Tip Of The Week

No cameras? Use the snow.

Rural Crime In The U.S.

https://www.facebook.com/share/yHRUEctgywjRVnWC/?mibextid=K35XfP

https://www.agdaily.com/livestock/charges-dismissed-in-bizarre-bleaching-of-wyoming-cows/

Across The Pond, Down Under And Up Above

https://www.clarelive.ie/news/home/1358651/theft-from-a-clare-farm-sees-gardai-appeal-for-information.html

https://www.farmersguide.co.uk/rural/rural-crime/dozens-of-stolen-gps-units-recovered-as-thieves-jailed/

https://www.cambstimes.co.uk/news/23958310.horse-riding-equipment-stolen-stables-emneth/

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-dorset-67566857

Africa

https://www.monitor.co.ug/uganda/news/national/animal-theft-failing-govt-projects-says-leaders-4450528

https://farmersreviewafrica.com/saai-to-stop-livestock-thieves-in-their-tracks/

Chalk One Up For The Good Guys

https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/crime/tcso-deputies-arrest-serial-ag-thief-in-porterville/#:~:text=Through their investigation, detectives identified,trailers from the same victim

https://www.agdaily.com/livestock/poultry/s-c-truck-driver-suspected-of-stealing-pilgrims-pride-chicken-delivery/

More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:

Lexi Wright is the host of the Farming On Purpose Podcast as well as the owner of the agricultural marketing firm, Wright At The Moment.  She, her husband and their four children are cattle and row crop farmers in Kansas who are finding their way down the winding path of the ultimate lifestyle business.

In today's interview with Lexi we talk a lot about entrepreneurship in agriculture and how she found her pathway.  Lexi also puts out a couple of nuggets of valuable information, such as how to make the social media algorithms work on your behalf to connect you with like minded people and to learn information that will help you in your pursuits.

I found a lot of cross over with this talented podcaster, farmer and entrepreneur.  And, you will too!

Machinery Pete, Greg Peterson, has become a household name on farms throughout the U.S.  His passion for tractors and auctions coupled with his vision of a resource for farmers that want to buy and sell used tractors have led him to great heights in agriculture.  He was first on the show back in 2015, and I am running his episode again today to tie in with tomorrow's Ag Business Episode in which I will be profiling an up and coming agricultural podcaster who I have no doubt will rise to great heights as well.

Davis Howell is a 2023 National Proficiency Winner in the category of Swine Production - Entrepreneurship.  He has been raising and showing pigs for the bulk of his life, starting in the 4H and continuing into the FFA while staying dually enrolled in the 4H.  He is also in his senior year of high school and is serving as his chapter's president.

The farm that Davis lives on has been producing show pigs for three generations, starting with his grandfather and passing down all the way to he and his brother.  Today, Davis and his brother are taking over the business with plans to start selling pigs to other exhibitors in the future.  For the moment Davis' goals in the FFA include finishing out his senior year of high school, getting his American Degree after he starts college and pursuing a career in the animal science/ag business field.  Davis has been exposed to a lot of career fields in agriculture already through a 4H competition that he talks about in the interview, and it definitely has given him a head start.

For the last time, I hope you all had a great Thanksgiving.  We certainly did!

On today's farm update show I'll talk about our two new kittens and why we got them.  Also, a brief synopsis of what Thanksgiving looked like on our farm.  The new census of agriculture will be coming out in 2024, and I bet the average age of farmers goes up.  Finally, what is it like to feed and do chores on Thanksgiving?  I'll give you my perspective today!

Madilynn Campbell is a 2023 National Proficiency Winner in the category of Equine Science - Entrepreneurship.  She raises and trains "halter quarter horses" at her families property near Adair, Oklahoma and has developed a passion for horses and in particular, Quarter Horses.  Madilynn has a deep, family history in the horse breeding business, as her grandfather has been doing this for over 40 years.  Madilynn has her sights set on following in his footsteps in the horse business.

Currently Madilynn is purchase 2-3 weanlings per year, holding them for a year and training them for the halter, lead and trailering during that time.  Then, she starts showing them and is able to sell them at a nice profit.  In addition to the horse business, Madilynn has identified becoming a veterinarian and having her own, mixed practice in her future.  She is currently attending college at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M and will eventually transfer to Oklahoma State University.  She is focusing on horse judging in addition to her studies right now, and is also considering getting certified as an equine judge so that she can judge professionally.

Tip Of The Week

Do you know what is going on in your “neighborhood”?

Rural Crime In The U.S.

https://www.yourbasin.com/news/big-spring-pd-looking-for-power-tool-theft-suspect/

https://www.wdbj7.com/2023/11/21/have-you-seen-this-stolen-trailer/

https://www.wibw.com/2023/11/20/3-sent-hospital-after-teen-driver-side-swipes-cattle-trailer-near-salina/

Across The Pond, Down Under And Up Above

https://www.belfasttelegraph.co.uk/video-news/gang-used-rural-airbnb-as-hub-to-carry-out-20-burglaries-in-five-days/a45388720.html

https://www.canberratimes.com.au/story/8434070/ewe-what-hundreds-of-sheep-stolen-from-regional-farm/

https://www.airdriecityview.com/local-news/stolen-horses-recovered-near-acme-rcmp-still-seeking-information-7873945

Africa

https://diggers.news/opinion/2023/11/23/kudos-to-hh-upnd-for-not-shielding-members-stealing-fertilizer/

https://www.dispatch.ug/2023/11/22/thieves-raid-musevenis-heavily-guarded-farm-stealing-10-prized-cattle/

Chalk One Up For The Good Guys

https://qctimes.com/news/state-regional/crime-courts/northwest-iowa-tree-thief-found-guilty-of-51-charges/article_aff0eaf0-c029-53c3-9719-de8fb630d124.html

https://wtov9.com/news/nation-world/georgia-mayor-arrested-four-days-after-election-accused-of-vandalizing-chicken-farm-scott-harpold-bowman-atlanta-elbert-county-aubrey-lunsford

Les Schwab Tire Centers is a sponsor of the Off-Farm Income Podcast, and I have been one of their customers for many years.  When Autumm and I first moved to Kuna after purchasing our farm, Les Schwab Tire Centers did too.  This was well before Kuna started to explode with houses and it became obvious that there was money to be made in our community.  This move was about providing service into what was still a small, farming community, and I have always appreciated that.

I have spoke about Les Schwab Tire Centers on the show many times over the years, even though their sponsorship just began in 2023.  The reason has been Hattie's involvement in 4H and later in the FFA.  Every exhibitor livestock auction I have attended at our local county fair has always had a contingent of managers from all the different Les Schwab Tire Centers in our valley present in the stands.  They are there in great numbers, they are there all day and they are bidding on every species of livestock.  

Les Schwab Tire Centers is single handedly responsible for making sure that all of these projects get sold and for raising the average price of these projects.  I truly believe that without the contribution of this great company that many of our exhibitors would have a difficult time getting their money back, let along making a profit.  However, year after year, species after species, Les Schwab Tire Centers are there to make sure that this does not happen.  

I am fortunate to have this company that I am such a big fan of as a sponsor, and I am thrilled to feature them on today's episode.  Joining me is Chris Baker.  He is the Area Manager of all the Southern Idaho Les Schwab Tire Centers, stretching from Oregon to Wyoming.  He is also really passionate about this company and what he does.  In today's episode we will discuss a lot of specifics of the tire business as well as what Les Schwab Tire Centers provides, how they got there and the philosophy behind that.  

Happy Thanksgiving to all of you this year.  2023 has been unbelievable.  I wanted to revisit George Washington's Thanksgiving Proclamation with you on this wonderful holiday.  I am so thankful and grateful for all of you in this audience, and I hope you have a wonderful holiday with friends and family.

Matthew Gossett is the 2023 National Proficiency Winner in the category of Fiber and Oil Crop Production.  This all began in the 9th grade when he leased his first 12 (dozen) acres from his family and started his own enterprise.  This correlated with his beginning in the FFA, and he has been growing his own farming operation ever since.

Matthew just graduated from high school last spring, and he is pursuing his CDL so that he can create his off-farm income from driving truck and hauling crops while farming on the side and continuing to grow as a producer.  At the same time he continues to learn about agronomy, soils, agribusiness and the fickleness of Mother Nature when you are depending on her or farming in spite of her.

Matthew is just beginning his pursuit of a lifetime of production agriculture and sees himself as well as his brother carrying on the family farming legacy as the 5th generation in the future.  Until then, he is building his own collection of leased ground, learning by taking his own risks and enjoying the moment of being the first ever National Proficiency winner from his chapter.

Hi everyone...I am having a light week, enjoying the holiday with my family.  We hope you are as well, and please enjoy this brief farm update.

Clancey Krahn is a 2023 National Proficiency Winner in the category of Dairy Production Entrepreneurship, but there is a lot more going on with this story.  She is also an Oregon State Dairy Princess Ambassador and the National Jersey Queen!  And, she is the daughter of two incredible parents!

Clancey's story goes way back to when her older sister had been in the 4H for a couple of years and Clancey was just getting ready to start.  Their parents, both with dairy backgrounds, decided that they wanted their daughters to grow up like they had.  Having no farm, they moved to the small town of Scio, Oregon and purchased 5 acres.  Soon, Clancey and her sister were directing the procurement of more and more cattle, and getting ever deeper into dairy cattle showing and the industry as a whole.

