Back to School 2012

In Wisconsin, today was the official start of school. To me it feels like back to school: dew on my car, sunsets getting earlier and last weekend was the start of college football. Go Green!
Growing up it was tradition to get our first day of school picture, book bag in tow, on our front steps before the bus came. No matter how old or young, taking the bus or being old enough to drive ourselves, the three of us sisters always lined up with our outfits that we'd be planning for days! Besides what we were going to wear on the first day, it was also a big decision if one was to pack a lunch or eat the school lunch. What would be served? What would be the "cool" thing to do? Most times during my twelve years, it was "cool" to eat the school lunch, odds were that it was going to be something good since after all it was the first day of school!
Today, however I wondered.... what would be "cool"? And what would I have done? As most of you have heard the school lunch program has cut the amount of red meat served to students. While it's great to increase the amount veggies and fruits, should one food group suffer? How will students get the proper nutrition and calories? Take for example Katie Pinke's son who is a football player and needs the vitamins and minerals to be a star at the games.
While I don't have kids in school, I'm still a concerned individual about the health and diets of children. My nephew Isaac loves lean beef, those lunch ladies will be in for a rude awakening when he goes through the lunch line in a few years.

Did your kids take the school lunch today? What was served?
Stay up to date by joining the Sensible School Lunch facebook group.

Shawano Farm Market

Johnson Quality Meats
My sister and brother in-law, Lindsay & Brad, and their son Isaac raise beef cattle and during the warm months broiler chickens. Make sure you check out their website. You can read more about how the chickens are raised and even listen to them chirp in this post.
Fast forwarding a few weeks to the end product: meat for the consumer. Once the animal has gained the proper amount of weight it is ready to be harvested. This takes place at a state inspected facility. The beef is made into smaller, consumable cuts (see types of cuts here) for you to prepare in your kitchen. The chicken is sold whole but is shrink-wrapped and weighed at the butchering facility.
Now we know that Isaac loves beef and chicken; however he can’t eat it all himself, so they sell it at the Shawano Famer’s Market every Saturday in the summer and fall. They even let me help out one Saturday, here’s what I saw:

Over the years they’ve established quite the clientele. People come just to get a Johnson steak, package of beef or whole chicken.

This is packaged ground beef. All of the meat is stored in a large freezer chest kept on the back of their truck.
It's critical that meat remains frozen until it is ready to be thawed for cooking.

A farmer’s market is a great place to get your questions answered about where your food comes from. Who better to ask than the person, Lindsay in this case, who raised it.

When the tent is up they're ready for business!
As you can imagine, lots of socializing takes place.

The work ethic of farm kids is instilled at a young age. At only 1 year Isaac already wants to help out in the Johnson’s Quality Meat tent. He’s not putting on an act just because he’s in public, Isaac works just as hard behind the scenes at the farm by carrying feed pails (so what if they’re empty) and handfuls of hay to the cows. So those cows in return can someday feed you and your family.

Isaac thought the prices on the whiteboard needed to be adjusted.

If you’re ever in the Shawano area on a Saturday, stop in at the Farmer’s Market and pick up some Johnson beef or a chicken.
Feel free to leave a comment if you have any questions about Famer’s Markets or if you have a burning question on how farm animals are raised.

Happy Hump Day

From the Brahman

We're half way through the week and for fun I wanted to share what I found in my news feed last week from the Ranch House Designs page. I really admire the people of this company and enjoy seeing their work at cattle shows across the country and in the livestock magazines. When I was a senior at Michigan State (2 1/2 yrs ago) I received their scholarship. I'm feel so thankful to have had influential stakeholders in the livestock industry that supported me throughout my college career, it truly shaped who I am today. Thank You Ranch House!

This is a Brahman. I've always been intrigued by this breed of cattle, maybe it's because it's not something you find everyday in the upper Midwest. Maybe someday I'll own at least one! Here's some fun facts:

• Have a large distinct hump, a loose flap of skin from the neck and big floppy ears
• Having more sweat glands they're able to withstand heat (hence their reasoning for living in the south and not be me!) 
• Brahman are commonly crossed with Hereford or Angus; also common in the southern part of the country

So there's you fun Brahman facts for your hump day!

