggest joys for me is when a person walks past me as I am painting and upon seeing my work, stops, and a great big smile comes across their face. I always put down my brush and visit because I like to hear what they have to say about my work. They often tell me that my paintings and my vibrant colors make them feel happy. It does not get any better than that for an artist.

It is fun and gratifying to talk about art with young artists and those aspiring for a career in art. Crowds gather when I paint and I often look up to see young kids watching me, totally mesmerized. I occasionally invite the young artists to help me paint on the canvas. The awe and excitement on their faces are priceless and they are always so careful to paint in the area that I suggest to them. It is even more fun to see the fear on their parent’s faces, worried that their child might ruin my painting. That fear quickly turns to pride seeing their creative child have the opportunity to see and participate in creating art. The kids often come back or email a painting or drawing that they have done to show me their art. How great is that!

Q: EACH ARTIST DEVELOPS THEIR OWN STYLE, BUT IS THERE AN ARTIST THAT YOU LOOK UP TO OR HAVE A SIMILAR STYLE TO THAT YOU ADMIRE?

A: There are several Contemporary Western artists that are producing fabulous work in today’s market. Some of my favorites are LeRoy Neiman, John Nieto, Jeff Ham, Teal Blake, and Peter Robbins.

Q: DO YOU HAVE ANY CLOSING THOUGHTS ABOUT YOU OR YOUR BUSINESS THAT YOU’D LIKE OUR AUDIENCE TO KNOW?

A: Last fall I put my art career on pause as I underwent DBS (Deep Brain Stimulation) surgery to calm the Essential Tremor in my right hand and it worked! This surgery is a true miracle and I now have control of my right hand once again. It has changed my life and I can get back to painting!

I have found that the people in the Western community are hard-working, down-to-earth people who care about others, their animals, and their country. I enjoy being a small part of that culture. I am often told that God has blessed me with the wonderful talent of creating art. I feel so grateful and blessed every day that I am doing what I love! I believe that you don’t ever retire from what you love to do and the gifts that fuel your soul!

MEET THE ARTIST

You can view Lyndon’s work on his website: lgaither.com and on Facebook. He also has original paintings and giclee prints on canvas available, with commissions upon request. Lyndon will be at the Houston Rodeo from February 28 - March 19, 2023, in booth B3041. So make sure to stop by and say hi!

SCOTTSDALE RODEO

Get Western at R

Scottsdale has been dubbed the “West’s Most Western Town” and Scottsdale Rodeo is helping the town live up to its name.

esidents of Scottsdale, Arizona

look forward to two things with the coming of spring, one being warmer weather and spring training, and two, rodeo! With several spring rodeos going on between the months of February - April, the one that kicks it all off in the Phoenix Valley is Rodeo Scottsdale, taking place March 9-12, 2023. With 70 years under its belt, Rodeo Scottsdale knows how to put on a show and it never disappoints! You might also know Rodeo Scottsdale by its full name, Parada del Sol Rodeo, which pays homage to Scottsdale’s western roots and the original Parada del Sol event that was formed in 1953 to celebrate the heritage and culture of the town.

The event has been held in a variety of locations in Scottsdale over the years from the Scottsdale stadium to the original Rawhide Western town until it finally found its way to the Equidome arena in WestWorld in North Scottsdale. In addition to the rodeo is the Parada del Sol Parade which is the world’s biggest horse-drawn parade so that only adds to the excitement each year with the rodeo coming to town. Cowboys and cowgirls from all over the country come to Scottsdale to celebrate its local heritage and history.

Rodeo fans across the great state of Arizona, all gather for the four days that make up the celebration that is Rodeo Scottsdale. The rodeo performances are at 7:00 PM Thursday-Saturday, and at 2:00 PM on Sunday. The gates open 2 hours prior to each performance. It is highly recommended to get to the arena at least one hour early so parking and seating can be situated without missing any of the rodeo action! On Thursday nights, enjoy an exclusive bull riding-only performance including professionals as well as up-and-coming future world champions. Each rodeo performance begins with our country’s National Anthem, with the American Flag graciously represented by the Bridwell Family Drill Team. Rodeo Scottsdale’s ticket sales have gone 100% digital and contact-free! Ticket sales are officially available for purchase for the 2023 Rodeo.

