Guest Post: Cows, Cupcakes & Clearance

Welcome Jordan Kuhn!

Miss Jordan & Missy

Wow, the past couple days there has been quite a stir on the Crystal Cattle blog. My post about Chipotle's Grammy's commercial has caused a lot of reaction from people with varying opinions. However, today we are going to throw a little sweetness into the mix for Valentine's Day.

I "met" Jordan though Instagram, and can't wait to meet her in real life one day. She is a pretty amazing girl that loves cattle as much as I do, and is passionate about her cupcakes and shopping the clearance racks. She even shares one of her favorite recipes with us!

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself. 

I grew up in Shelbyville, Indiana until I was eight. When my parents split I moved to Greenfield, IN with my mom and step-dad John Gunn. That’s where my passion for agriculture began. Here we raise cattle, hogs, corn and soybeans. This coming fall I hope to attend Purdue University and major in agriculture communications. I’m entering my last and 10th year in 4-H. This past year I was the county fair queen. I’m an active member of Jr. Leaders, the 2^nd Vice President of the Indiana Jr. Beef Cattle Association, Vice President of the Indiana Jr. Shorthorn Association and was 2011 Indiana Shorthorn Lassie Queen. In high school I was a varsity cheerleader and a member of Best Buddies. 

2. What is your favorite thing about agriculture?

The “F’s”... Family, friends, and foundation. I feel there’s no other vehicle like agriculture that leads you into a bright future. Through agriculture my family spreads the wealth and knowledge of our products to our friends - farmers and city folk alike. What I have gained through living on a 3^rd generation family farm is something I can hardly explain. 

3. If you could tell consumer's one thing about agriculture what would that be?

I’d tell consumers to keep in mind that those eggs didn’t magically appear in the grocery, rather they “poofed” out of a chicken. I think consumers forget the from field to fork aspect. With the world consuming more and growing faster than we can put food on their plates, we have to be mindful of who’s making that happen.

4. Do you have a favorite heifer on the farm?

Bon Qui Qui

I do. Her name is Bon Qui Qui. (The name is an inside joke. Watch Bon Qui Qui at King Burger on YouTube.) She was my show heifer from last year, she wasn’t a big winner. I just loved her pink nose and spunky attitude, plus she calved a heifer for us this year! 

5. I'm always seeing your cupcake pictures on Instagram, how did you get interested in baking?

I’ve been baking since my first year in 4-H in 2003. It was something my mom and I liked to do and it kept us together. We were always baking and the boys were always eating! I got into cupcakes two Christmas’s ago when I got a cupcake maker. I just think they’re so personal and cute! I recently got a KitchenAid mixer that I use quite often, her name is Mrs. Mixalot. 

6. What is the best cupcake you have ever eaten?

There’s a place called Gigi’s at a local fashion mall and myyy oh myyyy do they make good cupcakes. They have thee best red velvet cupcakes with a pudding surprise inside. My mouth is watering just talking about it.

7. What are you favorite places to get a deal?

Macy’s. Just about everytime I go in I buy something on sale. And if it’s not on sale I usually don’t buy! TJ Max is a place I always like to hit as well. I call it – looking better for less.

8. Now on the other end of the spectrum what is one thing you love to splurge on?

Jeans. I own more jeans than anything else. Big Stars, Rock Revivals and Sevens are my favorite. I think splurging on jeans is a must; a good pair of jeans is a necessity in everyone’s closet. They’re easy to dress up or down. One day I’d love to be able to buy a pair of Christian Louboutin shoes. (No riding in the tractor in those bad boys.)

RED VELVET CUPCAKES

Makes 18

2 ¼ cups all purpose flour

1 tsp salt

2 (1 ounce) bottles red food coloring

3 tbsp unsweetened cocoa powder

1 cup buttermilk

1 tsp vanilla

1 ½ cups sugar

½ cup butter

2 eggs

1 tsp white vinegar

1 tsp baking soda

1 container cream cheese icing (Yes I cheat on the icing) 

1. Preheat oven 350°F and ling your baking pan with paper baking cups.

2. Combine flour & salt in medium bowl. Stir in food coloring into cocoa in small bowl until blended and smooth. Combine buttermilk and vanilla in separate bowl.

3. Beat sugar and butter in a large bowl with electric mixer at a medium speed, 4 minutes or until fluffy. Add eggs one at a time. Add cocoa mixture; add flour alternately with buttermilk mixture. Beat until blended.

4. Combine vinegar and baking soda in small bowl; gently fold into batter with spatula or spoon (don’t use mixer). Spoon batter into prepared baking cups.

5. Bake 18-20 minutes or until toothpick inserted into it comes out clean. Cool on wire rack for 10 minutes. Decorate as you wish!

I made these red velvet Valentine’s Day cupcakes and used fondant to jazz it up! Ready made fondant can be found at a craft store or you can make it (which I do not recommend doing, very messy). I wasn’t very good at piping to begin with but practice makes perfect. 

