Rosie Goes Okie

8 days, 2 states, 3000km on the rental car and one visit to my future university.

This year's "Reading Week" (Canadian Spring Break) involved very little reading but a whole lot of fun-having. My dad, Byron, and I flew to Dallas, Texas and made the drive to Stillwater, Oklahoma for the next morning. The purpose of this trip was to explore Oklahoma State University campus, meet with professors and advisers, and get everything in order for my big move to Oklahoma this fall. As it stands, everything is falling into place and I can't wait to get started as an Ag Communications and Ag Economics double major.

Thanks to the magic of Twitter, I was able to meet up with some good friends IRL (in real life) for the first time. The lovely and talented Katie Vaz was my unofficial OK State tour guide along with Professor Ferrell and Cara, showing me around campus and treating me to my first Eskimo Joe's experience.

I also got to meet up with Jessica and Levi, and that evening we had some excellent pizza and did some bowling. 

Verdict: professional bowling is not in my future. 

I fell in love with the campus. I'm sure it's not hard to see why.

I'm so happy with how everything went in Stillwater. I met friends I already knew I'd love, and was treated to some fantastic southern hospitality. I can't count how many times I was offered help for my transition to Oklahoma from new friends and contacts.

After all the paperwork was settled and we had seen the sights of Stillwater, it was time to move on. We spent a day in Oklahoma City and visited Express Ranches, the Cowboy Hall of Fame, an Oklahoma City Barons hockey game, and Cattlemen's Steakhouse in the OKC Stockyards.

Our Canadian friend Doug who manages the Express Clydesdales was kind enough to give us the grand tour.

I think these horses have better living conditions than most people!

Papa Byron and I with the Express Stagecoach

No family trip is complete without looking at cattle. Their bulls looked great.

Express was amazing. I'd heard about it countless times so it was great to finally make the visit.

From OKC we headed to Texas, and spent the next three days on a grand tour of West and North Texas and plenty of their historical points, western shops, and trailer dealers.

Palo Duro Canyon, one of Dad's big bucket list items.

Hereford, Texas in Whiteface County. Well worth the detour off the interstate.

West Texas. Flat, treeless, and beautiful.

Templeton's seem to have a problem with cowboy boot addictions. This trip was no exception.

I brought home this pair, some Corrals for my sister, and Dad found himself a pair of Lucchese's.

On our final day in Texas, we spent the evening at the Fort Worth Stockyards. This is definitely somewhere I'll be revisiting as we didn't have nearly enough time to explore. We had a delicious dinner at H3 Ranch with another Twitter friend, Mark!

I loved my time in Oklahoma and Texas. I can't wait to get the Oklahoma State this fall and do some more exploring of the southern states. It will be a big change for me and doesn't come without some pretty major sacrifices, but I know it will be one of the better decisions I ever make.

AgChat Foundation Conference #ACFC11- Pt. 2

After all the touristy fun I told you about in Part 1 of this post, it was time to get down to business. The conference centered around the theme "Advocating Beyond the Choir," and offered speakers, sessions, and exercises all geared towards sharing your story with the people who really need to hear it.

A whole lot of agvocates. Photo by Chuck Zimmerman.

We conversed with a mommy blogger panel about how they make safe food choices for their families. We listened to people currently working in the business of communication in agriculture as they shared some solid gold tips and advice. We learned about Twitter, Facebook, and blogging as tools for telling our stories. We live tweeted the entire thing with the hashtag #ACFC11.

My top ten takeaways from #ACFC11

1. People don't care how much you know until they know how much you care, via Jeff Fowle. Incredibly important message to those in the business of raising food.

These "I Heart Alberta Beef" keyfobs were my swapmeet item. I swapped for rare Dr.Pepper, Arkansas rice, and some awesome Animal Ag Alliance bumper stickers. Read more about the swap meet on Ryan Goodman's blog.

2. North America has an amazing variety of agricultural products and practices. 

3. Agriculture needs to quit the "in-fighting." We are all doing what works best for us as individuals, our families, and our operations. The only change will come from woking together.

