Welcome to our Online Newsletter! Every month you'll find the latest thoughts and goings on right here. We hope to share some of the little things we learn about life and ranching along the way. In the end, we are hoping that all these "little things" add up in a really big way, and maybe make a difference to everyone.

Ecology is becoming a buzz word in our industry. I think that is fortunate, if we are able to educate ourselves about the importance it can play in our ranching and cattle businesses. Just a few years ago, I would have scoffed if someone had mentioned ecology. I was raised on a farm and ranch and know the importance of the land, and also the importance of caring for animals. After all, this is what my focus was; taking care of land, crops and animals, day in and day out, night in and night out, through blizzards or heat waves. Of all people, surely I could understand the importance of the crux of environmental and ecology issues.

Lately, through education and observation, I have proven myself to be wrong once again. There are many areas on our ranch which have taken huge strides backwards over the last 100 years. Although it is impossible to return our land and surroundings back in time to their pristine conditions; we can make some observations and make sure we do not aid in further deterioration. I also believe Mother Nature is fully capable of healing herself. We are watching how the land heals itself and trying to work with it. Let me give you a few examples of our observations.

In the 1920’s there was a great fishing pond on our ranch. Since the dirty 30’s, the pond has silted in several times. Nearly 10 years ago, we drained this 2 foot deep pond/swamp with the intentions of building another great fishing pond. Thanks to procrastination, the great pond was never finished. Mother Nature has done a great job revitalizing the area from a mono-culture to a neat diverse area. Many trees have grown up in the wetland. There are cattails here and there. Beavers have dammed up the pond and created a deeper pond. Coincidentally, this was exactly what we had intended on doing. The pond was so wet, even after a drought period that we were going to have to hire a drag line to make it deeper. With no out of pocket costs, the beaver have accomplished this for us. In addition to this we have a great bird watching area and a neat place to picnic and try to catch a glimpse of the beavers.

Some of the pastures on the ranch have mostly cool season grasses in them. These are the pastures that were used for years and years for calving in the winter. These were the pastures that were easily accessible during a blizzard and easy to feed hay in. Because of the use during this time of year and overgrazing, we see nearly no warm season species. Last year we divided the pasture with electric fence. Early this spring, Joe observed a marked difference down the fence line. One paddock had some blue stem and warm season grasses on it; the adjoining paddock had no noticeable warm season grasses. With the aid of an expert, we did find some warm season grasses in this paddock. They were there, they had just been grazed, and grazed, and grazed. Mother Nature is still trying to reintroduce these grasses in these tired pastures. Because of this observation, this year we are grazing the pasture this spring with a high stock density. We will allow the pasture to rest during the warm season, allowing these grasses to express themselves and get a start in the pastures. Our range lands will be improved, providing not only extra forage for our livestock, but a more diverse environment for other wildlife, beneficial insects and under the surface microflora.

Ecology and Environmental improvement is important to our continued existence on our ranch. We have changed from skepticism to questioning the validity of issues and observing the outcomes.

- Nancy Moore

At one point, I sat down to write out my personal and business priorities and goals. The business goals were very easily put on paper. My personal priorities were also straightforward and no lengthy thought process was involved. Next came my personal goals. To my own surprise, I was stumped. It actually took me several days of contemplation before I could come up with any.

At this point in our business and personal life, it was apparent what was driving the entire system. It was the business. That doesn’t sound so awful, knowing that any business takes time and effort; however, when I examined my priorities, something was awry.

I knew exactly what my priorities were, but when I examined if my life reflected those priorities, it was evident I was not living the priorities. The results of being driven by the business and laying priorities aside, just one more time, showed themselves by stress, lack of organization, fast paced living and running in circles. It was easy to admit the business had gotten in the way of priorities.

When priorities are sacrificed, we become slaves to our business. Our businesses run us. Our priorities take second place. Personal lives become meshed with the business. Often times this is justified by thinking certain things can only be done certain ways to gain the ultimate business of more dollars. Thus, we end chipping away at our priorities while struggling to build the business. Our businesses should be built upon a solid foundation of personal priorities, beliefs, morals and ethics. Unfortunately, we are often driven by the business and the foundation of personal ideals begins to crumble. If the business is weak financially or in labor force, we must force ourselves to be more innovative to build the business on top of priorities, instead of through them.

As a reader, you may think, "This is fine for the Moores in their situation, but they just don’t know my position. I have debts, problems, projects, and different situations.” I have come to realize that we are all laden with our share of burdens and they are unique. If your burdens have the effect of stress and fast paced living, I challenge you to try writing your personal priorities on a scrap of paper. On the other side, write specific personal goals. Is most of what comes to mind at first business oriented? Can you really say that your priorities are number one every single day, or have they been laid aside lately?

There is a way to change this problem of ignoring our priorities. Self-discipline and honesty, with oneself is the best place to start. I have helped clients and our family and business through some transitions to bring prioritized living to the forefront and be the driving factor in their lives. It leads to a much happier, healthier, sound way of living. Life without worry and stress is attainable! What has been the driving force behind the situations you encountered today?

- Nancy Moore

Hey, did you cattlemen, ranchers, and farmers get your Continuing Education Credits! Don’t miss OUT!!!

Most every other professional industry I can think of has continuing education requirements. Ours doesn’t. It is up to you to have the motivation and see the advantages of expanding your knowledge and seeing the impact it can have on your business. We in agriculture tend to think we are experts and there is not much more someone else can help us out with. We urge you to look into some specialized schools and expand your mind with more reading sources. Mind you, I am not speaking of trade magazines, which have the latest trends and the glossy picture of the operation of the month.

We have been to several schools and have leads from other like minded ranchers who strive for more knowledge. Send us an e-mail or give us a ring and we can share with you we have found.

Ole Salty was set in his way,
Old fashion he’d always stay.
A hard nosed cowpuncher a’sayin’ the least.

He wasn’t much about learnin’,
More money he’d be a earnin’.
Could tell by the choice of his bovine beast.

My cattle they’re all polled,
And I sell em’ fore they’re old.
I’ve maintained a well managed herd.

Help Salty I’ve tried oh so often,
But he’ll be that way to his coffin.
He’s ignored suggestion of my every word.

Still rides an ole crowbait nag,
Feeds cattle from a burlap bag.
Steadfast in cowboy ways and old times.

His pickup is a seventy two,
I drive one that’s brand new.
He runs over dollars tryin’ to save them dimes.

So today we gathered our cattle,
Salty does all from the saddle.
I used the horn on my new pickup truck.

To market the cattle were bound,
My calves bigger by thirty pound.
Oh I’ve worked hard to create this good luck.

My calves they sold at the top.
Salty’s was a ten cent drop.
My name will make the livestock news.

The Salty said you did well,
Yer calves they topped the sale.
Then spit out the tobacco he chews.

The banker we’ll now go see,
And he’ll sure be proud of me.
To pay a portion against my borrowed amount.

Then Salty that stubborn ole fellar.
Politely said to the pretty bank teller.
Please mam, just put all this in my savin’s account.

MJ Raley 8/96