N.Starr

Giving Back

Two weeks ago was Wisconsin's 83rd FFA Convention and I got to take a trip back down memory lane to a sea of blue jackets. Hard to think that six years ago I was up on that same very stage winning the Job Interview Contest and Agriculture Education Proficiency. All the extra time after school filling out applications and mock-interviewing really paid off, I don't know where I'd be if I hadn't had such great mentors pushing me to reach my goals.

I've exchanged the blue corduroy jacket for a business suit. This year I had the privilege to be one of the judges for my favorite contest of all times... Job Interview. It sure did bring back memories of preparing for the contest, predicting what the judges were going to ask and making sure I knew the in's and out's of the job I was "applying" for.

For only being in high school, the contestants had outstanding resumes, were very knowledgeable about the agriculture industry and their career choice. I could have talked to some of them for hours about what they want to be when the "grow up" and their college plans. I got excited just listening to their ambitious plans and recalling what a exciting age this is in a person's life.

"Unlock the Legacy" was the theme for this year's convention.
When is your state convention? 

I firmly believe in supporting the future of our industry. In fact, it's even part of my 101 in 1001 goal list.

How do you volunteer your time for youth?

N.Starr

Friday Fun

A lighter note


Another busy week almost in the books. Sorry I've been a little MIA this week, look forward to a recap on my exciting trip to the 83rd Wisconsin FFA Convention next week. Where an of you in FFA and proudly wear the blue jacket? I know my friend over at From Paris with Love is thankful for her FFA memories!

I found this note at the bottom of my purse this morning. Last week a few girls and I went to the southern part of the state for a friend's bridal shower. Each guest had a bible verse tied to their silverware and we each read our verse before the meal. What a great idea! Anyways this was my, I knew there was a reason I kept it! It sorta reminded me of that country song by Miranda Lambert, Heart Like Mine.

Have anything good at the bottom of your purse? Please share, let's see who has the best! #PurseTreasurers

N.Starr

False: Bugs live in our Meat

Article from Self Magazine.

U.S. Farmers and Rancher's Alliance posted a Self Magazine Article on their Facebook page. Read the full article here. The authors says that antibiotics and vaccines used in animal agriculture is being linked to consumer illness. This is false and the article has no scientific research to back their statement.

• The consumer became ill after eating uncooked chicken. Make sure to following cooking instructions and ALWAYS use a meat thermometer. Chicken should reach an internal temperature of  165*F.
• Farmers and Ranchers work with their veterinarian to keep their animals safe while also contributing to a safe, wholesome food supply. We can not only about the health of our animals, but also the quality of the food we're supplying for your families. Vaccines are use boost the animal's immunity, it does not affect meat or milk. Cows are practically like our kids, when they're sick we feel it is humane to treat them to make them better. The antibiotics used have a withdrawal time. This means the number of days is takes for the antibiotic to get through the animal's systems. Once the withdrawal time has expired it is safe for consumption whether it be meat or milk. We take record keeping very seriously so these steps are followed correctly.

Join me telling the true story about animal agriculture and how committed farmers and ranchers are to providing a safe, whole food supply by using the hashtag #superbugs on Twitter.

N.Starr

Crystal Cattle Webinar

Boot Camp- done. Bed Bath & Beyond shopping trip for friend's bridal shower- done. Signed up for the Crystal Cattle Webinar with Drive Ag Network- done.
There's still time to sign up, it's quick and easy. Start time is in less than 30 minutes. Excited this will be the first time I'm participating in a webinar and looking forward to hearing advice Crystal has and questions from the other participants! Heading to the kitchen to get some of last night's leftovers and will be ready (with a glass of wine of course)! See ya soon!

Starr Farm Report: Chickens

White or Dark Meat?