A few years later Clancey's parents sat them down and said that if they were going to keep buying cattle for their small farm there would have be some profit motive.  Royal Riverside Dairy was born.  Today, the four of them milk 25 head of cattle, bottle their own milk and make their own flavored milks to sell to over 50 retail establishments as well as in their own farm stand.  Their 4H project exploded into a big time, niched business in their local community and it set the family on a pathway into direct marketing and value adding the milk they produce at their home.

What a fantastic story!

Tip Of The Week

Ever heard of a face social media account?

Rural Crime In The U.S.

https://www.lmtonline.com/news/article/a-cargo-plane-returns-to-jfk-airport-after-a-18493722.php

https://manhattanda.org/d-a-bragg-announces-charges-against-driver-of-nyc-carriage-horse-ryder/

https://www.ksnt.com/news/reward-increased-to-11000-for-cattle-rustlers-in-wabaunsee-co/

Across The Pond, Down Under And Up Above

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-birmingham-67425640

https://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/23921874.powys-family-left-devastated-midnight-farm-robbery/

Africa

https://www.georgeherald.com/News/Article/General/horse-owners-warned-to-be-vigilant-202311160935

https://www.tori.ng/news/253667/police-recover-three-stolen-cows-from-suspected-ca.html

Chalk One Up For The Good Guys

https://www.stgeorgeutah.com/news/archive/2023/11/15/jmr-enoch-police-arrest-suspect-after-horse-trailer-owner-spots-stolen-saddle-for-sale-online/

https://www.newportdispatch.com/2023/11/15/east-haven-man-charged-with-possession-of-stolen-tractor-grand-larceny/

More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:

Jim Griffith and Jim Maples are the creators and hosts of the Revolutionary War Rarities Podcast - the official podcast of the National Society Of The Sons Of The American Revolution.  I recently discovered this show and was immediately drawn to it because of my love for Revolutionary War History as well as my membership in the Sons Of The American Revolution.  

I kept coming back and listening to the podcast because it is so interesting and entertaining.  Jim and Jim do a great job coming up with stories, putting together the episodes and then presenting them.  They are a really good broadcasting team, and their voices are already synonymous with the American Revolution for me.  

On today's episode I get to speak with them both, talks about the origins of this show and where it is going.  We will even touch on some interesting facts about the Revolutionary War as talk a little bit about agriculture and farming was used as a tactic to defeat the British!

On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode I am thrilled to be profiling a very entertaining, informative and patriotic podcast called Revolutionary War Rarities.  Yes, this is one of those opportunities in which I get to use my platform to share information that is personally important to me.

So, for today's re-cap episode I am going back to an episode that I originally released on the 4th of July in 2018 talking about how the Revolutionary War impacted farmers.  It is just another example of how agrarian our country was at the time of the Revolution as well as another example of the sacrifices our patriot ancestors made for the cause of freedom.

Nash McKenzie is a 2023 National Proficiency Winner in the category of Diversified Horticulture.  This all started with shooting sporting clays if you can believe that.  Nash did not grow up farming or with an agricultural background, but he did grow up participating in shooting clay competitions through the 4H.  As he got to high school he discovered that he could continue this through the FFA, and he joined.

While Nash was able to continue shooting clays, he had other responsibilities in the FFA, including developing an SAE.  During his 9th Grade year he had started to mow a few lawns in an effort towards satisfying this requirement.  And when Covid shut everything else down the following year, he had the time and the inclination to really dive in to the business. That is when "Home Exterior Services" was born and it took off.

Today, Nash is just getting ready to wrap up his Associate's Degree in business.  He has expanded her services in the business from just lawns to all forms of landscaping, pressure washing and for the second year - Christmas Light hanging.

The other day I noticed that a steer had got through a fence and caused a little damage that could have been fixed really quickly and easily.  I meant to get it done right away, but one thing led to another and I did not.  Well, all the steers started using that hole, and now I have a major fix to do.  What's worse?  This is not the first time I've ever had this happen.  I knew exactly what was going to occur, but I let it happen anyway!  When will I ever learn?

Emilee Munchrath is a 2023 National Proficiency Winner in the category of Diversified Livestock.  She started her own herd of cattle and her own flock of sheep about 7 years ago with an agricultural youth loan, and she has been growing both ever since.  This has not been by accident!  Emilee had her sights set on star and proficiency awards very early, and with the guidance of her mom (also her FFA advisor) she knew that growth would be a feather in her cap pursuing her awards.  So, she set out to demonstrate growth, and she certainly has!

Emilee will be graduating from Graford High School this spring, and then it is on to Texas Tech State University.  It was interesting to hear her story of selecting Texas Tech.  She actually had her eyes fixed upon Oklahoma State University.  However, she still did a visit at Texas Tech, and she just felt like it was right.  She did not ignore the inner voice telling her that was where she belonged, and now she is heading that way in August.

Tip Of The Week

Would a big sign that says “NOT A ROAD” work?

Rural Crime In The U.S.

https://www.wfmj.com/story/49912599/mercer-man-accused-of-driving-trucks-over-farmland-road-signs-mailboxes

https://www.facebook.com/100076447704733/posts/pfbid02BsVk1CaGWn2Ymzw1xpYTvU1Kau9KNiTT9N2Gr1JXqNYaUtuRULYKSgQ7PuvUQ8c7l/?mibextid=cr9u03

https://www.ksnt.com/news/local-news/reward-offered-for-cattle-rustling-scumbags-in-wabaunsee-co/

Across The Pond, Down Under And Up Above

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/local-hubs/staffordshire/2023/11/09/investigation-launched-after-three-cows-stolen-from-staffordshire-farm/

https://www.1news.co.nz/2023/11/09/man-bites-crocodile-australia-cattle-farmer-survives-attack/

https://www.stokesentinel.co.uk/news/stoke-on-trent-news/gang-mutilate-kill-calves-amerton-8895411

Africa

https://www.thisdaylive.com/index.php/2023/11/08/troops-neutralise-bandits-arrest-19-suspected-kidnappers-in-plateau

https://platformtimes.com.ng/brothers-in-hot-water-ekiti-siblings-face-charges-for-stealing-chicken-worth-n45000/

Chalk One Up For The Good Guys

https://www.wjjm.com/agricultural-crime-unit-adds-three-special-agents/

https://ktvo.com/news/local/northeast-missouri-man-faces-multiple-charges-for-stolen-property-and-drug-possession

https://www.brunswicktimes-gazette.com/article_dc7e5412-73fd-11ee-a839-b7d8ae4ba147.html

More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:

Kade Cole and his wife are health conscious individuals, raising and family and working in a health related field.  They both also have a family history and legacy of farming and raising cattle.  Being health conscious and raising two young children is what initially led them to start trying to make their own balms, tooth powder and soaps.  However, it was the combination of these two things that led them to the development of Cattle Driver Apothecary.

They strongly believe in the products they are making specifically because of what they can leave out of them.  They use their own products and have been receiving rave reviews since they launched their business a few months ago.  There is an interesting twist on this story as well.  Kade states that in the future they would like to purchase their own land and raise their own cattle.  However, he is the sole bread winner and is teaching strength and fitness at a local high school.  So, that salary will not get it done.  Therefore, they looked at the beginning of Cattle Driver Apothecary and small business as they vessel that will take them to that destination.

More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:

On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode I am profiling a gentleman making value added products from cattle bi-products.  This got me searching for other interviews that were doing the same, and I remembered this interview with Dexter and Kayla Dedora.  So, for today's re-cap show I am bringing back this episode about their Longhorn value added business.

Hattie Brechwald is the Boise Valley District President as well as the Kuna FFA Chapter President, and she happens to live in the same house as me!  Yes, she is my daughter, and she has been accomplishing a ton in the FFA.  We both just got back from the National FFA Convention, and I invited her into the studio today to give us all a member's perspective on the national convention as well as some other FFA topics.

We will be covering:

• Non-Traditional SAE's
• SAE Grants
• Taking the long way to Indianapolis
• Skills learned through parliamentary procedure

Hattie and my recent trip to Indianapolis for the National FFA Convention dominates today's show, but there is still a bit of a farm update in here for you.  We will be covering:

• Congratulations to the American Star Winners
• Finishing the World Series in a hotel restaurant
• Ag Colleges at the convention
• Meeting Laken Troup
• A great hike in the Owyhee Mountains
• Low goat prices and a bad year

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Laken Troup is an National Proficiency Finalist in the category of Agricultural Communications. She is also a former Florida State Officer and a second year delegate to the National FFA Convention.  With all of her accomplishments you might think she was born on third base, but that could not be further from the truth.

Since Laken was in 1st Grade she has seen something, known instantly that she wanted to do a thing and found herself achieving her goals.  Of course, she didn't do this all by herself.  Her parents and FFA advisors, even a judge at a pig show, have been pivotal in her development.  In today's episode she will talk all about this story, her journey and her future goals.  Prepare to be inspired!

