#GiveBeef this Christmas

No better gift than helping feed others.

Yesterday, Debbie Lyons-Blythe had a great guest post, by Barb Downey, on her blog about providing beef for families through a movement called #GiveBeef. Today, I've asked Barb if I can repost so I can share with you how you can get involved, and also there are some pretty interesting facts in her post about what farmers and ranchers provide in terms of volunteer service to their communities.

On the ranch with Barb and Joe and their daughters Anna and Laura Cate.

by Barb Downey

Our cow herd has given us a lot over the years.  A good living, a way of life that lets us work together as a family, a way to teach our kids the joys and responsibilities of an intimate bond with animals and a way to live in partnership & harmony with our environment to provide safe, wholesome & nutritious beef.  In return, we give our cow herd the best we have to offer; top nutrition, health care and a lifetime of interaction with humans that ensures they are treated properly.  So while every job has its ups & downs, when the dust settles, cattle ranching has been a blessing and a gift.  This is why all of us in agriculture, both farming & ranching, do what we do.  Sure, its long hours spent in some of the worst Mother Nature can dish out, but the blessings are many and manifest.

Many of America’s farmers & ranchers give back to our communities in lots of ways all year long. According to the Cattlemen’s Stewardship Review:

• Nearly one-half (47%) volunteer with a youth organization compared with a national average of about 7 percent. About one-third donate their time to community civic organizations beyond youth groups.
• On average, cattlemen volunteer 11 hours each month to non-profit organizations or charitable causes.
• Farmers and ranchers are not just generous with their time, but also contribute to charitable causes. About one-half of farmers and ranchers donate at least $500 annually to local or national charities and nearly one-third donate at least $1,000.

I want to recognize that and use it to inspire all of us to unite in our giving. I’m calling on you, America’s Ranchers, Farmers & all of you who support ag producers every day to join me during the Holidays, long winter & all year long in putting a face on the generosity of our ag community.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, in 2010, 14.5 percent of U.S. households were food insecure at least some time during that year. The beef community is responding to this need in a number of ways, from donating beef to food banks to volunteering time in our local communities.

How can I make a difference, you ask?  Here at Downey Ranch, we donated a beef and contacted our local locker to donate the processing & packaging.  GTB Meats, Inc. of Riley, KS stepped up to the plate and together, we were able to deliver over 460 lbs (1800+ servings!) of ground beef to the Flinthills Breadbasket.  In turn, the Breadbasket will distribute that to local individuals & families in need this season.  We are fortunate that what we & our cattle produce provides a huge nutritional punch to those members of society most likely to be deficient in what beef provides so well; complete, high quality protein & plenty of vitamins & minerals often lacking in Americans’ diets.

So donate beef (or pork, poultry, dairy or other quality foods from American agriculture).  If you don’t have actual product, sell a few bushels & buy quality product.  If you just love ag & want to help, offer to buy part or all of a beef from a rancher and donate that way.  Just find out what your local organizations need & help to secure it.  There are pantries, kitchens, churches, schools, etc. in every community needing you to step up to the plate.  Then let us know what you’ve done so we can help you inspire others.  Together, we can share the bounty of America’s ranches and make a real difference.

Remember, support “Give Beef” (Twitter: #GiveBeef) any way you can so that all winter long, everyone can truly say, “Beef; it’s what’s for dinner!” 

The Boy and I are a thinking about how we can also #GiveBeef. Watch for a follow up post soon about what our contribution will be. Don't forget to check out the #GiveBeef Facebook page for more information. 

DRIVE Livestock Magazine Give-A-Way

Covergirl

Towards the end of February I got more exciting news, and I figured since it was March it was time to share. p.s. I saw this status to March > February - couldn't agree more. Ok enough stalling.

This is the March issue of DRIVE magazine. And that is my photo on the cover! Wahoo. 

DRIVE is a livestock magazine that I think is extremely fresh and exciting in terms of their content. I know that not all of you that read my blog have livestock, but it will give you a little sneak peak into my life, so don't be afraid to enter. 

To celebrate I'm having a give-a-way. Up for grabs is are copies of the March issue of DRIVE. That's right, there will be more than one winner. 

How to enter. 