If you are hankering down to come to Scottsdale and experience the culture, tradition, history, and food of the area in a month-long event, starting with the parade and witnessing some of the best of Rodeo Scottsdale. Visit today and book your tickets now!

Residents of Scottsdale, Arizona look forward to two things with the coming of spring, one being warmer weather and

& MUSEUM

ABOUT THE SCOTTSDALE RODEO MUSEUM

The Scottsdale Rodeo Museum is a must-see destination for any fan of rodeo. Located in the heart of Scottsdale, Arizona, the Scottsdale Rodeo Museum celebrates, not only the spirit and history of the Scottsdale Rodeo but also the many great cowboys who have competed in the sport over the years.

What started as a collection of old Scottsdale rodeo memorabilia quickly turned into the idea for the Scottsdale Rodeo Museum. The museum features a wide array of vintage saddles, rodeo equipment, and artifacts, including chaps, boots, and hats, as well as photographs and video footage of past rodeo events. Visitors can also explore the historical aspects of the sport, such as the development of the cowboy hat, the different styles of riding, and the equipment and techniques used.

Some of the items, including magazines, once belonged to Alford’s father, who passed away in 2011. But 90 percent of the collection, he said, includes items Parada del Sol has kept over the years. Since opening, Alford has had people from Scottsdale and beyond contact him regarding memorabilia they would like to donate to the museum.

spring training, and two, rodeo! With several spring rodeos going on between the months of February - April, the one that kicks it all off in the Phoenix Valley is Rodeo Scottsdale, taking place March 9-12, 2023. With 70 years under its belt, Rodeo Scottsdale knows how to put on a show and it never disappoints! You might also know Rodeo Scottsdale by its full name, Parada del Sol Rodeo, which pays homage to Scottsdale’s western roots and the original Parada del Sol event that was formed in 1953 to celebrate the heritage and culture of the town.

The event has been held in a variety of locations in Scottsdale over the years from the Scottsdale stadium to the original Rawhide Western town until it finally found its way to the Equidome arena in WestWorld in North Scottsdale. In addition to the rodeo is the Parada del Sol Parade which is the world’s biggest horse-drawn parade so that only adds to the excitement each year with the rodeo coming to town. Cowboys and cowgirls from all over the country come to Scottsdale to celebrate its local heritage and history.

Rodeo fans across the great state of Arizona, all gather for the four days that make up the celebration that is Rodeo Scottsdale. The rodeo performances are at 7:00 PM ThursdaySaturday, and at 2:00 PM on Sunday. The gates open 2 hours prior to each performance. It is highly recommended to get to the arena at least one hour early so parking and seating can be situated without missing any of the rodeo action! On Thursday nights, enjoy an exclusive bull riding-only performance including professionals as well as up-and-coming future world champions. Each rodeo performance begins with our country’s National Anthem, with the American Flag graciously represented by the Bridwell Family Drill Team.

Rodeo Scottsdale’s ticket sales have gone 100% digital and contact-free! Ticket sales are officially available for purchase for the 2023 Rodeo.

If you are hankering down to come to Scottsdale and experience the culture, tradition, history, and food of the area in a month-long event, starting with the parade and witnessing some of the best of Rodeo Scottsdale. Visit today and book your tickets now!

The Scottsdale Rodeo Museum also includes interactive exhibits, which allow visitors to experience the sport firsthand. There are activities, such as roping, bull riding, and steer wrestling, as well as simulated rodeo events. Visitors can also try their hand at classic roping skills, such as lassoing a calf or a steer.

In addition to the exhibits, the Scottsdale Rodeo Museum also hosts educational and cultural events. Guests can learn about the history of the sport, and the many stories that have emerged from it. The museum also regularly hosts special events and competitions, such as the World Championship Rodeo.

The Scottsdale Rodeo Museum is a great destination for anyone interested in the rodeo sport. With its interactive exhibits, educational and cultural events, and access to the sport’s history and culture, the Scottsdale Rodeo Museum is a great way to experience the Wild West in a unique and entertaining way. Whether you’re a fan of the sport or just looking to explore the culture, the Scottsdale Rodeo Museum is a great place to visit.

