Buzzard's Beat by Brandi Buzzard

01/15/2025

Breaking news from the ranch: when your husband breaks his leg on AI day, you've got to get creative! 😅 Watch on AcresTV as we navigate an unexpected breeding season twist and figure out plan B for our cattle. Plus, I've got some encouraging updates about that New World screwworm situation in Mexico that we talked about earlier!

Want to see how we handle those "well, this wasn't in the plan" ranch moments? We're keeping it real and making it work!

What's the craziest "plan B" you've had to pull off on your farm or ranch? Share your story below! 🐄💪

01/14/2025

The last time I was in France, I ate a baguette for lunch every single day. I also walked about 9 miles per day (NOT an exaggeration, sadly). Farm Babe brings about some really important facts about wheat, gluten, international travel and food.

"In the U.S., we grow more hard wheat, which has a higher gluten content, while in Europe, soft wheat is most often grown. Soft wheat has a lower gluten content. Eating gluten products in Europe might be more easily digestible for those sensitive to gluten, but it also might not! And here’s the kicker: Europe imports plenty of U.S. wheat too! So, it’s not about which is ‘better,’ they’re simply different."

No, European wheat is NOT necessarily better than U.S. Wheat. There are different types of wheat out there , and each has its own use (some better for artisan bread, pasta, or baked goods like cookies). In the U.S., we grow more hard wheat, which has a higher gluten content, while in Europe, soft wheat is most often grown. Soft wheat has a lower gluten content. Eating gluten products in Europe might be more easily digestible for those sensitive to gluten, but it also might not! And here’s the kicker: Europe imports plenty of U.S. wheat too! So, it’s not about which is ‘better,’ they’re simply different.

When you eat foods in another country, it doesn’t necessarily mean that it was GROWN in that country. Often times it isn’t WHAT we are eating, but how much. Portion sizes and stress play a major role… everyone is generally happier when they’re on vacation - walking more with less stress. The placebo effect can be quite powerful.

01/11/2025

Join us in the field as we harvest some seriously impressive forage sorghum! We're putting up feed for our cows and you won't believe the yields we're seeing from this Imiflex variety from Advanta Seeds.

Want to see massive yields and real ranch challenges? Don't miss this one on AcresTV !

What's your go-to forage crop for feeding cattle?

Share your experience with different varieties below! 🌾🚜

01/09/2025

Curious about what's really in your ground beef? As a rancher who serves it regularly at my family table, I'm sharing the inside scoop on America's favorite cut of beef! From lean protein facts to cooking tips, get all your burning questions answered in my latest blog post.

Plus, learn my rancher-approved tip for choosing between 90/10 and 80/20 for the perfect burger!



Want to know the secrets to making the best ground beef dishes? Click the link below! 🐄🍔

01/08/2025

Join us in the field on AcresTV T as we tackle spring forage harvest! We're turning wheat and rye cover crops into valuable feed - and yes, we're still debating if "wheatlage" is really a word! 😆 Plus, get the latest update on that breaking news about avian influenza in ground beef.

What creative feed solutions are you using on your operation? Share below! 🚜

01/06/2025

🚨‼️ TOTALLY DISAGREE 🚨‼️

I saw a post a few days ago that said:

"Farmers and ranchers aren't battling snow and ice for you to order your steak well done."

Folks, I don't care how you eat your steak, I'm gonna bust my butt taking care of these cattle whether you want it rare or black like a hockey puck. However, you can show your appreciation for me, and other ranchers, by not bashing and disparaging our food supply and grocery store beef.

I LOVE IT WHEN YOU EAT BEEF
🥩🍖🍔
I’m a rancher who sells cattle and beef in multiple ways. We sell bulls to other ranchers/farmers, lots of beef directly to consumers as well as a whole heap of beef into the grocery store chain. Every one of the animals that is marketed through those various methods is raised the same way on our ranch so it really grinds my gears when I see people say they want to support farmers and ranchers but grocery store beef is “unhealthy, gross or not safe.” None of that is true - not one iota.

Beef purchased at the grocery store DOES SUPPORT LOCAL FARMERS AND RANCHERS. The average beef herd size is 40ish cows in the U.S., and most of those owners don’t have enough cattle to market an entire semiload, so they are sold through an auction market (sale barn) and go into the normal commodity beef, grocery store supply chain. There is nothing wrong with that - beef at the grocery store is safe, nutritious and a good option for millions of families.