1. Leave me a comment about what you are looking forward to in March. 

2. Like the DRIVE facebook page 

3. Comment on the DRIVE blog. That's right they have their own blog with some great posts!

4. Like my Crystal Cattle facebook page

Now, if you do items 2 through 4 you need to let me know by commenting on this blog. 

Good luck! 

We'll draw for the prizes on Monday, February 7.

And the winner is...

Come on down you've just won...

Congrats, to Lindsay you are our Purple Banner Designs winner.

Lindsay and her husband are expecting this summer, so I think I know which of the two prizes she will be selecting. Thanks so much to everyone that entered. I really enjoyed reading all your posts about your favorite Christmas gift. I can't hardly believe that it is just over a week away. Getting excited! 

And don't forget to visit Purple Banner Designs for all your gift giving needs or maybe you'll want to pick something up for yourself! 

Purple Banner Designs Giveaway

Spreading the Christmas cheer! 

One of their latest creations a stuffed cow!

I love gift giving and Purple Banner Designs are certainly a go to for livestock Christmas gifts. It has been a very exciting month for Bethany - Purple Banner Designs and myself as we were both nominated in the Best of the Barn Awards. Bethany was one of my first giveaway providers so to say thanks we are having another giveaway!


What's up for grabs?

A set of the Purple Banner Designs note cards! Bethany has a great select of cows, pigs, horses, etc. in an endless amount of patterns to customize your note cards. Or...

A binky blanket in the fabric of your choice. Bethany has a wide selection of patterned fabric, and different livestock motifs. The blankets measure 16" by 16" and have a Velcro strap so they can be attached pacifier or stroller (that way they don't end up on the floor)

Get your entry in.

To enter post a comment about one of your favorite Christmas gifts. For additional entries become fans of the Purple Banner Designs Blog or the Crystal Cattle blog, and leave me a comment saying that you did. I will also be accepting entries on my facebook page. 

And don't forget to head on over to www.bestofthebarns.com and vote for Purple Banner Designs, Crystal Cattle and I am Angus.

One last thing I have to share with you. Although, Purple Banner Designs does amazing livestock gifts pieces check out this awesome Christmas outfit she recently created! You can read more about this outfit here. 

Things you can adopt

The season of giving 

It's that time of year when we are reminded to give, to reflect back on how fortunate we are and to say thanks.

Each year I make sure I take an extra grocery bag for food to the food bank, buy mittens for our warmth tree at church and usually take part in our adopt-a-family giving a work. They are small things, but I know they are making a difference to someone.

This year if you are looking for a twist on giving why not adopt-a-teacher? The Animal Agriculture Alliance has created the adopt-a-teacher program to help educate teachers and students about animal agriculture and issues like animal rights vs. animal welfare. Two subjects that greatly need to be discussed considering many teachers didn't grow up in agriculture setting and may not have all the answers their students are looking for.

For $35 the Alliance will send the teacher or school of your choice a Resource Kit. The kit includes "Myths and Facts of Animal Agriculture," a "Farm Facts Highlights" poster and "Farm Facts Highlights" booklet, along with carious other educational materials about animal agriculture. You can access more information on how you can adopt-a-teacher and share agriculture's story here. 

Thank-you cards farm style

Just a little note

Ever have one of those days. Well I have been having a few of them. However, today there was a really bright spot.

Yes, that is a stack of thank-you notes that I received from some up and coming young cattlemen, that  participated in the American Royal Calf Scramble.

I think my favorite one is that green one hiding at the back. It said this...

Dear Crystal Young, 

Thank-you so much for sponsoring the calf scramble. You have made it possible for me to raise my 1st heifer. 

Sincerely, Jake xxxx

There was also a letter from a young lady named Aubrey. She wrote...

I understand that in 4-H or FFA a lot is done by volunteers and sponsors just like you. I want to thank-you for giving me this opportunity to support my livestock goals. I am glad my heifer is doing ok and I can't wait for the upcoming show year. I know this will be a rewarding project and one that I will remember... 

I think thank-you notes make the world a better place. I know that's corny and probably should be on a Hallmark card, but I believe it to be true.

And speaking of thank-you cards I am out! Visit my new Crystal Cattle facebook page or post below and tell me what are some of your favorite thank-you cards places.

I thought these would be cute for my K-State friends!

