How do we fix it?  That is the real question.  It isn’t easy but it should be.

No, I don’t think that the state 4H or FFA offices can help.  They are normally prone to staying on a fence with as little confrontation as possible.  And it would just be one more damn worthless report for ag teachers/agents to fill out in order to provide documentation of somebody Covering Their Own Ass.  Some states don’t have much of a state office presence at stock shows.  Denver, Phoenix, KC & Lousiville are considered national shows, so a state office really doesn’t have any jurisdiction.

Years ago, an ag teacher might be able to help curb the problem on a local level.  But not now.  This deal is way bigger than an ag teacher deal.  And with homeschool, epic schools & similar educational outlets, there normally isn’t an ag teacher and really, they only have to have a membership card on file to be in 4H.

The breeders, parents and jocks behind these deals feel ZERO repercussions.  What is the saying?  Any publicity is good publicity.  Very rarely is show management aware of this stuff until after the fact.

Here in Oklahoma, we have a unique situation with a daughter of the biggest breeder managing our biggest show–OYE.  I’m going to name some names but it fits the conversation.  No doubt that the Pfeiffer’s are the biggest dog on the block in OK, maybe the whole goat industry.  Tammy and I truly like Jerry, Ada and the kids. Kass is in a high position at OYE.  And not one time, not once ever, have I questioned her integrity with anything that has gone on at OYE.  When there was a bit of a scandal a couple of years ago, I never questioned nor blamed Kass.  I still don’t.  Ask Dale Hummel.  I told him several years ago to not make that phone call.  That is a different story for a different time.  When this hamster judge screwed up the doe show a couple of years ago, I never once blamed anybody but the judge’s incompetence.

Back to the Pfeiffer crew, I may not like nor respect their consultant but that is a different deal.  They want to win.  That IS their business and several people’s livelihoods are tied to selling goats for some $s.  However, that crew knows that they can’t win them all and they truly respect a good showman with a good animal.  They have been on both ends of these crappy judge deals.  They have gotten a gift or two when they shouldn’t have and they have gotten beat when they shouldn’t have.  I do not consider that family to be a part of the problem.

Now, is Kass in a position to help curb a crappy judge?  Maybe.  Is it really her job?  IDK.  And if she is in the position to curb the problem, is she not then also in a position to enable this stuff to continue?  I don’t know.  I truly trust her and her upbringing.  Can Jerry and Kelsey pull on the reins of that heavyweight to make sure it all at least looks kosher?  Sure.  He works for them.  But, he also works for a lot of others.

Here is the next part.  When these judges do this crap, WHY can’t the contributing parties at least make sure to bring a good animal?  That stops a lot of this.  Use a good one and nobody is questioning this stuff.  Buddy deal or not–use a good one.

And here we are again.  How do we fix the problem?  We have to do it.  Call them out.  I wish that it wouldn’t happen on book face or a retarded blog but if that is our only outlet, do what you gotta do.  Of course, crazy mom and barn-blind dad posts don’t help.  I’m not even sure that my dumb ass blog posts will truly make changes but at least discussions are happening.  More breeders, show officials, ag teachers need to call out a crappy judge.  IDK, maybe a reference system.  I mean, if I call an acquaintance in a foreign place like Ft. Gibson and Isbell or Craig tell me that they didn’t enjoy that judge, well, I respect their opinions and I probably don’t try to hire that judge.  Just because there is a backdrop picture of a judge in a magazine or on book face, does not mean that they did a good job.

I do think that there needs to be a rating system.  Consistency of type & kind, reasons, timeliness, cordiality, whatever.  Maybe like an ebay or amazon review chart.  Wait…wait.  I’m calling dibs.  Maybe I need to make a website or app that does that.

“Well, we can’t hire that judge. His Kelln’s expert judge score only qualifies him to judge a Guadalajara donkey show.  And this other one is rated for Cavapoo dogs, Llamas, Hereford pigs and snow cones….wait, what, snow cones?!?!?”

I just read that last stuff that I typed.  It’s time for me to step away from the keyboard.  After the last 4 nights, all of you people have had enough to read and ponder upon.  And I think I need a snow cone.

“S-A-F-E-T-Y  D-A-N-C-E    Act like an imbecile and dance.  If your friends don’t dance, well then they are no friends of mine.”    I apologize for that.  Well, to everybody except for a Ulysses, KS area resident.  Keep that tune rolling through your skull all day.  You are welcome!

And that word is “Perspective”.

