It’s no secret that with escalating input costs in the beef cattle business, it is becoming increasingly challenging for the next generation to stay involved in production agriculture. More often than not, farm and ranch kids are leaving home in pursuit of higher paying jobs in large cities, and who could blame them? Agriculture is a tough career choice, one that requires round-the-clock attention and long days of hard labor. However, a growing number of young people, including myself, are finding a way to be involved in production agriculture while pursuing exciting careers that help supplement their cattle businesses. So, is it possible to have your cake and eat it, too? For my friend and peer in the business, Lacey Caffee, who grew up on her family’s cattle operation, having a career and staying involved in beef production is an option that she is successfully pursuing.

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It seems like articles like this one are getting to be a dime a dozen these days. Forbes Magazine recently published an article titled, “Drop That Burger,” written by Matthew Herper. The article is about a Stanford University biochemist, Patrick Brown, who is tired of studying DNA molecules in his lab and is ready to tackle the problems in animal agriculture. His solution: “Eliminate animal farming on planet Earth.” Food producers, get ready. This man has found his target, and it is you.

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Bernard E. Rollin is a philosopher widely recognized for his approach to animal rights, as well as his influence in politics. At Colorado State University, he holds the position of University Distinguished Professor. Last night, to a full-house of students and beef producers at South Dakota State University, Dr. Rollin presented his views on the state of the beef industry today, and how we, as cattlemen, can work to improve a few animal husbandry practices.

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It was a beautiful, sunny day in Mitchell, S.D. this weekend for preg-checking the cows. The cattle quickly moved efficiently through the wheel corral and working tubs for the veterinarian to examine them, and we sorted off the open and late cows as the day progressed.

It’s always difficult to select cull cows, and as I grow up, I’m realizing more and more, how important it is to keep a level head and not fall too “in love” with any one cow. However, at the end of the day, when the cowherd is totally content and happily grazing on corn stalks, it’s hard not to fall head over heels for them all over again.

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Well, the rain has finally subsided, and the rare South Dakota sun has been gracing us with its presence, as of late. Finally, after postponing this event twice, we will be able to pregnancy-check the mama cows on Saturday. It’s that time of year again to not only preg-check, but also identify cull cows based on performance, age, etc. Friday will be a jam-packed day of setting up the wheel corrals and working tubs for the big day. And, of course, it’s my birthday, as well. I’ll be spending my lovely Friday the 13th birthday out in the pastures with my cattle, and you know what? I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.

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BEEF Daily would like to wish a Happy Veterans Day to those who have served our nation to protect our freedom. I know it comes with great sacrifice to step into the big shoes of a soldier, and I want to take this opportunity today to show my appreciation. My grandpa, Alvin Nolz, served in the Army. He enlisted when he was 20 years old, and from 1951-1953, he helped America in the Korean War by working as a cook in the Service in both Japan and Korea.

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Although I have never attended the International Livestock Congress-USA, I have heard great reviews from those that have participated in this event. I have been asked to pass some information along to generate interest for this program, and to invite all of you to take part in a 10-minute survey about your cattle operation. I just completed the survey, and the questions were pretty easy and straight forward. The survey is designed to gauge the short term (next two years) planning intentions of ranchers across the country (and internationally). Survey results will be released and discussed at the 2010 International Livestock Congress-USA to be held in Denver, Jan. 11-12, 2010.

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Laura Nielson is a born and raised cowgirl. She grew up on her family’s farm near Hartford, S.D., where the Nielsons raise 450 dairy cows, 400 replacement heifers and 3,000 acres of crops. At a young age, Nielson always knew she wanted to be a farmer. She loved being outdoors with the animals more than anything else in the world. Today, this 22-year-old is still on the farm, enjoying her passions for agriculture as she works alongside her dad and uncle at Nielson Farms.

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I feel the need to spread a little bit of sunshine on the blog today because that’s exactly what the weather has been like for us all week! Finally, a little sunshine and dry weather to bring some optimism to the farmers and ranchers as they harvest crops and wean calves. This afternoon, I’m planning to head out to the ranch to start working on a few bulls for upcoming consignment sales, and I’m really excited that the weather is going to cooperate while I’m at it. In the meantime, I have a new interview with an outstanding individual in the beef cattle industry that I hope you will enjoy.

Throughout the past couple of months, I have been featuring some of the nation’s most dedicated cattle producers through the BEEF Daily Blog. These folks are members of the Masters of Beef Advocacy Program (MBA), and they are trained to quickly respond to negative media messages and promote beef cattle production to consumers.

I’m incredibly excited because I was recently selected to present the social media and agriculture advocacy workshop at the MBA Commencement Ceremony in January at the 2010 Annual Cattle Industry Convention and Trade Show in San Antonio, TX. I would love to meet some of you there, so be sure to complete the MBA program and make plans to attend the convention this winter! Producers wanting more information should contact Daren Williams at dwilliams@beef.org, 303-850-3346 or contact their state beef council.

In honor of the MBA program, I recently interviewed another standout: An Iowa beef producer who serves on the Iowa Beef Council, Scott Niess. Niess is from Osage, IA, and he was more than willing to discuss his diversified agriculture operation, as well as his experiences with the MBA program and sharing the agriculture story. Be sure to listen to our interview here.

BEEF Daily Quick Fact: There are four basic major (primal) cuts into which beef is separated: chuck, loin, rib, and round. (Source: Beef Facts Safety and Cooking)

Have you heard of Heifer International? One of my best friends is taking a non-profit organization course at South Dakota State University, and he was excited to tell me all about this program. Through the years, I have heard it mentioned in passing conversations, but I never really checked it out, but I’ve learned that there are exciting opportunities to do charitable work globally through the gift of livestock to families. Since 1944, Heifer International has worked to bring help, healing and hope to millions of impoverished families worldwide. In its first 65 years, Heifer assisted more than 10.5 million families in more ethan 125 countries. Heifer International works in the areas of livestock and agriculture to develop programs that alleviate hunger and poverty. Read on to learn more about this non-profit organization.

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