4. My Twitter friends are even more amazing, hilarious, and funny in real life.

5. I absolutely, without a doubt, want an education and career in agriculture. Specifically in communicating our stories.

Getting to know eachother with an icebreaker involving balls of yarn.
Photo by Chuck Zimmerman.

6. Your ROI (return on investment) from blogging and involvement with social media can come in a variety of ways. For me, getting a foot in the door for agriculture communications, building a trusted network, and maybe even landing a job thanks to my social media involvement will be my ROI.

7. Consumers, for the most part, are not doubting our ability to grow quality food. They just want reliable information to make them feel safe about the food they're eating.

8. I love travelling. I hope I can find a job one day that involves a lot of travel and meeting new people.

9. There is nothing more valuable than in-person connections and relationships. Social media is a great way to build upon ad even create these, but shouldn't become a substitute.

10. I would love to attend #ACFC12. 

If you were also at the conference, I'd love to hear your top takeaways from the conference!

AgChat Foundation Conference #ACFC11- Pt. 1

{Note: This started as one post. Then I realized I had way too much to tell you about my trip to Nashville. Part Two is coming at you tomorrow!}

Remember the #AgChat Foundation conference I told you about? It was this past weekend in Nashville, Tennessee, and I think I may have finally recovered enough from all the agnerd-y fun and information overload to tell you about it.

This conference featured a day and a half packed full of education on social media, "agvocacy" (agriculture advocacy), and networking. I was able to meet dozens of people whom I've only ever spoken to on Twitter, blogs, or Facebook, and meet new people who share my passion for agriculture. More on that tomorrow!

I arrived in Nashville early with another Albertan agvocate, Rebecca, for some fun and touring. We wore out our boots on Broadway in 38C degree weather, careful not to miss a single western store. I've told you before that I have a weak spot for boots.

These almost came home with me. Until I saw the $700 price tag. One day, Corrals, one day.

On Saturday night we met with Colleen to see the one and only Grand Ole Opry. To say it left me speechless may be an understatement. With wildly talented acts lik Vince Gill, Little Jimmy Dickens, Larry Gatlin, and Bill Anderson, the Opry did not disappoint.

Rebecca & I in our Opry best

Vince Gill. Amazing.

Our final free day was spent with Marie and Rachel touring the Ryman Auditorium and the Country Music Hall of Fame. Thank goodness these ladies were as devout country fans as myself. We had perma-goosebumps on the backstage tour of the Ryman, and learned about the livesof country music's most famous, including Hank Williams and Johnny Cash, at the Hall of Fame.

Ryman Auditorium backstage tour

Ryman backstage

Patsy Cline. LOVE.

Did I mention I am an incredibly huge Patsy Cline fan? My family was subject to many a Patsy cover (my favorite being Walkin' After Midnight) from my 8-year-old self.

We also took in some live music and fried food. 

The south loves their fried food. 

And for this, I love the south.

More to come on the actual conference tomorrow!

I miss Ireland.

I'm homesick.

Alright so I can't really call Ireland "home." But my dad's dad's dad's dad did...so it's close enough.

This time last summer, I was in Ireland for a two week long trip with my parents.

There was no particular reason we went other than that Dad and I wanted to see it and Mom wanted to see it again. In our family, no trip is made without doing a little cattle business on the side. Of course, Ireland was no exception.

This is sort of, kind of the route we took. It looks like a boot. How fitting.

We more or less took a "pub and farm" tour of Ireland. We stayed in a different town almost every night and visited farms referred to us by the Canadian Hereford Association and other agriculture contacts. Liam Philpott and Anne Pounds of Allowdale Herefords welcomed us in for two days to tour their farm. You can follow them on Twitter @allowdale and see their website.

A few shots from Allowdale:

Liam & Anne

I found the Irish style of Herefords to be surprisingly modern with a few differences from the North American herd. For one, more white splashes on the cattle. Here in Canada and North America, people are trying to breed towards a darker red Hereford with as little white as possible while maintaining the characteristic white face, belly, and socks. The Irish aren't nearly as concerned about this. It's a matter of preference and style.

Of course, we had to do a little touristing. Which just happens to be limited to excessive drinking, kissing, and castle-hopping in Ireland. We were perfectly happy with this, the Irish folk that we are.

