I didn’t bet on the Kentucky Derby this year.  I haven’t been to Vegas in a couple of years.  I almost never go to any of the casinos in Oklahoma.  But I’m sitting here looking at a flush protocol for this summer.  This may be worse than gambling.  Last year’s flush deal only kind of worked.  But I feel the need to try, try again.  It’s almost addictive. There is a feelling that you NEED to flush some does in order to keep moving forward and maximizing your genetics.  

     I stare at the paper with the dates to put CIDRs in, give folltropin shots, lutalyse and PG 600.  I realize that I will be on the road during several of these dates, but then that kind of sums up most of the summer.  I stare at the schedule until the paper starts to spin; spinning in the same direction as something being flushed down a toilet. Flushing, gambling, it’s basically the same thing.  It will either work or it won’t.  And if it doesn’t, we will wish that it would have.  

    Where to go next?  This is probably the most common question in the livestock industry.  Where are the trends heading?  Where do we go next to find the buck that we need?  The goat industry is probably harder to find the next piece just for the simple fact the genetic pool of really good goats is smaller as compared to other species.  A breeder can keep a buck or two, but most likely these keepers will be similar genetically to the rest of their herd.  New blood will still be needed.  And this brings us back to the question…where to go next?  

    Buying bucks can be a chore, no matter the size of the operation.  A breeder with hundreds of does needs multiple bucks.  Having large numbers of females enables a breeder to experiment, but that magical buck is still a must.  A smaller breeder will normally only need one buck, but if they get the wrong one, it can set them back a year or more.

    And once you find the piece that you want/need, then you still have to hope that he is available/4 sale.  Then you have to be able to afford it.  It is hard to get all of these pieces to come together.  That’s why this industry is not easy.  

May the 4th be with you in your pursuit of genetic improvement.  

I’ve been hooked up today.  Gardening chores, burned horns (didn’t take long as there aren’t enough wethers), then I sat a cattleguard.  Now, I’ve made it in front of the tube for the Derby.  I love a good horse rarace.  For that matter, I like pig races and dog races as well.  And down the stretch they come!  That was a fun race.  Several horses made the favorite work for that win.  Now for the fight later.  Big day.

      2nd blog post in the same day.  Did the Real World deal after church this morning and now this.  Tammy and I made it down west of Vici for a quasi-birthday celebration of sorts.  I’m not good with birth dates but Newt Sweet and Kelli Sweet both had recent b-days (maybe even today) and Tesha the Bruce also had a B-day today or somewhere close. No matter, happy birthday to all involved.  

     Brandon the Bruce cooked burgers and dogs at The Sweet’s place tonight for these B-day celebrations.  John the Bruce attended and kept everybody in line.  It was big fun right up until I realized that James & Newt had bought some does, then the wheels came off the wagon.  Let’s just say that they were not aware of the historical signficance of the goat herd that they had rescued.  Several local & county champions had come from this herd.  

     Then, Brandon the Bruce’s mother offered up cake and ice cream.  Not a problem, except that I can’t turn down fresh ice cream.  And I have a bit of a lactose intolerance problem. Dang, those milk products just taste so good.  I have not messed with drugs, but I bet if I ever do, I’ll probably have an IV hooked right up to a Holstein.  I know.  It just ain’t right.  A Jersey would probably have a higher butterfat quotient.  Yes, I know.  I have some issues.  

     I have had to re-evaluate quite a bit about AgEd programs the past couple of weeks.  AgEd and FFA are supposed to teach real world principles.  I have always thought these programs did just this as well as or better than any other school programs.  But, I have had to learn that this greenhouse deal and now, the agri-science program may be almost as good as a public speaking program.  

     The greenhouse, much like an ag mechanics shop, lets kids use their hands to directly learn skills and then can see the results.  This agriscience program opens up a whole new set of opportunities for all kinds of kids.  I am still learning about this, but I like what I see.  The kids have to come up with a project, research it, develop it and then stand there in front of the judges and present it, then answer questions.  Public speaking skills are a must, but they aren’t being judged on delivery as much as they are their knowledge.  The playing field is pretty equal for all kids.  Creativity and hard work are a must.  

      I enjoyed watching one of the ag teachers from Tipton watching his kids with their agriscience projects at the state contest.  A lot of you goaters know Ronnie Nix.  He ONLY had about 43 students competing.  These kids had individual projects and team projects.  The kids were giving their presentations to the judges.  Some were nervous, some just wanted to get it over with and some were focused and ready to roll.  They ended up having a bunch of high placers and their chapter won the Sweepstakes awards.  It was truly a team effort and you could see the pride in all of the kids, parents and teachers from Tipton.  It was cool.  

     I hauled five kids that competed.  We had a pair of girls, Mercy and Diana, win state in their division, Duke was 2nd in his group and Alexis and Bethany were 5th.  Not bad, considering their ag teacher has limitiations.  After doing this, I can guarantee you that Duke’s parents will make him continue to compete in this program.  Very worthwhile.