Tip Of The Week

Too good of a deal is exactly that…

Rural Crime In The U.S.

https://www.tampafp.com/train-crashes-into-stolen-mosaic-zephyrhills/

https://www.sjgov.org/press-releases/press-release-detail/2023/10/23/sheriff-s-office-accepts-att-grant

Across The Pond, Down Under And Up Above

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/uk/crime/cows-calves-meat-beheaded-black-market-b2435935.html

https://www.police.sa.gov.au/sa-police-news-assets/limestone-coast-local-service-area/diesel-stolen-from-moyhall-farm

Africa

https://www.sundaymail.co.zw/farmers-push-for-10-year-jail-terms-for-fish-theft

https://www.thecable.ng/troops-kill-four-bandits-arrest-over-100-suspects-in-plateau-kaduna

https://letabaherald.co.za/132975/mango-farmers-hampered-by-theft-of-fruit/

Chalk One Up For The Good Guys

https://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/50717-tulare-county-detectives-arrest-three-suspects-and-recover-100-000-of-farm-equipment-from-two-day-crime-spree

https://www.wfla.com/news/florida/meat-heist-400000-worth-of-stolen-beef-found-at-florida-veggie-farm-arrests-made/

More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:

Molly Clark is a National Proficiency Finalist in the category of Ag Communications.  At the age of 16, encouraged by her mom and her aunt, she took a job at a local radio station reading commodity bids, overnight weather, a farm story and obituaries.  At the outset she was very nervous, and she says that you could tell by her voice that she did not want to be there.

That was over two years ago however, and over time she got used to being on the radio.  This has led her to multiple accolades including being a national proficiency finalist this year.  She is no longer at the radio station since she has moved to Kentucky to begin her college career at Morehead State University.  She is studying Ag Business with a minor in Agronomy, and has her sights set on working in the crop insurance industry at the moment.

On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode I am featuring an FFA student up for a National Proficiency Award in Ag Communications.  She has accomplished this by being an ag broadcaster at a radio station in Ohio.  Well, it just so happens that she was trained and mentored by last year's National Proficiency Winner in Ag Communications, Laura Wuebker, who was a guest on this show almost exactly one year ago.  I thought playing Laura's interview again today would be the perfect tie-in with tomorrow's National Proficiency Finalist interview.

Aubrey Mahon is a National Proficiency Finalist in the category of Agricultural Mechanics Design and Fabrication.  She is also a college student at Northwestern Oklahoma State University studying Agricultural Business.

Aubrey has been showing pigs for several years, and during this time an innovation in the show pig industry has been to tan pigs that already have black, blue or brown pigment in their skin.  It is believed that this enhances their appearance and ultimately helps them to get picked in the show ring.

This new trend in the show arena gave Aubrey, who her mom calls a natural entrepreneur, an idea for a product.  She started producing and selling tanning lights for pigs.  A business called Champion Tanning Lights was born, and she has been running with it ever since.  Aubrey is currently running her business from college and returning home on the weekends to put together product.  As soon as she finishes with college she will be right back to building her business and turning this into her full-time career.

Happy Halloween to all of you, if you celebrate this night of ghosts and goblins.  On today's farm update I touch on a Halloween memory as well as selling goats this weekend and the bad year of goat production that we have had.  Oh, and why I am sleep deprived!

More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:

Kynlee Bright is a 2023 National Proficiency Finalist in the category of Ag Communications, and she has a very interesting FFA origin story.  During her sophomore year of high school, she left her high school volleyball team, and the result was an open period that needed to be filled.  The only available class for her was an agriculture class.  Kynlee knew nothing about agriculture, had no aspirations in agriculture but she also had.....no choice.

Despite Kynlee's lack of background and unhappiness with her plight, her agriculture teacher saw something in her and encouraged her to participate in an LDE.  This competition sparked something in Kynlee, and she has been a motivated and energetic FFA student ever since.  She is currently a senior in high school, serving as the chapter reporter and has been selected as one of four national finalists in her category.

On today's show Kynlee will tell us all about his very non-traditional pathway, what in the world a "Shelbizlee Sustainability Blog" is and how becoming an FFA member is influencing her future.

For Information Like Degrees Offered, Annual Costs, Etc., Please Click The Banner Below:

The Agricultural College Episode is designed to profile agricultural trade schools, junior colleges, colleges and universities around the U.S.  This episode is an effort to replicate the conversation that prospective students, parents and ag teachers might have with agricultural schools at trade show like the National FFA Convention.

The College Of Western Idaho is a community college located in the Treasure Valley of Idaho, which happens to be where I live and farm. I taught criminal justice courses at CWI for several years, and was able to teach one agriculture class while I was there as well.  CWI first started offering courses in 2009, and first started offering agriculture courses in 2016.  They are a growing agriculture program that is sorely needed in the Treasure Valley of Idaho, and today we will learn about how they are filling that void.

More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:

Tip Of The Week

Support your local sheriff’s office

Rural Crime In The U.S.

https://www.mprnews.org/story/2023/10/26/shootings-spotlight-alarming-jump-in-violence-against-minnesota-rural-officers

https://www.kiiitv.com/article/news/jim-wells-county/jim-wells-countys-rural-property-and-livestock-theft-prevention-program-helps-track-stolen-lost-property/503-e8734d7e-3bdd-4546-880a-4b0be1aef9b8

Across The Pond, Down Under And Up Above

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/crime/2023/10/27/wolverhampton-businessman-facing-jail-over-259000-payment-for-cut-price-stolen-chicken-meat/

https://www.northyorkshire.police.uk/news/north-yorkshire/news/appeals/2023/10-october/appeal-following-sheep-theft-near-harrogate/

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-northern-ireland-67235631

Africa

https://www.newtimes.co.rw/article/11870/news/agriculture/eastern-province-police-foil-theft-of-over-1000-metric-tonnes-of-seeds-and-fertilisers

https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/police-recover-stolen-livestock-valued-at-r200000-in-limpopo-fe4ea69f-2b1e-4b8b-b1dd-e2e55749084e

Chalk One Up For The Good Guys

https://bakersfieldnow.com/news/local/man-arrested-in-connection-to-widespread-rural-fuel-and-copper-wire-thefts-crime-kern-county-bakersfield-drugs-chp

https://www.knoe.com/2023/10/25/man-arrested-livestock-theft-madison-richland-parish/

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Abigaile Wolfe is a current Senior at the Indiana Agriculture & Technology School. She is also the 2x current FFA President for the Indiana Ag & Tech chapter, as well as serving for the 2nd year as her local 4-H club President. She won the district and state level proficiencies as a Junior last year in Agricultural Services. Her entrepreneurship SAE is called The Barn Babysitter, and she started it when she was 12 years old. She has an LLC, a strong social media presence, and is working on trademarking her business name. She has increased her client base to over 40 clients and books out nearly a year in advance for her services.

On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode we are featuring a high school senior who has developed a very active farm sitting business and has actually trade marked her business name.  I love the idea of a farm sitting business for a person who does not have their own farm or livestock yet, but who wants to work in this field.  But, when are you ready to take care of other people's livestock, and how do you make the business successful?  Well, I previously interviewed a farm sitter who gave us the run down on this business, and I thought it would be perfect to bring this interview with Lauren Dixon back for you today.

George Frees is an American Star Finalist in the category of Agriscience Research.  He is currently a junior at the University Of Missouri, and he has a long educational road ahead of him.

George has had a passion for plants and for research since he was 5 years old when he asked his parents for an "elephant ear" plant for his birthday and began measuring its growth rates.  Over the past 16 years he has continued to develop this passion and to add to it.  He has traveled internationally due to these interests multiple times, which ultimately led him to his SAE studying growth rates of sugar cane and the practical applications for biofuel.

George has his sights set on receiving both a Phd and MD allowing him to go to places like the Amazon or jungles of Vietnam and see how plants are being used medicinally, both as cures and treatments for different ailments.  George has a wonderful mind for research, and he talks all about it in today's episode.

Back in March I did an episode about farmers being the scapegoats for water shortages in the Arid West, when municipalities were continuing to allow urban sprawl and new subdivision that required water that they did not have rights to.  In that episode I ended by asking the question of whether or not this should be topic of conversation at all, as I believed that this problem would eventually be solved through innovation with the introduction of water from other sources into these areas.

In today's episode I want to read an article to you that I came across discussing a city in Arizona that is looking at innovation to solve this water problem so that they can continue to sprawl.  I am not in favor of sprawl, but I am in favor of innovation to deal with water shortages, and it appears that some of these ideas may be gaining traction.

Jaxson Collier is an American Star Finalist in the category of Agricultural Placement.  He has been working on his families dairy farm in Snyder, Texas since he was 11 or 12 years old, and he is the third generation to do so.

Jax is one for setting specific and long term goals.  When he was a freshman in high school he set his sights on being a 1st Vice-President at the area level in Texas.  Three years later, he accomplished that.  He also knew that he wanted to keep pushing with his supervised agricultural experience, and today he finds himself poised to be named an American Star winner.

Jax will be graduating college in May, but he plans to stay and get his masters in business administration.  Then, he has his eyes set on becoming a land broker and selling ranches and dairies.  Something tells me that it is just a matter of time.

For Information Like Degrees Offered, Annual Costs, Etc., Please Click The Banner Below:

The Agricultural College Episode is designed to profile agricultural trade schools, junior colleges, colleges and universities around the U.S.  This episode is an effort to replicate the conversation that prospective students, parents and ag teachers might have with agricultural schools at trade show like the National FFA Convention.

Iowa State University sits in the heart of the Corn Belt and some of the most advanced production agriculture in the nation.  With that said, Ames is the epitome of a college town, with a community that leaves and breathes with the university.  To get a great start in agriculture, Iowa State University is there waiting for you.  On today's show we will talk all about it.