Working with fondant.

Give Jordan a big welcome, and check her out on Twitter @Kuhngirl 

Guest Post: Christmas with Lindsay & a baby boy

Give you a round of applause.

Lindsay has been a long time blog reader. I've been poking and prodding her to start her own blog with not so much success. I have successfully twisted her arm though to do a guest post. See she and I have a lot in common, but there is one difference - Lindsay has a beautiful baby boy and is much more on the up and up with stylish kid stuff. So here she goes. 

Today I’m tackling some firsts. My first blog post and my baby’s first Christmas. It’s safe to say my anxiety is equal for both milestones.  At the encouragement of the blog owner, here it goes:

So, I have this precious, sweet, little baby angel that goes by Abbott (See Exhibit A). 

Exhibit A

As you can tell, it’s Abbott’s first Christmas.  I have been faced with the reality of the situation that:
1. I have a kid, and it’s his first Christmas.
2. Let's face it… he’s just 6 months and doesn’t really know what is going on. I have actually entertained the idea of giving him the same things for the next three years and just taking a picture with a different thing each year.

So, here I am, at the crossroads every parent comes to during the holiday season; to keep it real or go totally overboard?  These were my final selections.  I hope they help you with some last minute ideas for the little ones on your list, or if you are super organized, maybe they will help you get a jump on things for next year.

1.     The Fisher Price Laugh & Learn Apptivity Case

I haven’t used this thing yet, but I am already convinced the inventor is brilliant.  A case that keeps my phone free from drool and making unwanted phone calls...oh and he can use it as a teething toy.  Sign me up!  The best part is that this little technology wonder is only $15.99, and the corresponding Fisher Price apps are free.  I like free.

2.      The Jeep Liberty Renegade Walker

I already gave him this gift.  We are just going to add a bow on Christmas morning for the picture.  Babies grow like nothing you have ever seen, and I need to maximize his usage time.  As you can see, he loves cruising for chicks in his Jeep.  I like that it is gender neutral in color.  He likes that it makes engine noises, and it has a horn that honks.  I LOVE that it was super easy to put together.  A little insider tip:  It’s on sale at Baby Depot for $39.99.  They are sold out online, but our store had plenty in inventory.

3.      Purple Banner Designs Lovie

Purple Banner Designs has it going on! I won this lovie in a giveaway right here on CrystalCattle and ordered another one for my best friend’s little boy the next week. I cannot rave enough about how much we love this thing. It goes with us everywhere, and Bethany, if you are reading this… I wouldn’t be opposed to a Mommy-sized one too. Just thinking out loud for you.  

There it is, my first blog post, on the Internet for the whole wide world to read.  I know my sweet, little guy is going to love his gifts, but more importantly I hope he knows he is the best gift. I’ve loved watching him grow, and all he needs to give me on Christmas is that precious gummy smile that he is rapidly becoming famous for.  Best wishes for a merry Christmas and an incredibly blessed new year!  

LIfe As a Ag Girl - Kasey Hunt

Drum roll please.

Today, I am excited to have a guest blogger - Mrs. Kasey Hunt. Kasey, President of the Missouri Cattlewomen's Association, wrote an article about our chance meeting earlier this year, and I think it just goes to show that there is always the opportunity to create a new relationship or network with someone, even when you might least expect it. Thanks Kasey!


“Life as an Ag Girl and Everything that Comes with It” by Kasey Hunt


After experiencing the Blizzard of 2011, I couldn’t be more excited for spring to get here. I had every intention of writing about my trip to the National Cattlemen’s Beef Association Convention and Trade Show. However, since the blizzard caused me to have three cancelled flights and I was fighting a horrible cold, I had to make the decision that home is where I needed to stay.

I have a "ear tag" name tag like this one
on my suitcases as well.

My blizzard wasn’t a complete waste because I was snowed in at my cousin and his wife’s house in Smithville, MO. They have two boys; ages four and one, and I had the opportunity to bond with them. Also, while standing in line to rebook my first flight, I saw an ear tag on a piece of luggage that read “my address (going to keep that secret).” I quickly introduced myself to the woman standing across from me who I found out was Crystal. We weren’t able to talk very long, but later exchanged a few Facebook messages. She ended up having the same trouble I did flying out of KCI, but she eventually succeeded.

I am a firm believer that everything happens for a reason. What should have been a week of attending meetings, events and networking with others in the cattle industry led to a new passion, researching agriculture blogs. While Crystal and I were exchanging messages, she encouraged me to join her Facebook page Crystal Cattle. This page is why I started to read more blogs and I want to pass it along to you the readers why I think you may want to read it as well.

With the media and animal activist groups telling the story of agriculture instead of the farmers and ranchers, Crystal felt it was time for our voices to be heard. She started her blog two years ago this spring and absolutely loves being able to tell the story of agriculture to those who are not able to experience the life on an everyday basis. Her blog talks about everything from what is happening on her family’s farm,
to how to promote beef, the responses to negative agriculture articles and her weekly “Turquoise Thursday” where she writes about some type of western turquoise inspiration.