You can support your local farmers and rancher by purchasing directly from them OR by purchasing at the grocery store. Don’t let anyone tell you otherwise - and if they do, send them my way.

Thank you for buying and enjoying BEEF!

01/03/2025

Take a behind-the-scenes look at our cattle working day - from branding to vaccinations! Plus, we're breaking down the latest on Prop 12 and what potential federal solutions could mean for farmers and ranchers nationwide. Real talk about real issues affecting agriculture!

Watch it on AcresTV

Have Prop 12 regulations affected your operation? Drop a 🐷 in the comments and share your experience!

01/02/2025

Our annual family tradition on New Year's Day is to take a picture together when feeding cows. It was pretty late this year when we got around to it - already dark! - but we made it. It's fun looking back on the 7 years we've done it and seeing how our family has grown.

I look forward to looking back in 5, 10 and maybe even 15 years at the photos!

What is your New Year's Day tradition?

12/31/2024

There's a new episode onAcresTV

Massive forage sorghum yields and an unexpected health challenge - just another day putting up feed on the ranch! 🚜

12/31/2024

WE DON'T BURN HAY 'ROUND HERE!
🔥 🌾🐴
I mean that literally and figuratively.

Horses have a reputation as "hay burners" but on our ranch they help us do our job raising cattle and they also are a big part of our rodeo passion. And while they need hay to keep their digestive system moving (that's their fiber), we try to make sure that as much of it is utilized as possible.

If it gets trampled in the mud, it's wasted and doesn't fuel them so we started using a Hay Chix stock nets on our large round bales in the pastures. They are designed to slow-feed horses and not allow them to spill hay all over the ground, plus the nets are sturdy and well-made. This bale has lasted much longer than if we had put the bale in the ring without a net!

These have been a wonderful addition to the rest of our Hay Chix nets that we use in the stall barn and also on the road when we travel. Use BRANDIB20 to s a v e at https://bit.ly/HayChixBuzzard

12/27/2024

Ever wonder what happens when you turn cattle out to fresh spring grass? Watch on AcresTV as we release our stockers onto endless green pastures - with some parental-style advice! 😄 But wait, there's more... I'm fired up about the latest faux meat "innovations" and sharing my honest take on why Silicon Valley's billions might be better spent elsewhere!

What's your take on lab-grown meat investments? Share your thoughts below! 🐄💭

12/20/2024

“That’s the history of the world. His story is told, hers isn’t, I feel that has to change and women are going to have to change it.” - Dolores Huerta
__________________________
In 2018, Women's Work Documentary Film began with a grassroots crowdfunding campaign and being accepted into the Redford Center Fiscal Sponsorship program. That gave us the momentum we needed to continue fundraising and start pre-production.

In late summer 2019, we hit the ground running with filming— and then, life took a pause. It wasn’t until 2022 that we were able to pick up where we left off, finally wrapping in the fall of 2023.

And now, the moment has arrived: today marks the television broadcast premiere of the film!!! 🎉

We have many folks to thank for their support - starting with all of you! We also extend enormous gratitude to our Presenting Sponsors: Central Life Sciences and U.S. Sugar

This premiere will be on KSPS PBS and limited to parts of Eastern Washington State, Northeastern Oregon, Northern Idaho, Western Montana, Alberta, and Eastern British Columbia.

We're pleased to announce that Western Washington will broadcast on KBTC Public Television on Tuesday November 19 at 9pm, Thursday November 21 at 7am, plus a late night encore that same week (TBD).

Thanks for your support, and for tuning in tonight if you can!
- The Women's Work Team

P.s. if you donated to the Indiegogo campaign - there is a little treat for you at the end of the film credits!

12/18/2024

THE FINAL FETCH

"She loved fetch, stalking horses, trailing cattle, her humans, belly rubs, killing my chickens and jumping in water tanks – in that order."
"My deepest, darkest secrets are not held by my husband, best friends, siblings, parents or therapist. Despite those being the “usual suspects” for such confidence, none of those confidants can be trusted to withhold judgement while also remaining supportive in light of my most vulnerable admissions. No, only one being holds the vault key for the entirety of my confessions of joy, sorrow, ire and envy; and she crossed the rainbow bridge last week.