These are the chickens at 4 weeks old.
Clean water is kept in the white container in the upper-right-hand corner.  

Actually the Starr Farm is not in the chicken business, but the Johnson's (my sister & her husband) are. Which is why it fit under this series. They've recently gotten into the broiler business and have had good luck. They get a few batches each spring/summer raise them until harvest and then sell the meat at the Shawano Farmer's Market held every Saturday.
This is new to me, so I'm learning as they go too! The baby chicks arrive when they're just a few days old, it take 8 weeks until the chickens are big enough for harvest. During that time they have access to food, water and even get a heat lamp when they're just babies. They're such cuties when they're little; soft yellow hair and a baby chripping noise. That wears off in a few weeks when they lose their baby hair and grow in white/grayish feathers. This year it was fun to watch Isaac's reaction to the babies. However, they had to keep a close eye on him, I guess it's pretty tempting for a 1 year old to want to squeeze the yellow fur balls!  

This video shows the chickens enjoying their dinner while under my watch. Besides having enough water, it's important for them to get feed so they are able to gain the right amount of weight. 

EAT BEEF, Drink and Be Merry!

If you've looked at your Facebook newsfeed, picked up the paper or turned on the news you're probably aware of yesterday's confirmed USDA case of a BSE cow in central California. The cow was discovered on-farm during a pre-rendering inspection. The case has been classified as "atypical" meaning it is a rare case and is not likely to be attributable to infected feed. Due to our country's exemplary food safety this cow never entered the food chain, and BSE is not transferred in milk. I encourage you to watch the interview with the USDA Chief Veterinary Officer, Dr. John Clifford as he answers media questions.

"Our livestock population is some of the healthiest in the world, and the consumers should be confident in our food supply." - Dr. John Clifford, USDA Chief Veterinary Officer

Whether you're a consumer, producer or both, this is nothing to be mad or scared about. Yesterday's announcement shows that our food safety system works. I'm very proud to see that the safeguards we have in place to prevent any BSE infected cattle from entering into the food chain are working just as they are supposed to. So don't hold back, continue to use that grill this summer! Family farms and ranches, just like my own family, around the country are continuing to provide your family with safe, wholesome and nutritious beef. So from my family to yours, dig in and eat beef with confidence!
N.Starr

Farmers Supporting Youth

My family's busy- we have a cattle, land and my parents both work off the farm during the day. And needless to say as the hired help went off to college and have become career women in agriculture, things haven't calmed down any. At times we're running in a million directions to get work done. However my family, like many other family farms, feel strongly in volunteering and supporting youth in agriculture, such as the FFA.
Last Sunday was the FFA Awards Banquet (a bit relaxing activity compared to the early morning trail run) and my family once again was in attendance. Not having any kids in the program I thought we'd be a bit out of place, boy was I wrong, I was in awe at all of the local farmers in attendance to support and congratulate FFA students receiving local and state awards. With planting season in full swing for some, farmers don't have a lot of time to spare. However, they will take time out of the tractor to support youth with an interested in agriculture, after all they are the future.
To raise funds for attending leadership conferences and workshops the FFA Chapter puts on a dessert auction at the conclusion of the banquet (and I think this was started by me, so going on an 8 year tradition). This year, thanks to the local farmers, parents and faculty the chapter raised about $1,200 (that's a lot of dessert!)

My Dad is the official auctioneer of the desserts, farmers really are a jack of all trades!

This farmer wife, also known as my mom, donated homemade breads to the auction. And what's nice is she bought something too! I went into a chocolate chip cookie partnership with one of the teachers. I have a sweet tooth. 

Of all three of us girls I was probably the most involved in FFA. I enjoyed the job interview contest, agriculture education SAE, and served as an officer each year. Just because my blue corduroy jacket now hangs in my closet, I still carry a bit of this organization with me today. My family, like others, feel it is important to give back to organizations that were good to their kids. For some families the roots of FFA go back several generations.