Kissing the Blarney Stone. Because I needed more gab.

Mobile meat market! Very neat idea.

A lovely town called Youghal. Which is not pronounced "YOU-GULL" but rather "YOLL." Of course.

Pops, Mama, and I

Do you see why I loved it so much? Ireland is a beautiful place with an incredibly vibrant landscape and an innovative agriculture industry with great people behind it. In every town we found new places to discover and friends to make. 

I'd like to go back now, please. 

Have you ever been to Ireland? Or observed different agriculture practices in a foreign country? Or drank Guinness and looked at cows for two weeks straight? 

Canadian National Junior Hereford Bonanza

The Canadian National Junior Hereford Bonanza was, yet again, a great success.

Champion Sr. Heifer Class

It was hosted in Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, and boasted our highest numbers ever at 210 head of Hereford cattle showing. Unfortunately, work commitments prevented me from showing there all week, but they couldn't keep me away entirely. I drove out with my dad Friday afternoon to catch show day and the banquet on Saturday. I helped my sister with her cattle and even did a little showing.

Bonanza is one of my favorite events of the summer. I've participated in seven Bonanza's all across Canada, starting when I was 8 years old, and made lifelong friends in the process. I had the great privilege of being selected as one of this year's Future of the Breed Scholarship recipients for my contributions as a junior Hereford member. 

I love Bonanza. And I love Hereford cattle. And I love the people who own, breed, and exhibit Hereford cattle. 

I would strongly suggest any kids under 21 who have Hereford cattle to get involved in this awesome show. It will be in Calgary next year in conjunction with the World Hereford Conference and in Brandon, Manitoba in 2013. Check out the Bonanza section of the Canadian Herefords website.

Nashville Bound

Accepted!

One month from now, I'm headed to Nashville, Tennessee for the Agvocacy 2.0 conference!

I told you about this conference here, and how badly I wanted to get there. I didn't win the photo contest (but solid effort on the votes, guys!) so sponsorship it is! I've made a list of local business that I'll be approaching for small donations towards my flight, hotel, and registration fees.

If you are an #AgChat conference alumni and have any great sponsorship ideas, let me know!

Also, if you know of a great agricultural business that may be interested in sponsoring little old me in my quest to change the world, I'd love their contact info. :)

So for second time this summer, I'm headed east and south for ag-related greatness!

I can't wait to meet the other hundred or so agvocates from all over North America and learn about advocating for agriculture.

Nashville, here I come!

Five Nations Beef Alliance Young Ranchers Program

As I may have mentioned here before, I had the amazing opportunity of travelling to Denver this January for the Five Nations Beef Alliance Young Ranchers Program.

The Canadian Delegation- heavy on the estrogen

I spent 9 days networking with other ranchers from Canada, USA, Mexico, Australia, New Zealand, and also Argentina. We toured local ranches, a case-ready meat plant, NCBA headquarters, and the National Western Stock Show. We participated in international round-tables and spent an evening with Dr. Temple Grandin.

This video was shot at the end of the week. It features all of the Young Ranchers discussing our experience. I'm speaking about 2 minutes in.

Video

This video was just released. It was produced by Crystal Young and her team at apicreativemedia. This is an in-depth look at the ranches in five nations, with the young ranchers discussing their operations. The Canadians in the video are Allison Porter and Samantha Sperber. Huge thanks to Crystal for a job well done on this video!

Video

For more information on the program, feel free to leave a comment or visit the 

Five Nations Beef Alliance website.

The Travelling Agvocate: Luggage

Who says buckles and bling have to be confined to your wardrobe?

I've been in four airports since this time last week. Airports always fascinate me- so many people embarking on or coming home from some sort of adventure. Opportunities for conversations with strangers are abundant, especially on the plane ride itself. I usually like to take this opportunity to tell people why I'm travelling (95% of the time its agriculture-related) and a little bit about how I contribute to the ag and food industry.

It's hard to jump right into these conversations. I find they're usually sparked by someone noticing my boots, belt, or what I'm reading. Well here's a travelling cowgirl accessory that will definitely get people talking, and give you an opportunity to tell your agriculture story.

