It's all about the Meat!

Last week while attending the Fort Worth Stock Show for work, I had a life changing experience. OK. Perhaps, those words are stretching it a little much, but it was definitely an experience, and it was one I won't forget for a VERY long time! You see, Friday, after Jared and I had finished checking in all the Angus cattle and checked in with our favorite superintendents, Von and Todd, they suggested we grab some lunch. I was thinking, JJ's Oyster Bar....They were thinking Cooper's Old Time BBQ. UGH. Now, you see, I'm not a BBQ fan. I can do ribs and a little bit of brisket and some pig once in a while, but that's about it. So, we hopped into Todd's rig and drove to the old Cowtown to Cooper's, located just across from Billy Bob's (it looks so different in daylight hours).

We walked into the door, and some great aromas greeted us, along with this:

That's right--a pit with about any kind of meat you can imagine! And, they will cut whatever you want; dip it some sauce and slap it on a red plastic tray for you. Then you step inside, hand it to the next person who weighs it, wraps it in brown paper and provides you with coleslaw or potato salad or condiments for your baked potato if you got one out of the pit. It happened to be pork chop & baked potato special day, so that is what was weighing down my tray.

Once we walked inside, we were greeting by the proprietor, Barry Cooper, who bought our lunch--What a treat! And once through the line, you would normally pay. The beans, pickles, onions and bread are all self serve, over by the drink station, along with the silverware and gallon jars of hot peppers are on the tables.

Rows of long tables and benches line the other side of the dining hall. Needless to say, I did NOT leave Cooper's hungry. And, I found an all-new respect and love for BBQ. Here's the little lunch I had:

I'd definitely recommend Cooper's BBQ to anyone in the Fort Worth area. It's a great amount of high quality food for a great price. Oh, and Barry came by our ROV Show, the next morning. Now, that's a guy that appreciates where his meat comes' from. Because at Cooper's it's all about the Meat!

Hello March!

If March comes in like a lion and out like a lamb or vice-a-versa, then 2011 must have come in like a Texas tornado, because just this weekend I have had time to breath! I actually flipped my kitchen calendar yesterday from January to March--sorry February you were just a blur! And, I also took down my outside Christmas lights. Yes, I actually contemplated leaving them up and being ahead of the game for 2011 Christmas, but I'm not that St. Josephied yet!

So, you might ask, what did I do in January & February? I'd like to tell you I was setting around eating bon bons, drinking sweat tea and watching Oprah. But since I don't like any of those three, that would be hard to believe...so I'll fill you in: 1) Cow Shows and 2) fighting germs!

I actually kicked off my new year trying to get to KS from the Arizona National on New Year's Eve and got to my good friend's house at 9 minutes til Midnight so we could ring in the New Year with Sparkling Grape Juice and go to bed. Sooooo much different from my olden days of New Year's Parties! It was fun to kick off New Years with the Hammer's and Gabrielle loves posing for me, see:


Then, January was literally filled with 10 days of the National Western--one of my favorite events of the year; and a few days of the Fort Worth Stock Show. Angus events were great at both of these events, but in between, I felt like I got hit by a Mack Truck--I had sinus infection, ear infection, lost my voice, had the flu. I even took three sick days, more than I think I've taken in 12 years with the Association!

February=CHAOS! Started off the month at the Cattle Industry Convention in Denver. Attended some meetings, worked the Angus booth, and visited with a lot of great people. Also went to the YCC Alumni reception where I saw about 20 of the folks I toured with the past summer. It was great.

From there I went to Tampa for the Florida State Fair, and then to the Dixie National ROV Show. At these southern shows, I always play tourist: Mini Zebus in Tampa and the National Gert show in Jackson!






Made a couple quick trips to the Iowa and Illinois Beef Expos to visit with members. Participated in a quarterly Board meeting; helped my Dad celebrate his birthday. And, hello, March!

Oh, and in between, I still volunteered a few times to play Monopoly and Yahtzee with my little sis, Kat, and we took in the Nature Center and went bowling...

I'm really glad to be home most of this month--my power planning month--when I'm doing a LOT of event planning for the rest of the year. But, come April, watch out! I'll be ready to dust off those suitcases and travel the world again. I mean, it is who I am!

YCC: Life Changing Experience

Ok, so one week ago I wrote about the first three days of the Young Cattlemen's Conference (YCC) conference that I was attending.
Little did I know that the best was yet to come.



The trip was intense. We slept a little, traveled a lot, experienced much and made friendships to last a lifetime. We toured feedlots in our shit kickin' boots, and made our way to Capitol Hill in business suits to talk to our respective state congressmen and senators to be a voice for the beef industry. We toured the plant where McDonald's hamburger patties are formed and we watched as the Chicago Board of Trade opened on Monday morning. We drank beer. We danced. We tried tongue, and other cuts of meat that are usually exported.

We exchanged ideas and shared information. We rode in buses, airplanes, and even crammed 22 of us in a 12 passenger van. We shared cabs and we shared rooms. And, in the end we are stronger in our beef industry knowledge, leadership and communications skills. We heard from people who work at NCBA, USDA, FAS, USMEF, JBS, OSI and CAB. We supported the PAC--oh man did I support the PAC! We graduated with our MBAs (Masters of Beef Advocacy) and we survived YCC.