"I Believe" was the theme the chapter picked for year. From the successful banquet, I think it's safe to say the future of agriculture is in good hands!

N.Starr

Wear Green & Support Agriculture TODAY

Have you left the house yet?...Look down for a quick wardrobe check, are you wear green today? If not, head back to your closet and quick change into something green! As a Spartan finding something green in my closet is pretty easy.
Join me and thousands of agriculturalist in wearing green to support agriculture. Today's initiative was started by two concerned college students two years ago, and still to this day remain passionate about sharing agriculture's story with consumers and spreading a positive message. I admire young people with determination, drive and willing to take a stand for the betterment of our livelihoods. After all, they the future of the agriculture industry.
And what better color than green (besides the Spartan in me!). When I think green words like sustainability, stewardship and environment come to mind. Farmers and ranchers practices these three things everyday to preserve the land so future generations can continue run the family operation.
Green also reminds me of springtime and Earth Day. This year Earth Day is celebrated on Sunday (4/22). Does your family, school or community have an Earth Day tradition. I think the weather's going to be nice, check out the Ten Ways to Celebrate Earth Day article. Number 10 is my favorite, how about grilling beef?!

N.Starr

A calf is born

A new life.

A Wednesday night tradition of mine, since becoming a Milwaukee career girl, is visiting my extended family. A nice homecooked supper with the fam, playing with Maddie & Noah (ages 5 and 7) and ending with the sitcom Modern Family. Last night I had a special treat for the kids, a video of a calf being born. The only connection this cowgirl & cowboy have to farm-life, is when they visit my family's. Frequently I talk with them about how we take care of our cows, the calves being born and where food comes from, in hopes of bridging the gap. With calving season drawing to a close; I thought it'd be good to show them what I've been talking about these last few months.
After announcing what the video was Maddie asked (obviously still in Easter-mode), "Does it hatch from an egg?" Needless to say this was an eye-opener, but a good experience to see how a calf comes into the world.
Now picture a 5 and 7 year old on my lap and for the first time watching a cow calve.

When a cow is in labor it is also called calving. This video showed a perfect birth presentation, front feet first, followed by the head and as you saw the rest of the body. Like humans this doesn't always happen perfectly, that's when farmers and veterinarians come in to assist the cow with delivery. During calving season, farmers get up several times throughout the night to check on their cows. It's important that we're there to help (if needed). Once born, the newborn calf is being licked off by it's momma immediately. After only a few hours will the calf be up (standing with wobbly legs) and starting to nurse. As producers, we oversee that all this happens, for the health of the cow and calf.

N.Starr

5 Facts Consumers Should Know

National Agriculture Day, March 8th

In honor this week's celebration of  Agriculture, I want to share with you an amazing and touching letter a Texan farmer wrote to consumers. One of the key takeaways for me, coming from a family farm, was that it's time start talking with consumers-instead of at consumers. We're at a time when consumers are eager as ever to learn about where the food that they provide to their families comes from. Since we, the farmers, are the ones raising that food we share a common interest with consumers and can probably learn something from each other and hold a conversation. To start, I'd like to share the 5 things this Texan Farmer thinks consumers should know.

"I am a family farmer. I am not some faceless company that grows your food with reckless disregard for anything but profit. My family has farmed the same land for generations. I hope my children and grandchildren choose this way of life as well.

The environment is important. I cannot farm without the precious gifts of land and water. I must farm with care and caution and the practices I use must be sustainable—so the land will provide indefinitely and the water will be safe for my family and yours.

Food is all about choices. Some consumers choose organic. Others prefer food that is locally grown. Most would rather buy their food off the grocery store shelves. That’s all okay. There is a farmer out there who is committed to ensuring your choice is fulfilled in a safe and responsible manner.

Inhumane treatment of livestock is not an option. I assure you my livestock are humanely treated, are well fed and watered, and are looked after when sick. Proper care and nutrition—besides being the right thing to do—keep my livestock productive. My income—and your choices at the meat counter—depend on it.