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Tip Of The Week

To be really secure, gates need to be chained on both sides

Rural Crime In The U.S.

https://goldrushcam.com/sierrasuntimes/index.php/news/local-news/50603-madera-county-sheriff-s-office-partners-with-valley-crime-stoppers-to-crack-down-on-agricultural-theft-and-vandalism

https://starherald.com/news/state-regional/crime-courts/rural-north-platte-man-pleads-guilty-to-felony-neglect-of-livestock/article_b172b923-627f-5ea3-8985-7080414be446.html

https://www.siouxlandproud.com/news/local-news/sioux-county-sheriff-seeking-information-after-john-deere-gator-stolen-from-farm/

https://www.theoakleafnews.com/news/srjc-district-police/2023/10/15/hemp-plants-stolen-from-shone-farm/

Across The Pond, Down Under And Up Above

https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/23863762.police-appeal-horsebox-stolen-green-hammerton/

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/crime/2023/10/17/appeal-after-nine-pigs-stolen-from-farm-targeted-twice-in-seven-days/

https://farmersforum.com/opp-2-tractors-stolen-from-winchester-business/

Africa

https://thepoint.gm/africa/gambia/headlines/3-face-conspiracy-cattle-theft-case

https://www.sabcnews.com/sabcnews/nc-farmers-say-stock-theft-is-on-the-rise/

Chalk One Up For The Good Guys

https://news.yahoo.com/sioux-falls-man-gets-probation-102010789.html

https://www.agdaily.com/ffa/washington-man-finally-sentenced-after-killing-three-ffa-pigs/

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Olivia Pflaumer is an Agriscience teacher, former American Star Finalist, former FFA member and three time guest of the Off-Farm Income Podcast.  On today's show she returns to give us an update on her career.  Olivia first appeared on the show in 2016 when she was a junior in high school.  Three years later she was back as an American Star Finalist in the category of Agriscience Research.  Today, Olivia has completed college and student teaching, and she is an Agriscience instructor at the Global Impact Stem Academy in Springfield, Ohio.  Today, we get to catch up on all she has done and is doing.

On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode we are catching up with Olivia Pflaumer who is now an agriscience teacher in a STEM Program in Ohio.  This will be Olivia's third appearance on the show as she has been a high achiever for years now.  Olivia's first appearance was back in 2016, and as a nice tie in for tomorrow I decided to replay that interview today.  This will make for a great before and after picture of Olivia.

Joseph Pulver is an American Star Finalist in the category of Agribusiness.  He and his brother are third generation working their families concrete business in the farming community of Randolph, Wisconsin.  As such, Joseph has been doing one aspect or another of the concrete business since he was 11 years old.

By the time Joseph has a couple of years invested in the FFA, his advisor approached him and made a life changing suggestion.  He suggested that Joseph form an LLC, and start his own business on the side of working for his father in the concrete business.  Joseph took the advice, and JP Slabs LLC was born.  At this point Joseph started working on the weekend in his own business.  However, he needed somebody to take a chance on him since he was only 16.  One farmer did and hired him to poor a pad for a grain bin to rest on.  That led to word of mouth and a growing business.

Today, Joseph is 22 years old, and he is working full time for his father and still growing his own business on the weekends.  He realized that while he knew concrete, he needed to learn more about business.  So, today he is a graduate of Fox Valley Technical College with a degree in business.  Joseph plans on operating his business on the weekends for the foreseeable future until he raises enough funds to buy into his father's business.

I had a list of farm update things to talk to you about today, but I didn't talk about almost any of that.  As so often happens when I start recording, my mind goes somewhere that is cathartic as it often does when speaking to this fantastic audience.  So, today there is a lot of reflection about how fortunate I am, the current events of today and a somber ending about those events.  I hope you will join me.

Lainey Hutchison is an American Star Finalist in the category of agribusiness.  Growing up on a cattle ranch in Tennessee, horses have always been a part of Lainey's life.  That bloomed over the years to where she started competing in rodeo on horseback.  Eventually, a parent approached her and asked if she would be willing to provide riding lessons to their daughter.  She said yes, and an equestrian entrepreneur was born.

Today, Lainey is competing on the college rodeo team at the University Of Tennessee, Martin.  Martin is close enough to her family ranch that she is able to continue providing riding lessons on the weekends.  In addition, she and her mother started providing farm camps to kids, agricultural and non-agricultural, when Lainey was back in high school.  She continues to do that during the summer, providing agricultural education to younger children.

We are 8 months into profiling agricultural colleges.  I believe that we are dispelling some myths and uncovering some opportunities for the student who wants to pursue a future in agriculture.  In today's I'll try to summarize what I have learned in the past 8 months.

Tip Of The Week

What does it mean to believe all victims?

Rural Crime In The U.S.

https://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-12619815/Washington-family-farm-theft-suspect-chicken-kids.html

https://www.aginfo.net/report/57718/Sportsman-s-Spotlight/Stolen-Guard-dogs

Across The Pond, Down Under And Up Above

https://southburnett.com.au/news2/2023/10/11/hay-thats-our-truck/https://www.bordertelegraph.com/news/23847191.sheep-injured-dog-attack-borders-farm/

https://www.swindonadvertiser.co.uk/news/23845748.police-investigation-wootton-bassett-farm-targeted-theft/

Africa

https://www.kbc.co.ke/trio-arrested-as-anti-stock-theft-unit-recovers-stolen-livestock/

https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/two-men-nabbed-for-suspected-stolen-cattle-in-limpopo-93a12917-ff95-43d5-9995-cf2e263e90b5

Chalk One Up For The Good Guys

https://www.morningagclips.com/love-county-man-sentenced-for-horse-theft/

https://localnews8.com/news/crime-tracker/2023/10/10/1-arrested-after-pursuit-in-stolen-tractor/

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Today will our second installment talking about pricing and “is profit evil?”  I did that for a reason.  This is a question that has come up several times.  It came up for me in my business.  It has come up with guests that I have interviewed on the show.  And, it is has come up from people who are working in my industry who have since gone out of business.

The fact that they went out of business is a hint as to how important this issue is.  By being generous or being nice, rather than pricing their products or services correctly, they are now out of business and not sharing their gifts with the rest of the world.  This is not a sustainable way of doing business.

We need to be concerned with sustainability, business sustainability.  If we use entrepreneurship to support our farming or rural lifestyle and the business fails, then we lose the lifestyle.  So, it is important that we price our goods or services in a way that will sustain our business.  Otherwise, all of the positive impact we could have had with our agricultural enterprise will no longer exist.

Today we will be talking about pricing and “is profit evil?”  I did that for a reason.  This is a question that has come up several times.  It came up for me in my business.  It has come up with guests that I have interviewed on the show.  And, it is has come up from people who are working in my industry who have since gone out of business.

The fact that they went out of business is a hint as to how important this issue is.  By being generous or being nice, rather than pricing their products or services correctly, they are now out of business and not sharing their gifts with the rest of the world.  This is not a sustainable way of doing business.

We need to be concerned with sustainability, business sustainability.  If we use entrepreneurship to support our farming or rural lifestyle and the business fails, then we lose the lifestyle.  So, it is important that we price our goods or services in a way that will sustain our business.  Otherwise, all of the positive impact we could have had with our agricultural enterprise will no longer exist.

Whitney Glazier is an American Star Finalist in the category of Agricultural Placement.  She knew she wanted to be an FFA member early in life, when her father was still teaching agriculture.  As she and her sister got older and became more involved in showing pigs, he dad ended his 20 year career as an ag teacher and started farming full time and helping Whitney and her sister get to different pig shows.

Starting in her freshman year, Whitney knew she wanted to be an American Star Finalist.  However, she didn't think that a girl from a small town like her could achieve that dream.  However, she kept pursuing it, finding success but staying humble.  Today she finds herself on the precipice of becoming an American Star and already having been honored by being a finalist.

Hattie and I just returned from Yellowstone National Park.  On this previous weekend, every October since 2016, she and I have departed for Yellowstone and spent three days searching for wildlife and taking in incredible vistas.  She is a senior in high school this year, so this may be it!  I don't know what the future holds for this trip in October, but I do know that she will not be subject to the Kuna High School calendar next year and there will be a new set of scheduling obstacles to deal with when it comes to planning this trip.

On today's show I talk all about these past 8 years of Yellowstone with Hattie, and how this year we graduated to the level of guides!

Jasmyn Hoeger is a sophomore at the University Of Iowa and an American Star Finalist in the category of Agriscience Research.  Her passion and her research project have their roots all the way back to when Jasmyn was in the 3rd Grade and her father was almost fatally injured by their bull.  In subsequent discussions with doctors after the incident Jasmyn became aware that had the bull been horned the incident was almost certainly have been fatal.

Years later, now in the FFA, Jasmyn's teacher encouraged her to get into agriscience research through a science fair project that could also be used in the FFA.  Jasmyn participated, and a flame for research was lit.  This led to her beginning a journey that he is continuing today, into an economical and pain free method of dehorning cattle.  Jasmyn believes that cost and pain caused to cattle are the two biggest obstacles to people dehorning calves.  And, she believes that having cattle, particularly bulls, on farms that are horned causes a more unsafe working environment for farmers and ranchers.  So, her research is directed at eliminated those two obstacles and creating safer farms by having less horned cattle on those operations.

What Jasmyn has already done is really incredible, and it is really easy to see what the practical application will be.  It is amazing that she is only a sophomore in college, but obviously she will be continuing her education for some time and will be making a big difference in the world of agriculture!

For Information Like Degrees Offered, Annual Costs, Etc., Please Click The Banner Below:

The Agricultural College Episode is designed to profile agricultural trade schools, junior colleges, colleges and universities around the U.S.

[caption id="attachment_421096" align="alignright" width="145"] Nick Dorroh - Ag Student Ambassador[/caption]

Thisepisode is an effort to replicate the conversation that prospective students, parents and ag teachers might have with agricultural schools at trade show like the National FFA Convention.