Purple Cow Note Cards

Farmers Care About Feeding Missouri

We growing it and we give it

On Friday I am excited to participate in The Farmers Care About Feeding Missouri food drive. The event is taking place across the state and I am lucky enough that my Hyvee grocery store is participating. The even better news the Missouri Beef Council is going to match donations pound for pound in the form of beef and dairy products! People are going to need some beef to go with all those cans of beans.

Although, Canadian Thanksgiving was in October and American Thanksgiving is still a little ways away the all Fall is certainly a time to be thankful. Another year of crops have been harvested, calves have been weaned and likely sold. It is a time for those in the cattle industry to gather for sales and shows, and to be grateful for each others friendship. I am healthy, happy, blessed and have a full stomach. Giving back is the least the I can do.

So if you are in Missouri here are the details:

Roughly 343,000 Missourians are experiencing hunger, and Missouri ranks 6th on the nation for "food insecurity."

Visit these locations on Friday, November 5 from 4-6 p.m. to make your donation.

Kansas City - Hen House (North KC location)

St. Louis - Dierbergs (Brentwood location)

St. Joseph - Hy-Vee

Macon - C&R Market

Fredericktown - Country Mart 

And feel free to tweet about this event using the hashtag #feedingmo

Now if you don't live in Missouri consider making a donation anyway. There are people everywhere that could use our help.

College Football vs College of Ag

It's that time of year

I have got football on the brain. I can't believe the first game of the season is almost here. There is something about going to football games in Manhattan, Kansas, that I love. I am pretty sure it is the only college football game that you will see advertisements for Five Rivers Feeders or Nuflor up on the jumbotron during the game. Cowboy boots and cowboy hats can be seen in every direction. And every large-animal pharmaceutical company is throwing a tailgate.

Our athletics program is pretty decent, but I would always take some more wins. One day I will probably send some money in their direction. I am planning on having pretty good football seats and it is the only way to get there. However, right now I know that the dollars I send to the College of Ag probably have a greater impact. I would rather support scholarships that with put the youth who will feed the world through college, than sending dollars to athletics so we can buy a bigger jumbtron.

However, in Nebraska it seems like things are a little different. On August 20, Tom Osborne, Nebraska's Athletics Director, announced the Cornhusker Co-op. The program allows managers at elevators, from across the state, to authorize portions of farmer's grain yield as a donation to the Athletic Department.

Too bad these designated funds couldn't go towards their College of Ag.

Maybe we can get Kansas State on board for a program similar to this. I can see the headline now, "Kansas wheat farms donate portion of yields to ag scholarships, livestock judging teams, and international agriculture trips."

I love Beef K-State style

Purple looks good on everyone.

I'll try to get a weekend recap up soon. So much was going on, but it was great to see so many friends. I think I am starting to feel like a true K-State Alumni. At the Cattlemen's Day trade show, I had all kinds of students come up to me and ask me about internship, or what classes would best prepare them for the "real" world. I love being able to give advice back, because I know I sought a lot of it out during my college years.

I also got to see many of the Collegiate Cattlewomen girls. They do such an awesome job promoting beef and the cattle industry, and hold a special place in my heart because of their Tough Enough to Wear Pink Breast Cancer awareness campaign.

This time, though, the girls were selling a different kind of shirt...

Aren't they cute. You can purchase one here and also be sure to check out their license plates. If you are interested in learning more about this club, or how to start one at your school visit the K-State CCW facebook page. Now time to make some hamburgers for tonight!

Last five hours...

I am the Energizer Bunny.

My life has been a whirlwind. And that may lead to me disappearing from my blog for the next few days. I just have to get caught up on some things. My friend Robyn always seems like she is conquering the world each step of the way, sometimes I wish I could get it all done like. Today she wrote a post call "My first four hours." I was pretty down today, feeling like I wasn't getting much done, but when I started to write it all out like Robyn did, today was no so bad. Just a little room for improvement. So this is how my last five hours went:

5:30 - at a still a work. Been editing videos all day, but they are looking great. Abby calls, take the chance to catch up while more videos are loading. Bummed I won't get to hang out with her during Fake St. Patty's Day, but I am way excited about our Calf Fry trip! Videos are still loading.

6:00-7:00 - keep on working on video, the client's sale is coming up, and people want to look at these bulls. I know how important it is to get them done.