Farming is my job. I take my job seriously. A profitable farm ensures my children are well fed, clothed and enjoy the same opportunities as their friends in town."

Thankful Thursday: FFA

As a follow up to yesterday's Wordless Wednesday

Yesterday I was Wordless, today I am thankful. Thankful that at the ripe ole' age of 14 I had the initiative to get involved with my school's FFA Chapter. To most incoming high schoolers, FFA wasn't exactly the "cool" thing to do. And to be honest, I don't know. The opportunity to learn about agriculture, become a leader and stronger public speaker was intriging to me. The only family member who had ever been in FFA was my Dad, who spoke highly of the educational and career oportunities by being involved in this student organization.
I distinctly remember putting on my crisp/stiff FFA jacket for the first time, little did I know all of the places of opportunity it would lead me. FFA taught me to be a leader within my chapter, work countless hours to plan city-wide fundraising events and raise awareness about the importance of agriculture education. FFA taught me how to work with people not only my age, but also those who were older & wiser such as my agriculture teacher and alumni members. I won't forget the hours before and after school my FFA advisor and I would spend prefecting/rewording my proficiency and degree applications and conducting "practice" job interviews. My FFA advisor went above and beyond what any other teacher did for me. Those memories in the ag room will last a lifetime. Not only do I look up to my advisor as a lifelong mentor and someone I'll turn to for advice, she is also one of my friends. She even invited me to the WI Holstein party where one of my favorite bands is playing this weekend, now how cool is that?!
Finally, FFA was good to me. My involvement, dedication and public speaking skills allowed me to accomplish high achievements. My favorite memories are winning the WI Job Interview Contest (by far the most practical career skill I gained), National Agriculture Education finalist, state Public Service Announcement winner, and the scholarship money I receievd to further my education at Michigan State University.
I have a lot to be thankful for and I couldn't have done with without my parents and agriculture teacher believing in me.

My proudest FFA moment. WI Job Interview Champion!!
Thanks to all those who "practice" interviewed me in preparation!

Happy National FFA Week!
N.Starr

I believe

Happy National FFA Week

FFA week is being celebrated throughout the country over the course of the five days. While it was almost 6 years ago, I still remember the distinct feeling of pride when putting on my corduroy jacket. My jacket has lots of high school memories. My jacket signifies success. Success when winning the WI FFA Job Interview Contest, national finalist for the Ag Education Proficiency and winning the Public Service Announcement were highlights of my FFA career. Looking back these accomplishments laid the groundwork for my college education and career in agriculture. Several lifelong valueable skills were gained, I don't know any other student organization that prepares students for career and personal success. I do believe that FFA students have determination and drive to reach goals. I believe that FFA provides opportunities for students to learn by doing. I believe that the agriculture industry holds has some of the best people who take a special interest in youth determined to excel.
This week Keeping it Real: Through the Lens of a Farm Girl is posting fun FFA facts throughout the week. Be sure to "like" her on Facebook and learn about the importance of agriculture education and supporting student involved in FFA. Remember these students are the future of our industry.

Did you participate in the FFA Creed contest as a Freshman?

The breakdown. Did you know FFA positevly influenced this many students throughout the U.S.,
Puerto Rico and the Vigin Islands?

Please share your favorite FFA memory? Or what was your favorite FFA week activity that your chapter did to raise awareness?

N.Starr
 

Taking it back to the basics

Hereford EPDs

I thought watching an educational video would be a good follow-up to yesterday's Wordless Wednesday. It's time we take it a notch back and revisit Hereford EPDs. As you know, I'm a born and raised Hereford gal, you can probably tell from my hide backdrop. Right now cattlemen are in the midst of calving out their cows and first-calf heifers. It's a busy time, multiple checks throughout the night,  bedding down straw so the new calves stay warm and dry, most importantly making sure those babies are off to a healthy start and their mamas are producing an adequete milk supply for their calves to nurse. However it never hurts to start planning ahead to breeding season, evaluating bulls and deciding which would be good genetics to incorporate into your herd. There are several areas to take into consideration, one being EPDs. It never hurts to revisit this area and educate yourself on the fundamentals. The American Hereford Association created several educational videos for breeders . Don't forget to take advantage of these resources offered by your association.

