I don't think it's a coincidence that National Agriculture Day is celebrated in the month of March. Earth is starting to wake up from her winter slumber. Rain has started to fall, and the grass has been shocked with a rich green tint. Baby animals are beginning to romp around pastures and flowers are starting to bloom. The month comes to us like a lion, then it goes out like a lamb because spring has finally arrived...

When I say the word "farmer" what is the first image that pops into your head? -Is it a picture of someone in bib overalls holding a pitchfork? -Do you see someone milking a black and white cow? -What about someone in a big green tractor driving down the road?...

I'll never forget the blank expression on my friend's face when I casually mentioned three little letters--FFA. "What does FFA stand for," she questioned me. I was flabbergasted. I'd like to consider myself an ag-vocate, yet, one of my very good friends acted as though I had just spoken in a foreign language...

My mom has always been a little bit crunchy. I don't mean that in a negative way. She was buying organic, natural and fat-free products long before it was cool. It started out as a necessity. She's allergic to onions. If you have ever taken the time to look on the back of pre-made items such as hamburger helper, all-season salt or spaghetti sauce, you would notice onions lurk among the ingredient list on many different packaged foods. So, she learned to make everything homemade, omitting onions...

They spy on you from rafters and carry mice between their teeth. Their claws may scratch your truck, but their snuggles are hard to beat. Nine. That's right, nine barn cats currently reside outdoors at our house. I've never thought of myself as a 'crazy cat lady' but here I am. There are long-haired calico beauties, a big black and white male, and orange and white fluff-balls that dot the farm-scape at any given moment...

The crisp Colorado air was filled with confetti, fireworks and cheers of excitement from the Denver patrons at the conclusion of Sunday's AFC Championship game. I was one of 77,112 football enthusiasts decked out in orange and navy garb for the game. I'm ecstatic that Peyton Manning and the Denver Broncos will be going to the Super Bowl to face-off against Cam Newton and the Carolina Panthers...

This blog entry might come off as a bit sassy, but I feel the urge to address something that has been bothering me. Unfortunately, I was not raised in a rodeo family, and I didn't grow up with the privilege of having cattle out my back door. I've come to adore and appreciate the 'cowboy way' a little later on in life. ...

When New Year's Eve arrives, I am once again obligated to recall memories of the last 364 days in the year. It comes as no surprise that this past year was full of many blue-ribbon worthy moments and a few down-right miserable ones. I strive to always move forward with a happy heart. I plan to leave all the failures and insecurities that may have crept up this year in 2015...

Resolution. By definition, it means a firm decision to do, or not to do something. As the new year approaches, it's time to welcome 2016 with open minds, hopeful hearts, and of course, resolutions to start the year off right. I know many people don't bother making resolutions...

Everyone from young children to grandparents whisper tales of Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer during the Christmas season. Santa needed Rudolph to guide his sleigh that foggy Christmas Eve. What would have happened if Frosty the snowman entered Rudolph in a livestock show at the Missouri State Fair?...

Social media today is what I like to call a necessary evil. It's one of the easiest ways to make a public political statement or share a funny video. It's also an outlet for the pictures of your dog that you have stashed in the gallery of your phone...

You can buy, sell or trade almost everything these days. Except your little sister, trust me, I tried when I was five. That'll get you sent to time-out. Buying online is a quick and easy way to have access to a whole world of products and services. If you've gotten anything online, I'm sure you checked out the seller and read the reviews. ...

I watched the stars and stripes of the American flag ripple in the slight evening breeze on Veterans Day. I was reminded of how proud I am to be an American. Our flag is a symbol so powerful that when it is raised, hats are removed and crowded stadiums fall silent as a melody plays in its honor...

"We budgeted for a box of tissues when it comes time to sell them right," my husband joked to me as we admired our three new bottle calves. I gave him the "I-can't-believe-you-really-just-said-that" look. I was excited about our new calves. I wasn't lucky enough to grow up on a farm, so I married into one. Most farm kids have their first bottle calves by the age of 2. I had to wait 24 years before I got mine. I made up for lost time by tending to my "babies" every single day...

"Mom, I think I'm going to be a vegetarian," I exclaimed one summer day as we were standing in our kitchen in Yankton, S.D. "And why's that, babe?" My mom replied as she was fixing lunch for my sisters and I. "Because, I love animals and I don't want to hurt them by eating them," I said eyeing the cheeseburger she had placed in front of me...