7:10 - computer is crashing! Try to fix it, but give up. Take computer and equipment home, maybe it just needs a rest, and I can fix it tonight. Drive home, calling the girlfriends - nobody is answering! I need to talk to someone, already had one venting session today.

7:30 - make it home. Throw a pot of tortilla soup on the stove. Pull in computer and cross fingers. Computer is working, but editing software isn't. Ugh. It'll be Ok, I am going to have some time to work on other projects now.

8:00 - phone call from home. Didn't go well. I am stressed out. Just try to think positive thoughts.

8:15 - make a to do list. I have got to get organized.

8:30 - get first load of laundry in washing machine, and other loads started. I haven't done laundry in weeks. It's going to take awhile to go through.

8:45 - address envelopes, for Emilie's shower, while watching some American Idol (they aren't that good this year). The big day is going to be here before we know it. Trying on my bridesmaid dress this weekend!

9:00 - sort through mail, pay bills, find a really nice thank-you card from Brett and Karen's wedding, renew K-State alumni membership and sent donation off to K-State Judging Team through Telefund. Already feeling better.

9:30 - more laundry and cleaning my room. It's a disaster, even worse the usual. I feel like the only time I am in it lately is to sleep.

10:00-10:15 time to find some new itunes, while folding that laundry. I have been listening to my itunes so much lately that I am getting burnt out on Rihanna, Jay-Z and Gary Allan. Buy new Reckless Kelly Cd and a few other songs. I need suggestions though. Any ideas.

10:15 - time to write this blog. Really should have been on the treadmill. Oh well life isn't perfect.

10:45 - I have now gone over my five hours recap. And not headed to bed yet. Six things crossed off the to-do-list and tomorrow is a new day.

K-State Legacy Sale - giving back

As promised. 

In the last seven days I have been able to give back twice to my Alma Mater. Each year K-State hosts a Telefund to raise money for various scholarships and endowments. They expect to raise $1.5 million dollars this year, and College of Ag alumni are always huge supporters. Last year, was the first time that I was on the donating end of the phone call. It was a pretty exciting feeling to know that I now had a chance to give back to K-State! This year I had a sweet freshman girl from California call me. Of course I made her tell me about her major, and back ground and why she choose K-State. Can't let them get off the hook easy! And then I made my donation, which I asked to be put towards to K-State Livestock Judging Teams Endowment Fund (working on that 101 in 1001 list!)

And now today, I have finally wrapped up the K-State Legacy Bull Sale video. The day we did the cattle part it was absolutely freezing, nevertheless I returned with all hands and toes. If you are looking to purchase a bull or replacement females this spring, consider supporting your university. These dollars go back into the schools program, creating more hand on learning experiences for the next generation of agriculturists, plus it gives you access to some awesome genetics.

K-State's Legacy

I'm a real alumni now.

So if you haven't figured it out yet I love K-State. I know I have said it more than once but Manhattan, Kansas, is like American home to me. I am a pretty proud alumni, but unforunately my bank account is not big enough to prove it - YET. Part of my Dave Rasmey giving budget is going to K-State amoung other things, but in the mean time I can use my talents.

Today I am speaking to K-State's Bull Sale class. These are the students that put on the annual K-State Legacy Bull And Female Sale. I used to be one of those students, but today I get to come back and share my experiences with them on marketing and using social networking to market your product. Last year, I developed a video for the class that featured both the top Angus, Hereford and Simmental lots as well as interviews with faculty and students on why hands on classes like these are important.

Sometimes we don't always have the means to give what we want, but that doesn't mean there aren't others ways to share.

Check out the video from last year, and I'll post the new one as soon as it is up.

Tough Enough to Wear Pink

Treasure your chest...

Back when I was at K-State I was part of a group called Collegiate Cattlewomen. We did a lot of agriculture awareness on campus and worked closely with the Kansas Beef Council. In the fall of 2006 I thought that it might be nice to do a little philanthrophy work. I had heard a lot of great things about Wrangler's Tough Enough to Wear Pink Breast Cancer awareness program, and thought why don't we do something K-State style. Collegiate Cattlewomen recruited Sigma Alpha, an agricultural sorority on campus, to help extended out audience. We sold shirts will the slogan, "Because great breasts are worth fighting for." Yeah, it stirred the pot a little bit with the teachers and staff, but that didn't stop us from raising $7,500 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation. Our first year success shocked me, but I knew we had something special going on.  