      Speaking of real world.  A school’s job is to prepare students for the real world.  Sometimes, I think schools forget this.  We all get too worked up about athletics, stock shows, drama or music contests.  Now, don’t get me wrong, all of these programs help teach real world principals, such as work ethic, goal setting, success/defeat and teamwork.  But, how many students are actually going to pay for college or have a career playing sports or showing animals?  Yes, I know people that have done it in both areas, but they are the minority.  

       Let’s take a look at Stock Shows vs. the real world.  Calves living in cooler rooms, hogs in chip barns, goats and sheep on strict exercise programs, etc.  Too many animals are kept in the gene pool because they MIGHT raise a great one, even though they can’t reproduce on their own.  Nobody can argue that this part of stock shows is applicable to the real world.  It’s not.  However, I will argue that stock shows kids have a better understanding of nutrition, animal health and current technology such as AI, ET, cloning and livestock evaluation skills.  This all does translate into real world application and into future possible careers.  Combine this with work ethic and goal setting and this is what makes a stock show program valuable.  Not a banner.  Although, if they are giving banners or trophies, then we might as well try to win it.  

       And since today’s topic is Real World and schools….I noticed that there were several agriscience research projects in the social division regarding the lack of AgEd teachers.  I am well aware of this fact, beings how there wasn’t anybody that wanted the Shattuck job last year.  I have also worked with several other schools this spring that have been trying to find new ag teachers.  There just aren’t any out there.  But I can tell you this much, if you want to get or keep a good teacher, do it just like they do in the real world…..PAY ‘EM!  If you are trying to recruit a good teacher, pay them.  Coaches, academic teachers, whatever.  In the real world, you have to pay to get and keep good employees.  Schools should be no different.  Trust me, it is cheaper to pay more to keep a valued employee than it is to try to replace them with some unkown that probably won’t work out and then you have to start over again.

      Not a goat sale, but an estate sale.  Tammy and I went to look at lineup of equipment and stuff that is selling this Saturday.  She was close to the family and I have known them for 30 plus years.  The owner passed away a couple of months ago and was just a few days short of being 100 years old.  I really liked when he came to the dealership.  Although he wasn’t young, he was sharp till the end.  He had lots of barns and kept most of the machinery inside.  Although older equipment, (4640, 4430, Steiger Cougar, etc.) it was all well maintained and kept slick.  He had not one, but two Ford 8N tractors–one that has a post hole digger mounted on it and one that has a cement mixer attached.  Slick grain trucks.  Maybe, the nicest set of older Deere 455 drills that I have seen.  Even a set of LZ hoe drills.  Yeah, they are old, but they will sell.  Lots of green paint, but also some Silver Seater combines–L and L2.  My kind of sale.  Now, throw in a 1931 Model A Ford coupe–show room slick.  A ’67 Mustang–convertible–equally slick!  

      Although it was kind of sad looking at a gentleman’s life accumulation, it was also cool looking at really well cared for equipment that will be in demand.  The cars were worth the drive.  This sale will go well just because the locals will know that the items were well cared for.  I just hope that when my time comes, people will think highly of my stuff.  

     Over and out, good buddy.  Time to call it a day.  We’ll catch you on the flip side.  

      Yep!  It is paradise.  I routinely refer to this little patch of Earth known as the Kelln Kompound as paradise.  Most of the time there is sarcasm in this statement.  But sometimes, I mean it.  And right now, on this 22nd day of April, I truly mean it.  NO wind.  We have had rain…multiple days in a row.  Things are green.  Did I mention NO wind?  

       I truly do like living in NW Oklahoma.  Although, there are times I would just like to load up and head to Costa Rica.  There is something to be said for the quality of people that live here and in the Texas & Oklahoma panhandles.  You have to want to live here.  There are a lot of great people that live in paradise.  And I got to see a bunch of them at the NW district speech contest last night.  For instance, Lanna Slater was there to cheer on the youngest Slater–Hunter.  He did well as he qualified for state.  His father, Fred, showed up late and in casual attire.  No, he wasn’t wearing those old holey red sweat pants, but he was comfortable.  Any day talking to Fred and Lanna is a good day.  Did I mention that Fred bought a 1987 Suzuki Samurai vehicle to cruise around and check cows?  Yeah, he has pics. I got to see Tori Sessions, Lexi Vanderwork, Katherine Cockraham, Rhylli Powell, Colin Ring and several other great goat showers. There is a lot of talent beyond showing animals….as should be.  

       On the speech contest note….hats off to all of those competing and the winners.  Our kids did well, but there is room for improvement.  There is a culture that surrounds those consistent winning public speaking winning chapters.  It takes a group effort, takes time and takes dedication.  That Kingfisher crew does it right.  There are parents, grandparents, teachers, business people, etc.  that know what a speech should sound like and how to handle questions.   People can gripe about getting their donkey’s kicked by the Kingfisher Krew, but they do it right.  Oh, did I mention that they have a pair of ag teachers that are REALLY good at winning National Championships?  Tip of the cap to Mr. & Mrs. Burns on all they do.  Tammy & I will always clap for a job well done; no matter how bad the ass-whipping. 