I began my college career at a community college and got off to a great start academically.  I have often stated, with all seriousness, that had I not had that beginning, I probably would not have graduated with a bachelor's degree.  So, I believe that a community college is an absolutely fantastic place to begin a college pursuit, and that is why I wanted to profile as many as possible on this episode.  

In today's episode I am proving Aims Community College from Fort Lupton, Colorado.  We are going to be talking about the re-emergence of their agricultural program, the emergence of new opportunities and why a 38 year old man, who is redefining his life chose Aims for his new beginning.

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Tip Of The Week

Outgoing mail and locking mail boxes

Rural Crime In The U.S.

https://www.fox10phoenix.com/news/target-closing-stores-due-to-theft-concerns-of-violence-toward-workers

https://www.klkntv.com/man-accused-of-smashing-window-to-break-into-rural-southeast-nebraska-home/

https://www.kbzk.com/news/crime-courts/mail-carrier-sentenced-for-stealing-mail-on-rural-routes

Across The Pond, Down Under And Up Above

https://www.edp24.co.uk/news/23819082.women-deny-stealing-kings-lambs-field-sandringham/

https://www.agriland.co.uk/farming-news/psni-appeal-for-information-about-farm-theft-in-co-fermanagh/

Africa

https://www.iol.co.za/the-star/news/ff-shocked-over-the-increase-in-police-arrests-for-various-crimes-639204c3-ec3f-49f3-b285-5821f80ccffa

https://bulawayo24.com/index-id-news-sc-national-byo-235955.html

Chalk One Up For The Good Guys

https://abc11.com/cumberland-county-fayettevillle-animal-cruelty-abuse/13839586/

https://news.yahoo.com/hundreds-pounds-medicinal-fruit-confiscated-183627317.html

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Cassidy Johnston and her husband are the creators and owners of JRC Ranch Management & Consulting.  This is a business that they are developing after years of working on different ranches throughout Colorado and having a myriad of different experiences.  They believe that there can be a disconnect between absentee ranch owners and the folks who are doing the day to day work on the ranches, and they would like to be part of the solution to solving that problem.

In the interview Cassidy talks about how sometimes employees on ranches are not treated as well as employees in other sectors of industry.  This leads to burnout, high turnover and poor performance of the ranch.  Basically, nobody wins in these situations.  In many cases, Cassidy believes that the problem lies in the disconnect and is not necessarily a character flaw of the ownership.  She will talk all about her observations and how she aims to be part of the solution in this episode.

On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode I am profiling a cattle rancher striving to make cattle ranching better for everyone.  In she and her husband's efforts, they are taking the perspective of ranch employers and trying to convey that ranch owners, particularly absentee ranch owners.

So, for today's re-cap episode I am going back to an episode I did that I titled "The Amazing Range Cow And the Amazing Rancher".  Hopefully there is enough in this episode to give you some perspective on ranchers out here in the West are doing before we roll into tomorrow's show.

Hadley Steifvater is an American Star Finalist in the category of Agriscience Research.  She has grow up around her father's veterinary practice, raising livestock of her own and also helping to solve problems in the production agriculture world in her region of South Dakota.

Hadley was homeschooled for the entirety of her primary school career, and her pathway into the FFA and agriscience research are a bit different than normal.  Hadley was actually recruited by the FFA Advisor for McCook Central High School, Terry Reickman, as her father had been the FFA and Terry had been his advisor too.  This recruitment took place her 7th Grade year, but it was not until 8th Grade that her parents allowed it.

In the first year, another of Hadley's FFA Advisors, Tracy Chase, encouraged her to do an agriscience research project.  Hadley went on to win both state and national awards with that project in just the 8th Grade!  This set her on a course of seeking research projects, and soon she was researching the best methods of farrowing pigs and caring for newly born pigs on behalf of her father and for one of his customers.

This led to Hadley researching block chains in the beef industry and assessing whether or not the origins of a steak could be traced back to the farm the calf was born on - a topic of particular interest to me.

Hadley is now at South Dakota State University, majoring in Animal Science, and she is looking at a future career in the veterinary field as either a veterinary nurse or veterinarian.

Today, I've got a lively farm update for you.  We will be discussing:

• very successful FFA scholarship auction
• .75 inches of rain and done irrigating
• grazing goats on canal for two weeks straight
• Oso working out great
• still on pasture with cattle and hope to be for a couple more weeks
• corn, kochia and cover crops for goats to green

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Audrey Pinger is a 2023 American Star Finalist in the category of Agriscience Research.  This all began in the 9th Grade with her adamantly refusing to the join the FFA as her friends tried to get her to sign up.  Finally, after a lot of peer pressure (the good kind), she relented and became a member to join what would later become a nationally competing parliamentary procedure team.

During this time Audrey was encouraged to do an agriscience research project by her FFA Advisor.  She ended going to and winning her state with the project, and this lit a fire.  Soon, she was running four separate agriscience research projects, and obviously those projects stood out as she has become one of only four finalists in the category out of over 800,000 FFA students in the nation!

Audrey is currently studying to become an agriculture teacher at The Ohio State University, and she will also be receiving her American Degree this year.

For Information Like Degrees Offered, Annual Costs, Etc., Please Click The Banner Below:

The Agricultural College Episode is designed to profile agricultural trade schools, junior colleges, colleges and universities around the U.S.
This episode is an effort to replicate the conversation that prospective students, parents and ag teachers might have with agricultural schools at trade show like the National FFA Convention.

Mid-State Technical College serves as a conduit between employers in their region of Wisconsin looking for talented and qualified recruits, and up and coming employees who need certifications and more to be qualified to work for those employers.  This pragmatic approach is very beneficial to agriculture students because that is how we in agriculture tend to operate.  And, because Mid-State Tech. has four locations, they can cater to all the different types of agriculture that are represented in each location.

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Tip Of The Week

The legal system does work….

Rural Crime In The U.S.

https://www.agdaily.com/crops/california-authorities-still-trying-to-solve-watermelon-caper/

https://kansasreflector.com/2023/09/28/kansas-farmer-loses-appeal-in-bizarre-hog-effluent-disposal-trespassing-nuisance-case/

Across The Pond, Down Under And Up Above

https://www.southwestfarmer.co.uk/news/23805448.police-appeal-56-sheep-stolen-woolavington/

https://www.farmersguardian.com/news/4124922/bales-hay-slashed-police-investigate

Africa

https://www.citizen.co.za/witness/news/pietermaritzburg/criminals-target-power-cables/

https://www.the-star.co.ke/news/2023-09-28-five-suspected-rustlers-escape-death-as-their-vehicle-is-set-on-fire/

Chalk One Up For The Good Guys

https://www.klkntv.com/man-accused-of-igniting-hay-bales-burglarizing-northeast-nebraska-golf-course/

https://www.wctv.tv/2023/09/21/something-good-wcso-joins-4-h-hay-bale-contest-with-new-deputy/

https://www.fultonsun.com/news/2023/sep/27/man-sentenced-for-kingdom-city-farm-theft/

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Peggy Coffeen is a podcast host, farmer and seller of value added products. She also make a successful transition from a corporate career to self-employment after identifying two niche businesses and moving into them.

On today's ag business episode Peggy and I have an in depth conversation about the dynamics of moving to full time, self-employment.  We also talk about many of the pitfalls you will face along the way and the fear that will seek to stop you.  Peggy has a very unique perspective on identifying your target customer, and an interesting story that goes with that.  In addition, she started a very niched podcast after seeing a hole in the dairy world that she believed needed to filled.

Come along for an inspiring and very interesting interview today!

On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode we are going to be profiling an entrepreneur who transitioned from a full-time corporate career to being a full-time entrepreneur.  In the spirit of what I normally do, I wanted to pull an episode from the archives that tied in with tomorrow's theme.  I believe that this interview with Daryl Mast of Doorstep Dairy does so nicely.  From the transition to the family legacy, this episode has it all.

Daniel Jossund is a 2023 American Star Farmer Finalist.  I met him for the first time in this interview, but what an impressive resume he put forward.  He has been farming corn, wheat, soybeans, barley and sugar beets with his family his entire life.  However, at the beginning of his FFA career he joined his brother in a straw bailing business, and actually purchased his own bailer.

The purchase of that bailer was just the beginning for Daniel.  Soon he was leasing ground from his grandmother and growing wheat and soybeans.  Then he leased some ground from his chapter and began growing alfalfa.  Just after graduation from high school he purchased 150 acres of his own and diversified even more.  

Daniel is currently in college at North Dakota State University studying agricultural business and minoring in banking.  When I asked him what was next for him, after college, without hesitation but with full confidence he said "full time farming".  He is already well on his way to that dream, and her is wishing him the best of luck at the National Convention!

A while back I did a solo show defending farmers from a newspaper article calling them "hogs" for using the water that has been allotted to them for well over a century for farming  **See The Original Show Notes Below**

An article recently popped up locally for me that supported the idea of the "pyramid scheme" that small cities get involved with that leads to the need to continue to approve development projects so that they can create new tax revenue that will pay for aging infrastructure.  On today's Tuesday episode I've got a brief farm update for you, and then I want to read you this article and cite it as evidence that this "pyramid scheme" is really happening.

Weston Whiteside is an American Star Finalist in the category of Agribusiness.  Weston has been working in the lawn care and landscaping business since he was 11 years old, and when he turned 16 years old he purchased the business from his father.  Since then, Weston has made moves to transform his clientele from residential to commercial and to ramp up the earnings.  He has been succeeding in that endeavor.  

