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So, yesterday was nationally known as Mother’s Day, but to most of us who ranch, it was more commonly kept as just another spring Sunday. I have honestly never been the celebratory type, so keeping the day regular and checking off the spring to do list, along side of my family, probably brings me the greatest satisfaction.

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THEE Hot Barn Report! Heard ONLY on American radio stations across the nation and online at hotbarnreport.com!

Welcome to our first Fun, Fact Friday in May. By now I think I have made it clear that I dedicate Friday’s to giving you fun, facts about certain whole food items in your grocery and promoting American agriculture. During the month of May, I am putting that concept into hyper drive and plan to use Fridays to talk about the food commodity that is the foundation of my existence, cattle which transla...

I have been reading reports that our beef cow numbers on farms and ranches are in a steady decline. That should not be a big surprise given the fact that some of the states that produce the most calves are living with serious drought.

According to the Daily Livestock Report, weekly data from USDA‐AMS shows that, through the week ending April 9, US imports of fresh/frozen beef were 30% higher than the same 15 week period a year ago. Higher imports from Brazil have accounted for more than half of the overall increase. At this time last year Brazil accounted for 2% of US imports but currently its market share has jumped to 15%.

I know I am behind my usual schedule for my garden. By now I usually have all my root crops in and my cool season greens. And frankly, the April wind left me battered and beaten and honestly avoiding working in my garden. But, the spring moisture has finally arrived and this damp crisp air has me invigorated to lay in garden rows of cool season crops like radishes, greens and root crops.

THEE Hot Barn Report! Heard ONLY on American radio stations across the nation and online at hotbarnreport.com!

Yesterday started some of my girls most favorite work, AIing their cattle. It was a big surprise to have one of the heifers that was just shown 48 hours earlier and earned some top honors, come into heat yesterday. But that is the priority, making cows first and doing some showing on the side.

THEE Hot Barn Report! Heard ONLY on American radio stations across the nation and online at hotbarnreport.com!

Before long, these hills will awaken from their long winter naps and come alive with a fresh, vibrant landscape. We hustle around to help all of our neighbors work their spring calves and enjoy a bit of friendly company with those that enjoy the same way of life that we do.

THEE Hot Barn Report! Heard ONLY on American radio stations across the nation and online at hotbarnreport.com!

There is no better time of year to share about life on the ranch than spring! We just had a warm, spring shower pass through and I think I saw my chives grow 6 inches before my eyes and I’m just sure that is the sound of brome grass I hear growing out in the pastures.

The drought in the Beef Belt and the long range forecast for cattle producers.

If spring was a color it would be green and there is no doubt that right now spring greens are popping up in gardens across America. As the days warm up and we all turn to being more active and outside, it is natural that we all pivot from those fall and winter comfort foods to lighter eating fair.

It is an American classic and sometimes you just need a recipe that will make a really batch! It is Chocolate Chip Cookie Day here on Ranch Raised.

As I look around our communities, they are abuzz with spring activities. And while I am a master homebody, ranch hermit, having kids active in these activities forces me to step up.

Like many this wind has me sort of beaten and battered. Personally, I am having a hard time finding the will to work in my garden.

To be honest, I have to admit, it has been a rough few weeks for many farmers and ranchers across the Midwest.

This time of year we are all looking for those classic spring flavors and sides. Asparagus has got to be one of those iconic veggies that I think of this time of year. Long stalks of tender greens grilled on the side of a juice steak. Leftovers thrown into pasta dishes or with other roasted veggies. And who doesn’t like pickled asparagus as a change of pace?

Batters up! I’m not talking baseball but instead next week will be a big week in the beef and cattle industry, with all eyes on Washington DC. We better have some lawmakers and stakeholders prepared to swing for the fences on behalf of rural America!

THEE Hot Barn Report! Heard ONLY on American radio stations across the nation and online at hotbarnreport.com!

Karina Jones is a real-life ranch wife in the Nebraska Sandhills and one of the most highly sought-after speakers in the cattle industry nationwide!

Just back from the farm in Illinois last week. I always love to plant my feet on that rich soil. It was too wet to plant. Hope we can get that corn and bean seed in the ground soon.

As I said yesterday, we are in the middle of weaning fall calves, so I thought I would explain a little further. We have two herds of cattle that calve at opposite times of year.