      My fondest memories of teaching revolve around some years spent in Waynoka.  There is still a pile of people in that metropolis willing to help kids present and then answer questions.  I will bet that “Little Dukester or those Holt girls” will hit a lick as a result from some practice that happens in Waynoka in years to come.  Shattuck has the talent, but that talent needs to/will grow.  But, I really like the future.  It is kind of like that yogurt in the back of the fridge…..the culture is growing.  

      On a goat note, we will sell a way good yearling doe at the Diva’s sale on Saturday.  I won’t tell you what she is worth, but I will bet that she makes money for whoever buys her.  Kelln Livestock does produce.  Why?  Because I will gladly $h!t can them to some obscure sale barn if they don’t.  A doe is a miserable animal, and a non-producer doesn’t do anybody any good.  This one is a keeper.  

      Let’s end this blog on a high note….Shout out to old farts in Nebraska named Ron, producers of the Amazing Race that make time to read this krap, Ditch Witch employees, any BA teenage mutant ninja turtles in the 73015 zip code and any kid willing to have the intestinal fortitude to get up and give a speech. A thumbs up to all those adults that make a kid give a speech.   Tip o’ the cap, top o’ the day to ya but a better one tomorrow.  

p.s.  play “The Ecstasy of Gold” by Metallica with the San Francisco symphony orchestra.  Great movie, great song done right by a great band with a….what?!  Trust me.  Great tune.  

       The Creed is exactly that…the FFA Creed.  There isn’t another creed.  Kind of like THE national anthem.  There is only one.  And when it is done right…it sounds really right.   I still remember the first time that I heard THE national anthem done right.  1991 Super Bowl–Whitney Houston.  Perfection.  And, yes, I do have it on iTunes.  

       The FFA creed has always been close to me.  I truly enjoy the words to the creed.  Myself, along with lots of others, don’t go many days in our agricultural lives without uttering the phrase “the joys and discomforts of agricultural life”.  Today was a perfect example.  

      I left school and headed home to change pickups.  I was headed to Alva, then Aline and then Cleo Springs.  Then get home and do chores.  I pulled the Grey Goat out of the barn and headed East.  I decided to check the kidding barn.  Good call.  Sick doe.  Doctored her.  SInce I was here, let’s check the rest of the stock.  Wait?!!  WTH?! How the…. That gate has never been opened.  How did those young bucks get out in the pasture with all of the does?  Wait a minute, that sounds like a newborn kid….in the pasture?!  Oh crap!   Sure enough.  A doe that I thought had aborted, now had a live doe kid with her…freshly cleaned.  I gathered the doe and baby up and moved them to the kidding barn (after kidding barn).  I then gathered all of the brombies out on pasture.  Caught the 2 escapees and locked them up.  

     It was now several hours later than I had planned, so I decided not to go to East.  All of this would be a discomfort.  But then come the joys.  The wind quit blowing, the sun came out, the ground is wet from recent rains and Duke and I decided to plant some crops.  We planted cucumber seeds like we knew what we were doing.  Then we stuck some corn seed into the ground.  The weather was PERFECT and I was happy to by helping my favorite son.  Big fun.  We were only feet away from a couple of train wrecks that happened earlier in the day, but miles apart in terms of happiness, attitude and dang this is fun.  The joys.

      Then, Duke and I came to the house.  Tammy had a crew of public speakers here to practice for districts.  You know me.  I love public speaking contests.  Any chance that we get to listen to speakers;  well, we tend to drop what we are doing and listen.  Way good, killer talented set of girls.  Excellent set of talented speakers.  I might have got a bit wound up about the bee speech.  I tend to be a bit opinionated about the TWO perfect foods: honey being one and bacon the other.  The two creed speakers are loaded with talent.  I know both girls, but I hadn’t heard them speak before.  Now, I just want them to move 30 miles to the west.  These girls are loaded with talent….great voices, presence and a desire to win.  Dare I say that it was a joy…to get to lsisten to them.  

        I did feel bad that all of these girls were nervous because I was listening.  But hopefully, it will have them more prepared for the district contest  I don’t want my kids to get beat, but if they do get beat;  I won’t mind as long as they get beat by a good one.  Hats off to the ag teacher for bringing them out to work with Tammy.  The Dragon Lady has coached more state finalists than most ag teachers.  

     Time to hit save post, check out the ends of some online auctions and then kick back until Law & Order SVU comes on.  Have a good day and a better tomorrow.  

     Hoof care on a doe herd can be a PITA.  (Pain In The A$$).  Some does don’t grow much hoof.  While others, especially ex-show does, grow an inch of hoof per week.  I don’t like looking at long hoofed animals, but I also don’t like catching does and trimming hooves.  But it can be easy.  I have wrote about it before, but if you want your doe herd to have pedicures and be sound footed, then you need to call Stephanie Allen at 918-938-1427.  She works TOO cheap, has a great attitude towards the does (unlike me) and will fit you into her travel schedule.  This chick isn’t afraid to work her way up the ladder in the goat world.  She just might be one that you need to call in later years.  

     Speaking of easy, I just listened to Brooks and Dunn play on the ACM.  I had forgotten how easy on the ears that duo could be.  Way better than this “new” country krap that they keep putting out.   

       Another day in the books, which is good.  But it also means that I am one day closer to being done.