Alford has three goals with the museum: to preserve Scottsdale’s storied rodeo past, to display the artwork of said history, and to educate children and attendees of all ages “how the animals are raised and treated and all the rules and regulations for the animals.”

CIRCLE BAR GUEST RANCH

In the heart of Montana, lies an experience of a lifetime on an 1800s ranch that transports its guests back in time.

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

The Circle Bar Guest Ranch isn’t your typical guest ranch. Beyond its rich history and unfathomable beauty, guests have an opportunity to immerse themselves in a world untouched by modern society; in a place where the west is still wild and only a few ever get to experience it. With its season running from the end of May to the first of October, guests can experience Montana at its best in any way they choose, from horseback riding or fat tire electric bicycles to guided tours or hiking. Whatever your preference might be, Circle Bar Guest Ranch has you taken care of. Let’s dive a little deeper into what makes the Circle Bar so special.

ADVENTURES

With 520 acres of vast Montana wilderness, there is no shortage of things to do during your stay at the ranch. Depending on your sense of adventure, there are several different ways to see the best of the ranch. Horseback riding is what the ranch is known for, and this isn’t your typical nose-to-tail trail ride (it can be if you want) but one thing I love about this ranch is they give you the opportunity to really ride and enjoy the land. They have horses suitable for every type of rider and experience level whether you want to lope through a meadow, ride through one of the many rivers in the area, or even go on a cattle drive, your opportunities are nearly endless.

If horseback riding isn’t quite your speed, maybe try horsepower of a different breed. Circle Bar also offers guided UTV rides, not only through the ranch itself, but also the neighboring Helena-Lewis and Clark National Forest. If you’re trying to see as much country as possible, this might be the best route for you!

If you enjoy stopping and smelling the wildflowers, then you could go for a relaxing hike. There are several caves around the ranch that make for some great spelunking. There truly are endless possibilities. In addition to the ones mentioned, you can also enjoy archery, shooting, fishing, or even the ranch’s fat tire E-Bikes!

PHOTO CREDIT: SCOTT T. BAXTER

LODGING

There are several options for lodging depending on what kind of vacation you are looking to experience. For example, if you are a couple or traveling with a friend, it might be best for you to book one of the Buffalo Rooms, located right off the main Lodge. There are three Buffalo Rooms, all with King beds and the suite has a twin bed also. These rooms are great because guests don’t have a far walk to where they gather in the Lodge to share some cocktails before dinner.

If you’re traveling with a small family or even a group of friends, then you might want to consider booking one of the historic cabins that are onsite. There are a total of nine cabins and they each have their own name and personality. These cabins vary in size, so make sure to look for something that will suit your travel needs.

The last lodging option that the Circle Bar offers is a complete Ranch House! With four bedrooms and three bathrooms, this house sleeps a total of eight people, which makes it great for large families looking to get away this summer. The Ranch House has everything you need for your stay including a full kitchen and living room. Regardless of where you decide to stay, the experience will be unforgettable!

WHAT TO EXPECT

If you’ve been wondering if the west is still alive, then staying here will an swer that question for you. Something magi cal happens when you step outside of your normal routine and experience the rug gedness that Montana is known for. The Circle Bar Ranch has been able to capture that ruggedness and allow its guests to experience it in one of the most beautiful ways possible. The beauty of your surroundings is just one perk of staying at the ranch.

In addition to the scenery, guests can enjoy the picturesque, red barn that sits on the property. It was built in 1902 and is great for evening entertainment, group activities, or even basketball or badminton. There is also a glass-enclosed hot tub for those chilly nights and a game room for kids, or the whole family!