Weston is currently studying agricultural business and playing baseball at The College Of The Ozarks in Missouri.  In addition, he is working in exchange for his tuition, so he has absolutely no tuition payments to make to get his degree.  He is employed at the campus feed mill and does a variety of jobs in exchange for tuition.  

When Weston graduates he plans on running his business, Whiteside Landscaping, full time and building the business even larger.  He has a lofty goal of being financially independent by the time he is 30 years old, not so he can stop working, but so he can always do work that he loves and is passionate about. 

For Information Like Degrees Offered, Annual Costs, Etc., Please Click The Banner Below:

The Agricultural College Episode is designed to profile agricultural trade schools, junior colleges, colleges and universities around the U.S.  This

[caption id="attachment_421012" align="alignright" width="90"] Allison Meyer: Head Ag Ambassador - Dordt University[/caption]

episode is an effort to replicate the conversation that prospective students, parents and ag teachers might have with agricultural schools at trade show like the National FFA Convention.

Dordt University is a private, Christian university located in Northwest Iowa.  It is also one of the few Christian universities to have an agriculture program.  The university has its own row crop operation, feed lot and dairy herd.  In addition to that, Dordt is located in a very rural part of the state that is agriculturally intensive.  So, students there have multitudes of opportunities to work in agriculture and make great money doing it!

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Tip Of The Week

Think safety first everyone, rural crime prevention is included in this

Rural Crime In The U.S.

https://www.wdayradionow.com/news/local-news/67960-kreps-family-farm-in-fargo-reports-two-burglaries-in-two-days

https://www.nemonews.net/2023/09/06/police-ask-for-assistance-from-the-public-following-rash-of-edina-burglaries/

https://gonzalesinquirer.com/stories/arrest-warrant-issued-for-woman-after-failure-to-appear-on-livestock-theft-charge,77684

Across The Pond, Down Under And Up Above

https://www.northernfarmer.co.uk/news/23757438.three-arrests-north-yorkshire-farm-machinery-thefts/

https://www.brecon-radnor.co.uk/news/powys-police-appeal-for-information-on-20-stolen-brecknock-hill-cheviot-yearling-ewes-637930

Africa

https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/piketberg-murder-shocks-farming-community-adc355b0-9fc3-43e0-bc4a-60a3f610a4d5

https://citizen.digital/wananchi-reporting/bomet-farmers-decry-rise-in-cattle-theft-meat-sold-in-neighbouring-sub-counties-n326894

https://www.iol.co.za/capetimes/news/parliament-urged-to-form-ad-hoc-committee-on-farm-murders-0dc177cd-bb47-4b33-a62b-759036d41879

Chalk One Up For The Good Guys

https://themessenger.com/news/kellen-tolentino-joshua-kellogg-stealing-75-pounds-oranges-hawaii-farm

https://www.cbsnews.com/news/eric-edson-vermont-robbery-suspect-arrested-eluded-capture-using-car-bike-tractor-dump-truck-sailboat/

More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:

Eric Rickenbach is the owner of RescueTechs and devotes himself to teaching others how to respond to emergencies on the farm.  He has also been a first responder for decades and has been to many of these scenes himself.

When I found Eric's web page and what he did, I knew I wanted to have him on the show during National Farm Safety and Health Week, so we made it happen.  Today we will discuss some of the most common instances of injuries and death on farms.  We will also talk about taking the extra step to insure that you are working safely.  And, we will talk about why the buddy system is so important.

Stay safe out there everyone...

Today we are continuing our focus on National Farm Health & Safety Week.  Joining us are two FFA members from Bowling Green High School in Bowling Green, Missouri, Abby Haas and Courtney Kraft.  They are spearheading a county wide effort to teach 4th graders about food storage safety as well as medication safety in their homes.

I love it when people do activities that accomplish two goals at once, and that is exactly what they are doing.  At the same time they are teaching safety to farm student as well as non-farm students, they are exposing everyone to agriculture and the FFA.  We know that the number of non-traditional FFA students is on the increase, and that is good thing.  This effort will help to keep that trend moving forward.

The biggest contributors to farm accidents are probably impatience and complacency.  Getting in a hurry, or thinking that danger doesn't exist just because nothing has ever happened before can lead one into a dangerous situation.

On today's show we are profiling the farm safety education philosophy of the Tunstall FFA Chapter in Dry Fork, Virginia.  Dr. Jessica Jones, the FFA Advisor and her colleagues have figured out that impatience and complacency can be overcome by keeping safety in the front of one's mind.  If you think safety first, then your chances of not overlooking a dangerous aspect of your job go way up.

Two of Jessica's students, Chapter President - Cole Abercrombie as well as sophomore member - Zac Chaney join me on the show today.  They will talk about farming in their area, what they see as some of the biggest risks and how farm safety is taught in every agriculture class at Tunstall, regardless of whether or not it is Farm Safety Week.

Rylee Shelton is a senior in high school and the president of her FFA Chapter.  She is also a beef producer and staunch advocate for agriculture, specifically the beef industry.

Rylee is currently running for both Missouri Beef Queen as well as the position of Missouri Farm Bureau Ambassador.  As such, she is doing a lot of public speaking, both to agricultural and non-agricultural audiences.  At the same time she is advocating for agriculture, she is also teaching about farm safety and handling techniques of working with cattle that minimize stress on the livestock and create the safest working environment possible for humans.

To the agricultural audiences Rylee focuses mainly on ways we can evolve into different handling techniques for betterment of our industry from both a public perception and safety standpoint.  To the general public she talks about staying safe and safe cattle handling techniques as one of the ways in which she debunks misconceptions about animal abuse in agriculture.

The wisdom of how Rylee is going about doing this is fantastic, and I share her enthusiasm!

It is National Farm Health & Safety Week, and I am devoting this week to just that!  Joining me today are two students from the Audrain County FFA

Chapter in Laddonia, Missouri.  Brant Cope and Aaron Carter are the organizers of this years Farm Safety Day at their high school and put on by their FFA Chapter.  Brant and Aaron have both participated in this event multiple times over the years, first as elementary school students and for the past four years as FFA students teaching at the stations.

On Farm Safety Day, elementary students from around their county will come to their school and be shown multiple different stations and taught how to be safe.  This will include everything from electrical lines, to horses, to grain bins to atv's.

Tip Of The Week

https://www.scotsman.com/lifestyle/family-and-parenting/most-stolen-dogs-2023-these-are-the-10-breeds-of-adorable-dog-most-often-taken-from-their-owners-including-the-loving-jack-russell-3277394

Rural Crime In The U.S.

https://www.independent.co.uk/news/world/americas/crime/danelo-cavalcante-manhunt-search-expands-b2409225.html

https://news.yahoo.com/tractor-used-help-grow-food-205412334.html

Across The Pond, Down Under And Up Above

https://uk.news.yahoo.com/image-released-man-believed-connected-112500430.html?guccounter=1&guce_referrer=aHR0cHM6Ly93d3cuZ29vZ2xlLmNvbS8&guce_referrer_sig=AQAAAKxOLudzTwD2h_Xn68QbBSIBw8n6C-6SOD4uosr5rYwmvsKerDGBL89-bWMZlmgontO7MC1n5ul2UJa1w38s_5qcgI2fBxoMJJY2S0UUot3NIK09UJ4ykRp5BjyEvkZ7YS_ElhAvrW647fN_QUb09yhD-vgUqnyRLbwMsgsNuOBn

https://www.fwi.co.uk/news/rural-policing-team-recover-1m-of-stolen-machinery

Africa

https://punchng.com/nifor-firm-collaborate-on-agricultural-development/

https://fij.ng/article/cattleman-wrongfully-imprisoned-for-six-months-on-false-accusations-finally-regains-freedom/

Chalk One Up For The Good Guys

https://www.facebook.com/100064418454752/posts/pfbid02tuv7vZ4QBBRLdneTNijdxb4NPE69KKu8eR6Pvbb3YXGeXve4rKRLE69gd1f97eYtl/?mibextid=cr9u03

https://kpq.com/farmer-holds-two-alleged-burglars-at-gunpoint-following-break-in/

https://www.yourcentralvalley.com/news/crime/man-arrested-stealing-over-5k-in-haybales-deputies-say/

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Jessie Jarvis is the owner of "Of The West" a job platform for agricultural jobs and Western lifestyle careers.  She is also a lifelong rancher from Southern Idaho with a deep legacy of ranching work in the Gem State.

On today's episode Jessie will discuss why she created "Of The West", and how the inspiration came to her. She will also discuss some of the challenges of looking for a job in agriculture, and why being part of the 2% of the nation involved in ag can lead to a defeated feeling before you have ever submitted a resume.

Jessie has a passion for connecting people with the right opportunity, and that definitely comes through in today's episode.

On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode we are going to be talking about ag careers, starting an ag jobs website and delving into the entrepreneurial and professional employee aspects of a life in agriculture.  So, for today's re-cap show I went back to one of the best profiles of an agricultural career that I ever did.  Ironically, this took place on episode #002 of the show.  That's right, this was the second episode I ever produced and the first interview I ever conducted!

This show features my late uncle, Allan Romander.  Allan spent his entire working life in agriculture, and the bulk of his professional career as a crop advisor, then a pest control advisor and finally a certified crop advisor.  He had the same position all the way through but over time the titles changed and the certifications became more challenging.  Allan was the epitome of a professional and he loved agriculture.  I don't think there ever was anyone better suited to advocate for this career path than Allan.