I wish I could give a day-by-day and play-by-play account of this trip. I could talk about it for days, and I will, so don't get me started unless you really care and have a lot of time. I would encourage any of you involved in the beef business to GET INVOLVED. Join NCBA. Apply with your state affilliate or the Angus Foundation to attend YCC. It is an experience that will change your life. I know it did mine.



This entry is dedicated to my classmates: 2010 YCC, you are the best and brightest in the beef industry. Thanks for sharing 10 days and many memories with me!

Experience of a lifetime

Yesterday I embarked on the experience of a lifetime. For me, like most people, it is a once-in-a-lifetime experience and I am honored that the management team at the American Angus Association selected me for this honor. You see, I am not part of the 2010 Young Cattlemens Conference (YCC) class through the NCBA. So, I flew to Denver on Wednesday afternoon, only after putting the 2010 BLI class on it's bus North, and started my trip of a lifetime.

YCC is designed for young cattle producers and industry professionals 25-50 years old, and one must be nominated and sponsored by an NCBA affiliate. I'm the third staff member the AAA has sent. Thanks Bill, Bryce and Rich! So, what is little ol' event-planner me doing on this trip? I am meeting cattle ranchers, feeders, cattle women and NCBA staff. Some are Angus enthusiasts and some are not; but we all share a passion for the beef industry. Yesterday I shook hands with the CEO of NCBA; and I've made friends with the president-elect of NCBA, Bill Donald from Montana. Some of my "classmates" are from the King Ranch and Parker Ranch, both so well known; and others are from small family farms; while yet others represent the feeding industry in SW Kansas. And others use Angus genetics. Today one producer from Washington just got his data back from his AngusSource calves, and had 85% grade Choice or better, so I discussed Certified Angus Beef qualifications with him.

So, what have we done on this trip? Day 1--yesterday: we met at the NCBA offices, met one another, learned about NCBA, and had a personality assessment from the folks at Elanco. I'm a BLUE according to the Insights assessment--organized, analytical. Who would have guessed...And last night we had wonderful steaks.

Day 2--today: we spent the day in Greeley at the JBS plant, which meant I made it through my third plant without passing out, visited the Fiver Rivers Kuner feedlot, and then had dinner at JBS offices, which were fantastic. Their staff prepared us cuts of beef not traditionally available in America, but rather cuts that Asians and Brazilians would eat. And, yes, I even had tongue for the first time. And, I liked it!



What will days 3-10 hold? 1 1/2 days left in Denver learning more about the industry and touring a Safeway store; Monday morning we'll wake up in Chicago and visit the Board of Trade and OSI. And Tuesday through Thursday, watch out D.C. We're going to visit our respective state law makers, visit the USDA and Canadian Embassy. We'll have media training and issues training first--all things I'm VERY excited about. Wednesday night, we'll be back on some familiar turf, as Whitestone Farm at Aldie, VA, hosts us for dinner. I can't wait!

Stay tuned for more about my adventure of a lifetime. Thanks to Logan Ipsen and Jerry Cassady for taking the 2010 BLI class on tour this year, and thanks to all the staff pitching in at next week's Board meeting! I know I will walk away from YCC with a new perspective, new ideas, new colleagues and friends, and memories of a lifetime!

How's Your Weather?

Snow. Rain. Sleet. Hail. Sunshine. It's a topic of conversation no matter where you are or what your age. I always thought it was an agricultural topic of conversation because as people of the land our lives revolve around the elements. You can't plant or harvest if it's too wet, but the crops won't grow if it's too dry.

This week, I have experienced all four seasons. You read that correctly. I never left the Continental U.S., yet experienced all four seasons. We've had spring showers here in Missouri; it was hotter than the dickens in Reno, almost like Summer; Wednesday in Montana was like a cool fall day, followed by a winter Wonderland on Thursday morning when I woke up in Bozeman. Yes, this photo was taken Thursday, APRIL 29 in Bozeman, Mont.
I couldn't believe the snow. I believed it alright when it caused my flight to be delayed 6 plus hours.

The weather. It is an universal language, too. Last night on my Delta flight from Minneapolis to KC, I had a European trio behind me. I am unsure what language they spoke, but about every fifth word had a harsh "iche" attached to the end. The three words I did understood came during our initial decent into KC through some pretty rough turbulence. When following the captain's announcement, I heard them say, "Thunderstorms. Kansas. Twisters-iche." I had to chuckle, especially since we were on the Missouri side.

We need a new topic. What else could we talk about? We can't talk about politics or religion...oh no! That would be bad. We can't agree on those subjects. So, how's the weather where you are?

Oh the places you'll go!

Travel isn't a glamorous part of my job.

In the past 24 hours, I've been in five airports, in four states, slept in my own beds less than four hours, and spent about three hours in the office. Yes, I should have my head examined. But, I wouldn't trade one minute of these last 24 hours for anything! Well maybe the turbulence, wasn't the best, but I love the experiences of watching people, eating TCBY in Denver, and evening listening to the 'ding, ding, ding, ding,' of slot machines in Reno and Vegas.