HISTORY OF THE CIRCLE BAR GUEST RANCH

Circle Bar Ranch sits on the first mile of the Judith River. The river got its name from the famed western explorers, Lewis and Clark. On their journey west, on the morning of May 29th, 1805, the men worked their way up the Missouri River and passed the mouth of a “handsome” river and so, Clark named it the Judith, in honor of his future bride. The ranch itself sits at the headwaters of the Judith, where in 1880 a sixteen-year-old Charlie Marion Russell came to the Judith Basin to learn to wrangle and paint, which he did both very successfully for his entire life. His legacy still lives on today, not only in the Circle Bar Ranch but also in the roots of our western heritage.

One of the ways that the ranch continues to honor Charlie today is by taking guided UTV tours to the historic Hoover Cabin. This is a guest favorite as the guides take them up to see the home where prospector Jake Hoover discovered the Yogo Sapphire in the late 1800s. He also happened to be Charlie Russell’s first friend in Montana and lived with Hoover in that cabin for a couple of years after Russell first arrived in the state. This is a guided tour that you can request during your stay, so make sure to add it to your itinerary.

Charlie was a storyteller first, and that was what gave him an edge when it came to creating art. He was able to completely capture the personalities and events of his era and place in the West. It was this unique quality that gave Charlie the ability to play a part in setting the standard for many Western artists after him.

The ranch didn’t start as the Circle Bar though. The land was originally inhabited by the Blackfeet Native Americans who used it as a hunting ground. It wouldn’t be until 1890 that the ranch got its first name and one of the earliest registered brands in Montana, the “S Lazy 4 Bar”.

Over time, it later became the Middle Fork Cattle Company and was used to buy, sell and raise cattle and horses. Then as hunting and recreational traveling became more popular, in 1904 the owners procured a hotel license, as they planned to serve meals and become a guest facility. Then finally, in 1920 the ranch took on the new brand and name of Circle Bar Ranch to bring to life the vision you can experience today.

Cave Creek Rodeo Days

Located at the Cave Creek Memorial Arena, the Cave Creek Rodeo Days is a PRCA-sanctioned rodeo that has made quite an impact in its community since its inauguration in 1977. Consisting entirely of volunteers, the non-profit Cave Creek Rodeo Days, Inc. has been the key to the great praise and success the rodeo receives each year.

With goals to preserve the past, present, and future of Cave Creek’s western heritage, the Cave Creek Rodeo Days rodeo has created an avenue for philanthropy in the community. With thousands of visitors each year and help from volunteers, patrons, sponsors, and the community of Cave Creek. From breast cancer awareness organizations, and domestic violence awareness organizations, to veteran aid assistance, many charitable donations have become a reality thanks to this annual rodeo extravaganza.

As stated on the website, the organization’s mission is to “support scholarship avenues, exposing our western heritage to youth and continue the tradition of giving back to the local community and state charitable causes, through the wonderful exciting sport of a PRCA Professional Rodeo.”

The western celebration kicks off at 9 am on Saturday, March 18th with the Cave Creek Rodeo Days Parade sponsored by Sanderson Ford. Make sure to bring out chairs as you sit and enjoy colorful floats, equestrian teams, musical acts, and more! Following the parade, make sure to head back to the Cave Creek Memorial Arena, located at 37201 N 28th St. Cave Creek, AZ 85331, at 1 pm for Mutton Bustin’! This event is for the little cowboys and cowgirls in the family.

The fun continues Thursday, March 23rd at 5 pm when the gates open for the All Bulls, All Night event, which is a night full of everyone’s favorite event, bull riding! While the gates and vendors open at 5 pm, the first bull bucks at 7:30 pm so make sure to grab your tickets. PRCA action will kick off on Friday, March 24th with gates opening at 5 pm and the performance starting at 7:30 pm. If one night of rodeo isn’t enough, make sure to come back Saturday, March 25th for performance number two. Gates will open at 5 pm so you can show up early and grab a bite to eat before the show at 7:30 pm. Stick around for the post-rodeo dance at 9 pm sponsored by Harold’s Corral. Rodeo fun will come to an end on Sunday, March 26th with the final rodeo performance. Gates will open at 12 pm and the performance will begin at 2 pm.

It’s rodeo season in Arizona! Taking place March 23rd-26th get ready for Cave Creek Arizona’s annual rodeo, “A Western Tradition since 1977!”

are Here!