Luke Jennings is a 2023 American Star Farmer Finalist.  He is also the state president for Ohio FFA, serving his second term as a state officer in the Buckeye State.

I first interviewed Luke in 2021 at the National FFA Convention in Indianapolis.  The media center for the convention is in the media offices at Lucas Oil Field where the Indianapolis Colts play, so we sat down in a room over looking the entire domed stadium, the huge FFA stage and the football field below.

Luke went up on the big stage three times that convention, including one time as a National Proficiency Finalist.  I thought I was surely catching this young man at the heights of his FFA career.  I didn't think this because I didn't think him capable, but he had accomplished so much already it was just a natural thought.  However, in the following school year he became an Ohio State Officer, in May of 2023 he was elected for a second term - this time as state president and then in July he was selected as a finalist for American Star Farmer!

I couldn't be more proud of what this young man has done and is now doing, and it is my thrill to have him back on the show.

Well, the largest looming topic on our farm this week is remember 9/11 and trying to wrap my mind around the fact that it has been 22 years already.  Autumm and I will never forget that day, and we hope you found some peace and silence on Monday to take some time to reflect in your own way.

Also on today's show:

• Oso the new livestock guardian dog
• Treating chickens for mites with permethrin
• The biography of Tom Horn

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Callie Welty is a 2023 American Star Farmer Finalist, and after speaking with her it is not hard to understand why.

Callie has had three things ingrained into her since a young age; love of the FFA, love of Brahman cattle and love for the Texas A&M Aggies.  Today, at age 19 she has become the president of the American Junior Brahmans Association, she is studying agricultural communications in College Station and the foundation of the SAE that has led her to be an American Star Finalist is her herd of Brahman cattle.

In the interview Callie talks a lot about how mentors have played an important role in her development as a student, student leader and breeder of cattle.  It is a point that should be emphasized as too many people try to go it alone when there are experienced people that are more than willing to give advice and share life experiences.  Callie is doing great things with the help of these mentors, and it shines through in her interview.

For Information Like Degrees Offered, Annual Costs, Etc., Please Click The Banner Below:

The Agricultural College Episode is designed to profile agricultural trade schools, junior colleges, colleges and universities around the U.S. This episode is an effort to replicate the conversation that prospective students, parents and ag teachers might have with agricultural schools at trade show like the National FFA Convention.

The College Of The Ozarks is unlike any other college I have profiled to date.  Not only do you work 15 hours per week for your tuition, but you are not allowed to pay for your tuition.  Even better, the university does not allow its students to take out student loans.  If you attend the College Of The Ozarks, your are literally guaranteed to graduate with $0 in student loan debt.

I discovered the College Of The Ozarks through an interview I did with Weston Whiteside (episode #1845 - 9/25/23), who is a 2023 American Star Finalist in the category of agribusiness.  He is a third year student there and told me that he works in exchange for tuition when I interviewed him.  On today's episode I speak with him and his agriculture professor, Tamara Holder, to get all of your questions answered.

More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:

Tip Of The Week

Purchase a game camera with a cell plan

Rural Crime In The U.S.

https://www.tnonline.com/20230829/fuel-stolen-from-utility-tractor-in-monroe/

https://www.local10.com/news/local/2023/08/28/miami-dade-man-accused-of-armed-robbery/

Across The Pond, Down Under And Up Above

https://www.townandcountrytoday.com/barrhead-news/farmer-reports-hay-bale-theft-from-field-south-of-barrhead-7465435

https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-wiltshire-66644193

https://www.agriland.co.uk/farming-news/pregnant-cows-die-following-dog-chase-in-wales/

Africa

https://dailynigerian.com/gombe-farmers-night-vigil/

https://ke.opera.news/ke/en/society/99ff6a035ec141f604b18a8f1161e54f

Chalk One Up For The Good Guys

https://www.wyff4.com/article/men-wanted-stealing-peaches-farm-south-carolina/44955458

https://myfox8.com/news/tractor-on-the-loose-2-men-charged-with-stealing-tractor-that-has-not-been-found-in-north-carolina/

More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:

Shawn Kapanke is the Business Development Manager of Silver Spring Foods from Eau Claire, Wisconsin.  This company has its roots figuratively in 1929 and literally in the ground of Wisconsin where hot and delicious horseradish is being grown on 5-7 year rotation.

Today's show is a bit unconventional for an Ag Business Episode, as I am profiling a larger company.  Rest assured that Silver Spring is not a prospective sponsor, and they did not pay me for this episode.  However, I love horseradish and don't know anything about it, so when they reached out this was a great opportunity to learn more.

And, and this is a big AND...as I researched this company it dawned on me that almost 100 years ago this began with a need for extra revenue and the creation of a value added product.  Since we advocate for value adding on the show, looking at this awesome "after picture" seems like a perfect way to demonstrate proof of this concept.

On tomorrow's Ag Business Episode we are telling the story of a company that was born during the Great Depression from a need to make extra money during slow times during the winter.  The answer that the founder came up with was a value added product.  Today, that original product has inspired many other products and created jobs for hundreds of people and deliciousness for millions of people's meals.

As a great "tie in" to tomorrow's show I went looking for interviews that I had done regarding value added product.  I cannot think of a better "tie in" than this interview that I did with Logan Schlaugh back in 2020.  The creation of a value added product is literally what saved this young man's family farming enterprise.  You have all heard me talk about the pressure to not be the link in the family chain that loses the farm.  Well, this is real story about coming close but then being innovative and saving it with a value added product.

Tanner Mickey is a 2023 finalist for the award of American Star Farmer!  He has done this through a variety of enterprises including corn, soybean and wheat farming; raising cattle and sheep; and working in his families seed sales business.

Tanner was first a guest on the show in 2019 as he was getting ready to start his senior year of high school.  We did the interview one day prior to him leaving for Scotland with his livestock judging team to compete internationally.  He was also just a few months away from becoming the Illinois State Star Farmer at that point.

I am very proud of what he has already accomplished and that he has been recognized as an American Star Farmer Finalist this year.  We will catch up on everything he has been doing over the past four years on this episode.

Hi everyone.  Big things happening recently on the farm, and I'll update you on all of those today, including:

• Lost another goat to the coyote - hopefully the last
• We now have a livestock guardian dog
• We have expanded our goat herd again
• I just started irrigation today for the first time in 2.5 weeks
• Heading to our final minor league baseball game of the season this evening

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Lance Moritz is a 2023 American Star Finalist in the category of Agricultural Placement.  Lance was also previously a guest on the Off-Farm Income Podcast in 2019.  Since that time, Lance has been through a lot.  He has continued to work in and develop both aspects of his supervised agricultural experiences, and he had a kidney transplant!  The transplant took him out of the field for several months, but it gave him the opportunity to look at the behind the scenes portion of running his families farm and landscaping business.

Lance just received his degree in Agronomy from Illinois Valley Community College in May, and he is now taking on more responsibility on his families farm.  In today's episode Lance I spend some time catching up, and I spend some time congratulating him for this outstanding accomplishment.

For Information Like Degrees Offered, Annual Costs, Etc., Please Click The Banner Below:

The Agricultural College Episode is designed to profile agricultural trade schools, junior colleges, colleges and universities around the U.S.  This

[caption id="attachment_420892" align="alignright" width="182"] Curtis Lauderdale - Assistant Dean for Student Advising and Development[/caption]

episode is an effort to replicate the conversation that prospective students, parents and ag teachers might have with agricultural schools at trade show like the National FFA Convention.

The University Of Wisconsin at Madison is a very storied land grant university that has been innovating int he area of agricultural research and education for decade after decade.  The original mission of this university was agriculture, but the non-agricultural culture and tradition has grown to gigantic proportions over the years.

On today's episode we will take a look at all UW Madison has to offer to those seeking higher education as means to their future in agriculture.  And, we will learn about these traditions and innovations.

More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:

Tip Of The Week

Don’t get in a hurry when you are hiring or giving out money

Rural Crime In The U.S.

https://www.agdaily.com/news/half-missing-wyoming-ewes-mysteriously-reappear/

https://www.gradickcommunications.com/da-gbi-determine-insufficient-evidence-to-seek-charges-in-case-re-stolen-items-found-on-property-owned-by-county-chairman/

Across The Pond, Down Under And Up Above

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/uk-news/2023/08/21/animal-rising-protesters-charged-after-sandringham-lambs-stolen/

https://www.expressandstar.com/news/crime/2023/08/23/land-rover-stolen-from-farm/

https://www.dailyecho.co.uk/news/23756271.liam-brown-admits-sex-cow-burton-farm/

Africa

https://www.iol.co.za/news/crime-and-courts/elderly-bloemfontein-farmer-killed-and-his-wife-critically-injured-594a3f0c-1bbe-486f-971d-7e5ae45e5b63

https://www.thesouthafrican.com/news/cattle-purchase-turns-fatal-vanderbijlpark-man-faces-murder-charge-breaking-30-august-2023-latest/

Chalk One Up For The Good Guys

https://www.onlineathens.com/story/news/crime/2023/08/31/farm-worker-charged-with-felony-cruelty-at-madison-county-poultry-farm/70710576007/

https://www.boston.com/news/crime/2023/08/30/north-shore-pizzeria-owner-ppp-loan-vermont-alpaca-farm-fraud-dana-mcintyre-rasta-pasta-beverly/

More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:

Joel Holland is the CEO of Harvest Hosts, a company that pairs up farmers with extra space with members who would like to spend a night in their RV in a picturesque setting on somebody's farm.  I have seen both sides of this idea.  As a person who likes to travel in my camper, I have spoke with individuals who are Harvest Host members, and I have found them all to be people that I would be comfortable having stay on my property.  As a farmer, I have a spot on my farm that would work well for this, and I have considered becoming a host.