I was at the Tulsa State Fair as an ag teacher.  Not as a jock or breeder.  My priority was Shattuck kids showing sheep.  We had a good Tulsa Fair.  The parents and kids worked together great and had fun.  I had time to go to Tally’s Cafe for a breakfast or two.  I had a great time meeting back up with Mr. Pullan and Mr. Bradshaw to go to Jamil’s steakhouse.  This time Randy and Lisa Nation joined us.  Great meal with fun people. I want this tradition to continue.  It is fun with good food.  I love deals like this.  The only way it would have been better is if Tammy and Stephanie would have been there.

During the lunch break of the sheep show, I walked over to watch Carson Schovanec show a goat.  He won a class.   Then I got to watch Kaylee Rolph show.  She won a class.  So, I stayed to watch that division championship.  And THAT is how I got the opportunity to watch that shit show of a judge.  Have I mentioned that he was bad?

Then, I headed across the street to find a clean bathroom.  On the way, I ran into my friend Bryan Kennedy.  This cat is one of the very, very best livestock people on the planet.  We only see each other a couple of times a year.  We both have the same phone and texting etiquette.  We stood in the street and talked for a bit.  Those that know us understand that the letter F was used more than once.  One thing about our conversations–we are both right and do not care what anybody else thinks about us.  He kept bringing up the term “Perspective.”  As in, too many people have lost perspective of the stock show industry.  He is right!

Call me old but you can’t call me wrong.  A stock show is supposed to be a learning experience for a kid.  It should be a journey of learning work ethic, animal husbandry and showmanship skills.  I want the kids to work towards winning but IN MY OPINION, the win is nothing more than a residue of working, learning and hopefully having fun.

This crap of animals living at one place, but the showman living at a different zip code…..people, it ain’t right.  I don’t care that they show up on weekends and work on showmanship.  That shit ain’t right.  This stuff of a jock buying/providing the animals, the kid works on showmanship, the jock & the breeder broker the deal with the judge and the kid gets a banner.  WTF?   Tell me how this is good for the kid.  You can’t!

Let’s get real here.  Kela and I were involved with a deal.  Animals lived in OK but were shown elsewhere.  We didn’t break any rules on our end.  But I still wrestle with this deal.  It was brokered by a show feed rep and my kid made money for her efforts.  And she got the wethers after that state fair.  Was I wrong?  We didn’t break any rules.  But the other side did.  I’ll take the blame.  It doesn’t feel clean.

How about when I was told by THE industry leader to not pick up a wether this week?  Get him next week cuz the judge will be here and can see him.  Not for my kid.  And yes, that goat went on to win a big show.  It was the only time that family won anything.  I was a part of it.  I’m guilty.  But I didn’t do it for my own kids.  Yet, you people will line up to lease a buck from him or listen to a podcast, feed his feed, assume the position… whatever.  His kids have tested out of numerous shows.  Mine have not tested out of any shows–pigs, goats, chickens–clean!

People, we are at a time when agriculture is misunderstood.  The general public does not know or understand agriculture.  But they eat.  We need to be at the fore front of using a stock show as a teaching tool.  Not only for our kids, but the kids of the general public.  We don’t need to have a black eye.  We must be on the fore-front to teach and educate people about their food.  And a bad stock show epidemic is hard to recover from.  Clean it up!  It is that simple.  Whatever you are doing, right or wrong, ask yourself how it looks from a different perspective.  That banner hunting perspective will always cause problems.  Congrats on that banner but….was it worth it? Was it right?  The journey towards that banner should be the highlight.  The banner should be nothing but a reminder of things done right.

I cannot deal with all of the texts and voicemails that I have received.  My reply…..do something about it.  Get vocal.  I’m just a has-been, low rent dude that has no fear.  Get off your ass!  If there is a POS judge that looks like he is hungover and judges differently on the 2nd day of the OYE goat show, he probably cut a deal with the devil.  Oh wait, and then he ends up judging a show like Denver, the next year.  HUNH!  It’s amazing how these shitty judges stay in circulation at major shows.  76856

My perspective has not changed but it has definitely been intensified.  Take tonight for example, I texted a TRUE champion of agricultural youth.  A cool dude name Joe Farris.  If you don’t know him, well you should.  You would like him.  He taught ag for a few years and has been a banker with the Bank of Western Oklahoma for a long time.  He has raised a lot of good calves, showed a lot of good calves and this guy absolutely loves helping kids.  Ask me about Duke getting a loan for cows from Josh Howard and then Joe came in and talked to him and then Jimmy came in.  It was all about the kid and it was one of the best learning moments that I have ever witnessed.  Duke was listening and will take that listen with him the rest of his life.   ANYWAY, I texted Joe about bringing some classes to a judging contest.  Heifers, bulls and cow/calf pairs.  As always, he replied that he could do it.  I then inquired about his grand-daughter.  He sent me some info about proton therapy and how long she will have to endure this.  She is only 5 or 6.  Too young.  He then sent me a wicked awesome pic of her in her hospital bed–smiling and thumbs up!!!    Prayers for her and all that need them.