It's been said that a dog is the only thing on Earth that loves you more than she loves herself, and I have found that to be quite true. Cricket was the first dog I picked out, raised, trained and lived with for her entire 11 years and 6 days of life. Curiously, she was not the runt, but her mature size raised many an eyebrow when I attested to her purebred Border Collie bloodlines. Ninety-five percent white, rarely greater than 35 pounds – except in pregnancy – and standing not quite 18 inches at the shoulder, she encapsulated energy, passion, personality and comedy like no dog I’ve ever encountered."
-------

Last week I laid to rest my sweet Cricket, whose love for fetch, stalking livestock and me was unwavering until the end. Making that decision was perhaps one of the hardest things I've ever done. Read her well-deserved tribute on the Kansas Living website at: kansaslivingmagazine.com/articles/2024/12/17/the-final-fetch

Immense thanks to Lacey Wray Photography for capturing this special image with my girl.

12/17/2024

Get ready for a hilarious and informative adventure that combines farm work with musical creativity! We're hitting the pastures with foam markers, showing you how we efficiently spray weeds while dropping some seriously clever song parodies. Plus, I'll take you behind the scenes of my first-ever AgPhD Field Day experience - and trust me, it was an adventure you won't want to miss!

Ever written a farm-themed song parody? Share your best agricultural musical moment! 🎵🚜

12/13/2024

"No heaven can heaven be, if my horse and my dog aren't there to welcome me." - Buzzard, 2024

I've ridden and owned some extraordinary horses. Horses that have taught me life lessons. Horses that loved me. One that I am pretty sure hated me 😂. Horses that scared me and made me better and horses that gave me their all.

I cannot imagine my life without the influence and presence of horses and I quite honestly don't want to.

Happy National Day of the Horse to all who are lucky enough to have loved, or be loved by, the best God had to offer.

📸 : The Happy Trails Co.

12/12/2024

PODCASTING LIKE A PRO
🎙️ 🎙️ 🎙️
My guest while I guest-hosted the Kansas Farm Bureau Inside Ag podcast was Brandon Kerwin who serves on the KFB Young Farmers & Ranchers Committee. He was so gracious to talk with me while driving home from the KFB Annual Conference - he just pulled over on the side of the road so we could chat and wow, was he great!

Have a listen as we talk about the value of being at the table, getting out of your comfort zone, exciting things happening in Farm Bureau at the county level (y'all I want to join Jackson County FB after this 🤣), and the TREMENDOUS agenda at the upcoming Young Farmers & Ranchers Leaders Conference in Manhattan, KS, Jan. 10-12, 2025.

To learn more about the conference, visit: https://www.kfb.org/Article/YFR-Leaders-Conference

and listen to the podcast at:
https://audioboom.com/posts/8622933-guest-host-brandi-buzzard-talks-with-brandon-kerwin-about-the-yf-r-leaders-conference

12/11/2024

Breaking Down the Truth About mRNA Vaccines in Livestock: A Rancher's Perspective!

Ever wondered about the science behind keeping our cattle healthy? In our latest blog post, we're cutting through the noise and sharing the facts about mRNA vaccines in agriculture. Spoiler alert: There's nothing to fear! We're diving deep into the science, addressing common concerns, and explaining why animal health is our top priority.

From vaccine safety to food protection, we're breaking down three key reasons why ranchers like us trust modern veterinary science to keep our herds strong and our food supply safe.

Curious about livestock healthcare? Drop a 🐄 in the comments if you want to learn more about how we keep our herds healthy!

Read the full story on the blog to get the complete scoop! 🚜📝
https://buzzardsbeat.com/2023/07/defining-and-using-mrna-vaccines-in-cattle-and-livestock.html/

12/10/2024

Buckle up for an action-packed episode of AcresTV where we're diving into some serious ranch challenges! We're calling out corporate double standards and sharing critical strategies to protect our cattle. From battling pinkeye to preventing theft, this episode is packed with practical ranch management insights that every farmer needs to hear.

Have you dealt with pinkeye or cattle theft on your ranch? Share your toughest ranch protection story 🐄🚨