BY KRYSTA PAFFRATH

Whether you are at the parade, rodeo, or both, make sure to stop by and say hello to the recently crowned 2023 Cave Creek Rodeo Days Royalty Court, Queen Mary Norton, and Teen Queen Isabella Schofield.

The 2023 Queen of Cave Creek Rodeo Days, Mary Norton is 21 and was also the 2019 Miss Teen Rodeo Arizona, during which time, she developed her platform “Every Moment Matters”. In and out of rodeo, she uses this to inspire everyone she meets that even the small moments are just as important as the big and exciting ones. She hopes to have the opportunity to continue this with the Cave Creek Rodeo Days throughout this next year.

The 2023 Teen Queen of the Cave Creek Rodeo Days, Isabella Schofield, is 15 and a sophomore at Cactus Shadows High School. Isabella has lived in Cave Creek for 12 years and is currently competing in the Queen Creek Junior Rodeos. Isabella’s little sister and two older brothers have taught her a lot about working with horses and roping. Isabella also learned from her father who worked on a ranch as a teenager and competed in rodeos in college.

As dedicated horsewomen, students, community members, and much more, Mary and Isabella will be busy visiting rodeos across the state of Arizona and representing Cave Creek on their journey. Make sure to catch them light up the rodeo arena as they welcome you to this year’s Cave Creek Rodeo Days celebration!

FOR MORE DETAILS ON CAVE CREEK RODEO DAYS AND HOW YOU CAN PURCHASE TICKETS, VISIT CAVECREEKRODEO.COM.

A Note On the Cave Creek Rodeo Days Board President, Mike Poppenwimer

A business owner from Colorado, Mike has experience in not only restaurant management and operations, but also in event planning. Mike also volunteered in a sub-committee for Cheyenne Frontier Days and planned and operated live bull riding in his Fort Collins, Colorado business. Mike believes in preserving the western lifestyle and heritage that is so cherished and revered in Cave Creek, Arizona. On a personal note, Mike is married and has 3 children and 2 grandchildren, and lives in Carefree, Arizona. Mike enjoys spending time with his family, horse activities, hiking, and is an avid supporter of our Cave Creek community through volunteerism.

Mike was the past president of the Kiwanis Club of Carefree and volunteers in several other community events. Mike Poppenwimer believes in the importance of remembering and appreciating our American Western heritage. “Our western heritage is part of our American Identity,” says Poppenwimer. “We can help to preserve and enjoy this heritage through honoring the tradition through our Cave Creek Rodeo Days. The Cave Creek Rodeo brings our community together to embrace the western way of life through volunteerism and western events.”

CATTLE AND CALVES READY TO MOVE TO A NEW PASTURE

FROM THE

MICHELLE MENSING PHOTOGRAPHY

CAN YOU GIVE OUR AUDIENCE A LITTLE BACKGROUND ON YOURSELF AND YOU GOT INTO PHOTOGRAPHY?

I grew up on a family farm in southwest Iowa and was active in 4-H and FFA where I began learning more about photography and showing some of my images at the fair. Following college, I started my career in the agriculture industry and picked up a camera again as a hobby. I loved how that creative outlet kept me connected to the family farm I grew up on. My husband and I also enjoy traveling to see and photograph beautiful rural America.

HAS YOUR STYLE OF PHOTOGRAPHY CHANGED AT ALL SINCE YOU STARTED YOUR BUSINESS? IF SO, HOW WOULD YOU DESCRIBE YOUR STYLE THEN COMPARED TO NOW?

My photography style is always changing as I continue to learn more about the art of photography and improve my editing skills. I definitely lean towards rustic and warm vibes in my editing style but like to make sure the colors remain authentic.

WHAT INSPIRES YOU AS A PHOTOGRAPHER?

Farming and ranching includes long days and nights, sacrifices, tough decisions, and an uncertain financial reward. But it provides an incredible way of life for so many families. I love capturing these everyday moments to let them see the beauty of their hard work and I think it is so important to preserve the memories of generations learning and working together.

WHAT DO YOU WANT PEOPLE TO FEEL WHEN THEY LOOK AT YOUR PHOTOGRAPHY?

