Churchill County Cowbelles Update As we move from 2020 to 2021, the chaos continues. For many of us, the world has been turned upside down and the division in the United States deepens. The tone of discourse has forced many, me included, to seek the truth and use that to define reality, because finding it in the news media is not an option. During our January meeting, the members voted to cancel the Bull Sale Dinner scheduled for February due to health concerns and governmental restrictions regarding public gatherings. Individual members are researching possible alternatives to support the Nevada Cattlemens Association during the Fallon All Breed Bull Sale. We hope to see you in February 2022 at the Cowbelles Bull Sale. As the year progresses, the club’s focus turns to new activities. Before we know it, spring will be here and along with that comes graduation. For Cowbelles it is a time to support a few of this year’s graduates. We present three $500.00 scholarships to graduating seniors from the Oasis Academy and Churchill County High School. These scholarships are available from
By Susan Van Patten, President
the Guidance Office in each school. The scholarships are due on April first. The application itself is straight forward and primarily gathers identifying data. When applying for the scholarship keep in mind that our mission is to “Promote the beef and agricultural industries in the community, schools, and youth organizations in Churchill County.” Making a strong link between the agriculture industry and the applicant’s field of study is a determining factor. Another activity that is resuming is recruiting sponsors for the Carcass Contest associated with the Churchill County Junior Livestock Show held in April. At the last Livestock Leadership Meeting they authorized the inclusion of including an ultrasound component as part of the contest. It is shaping up to be a busy spring. The organization is moving forward with the revision of its by-laws and will be reviewing the work of that committee at the next meeting, along with discussing the results of fact finding by members regarding the guidelines for 501(c)(3). Those discussions will guide how we operate over the next few years. I always enjoy announcing good news, so I save it for last. Last fall a few members reached out to various teachers in the community and recruited applicants
for our Cowbelle Teacher of the Year. The winning applicant was nominated by Tami Olsen and will receive a check of $200.00 and was nominated for the Nevada Cattleman’s Teacher of the Year. This year’s winner is Heather Wiessmar who teaches second grade at Oasis Academy. Great teachers are constantly seeking good material, so Heather’s statement of “I never knew about it (referring to Ag in the classroom activities) but am saving curriculum in my binder now” got my attention. Heather highlighted three activities in her application. For her Plant Cycle Unit she used locally grown plants, for Data Collection and Mapping Activity in math she used information from the local farmers and highlighted the agriculture industry in her Community Helper’s unit. Congratulations Heather for doing a great job and connecting learning to the world outside of the classroom!
Our Favorite Beef Recipes Super Speedy Steak Skillet Supper INGREDIENTS 2 tablespoons cornstarch
1-1/2 lbs beef top sirloin steak, cut into 1/4” strips
2 tablespoons brown sugar
1 tablespoon canola oil
2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
2 large green peppers, cut into 1/2” strips
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1-1/2 cups sliced celery
1 can (14-1/2 ounces) beef broth
3 green onions, chopped
3 tablespoons soy sauce
4 teaspoons lemon juice
1 tablespoon molasses
Hot cooked noodles or rice, optional
DIRECTIONS In a bowl, combine the cornstarch, brown sugar, ginger and garlic powder. Stir in broth until smooth. Add soy sauce and molasses; set aside. In a non-stick skillet or wok, stir-fry steak in oil for 4-5 minutes; remove and keep warm. Stir-fry peppers, celery and onions until crisp-tender, about 5 minutes. Stir broth mixture and add to the vegetables. Return meat to the pan. Bring to a boil; cook and stir until thickened, about 2 minutes. Stir in lemon juice. Serve over noodles or rice, if desired. 46 FEBRUARY 2021
The Progressive Rancher
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