In today's interview Joel will talk about how farmers generate revenue as hosts.  We will also discuss how you are kept safe and shielded from liability if you become a host.  And, we will touch on the very positive experiences that both hosts and guests have when coming together.

On tomorrow's Agricultural Business Episode I will be speaking with the CEO of Harvest Hosts about how farmers can make extra money hosting people on their farms overnight.  This made me think back to the interview I did with Kuna's own, Brooklyn Lowe, formerly of the Kuna FFA Chapter.  Brooklyn and her family own and operate "The Farmstead" which is an agritourism destination about three miles from my own farm.

When I owned the gopher extermination business I did work for Brooklyn's father, Jim, at a previous location they operated at.  Later, I was able to interview Jim about their business, and then I eventually came to know Brooklyn through my and Hattie's involvement in the Kuna FFA.  The story of this family business, which Brooklyn will one day take over, is one of vision, patience, persistence and growth.  And I think it ties in perfectly with tomorrow's ag business episode.

Kristin Nesbitt is in her fourth year of medical school and will be beginning her residency in about 9 months. She first appeared on the Off-Farm Income Podcast in 2015 on episode #35, when she had just become the president of her FFA Chapter at Meridian High School.  I reconnected with her on Linkedin recently and saw that she was now in medical school, and I recalled that way back when she was a senior in high school she that that human or veterinary medicine is probably what she would ultimately end up studying in the future.

Kristin made the choice to treat humans towards the end of her sophomore year, and today it is my opportunity to catch up with this amazing young woman.  We will also talk about the journey that she has been on, learn what medical school is really like and get some tips and suggestions for other students who want to pursue becoming a medical doctor.

I've got more weather on the farm update show for you today.  It has been a wild 7 days of August weather here in Southwest Idaho.  August is historically our driest month, averaging just under a 1/4 inch of rain.  However, at our farm, in the past 7 days we have received 1.7 inches.  Do I have any culpability for the negative parts of rain like this since I am enjoying the storms?

Isaac Detty is just beginning his sophomore year of high school and his second year of FFA, but you wouldn't know it from the complexity and number of SAE's that he has.  When he is not collecting eggs to sell or feeding his meat birds for his meat chicken business, he is busy working with food that has already been grown but not consumed.

In addition to Isaac's entrepreneurial ventures, he has a benevolent venture taking food that would otherwise go to waste, like bananas, and turning them into something that will result in them being consumed and not thrown out.  On the top of the pyramid is making something like banana bread or dehydrating the bananas.  On the other end, the food is fed to chickens or livestock that will consume it, or it is being composted.  Either way, the food is not being wasted by sending it to the landfill.

Isaac is able to identify the multiple positive benefits that looking at food in this manner have.  For example, when they are dehydrating bananas, it give the food science class at his high school a project to work on that is right in line with what they are studying.  It is thinking like this that led Isaac to be awarded a $1,000 SAE Grant in 2022, which he will be applying for again this fall.

For Information Like Degrees Offered, Annual Costs, Etc., Please Click The Banner Below:

The Agricultural College Episode is designed to profile agricultural trade schools, junior colleges, colleges and universities around the U.S.  This

[caption id="attachment_420718" align="alignright" width="138"] Hope Stansell - Student Ambassador[/caption]

episode is an effort to replicate the conversation that prospective students, parents and ag teachers might have with agricultural schools at trade show like the National FFA Convention.

For a student focused on agriculture or natural resources there is no move diverse state in the country than Oregon.  From high desert rangelands in the east to Pacific fisheries on the coast in the west, the State Of Oregon has something for everyone, and Oregon State University is the place to study it.  On today's episode we will learn all about the unique and exciting opportunities available to agriculture students at Oregon's Land Grand University.

More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:

Tip Of The Week

Learn from what the animal rights activists are willing to show you

Rural Crime In The U.S.

https://nbc-2.com/news/crime/2023/08/15/search-continues-for-charlotte-county-cow-killer/

https://www.news8000.com/news/crime/animal-rights-activist-group-shares-anonymous-video-showing-minks-released-from-trempealeau-co-farm/article_2d692886-3c70-11ee-96c0-2f36b3ce3eef.html

Across The Pond, Down Under And Up Above

https://fagenwasanni.com/ai/stoktake-facial-recognition-platform-aims-to-combat-livestock-theft/207237/

https://www.countytimes.co.uk/news/23720637.powys-police-investigating-sheep-thefts-attacks/

https://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/crime/taranaki-farm-equipment-dealer-christopher-carter-ripped-off-25-customers-360k/GBGQN22LNVHP5DDKKBZIZ5DAVY/

Africa

https://punchng.com/jigawa-police-nab-four-suspects-with-stolen-goat-bulls/

https://www.thegazellenews.com/investigations/four-in-police-net-for-allegedly-stealing-goats-bulls/#google_vignette

Chalk One Up For The Good Guys

https://www.klkntv.com/lincoln-man-hid-among-hay-bales-after-chase-with-nebraska-troopers-patrol-says/

https://www.wgrz.com/article/news/crime/stolen-tractor-trucks-recovered-in-genesee-county-larry-keene/71-50bd22e1-2136-4df7-ab3d-6a2116a70a3c

More Places You Can Listen to Off-Farm Income And Matt Brechwald:

Dustin Toberman is the owner of Omni Ag Consulting and a veteran of the commercial ag world and a former VP for Bungee running their northern division.  After 20 years in this aspect of agriculture, Dustin has seen a lot of talented ag students come and go in internships and has done a lot of hiring.  He has also seen what is impressive on a resume and in an interview, and he has seen the unrealistic expectations of newly graduated students.

At the end of Dustin's corporate career, his company was once again merging, and he decided that he did not want to go through another merger.  So, he assessed what he was passionate about and realized that helping pair the right talent with the right opportunity was something that had always got him excited.  This led to the development of Omni Ag Consulting, and within two years he is amazed by the impact he has already been able to make.

On today's episode we are going talk about his path, and we are also going to discuss how students coming out of college and heading into the agricultural career field can best succeed!

Here is Dustin's podcast, Boot Pit To Boardroom for you to check out:

Dan Miller is a mentor and coach to me and has been since about 2009 when I first started dreaming of an entrepreneurial lifestyle.  Between 2009 and 2015 I was unknown to Dan, but I was consuming his books and his podcast in an effort to figure out how I was going to achieve my entrepreneurial lifestyle.  Then, in 2015, three years after I started my first business I was able to put away enough money to go to one of his courses in Tennessee.

I have been a huge fan of his since discovering him in 2009, and I continue to be one today.  On tomorrow's show we are featuring an agricultural career coach.  However, for many of us we will need to look at ideas outside of agriculture and then bring them back and apply them here.  So, in preparation for tomorrow's show I am replaying my very first interview with Dan Miller to give you the inspiration to do just that!

Brynn Karnes is a sophomore at Central Columbia High School in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania and a standout member of the FFA Chapter.  She has deep roots in the Keystone State with farming on one side of the family and a multi-generational hardware store that has been serving farmers for decades on the other.

Brynn has definitely had her eyes opened to all the different opportunities for careers already, due to her involvement in the FFA.  She first explored the option of being an agriculture teacher and thought she wanted to head that direction.  However, then she took plant science and worked in the greenhouse and found something that she thought she could do for the rest of her life.  And, who knows what else she will be exposed to over time that may even lead her in a different direction.

What I noticed in the interview was that as Brynn and I spoke about her future career prospects there was excitement in her voice.  To me, that is the most important thing.  No matter what she ultimately winds up doing for a career, her participation in the FFA has got her excited about her future!

Regarding the title of today's episode - you are going to have to listen to find out what that means.  If you don't already know, it is explained in our conversation!

One week ago I was talking about how odd a weather event the wildfires in Hawaii were.  And during that discussion (fact check me on this) I stated that it would be like having a hurricane strike Idaho (although wildfires in Hawaii are more common than that).  This was well before I had ever heard of Hurricane Hilary.

Well, like magic, the biggest news story became Hurricane Hilary as she set her eyes on Southern California with a projected pathway that would march her right up to, you guessed it, Idaho.  At the time I am writing this the news is reported that what is left of Hilary is 125 miles due west of Elko, Nevada and racing north.  Well that happens to be a straight arrow right to my farm!

Dalten Durrant is just about ready to start his sophomore year of high school and his second year in the Kuna FFA Chapter.  Dalten has a huge family in the community of Kuna with a deep farming legacy in my hometown.  Dalten's family farm's name is "Big D Ranch" and they run one of the largest agribusinesses in the Treasure Valley of Idaho.

Dalten has been working in the family business since he was 5 years old, and his responsibilities increase each and every year.  His first job was selling sweet corn from the retail sales area of the ranch, and since then he has progressed to some fun and some, not so fun, jobs on the farm.  Dalten states that his favorite job during the summer is running the loader since the cab has air conditioning.  His least favorite is cleaning out the grain pits because there is rotten grain in the bottom and it stinks.

Dalten is part of a long legacy of not only farming but FFA membership and community service here in Kuna, and he has goals for his FFA career over the next three years.  It will be fun to watch.