N.Starr

Hunk of Lovin' Beef Monday: Why not have a cupcake

For those that really know me, know that I have a sweet tooth that at times just can't be hidden. Yes, I am that lady at the buffet lines who grabs a regular sized plate but then bypasses the main courses and get the most bang for my buck at the dessert table! I can't hide it, perhaps I need to be hypnotized!? So in honor of #iheartbeef month and my sweet tooth, why not cook up a cupcake....a beef cupcake that is!
Props to Pinterest for helping me find this!

For the meatloaf: Feel free to use your family recipe or if you're looking to try something new continue reading....
1 teaspoon olive oil
1 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 cup ketchup, divided
1 pounds ground beef, extra lean (raw)
2 tablespoons prepared mustard
1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
2 large eggs
Cooking spray

Preheat oven to 350°. Heat the olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add chopped onion and minced garlic; saute 2 minutes. Add brown sugar and saute another couple of minutes. Let cool.
Combine onion mixture, 1/2 cup ketchup, and the remaining ingredients except cooking spray in a large bowl. Spoon the meat mixture into 12 muffin cups coated with cooking spray. Top each with ketchup.

Bake at 350° for 25 minutes or until a thermometer registers 160°. Let stand for 5 minutes. While the meatloaf is cooking, make the mashed potatoes.
Put the potatoes into a pastry bag with a wide star tip (or a sandwich bag with the corner cut off) and pipe the mashed potatoes on top of the meatloaf.  It would also be really cute to use peas and corn kernels as sprinkles. How cute!?

We're talking about a way of life

As I'm sure most of you had heard, the newly proposed regulations by the Department of Labor could impact the way of life for many families. Paige Wallace, past NJAA Board Member, invites the general public into her family's Angus operation and share how this new law, if passed, would take away countless and priceless opportunities for her young sister. Here's a short, educational clip on the lifelong lessons, responsibility and work ethic that a child can gain by working on a family farm.
I can't find the clip on YouTube, so click here to view.

N.Starr

McDonalds promotes the beef industry

And I'm lovin' it!

This may be a day (or a few weeks) late and a dollar short, but wanted to broadcast my appreciation for McDonalds promoting the beef industry in their commercials. I won't spoil the details, but the latest McDonalds commecial provides consumers insight of how the beef in their Big Mac, Quarter Pounder or Happy Meal reaches the drive through window or table of the big golden arches. Who better then to tell the story of beef production then the producer that is out feeding and caring for these cattle day and night! Take a look at how Steve Fogelsong, McDonalds Beef Supplier, opens the gates of his ranch to share with consumers how cattle are raised and the lifestyle that combines work and family.

So if you haven't made lunch plans with your co-workers, maybe today would be a great day to treat yourself to a little hamburger from Ronald McDonald!

Friday Flair: PW Cook Book #2 is on its way

Food from my Frontier

OK so this news, like Thursday post's, is bit of "old news" (by only a week)! Due to work, Christmas and end of year stuff the blogging didn't quite make the to-do list.
So my exciting news is the announcement of The Pioneer Woman's second cookbook, Food from my Frontier. It's done and hopefully soon it will hit the shelf and I'll be one of the first to get my hand on it at the Brookfield Square Mall's Barnes & Noble. Ree's first cookbook was on my birthday wish list and I was lucky enough to get it from my sister Lindsay. Since May I've made quite a few things, my favs.....cinnamon rolls, rosemary potatoes, meatloaf. What I like best about is the pictures that capture her ranch & family life. There's no hiding their strong agriculture roots, their cattle truly are a major part of their lifestyle.
Anyways... Here's to Ree and her new cookbook! I can't wait to get my hands on this and whip up some deliciousness:)

N.Starr