You take your crooked/political/BS judging stuff and I will just keep my perspective on what’s right.

I’m right, I damn sure know that I am right and you know it as well.

Have a good one and a better tomorrow. I wish nothing but horseshoes and shamrocks for all of you.

Where to start?

2020 continues to suck.  Arguably the greatest guitar artist of all-time passed away.  RIP Eddie Van Halen.  I can argue that the album “1984” is the best rock album of all-time.  It isn’t my personal favorite but the songs were wicked and the album cover is off-the-hook.  I saw Van Halen in concert back in 1991.  It was the best set of solos that I have ever witnessed.  Alex Van Halen on the rising, lighted drum set that flashed with the beat.  Michael Anthony on bass was unreal.  Sammy Hagar doing his thing on vocals and guitars.  AND THEN….and then….Eddie bringing sounds out of that guitar right up until he played “Eruption.”  I still get chills.  He couldn’t read sheet music but he could play a guitar and a keyboard.

Hunh!  Guess what is playing tonight?  Duke and I have a steady diet going of Van Halen and Van Hagar going over the speakers.

I woke up this morning and my mind was clear.  Way clear!  I did chores, took care of stuff and then started checking text & voice messages.  I thank each and everyone of you.  There was too many to reply to all.  Dang!  I went back and read what I wrote last night.  I will stand by everything that I typed.  I do realize that I should have cut deeper.  Legally speaking…come on!  Let’s do this out in the open.  I would love to talk about this in an open forum.  Did somebody say “Subpoena”?   Come on!  Let us have this discussion.  It won’t cost me much.  I’ve watched a lot of Law & Order.   Haaaa!!   Those that know me are going, “This ain’t a fair fight.”

I’ve been to the top and I’ve been everywhere in between.  We dang sure ain’t riding high at this time but I like what we have going on.  I might have had my funnest Tulsa show ever and we didn’t gather a banner.  I have seen the great OZ at work behind the curtain.  I’ve seen good and I’ve seen bad.  I’m not a rookie and I am not naive.  My resume is better than most but not as good as a couple others.  There is the fact that some/most don’t like my mouth; however, my record is clean.  My kids never tested out of a show.  And they were tested at a lot of shows.  There have been no controversies over buck ownership, swapped out goats, nothing.  All of my partners are still partners and/or friends.  I ain’t perfect but I have damn sure tried to do right.  I am an ag teacher by heart, an agriculturist by faith, a champion for kids, a lover of good livestock and I have no desire for a bunch of BS at a stock show.  I’ve seen enough real life to not have a tolerance for squat to pee, chicken crap stuff that can go on with livestock shows.

If anybody gets pissed, offended or does not like anything that I write, you have options.  One, click to a different website.  Or read this one and learn.  It gets worse from here.

I have witnessed show placings being brokered.  Judges, breeders, feed reps, jocks, etc.   The first time that I realized what was going on, I wasn’t sure but dang that deal didn’t sound kosher.  And then, it worked out exactly like I heard.  I didn’t benefit.  But, damn!  Am I liable because I was there?  I didn’t have crap to do with it.  These are Icons in the stock show industry!  That wasn’t cool.  But, I didn’t speak up.  Mentally, I’m still wrestling with this.   And you want names.

I’ve had calls asking “how bad does your buddy want a piece of this show?”  I’ve had friends get pissed, some that got pissed that they didn’t get first shot at owning a higher spot on the bingo card.  I’ve had some former friends that agreed to kneel down, assume the position and do whatever needed done.  I have apologized to other breeders, before they knew what the hell happened.  Ask Schneberger.  I didn’t do it but I knew what was going on.   All I have to say is “Was it worth it?”   I didn’t do it and looking back, I’m glad that I only lost some money buying goats.  That’s it.  Sometimes, some lost money is money well-spent.

I don’t like the fact that I know some deals for this spring.  I hope that some of these judges get alerted and judge straight up, instead of what is supposed to happen.  I could name names.  Probably should.  Just not doing it tonight.  There are some reading this and wondering how to keep me in check.  And there is one or two, that are going, ” You ain’t going to.  I just hope he stops.”

Here’s the situation.  I don’t care about the current politics.  I have two letters in mind when it comes to politics in general.  Those would be the letters F & U.  Mom and Linda, I’m sorry.  But when you are right and the rest of the world is wrong….well, I’ll stick to my guns.  We did right by your grandkids.