Tan Duffel Bag- $42 US
Found here.

4 Piece Brands Luggage Set- $359.95 CDN
Found here.

4 Piece Jade Cross Luggage Set- $359.95 CDN
Found here.

Cute cowgirl luggage tag found here.
I've also seen luggage tags that look like cattle eartags, and I  need to find one for myself!


I swear I learned far more about agvocacy this week than where to find cute luggage. But in all honesty, every step taken to connect with non-farm people is another step towards helping them understand what the business of raising food is all about. Practice your "elevator speech," a quick introduction of who you are, what you do, and how it applies to them. And it doesn't hurt to look good doing it.

Countdown to DC

In 13 days, I'll be headed south and eastbound to Washington, D.C for the opportunity of a lifetime.

I'm going to speak to the members of the National Cattlemen's Beef Association Young Cattlemen's Conference about the Canadian beef industry and trade. The group will be composed of cattlemen and women aged 25-50, with a cross-nation tour of America's beef industry starting in Denver and ending in DC.

My first trip to DC in 2010 for a 4-H conference

So what's a ranch girl from Alberta, Canada doing there? Reaping the rewards of being involved in a great youth organization, that's what! I've told you before about the Cattlemen's Young Leaders program which I graduated from this April. At the wrap-up banquet, I gave a speech on my experiences that was noticed by an NCBA member. She requested that me and Fawn, the current Policy Analyst for the Canadian Cattlemen's Association, travel to meet the NCBA YCC group to talk about issues concerning Canadian cattlemen.

And here we are- 2 weeks away. I'll be spending as much time as possible between now and then gearing up for the trip and preparing our presentation. I'll be brushing up on my knowledge of Canada-US trade, traceability, and policies like Country of Origin Labeling. And of course, working on my Masters of Beef Advocacy.

This is where I'll need your help, readers! I'm going to be posting about those issues a lot in the next two weeks, and your feedback is essential. Whether you boast an agricultural education, farm or ranch background, or want to know about these issues as a consumer, you can help me fine-tune my presentation and prepare for any questions that may be asked my the group. So I'm inviting your questions and comments(which I always love) even more than usual!

If you are a Canadian involved in agriculture, what key issues do you think need to be voiced with a group of young to middle-aged American cattlemen?

If you are an American in agriculture, what Canadian beef industry issues would you like to know more about?

YCC Class of 2010

Thanks for the help, friends- stay tuned for my first research post.

Cowboy Boots: A Girl Can Dream

No cowgirl gets very far without a good pair of boots.

Yesterday my parents and I made the trip down to Great Falls, Montana (a 3 hour drive) to do some shopping with my sister Jocelyn and her boyfriend Travis. For my dad and Travis, the trip entailed looking in old western antique and tack shops. For mom, Jocy, and I, it was a full day of shopping at the mall and Big R. I went with the mission to find new cowboy boots, and thankfully I found just what I was looking for at Big R in the Ariat Quickdraw boots.

I was desperately in need of a new pair, as you can see.

New boots!

Old boots- getting a little worn out

 I decided I'd outgrown the round toe and went for a square toe, as well as a higher shaft for a change. So far they're super comfortable and I'm pretty pleased with myself for the purchase! These boots will be great for everyday uses or riding. But I can't help but have a wishlist for the one day when I become a rich and famous ag tycoon. Here are my "someday" boots:

 These are both M.L. Leddy's boots. My mom told me about them after seeing them on display in Fort Worth, Texas. I'm still drooling. Unfortunately, I don't have $900 kicking around to finance these babies.

 Gorgeous boots from Old Gringo. I love how many boots now have embellishments on the toe- that's the part everyone sees anyways! The pair on the right may be my favorite. These two pairs are between $500-600.

These Dan Post boots are only $200! I love the turquoise.

Tony Lama boots for $570. Gorgeous detailing.

 One day, I will have enough boots like these for every day of the year. But, until then, I'll pinch pennies and continue to stare at these in awe. Hope you enjoy these as much as I do. Feel free to share some of your favorite wish list boots!