The next year we continued our campaign. This year on the back of our hot pink shirts it said "Save the Ta Tas" - and we raised $9,800. That's me with our big pink check!

When I graduated from K-State I was a little worried about Tough Enough to Wear Pink, but the girls more than exceeded expectations. $11,000 was donated in 2008! "Hope for Hooters" was a huge success.

And now they are back at it again this year with - "Treasure Your Chest!" T-shirts will be on sale in the K-State Student Union October 6, 7 and 9th. You can also join that gals for a BBQ on Weber Lawn on Thursday, October 8th, and purchase your T-shirt there. T-shirts are $10. I know a lot of you reading this are from places other than K-State and you can participate too! T-shirts can be ordered through Tera Rooney - trooney@ksu.edu. Shirts will be shipped to you for $15. This year the goal is $13,000 and I know that can do it.

So think pink, and support a great cause!

Giving Back Part II

My judging team...

Livestock judging was a huge part of my life growing up. It is one of the main reasons why I decided to attend college at Butler Community College and then K-State, and ever since it has continued to open doors for me. 

I know that it took thousands of dollars to provide my teammates and I scholarships, transportation, meals, etc., so we could travel the country learning more about livestock and the industry. Now, that I am a graduate of this program I feel that it is important for me to give back. As I mentioned in my previous blog posting Giving Back I mentioned that I was not going to be able to attend my Alumni Judging Banquet so I sent a wine basket instead. Well the results are in my basket bought $110! In all the silent auction had 12 items and they raised $1,900 for our judging teams at K-State! I am going to continue to challenge to post or email me how you are giving back to causes that are important to you.

And on a side note - ANOTHER JUDGING TEAM WEDDING! So I have heard through the grapevine that my judging teammate, from Butler and K-State, Brett Crow is getting married. Brett was fondly nicknamed the Alabama Slammer during college. I need to call him tonight to get all the details. I haven't met his new fiance, but I can't wait to meet her! Just another addition to the family.

Giving back.

A proud K-State Alumnus... 

It has now been one year and four months since I left one of my favorite places on earth - Kansas State University! The people at K-State became my family for the two and half years that I spent there, and I still return often. While at K-State I had the opportunity to be apart of the 2006 Livestock Judging Team. My teammates are some of my closest friends. That school really helped me become the person who I am. 

Now that I am an alumni (actually the appropriate term would be alumna) I have really wanted to give back to my alma mater. I don't have a ton a cash funds to be handed over, but what I do have are skills, connections and time (not as much as I would like though!) My friends always give me a hard time about going from a recent graduate to a 60-year-old alumni because of my crazy support. I think some of it had to do with my request for K-State car flags for my birthday!

My first contribution this year was a video for the K-State Legacy Bull Sale. Last year, I saw that Penn State did a video for their student run sale. I thought K-State needed one and I would do it better! The video was a huge success. In the three weeks before the sale the video had more than 900 views. The video now has more than 1,100 hits! Then I renewed my alumni membership to K-State. It is a simple way to stay involved. After that I was able to give back during K-State's annual Telefund. That phone call made me feel old, because I remember calling other alumni asking for funds. I knew that I couldn't give a lot, but I wrote my $20 to the Livestock and Meat Industry Council fund, a fund that supports our judging teams. This weekend is the Alumni Judging Banquet. I would really like to attend, but I will be a sale that day and then headed down to Stillwater, OK. So in my place I am sending a little wine basket for their silent auction. 

Bottom line, we can all do something to help. Whether it is a couple dollars or half an hour of your time. Maybe it is even talking to prospect students and encouraging them to attend you alma mater. We all took something away from the places that we went to school and the organizations we were active in. Maybe there is some cause that is close to you heart. I know my good friend Kelsey Fraiser has recently blogged about her support of Relay for Life. In the next six months I am encouraging you to let me know how you have given back. Leave me a comment, give me a call or send me an email and I will let everyone know how were doing. During the next six months we'll review how we're all doing. If we want change we have to be leaders and start to make a difference. Can't wait to hear from you!