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The Natural Horseman – I grew up dreaming of being a Cowboy

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By Steve Stevens

I have wanted to be a cowboy ever since I can remember, maybe for different reasons than others. Yeah, sure I wanted to be the toughest hand, the top hand out there. But more importantly, I looked up to my noble peers with gallant hats because it stood for something. The cowboy I wanted to be was the man who always did right, no matter the consequences, for his fellow man and his fellow animals. I wanted to know I gave the day an honest effort.

I wanted to be a man with no quit and someone who showed respect to all. I wanted to be one with a Cowboy’s most loyal partner- the horse. It is hard to live up to all of these qualities and I have faulted often. But these ethics represent the person I always want to be and that is the line which I strive to reach everyday. Doing the right thing for the horse, for the human and for yourself can be quite challenging in today’s world, where everything is based on a right-now philosophy and many times winning seems to be the only important thing.

The last two weeks have been quite a whirlwind. We got to compete during two amazing cowboy experiences. The first was the Abilene Western Heritage Classic and the second was the Van Hargis Horsemans Heritage Classic in Hallettsville.

We took the time this weekend during the competition to go down to Goliad, Texas, a trip worth taking for anyone that appreciates history and especially Texas history.

My wife and I sauntered through the quaint town and got a bite to eat. Then we went over to the Presidio La Bahia where so many men had fallen in the Texas Revolution. It’s quite humbling when a few hours before you are in a competition, riding a horse for accolades basically for your own ego. Then you are walking through the stone walls where so many gave their lives for an opportunity of a better life. The trip was short but beautiful and a blessing to spend with my wonderful wife. It was quiet and peaceful.

We finished the weekend, trying to show off our horse at the colt starting, placing third. I am proud to say that my colt sold for the most in the auction held afterwards with proceeds going to the Golden Crescent CASA charity in Victoria, Texas.

The mission statement of CASA is to utilize trained volunteers, appointed by the court, to advocate for the best interests of abused and neglected children and assist them in nurturing, permanent homes. Their website is http://www.goldencrescentcasa.org.

Van Hargis put on his first weekend event to give back to the community and to spread the word of South Texas ranching and the cowboy way. We are back home now with many horses to ride and a lifetime to work on and practice those cowboy ethics. In the great words of my hero, Willie Nelson, “My heroes have always been Cowboys.” Check out Van Hargis website and try to make it to next year’s event. http://www.vanhargis.com

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Farm and Ranch Injuries

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By Barry Whitworth, DVM

In January, I attended the Oklahoma Veterinary Conference. While waiting for one of the sessions to start, a classmate of mine commented how many of the attendees walk with a limp, used a cane, and/or have damaged hands. We all agreed that working with animals is hard on the body. In general, anything associated with farming and ranching is dangerous.

Most farmers and ranchers know that agriculture is a dangerous occupation. According to United States Bureau of Statistics, workers involved in agriculture, forestry, and fishing had the highest occupational fatality rate in 2022. The fatality rate of 23.5 per 100,000 full-time equivalent (FTE) workers for this group is much higher when compared to the overall occupation fatality rate of 3.7 per 100,000 FTE. Most of the agriculture-related fatalities are associated with transportation, such as tractor overturns, and vehicle crashes, but a fair number involve livestock.

To read more, pick up a copy of the March issue of NTFR magazine. To subscribe by mail, call 940-872-5922.

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Jesses Jewelz

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By Jesse Kader

Comfy and keep it western. That’s the name of the game this month. It’s hot and who wants clingy clothing? This jumpsuit is perfectly comfortable and relaxed without forfeiting the fashion. Dress it up or keep it casual. See this and more at www.jessesjewelz.com.

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Noble Research Institute Expands New Program Offering Farmers and Ranchers the Essentials of Regenerative Ranch Management 

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The educational program has been expanded to three new locations, empowering ranchers and farmers to monitor and improve the health of their land, livestock and livelihood through regenerative principles.

ARDMORE, OK–September 12, 2023 – Noble Research Institute announced the expansion of Essentials of Regenerative Ranching, a new educational program designed to help ranchers enhance and restore the land, making it more resilient and reaching livestock grazing goals through regenerative management. Essentials of Regenerative Ranching provides producers with practical tools, hands-on experience and guidance to make data-driven decisions to decrease costs and improve profit.

The Essentials of Regenerative Ranching course has been expanded to three new locations in Texas and Oklahoma. Registration is open now at www.noble.org/essentials. Seating is limited, so early registration is recommended.

Texas A&M

College Station, Texas

October 17 – 18

O.D. Butler, Jr. Animal Science Complex

Noble Research Institute

Ardmore, Oklahoma

October 31 – November 1

Pavilion Center

Texas A&M

Kingsville, Texas

November 7-8

Caesar Kleberg Wildlife Center

“Program participants gain working knowledge and experience of monitoring and improving the health of their soil, grazing livestock more strategically and making informed financial decisions,” said Hugh Aljoe, Noble Research Institute’s director of ranches, outreach and partnerships. “We use a mix of classroom and field work to send producers home with the tools they need to begin making changes on their ranch.”

Farmers and ranchers navigate uncertainty from weather, fluctuating market prices and escalating costs of inputs. Many producers are seeking new tools that offer greater control and reduce their operational uncertainty. Through this course, ranchers and farmers will calculate their financial situations, determine initial stocking rates, carrying capacity and grazing goals.

“The course is well-suited for ranchers of all experience levels and all types and sizes of operations,” Aljoe added. “No matter your situation, this program will transform the way you think about your ranch.”

The Essentials of Regenerative Ranching program allows producers to overcome obstacles, become more informed problem-solvers and increase the productivity of their grazing lands.  By participating in this program, ranchers join a community of like-minded producers who are shaping the future of ranching and leaving a lasting impact on their land and families. “If I had known what I learned in this course when I started my regenerative journey, I could have avoided some key mistakes,” said Tana McCarter, a rancher, and Essentials attendee. “I left with the tools I needed to monitor my soil health and financial progress. I’ll now have the right data to make informed decisions on how to meet my regenerative goals.”

Noble Research Institute is an independent nonprofit agricultural research organization dedicated to guiding farmers and ranchers in applying regenerative principles that yield healthier soil, more productive grazing land, and business success.

At Noble, researchers, facilitators and ranch staff work together to share with farmers and ranchers the skills and tools to regenerate the land in a profitable manner. Noble is focused on the regenerative management of the nation’s grazing acres, which directly impacts pasture and range environments, wildlife, pecan production, and livestock production. Regenerative management recognizes that each decision made on the ranch impacts the interactions of the soil, plants, water, animals, economics and people. Noble’s 14,000 acres of working ranch lands provide a living laboratory on which to demonstrate and practice regenerative principles and ideas to deliver value to farmers and ranchers across the U.S.

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