At peace. I hope it makes people feel the comfort of home no matter where they are from. People are becoming further removed from agriculture, and I love being able to help others feel more connected to the industry through my images.

The western, rural, and ag life has been a part of Michelle’s entire life, and now she’s sharing it with the rest of the world through her photography.

WHAT IS SOMETHING YOU WISH PEOPLE KNEW ABOUT BEING A PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER?

Photography does not feel like work to me. I truly love capturing these moments for families to look back on and helping small businesses showcase their products and services.

CAN YOU TELL US A LITTLE MORE ABOUT YOUR IDEA FOR OFFERING STOCK PHOTOGRAPHY TO RURAL BUSINESSES?

My photography hobby turned into a business when I realized there was a demand for these agriculture and western photos I had been taking. During a call in the online Cowgirls Over Coffee group, several women expressed the desire to share their farm or ranch story, but struggled to have time to take photos while juggling their many responsibilities with work, kids, etc. I realized that my photography skills could help fill this need.

There are many stock photo memberships available, but a lot of the photos are perfectly styled flatlays with pink and bright white colors. I felt like that type of image didn’t resonate with anyone in farming and rural communities. I had tons of photos of my family’s farm that were just sitting unused on my computer, so I decided to make them available to rural entrepreneurs to share their story or help promote their businesses by using photos that resonate with their communities. As I’ve continued to build my stock photo membership, I’ve added additional photos for service providers with a more rustic feel, beef and dairy photos for producers to promote their products, as well as other rural, ag and western inspired photos.

DO YOU HAVE ANY CLOSING THOUGHTS ABOUT YOU OR YOUR BUSINESS THAT YOU’D LIKE OUR AUDIENCE TO KNOW?

Michelle Mensing Photography creates digital content for rural entrepreneurs. Her stock photography subscription provides a library of high-quality images that accurately portrays rural lifestyles. These photos are great to use on social media, for creating graphics, in newsletters, blog posts, emails and presentations.

Michelle also does custom product photography for business owners, as well as family farm and lifestyle photoshoots.

FOLLOW ALONG ON INSTAGRAM

CORN HARVEST TIME

A PEACEFUL IOWA SUNRISE ON THE FARM

THE S CENES

This is How We Roll!

Your friends at the Cowboy Lifestyle Network take you behind the scenes to a typical day covering the scene. Learn more about us at cowboylifestylenetwork.com

CEO, OD O’Donnell at the Spanish Fork Rodeo pictured behind the scenes with Cody Wright.

A beautiful shot of the American Flag taken by our team as it’s being carried at the Tucson Rodeo, also known as La Fiesta de los Vaqueros.

Danny O’Donnell and OD O’Donnell had the opportunity to take a trail ride through Canyon de Chelly in the Navajo Nation.

SUBSCRIBE AT COWBOYLIFESTYLEMAG.COM

B EHIND THE S CENES

CEO - OD O’Donnell,

Danny O’Donnell and OD O’Donnell capturing all the behind-the-scenes fun at the Turquoise Circuit Finals Rodeo in Camp Verde, Arizona.

CLN attended the Festa do Peão de Barretos (Portuguese for “Cowboy Festival of Barretos”), with current Miss Rodeo America, Kennadee Riggs. Festa do Peão de Barretos is a rodeo featuring bulls and horses and is a premier event in Brazil.

CLN Account Manager and Author, Megan deFabry at the Helotes Cornyval Festival and Rodeo.

COO - Aaron Kuhl,

and Chief Social Officer, Danny O’Donnell on the steps of the Thomas and Mack Center during the 2022 NFR.

8.36” Overall Length

3.35” Blade Length M390 Blade Steel ALU 6061-T6 Handle Material

3.5 Ounces Drop Point Blade in Satin Finish

The Microtech Ultratech S/E knife sets the standard in craftsmanship and quality. It’s a dual action out-the-front automatic with a thumb slide open and lock.Built with a premium blade and handle materials.

The handles are anodized 6061-T6 aircraftgrade aluminum with an ambidextrous stainless steel pocket clip, a glass breaker, and a lanyard hole.