I have been blessed with a career that allows me to travel to various places, and lets me meet a variety of people and take part in various events. Last Thursday through yesterday, I was in Reno, NV, for a Super Point Roll of Victory Show and Regional Junior Angus Show; both of which had record numbers. I got to spend time with Angus exhibitors, meet new people, play some blackjack, and oversee a show, which even went on without a glitch.

The next two days, I'll be driving this year's National Angus Tour in South Montana with regional manager Andy Rest. I'll get to see brand new country, meet some Angus people I've never met and get to see some old friends. These next two days will be spent on ranches, totally different from the show ring in Reno, and yet, I love both experiences.

Someone once said, if you love your job, it isn't really work. I totally agree. From now through July, my job will take me to Denver (three times), Virginia, Maryland, Illinois (twice), Washington D.C., Wisconsin, Kentucky, and perhaps some other stops along the way. Each trip will offer something a little different, and yet each trip will be rewarding!

Cabin Fever

I think I must be crazy.

Ok, those of you who know me well can stop laughing or nodding your head in agreement now. I admitted it. I'm crazy. But, I partially blame my parents. You see on weekends I'm in Saint Joseph, I have to force myself not to go to the office. And, with the exception of one weekend I traveled in March for work and the Easter/Spring break trip to Nebraska, I have been home in March and April up to this point, which means I've been home the longest stretch I can remember in quite some time. This is all good as it has given me ample time to organize the eight events I'm working on at work, plus coordinate summer and fall show travels. But, I have cabin fever on weekends.

That's right. I have to force myself not to go into the office. Which means my house is spotless, laundry caught up, spice shelf organized, garage organized, closet color coordinated, and weeds picked out of my "rock garden" patio. I have walked the neighborhood, shopped, baked, and written letters. And today, I even watched two movies (which I rarely do), and then started to go to the office. Oh, and why do I blame my parents?? Because they are the people who instilled this work ethic into me!

So, I know I should enjoy this calm before the storm. Because starting next weekend when I get to go to Reno for the WNAF/WREG, there are very few weekends I get to actually live in my house in May, June, July, August, and September. Those months, my house becomes more of a place to sleep and do laundry a few nights a week. And, by October, I'll welcome a little more time at home. At least I'll be doing something productive!

I'm an airline snob. . .it's only Soutwest for me!

Over the weekend, I attended the Fort Worth Stock Show, and though it is just a 9-hour drive, weather this time of year is always tricky and it really is a "quick trip" for me, so I opted to fly down and back. Unfortunately, DFW isn't serviced by number one choice of airlines--Southwest. So, though I was only in the air a grand total of 3 hours or maybe less during the entire trip, I was reminded by their competitor, whose name will remained unmentioned but sounds somewhat like the country we live in, why I dread flying anyone but Southwest!

First, I got to the counter in KC, not to be greeted by the usual smile of a Southwest agent, but by the two ladies behind the counter, literally ARGUING about whom had taken the others' pen. Seriously?!?! Then, the inevitable--the $20 fee to check ONE bag! On Southwest, I check two pieces of luggage FREE!!! Once through security, their boarding process was simple enough, and I was glad to be in Group 2, but it was comical watching the other passengers lug suitcases as large as the one I had checked onto the plane and try to make them fit in the storage compartment! I suppose this was to avoid the $20 fee! And, that overhead space was at a premium--I barely had room for my computer bag, but I had already stashed my camera bag under the seat in front of me.

The flight was smooth; we actually arrived early. However, the flight attendants sounded like robots; didn't smile; say thank you for flying with them. We did have our choice of water, coffee or apple juice--no ice for the juice or water, though.

On the return to KC, is when I about really lost it! I got to the counter to check in at DFW, to be greeted by a man who could have been Barney Fife's great nephew--not poking fun, just trying to give you a visual--he had his pants hiked up; tie tucked way down into his pants and all six hairs slicked way back. I handed him my photo ID and told him I was going to KC, and he wanted to charge me $270! Way more than my original ticket, which was paid for. I questioned him; he typed; the security announcements came over the loud speakers and he cupped both hands over his ears. He typed some more; said yep, I owed them; I said, no, please may I speak to a supervisor; he called someone, but had to put the phone down to cover his ears AGAIN during the next set of announcements. He finally got it figured out that I didn't owe for anything for my bag, which he made me weigh in three different positions--standing, on its side and flat--always weighing 42.2 pounds. I know my suitcase, and Purplicious never weighs over 50 pounds. About 45 minutes later, I got my boarding pass and was on my way, but as soon as I got settled at the gate area, they paged me. Yep, Barney thought I took too many pieces of paper. He was getting off his shift, and couldn't find his copy of my receipt for the checked baggage. I had to prove to the lady, who was very friendly, that I only had mine.

Now, I did have a cheap ticket, less that $200, but customer service on the ground and in the air, is not a strong suit for this airline. I can hardly wait for my next 3 work trips--they are already booked on Southwest, an airline known for their customer service, short turn around time, and no checked luggage fees. It will be like coming home!