“Advocating agriculture doesn’t mean you have to start a blog.” states Crystal, “It can be as simple as posting a status of what is going on at your farm, or asking someone at your grocers meat counter if they need help selecting a cut of meat for supper that night.” If you are interested in starting a blog, Crystal has a few posts on her blog explaining how to start your own blog. She also states that NCBA’s Young Producer Council has an excellent “how to” guide on their site as well. Another tool Crystal finds helpful in sharpening her advocacy skills is the Master of Beef Advocacy program.

The responses Crystal’s blog has received have been overwhelming. She has had the opportunity to have great conversations with not only consumers, but ranchers that have been shocked to hear of what people think about agriculture. Blogging has been a wonderful way for Crystal to network, make new friends and she is proud to have more than 6,000 people a month read the agriculture story.

If you would like to read Crystal’s blog, you can find it at www.crystalcattle.com or on Facebook
at www.facebook.com/crystalcattle. “The life of an ag girl and everything that comes with it” may just inspire you to tell your story too.

HSUS vs. Ohio agriculture

A guest editorial by Stacie Wenig

Believe it or not, each and every resident of not only my state, but our entire country, has some connection to the traditional occupation of farming. Whether they have experienced the hard work and satisfaction of exhibiting a market animal at a county fair, visited a local farm as a part of a school or leadership visit, or simply purchased meat and animal products at our local grocery, each citizen has somehow made a conscious decision to support local agriculturalists.

While many take these luxuries for granted, I consider my community blessed with such strong agriculture supporters, programming, and funding. Personally, I feel quite fortunate to be able to travel only minutes from home to see how my food is produced. Area farmers and livestock producers literally connect the farm gate to the consumer plate, as they provide a healthy and safe food supply for our community.
             The very safety of that food supply is in jeopardy in the Buckeye state. The Humane Society of the United States has made their agenda in Ohio quite clear: slowly erode, and eventually banish, animal agriculture. Much like their most recent campaign in California, Wayne Pacelle and other HSUS officials have promised an Ohio invasion in 2010 if compromises aren’t made on the production of our livestock.
In an effort to protect our largest industry, Ohio farmers, politicians, commodity organizations, and business leaders have joined together in an effort to keep HSUS from controlling our right to local, safe, and efficient production of animal products. Passing in the Ohio House and Senate in July of 2009, a bipartisan resolution was created to put Issue 2 on the ballot. Issue 2, a proposed constitutional amendment, would create the Ohio Livestock Care Standards Board. This board will enable Ohiolivestock and poultry farmers to continue to provide excellent care to their animals, while also protecting our food supply and keeping affordable, locally-raised food available for consumers.

It is more important than ever that we not only spread the word about Issue 2 around Ohio, but educate other agriculturalists in the United States about the potential consequences extreme animal activist groups could create with their unreasonable requests. If these groups had their way, it would almost guarantee higher food costs for consumers, put food safety at risk, increase the amount of food imported to Ohio, cause thousands of family farmers to go out of business, and endanger the overall health and well-being of Ohio's flocks and herds.

 To continue support for Ohio’s largest industry, I spend much of my time educating voters on the importance of Issue 2. As a state, and an industry, must take a stand by voting YES on Issue 2 on November 3. By maintaining excellent care of food animals in our state, Issue 2 will help to ensure the availability of safe, locally-grown, affordable meat, milk and eggs. By passing Issue 2, each voter will also help sustain the viability of Ohio’s agriculture community, including the jobs it provides and the many economic contributions it makes. Issue 2 will protect our local family farms, and will keep animal control where it belongs—right here in Ohio.

For a little background on Stacie click here. 

Guest blogging

A first for crystal.cattle

I am excited to announce that this week crystal.cattle will be having its first guest blogger! Miss Stacie Wenig will be giving us some background on the issues Ohio agriculture is facing. It is pretty scary thinking that Ohio could be going through the same thing that California faced with Prop 2. Animal rights groups and activists aren't going to stop until raising livestock in an economical, yet responsible way, is impossible.

Stacie is from Ohio and I have been impressed with her advocacy on this issue. Stacie and I met through mutual friends, and now as facebook friends I have enjoyed her facebook statuses updating me on this issue.

Just a little bit of background on Stacie. She grew up in Northwest Ohio on a grain and vegetable farm. Her involvement in FFA, and later on as a state FFA officer, cutlivated her passion for the agriculture industry. In 2009 she graduated with a Bachelors of Science from Ohio State, with a focus on agribusiness, applied economics and political science. Now she is working on her masters degree in agricultural communications, all while completing a full-time teaching associateship. Busy girl I would say!

Stacie has a strong interest in politics and agriculture. We need more young people with these combined interests. So stay tuned. I am excited to hear Stacie's perspective. I think it is important to rememember that HSUS, Peta and animal rights groups will come after us one state or province at a time.