And in reality, espn hosts numerous shows that discuss sports and the competition.  They have talking heads that gladly talk about how this coach screwed up and needs fired, as well as bad umps/refs.  Why can’t us stock show people openly discuss a crappy judge?

I’ll wait for that answer.  Right now, the jeopardy theme is playing in my head.

Who funds these shows?  YOU DO.  With your nominations and entry fees.  Not to mention parking passes, trailer parking, etc.  Quit bending over and letting these sub-par gerbil judges determine your kids placings.  Demand a fair shake.  It is wrong that I have received texts, calls, etc from BIG name people from all species.  I’m a low rent HAS BEEN that isn’t afraid of anybody.  Hold these crappy judges accountable.  This is not an Oklahoma problem.  It dang sure ain’t a Chinese problem.  Probably started in Texas.  It is a disease.  We all know about it.  Let’s just show, judge and let the chips fall where they may.

Shows should make a post where people can vote for a judge.  Let the population vote.  Once you nominate your animals,  you get a vote.  That is a stupid idea.  Or is it?

I don’t want to do a podcast but I am all in favor of critiquing judges.  WHY NOT?   Hold these crooked/dumb bastards accountable.  Please text me how I am wrong.

Have a good one and a better tomorrow.

Yes, I’m fine.  One of the boys is back home.  He will be in a wheelchair for a bit.  The other boy is out of the hospital and in a rehab unit.  Over a 100 stitches, on that one cut.  But, dang it.  It looks good for both of them.  That’s all that I want.

Mentally, I’m fine.  And night’s like tonight are why I’m fine.  Tammy and I talked about what other families have gone through.  We’ve seen some rough stuff.  But not like what others have had to endure.  Several years ago, one of Kela’s high school classmates passed away on this day.  He was one of Kela’s best friends.  He was one of those kids that every teacher was always kind of pissed at but also the kind that every good teacher wanted to have around.  (I find it real appropriate that Cross Canadian Ragweed came on while thinking about this).  I have witnessed a road map as to how to handle adversity.  This family did it once, then again….. oh hell!  The little sister helped keep everybody together and they are rolling still.  One day at a time.  Better than I could do.

I write the rest of this with no backing of the family.  I apologize to the dad.  His mother will understand completely.  And I can’t speak for little sister.

Of all people that I have ever encountered in my life, Justin Bedwell did not care who he offended when he opened his mouth.  He knew what he thought and always thought that he was right.  I understand and agree!

I know and understand the repercussions of what I am getting ready to type and I do not care.  Sometimes, you just gotta say it.

A couple of years ago, I watched a “sheep” guy judge the OYE doe show.  It was without a doubt, the worst job of judging livestock, of any species, that I have ever witnessed.  Horrible.  I apologize but, it was bad.  He couldn’t place em, couldn’t talk em….hell, for that matter, he couldn’t even get the politics right.  By all accounts, it was bad.

Somehow, that judge re-surfaced and was allowed to judge wether goats at Tulsa.  AND he was worse this time!  I do NOT give a rat’s ass what he has done raising high $ sheep.  He CANNOT judge!

I have been told that the “ag teachers” put him high on the list.  I hope “those” ag teachers got what they wanted.  I will leave it at that.  Dumb asses!

We didn’t take a goat.  For my own sanity, I knew better.  But, I watched several classes.  I don’t care who I offend.  The grand wether is awesome when he stops and props.  But he is out of his skeleton on all four corners.  ALL 4 corners.  The “judge” talked it as a previous injury to a back leg.  BULLL>>>>>>>    That goat spent the first 4 weeks of his life walking on the front of his ankles.  I’ve tried to keep this kind alive.  He was still bow-legged on the standstill.  He was out on his rear hocks.  This was an unsound animal.  On both ends.  Horrible!   This is the most crippled animal that I have seen win a major show–regardless of species.  OH yeah, he will take a bad-ass picture.  I apologize to the owners, breeders, whoever…but that was a crippled bastard!  No other words to define it.  And this fine judge……bring em back again.  He effed up the OYE doe show a couple of years ago and now a Tulsa wether show.  Let’s keep this dude in circulation.  Have your lawyer call me.  They have my #.  This was Exhibit A and/or Lot # 1 of what is wrong with the junior livestock show program.  This bought off judge can’t even use a decent one.

Ironically, just a week or so ago, I mentioned names like Allan Poe, Bryan Kennedy and Tommy Milligan should be judging major goat shows.  I will gladly name judges that need to be added to your list.  And I can add names outside of Oklahoma.  But, here’s what I think of those guys….let em judge in Oklahoma.  They will pick good stock.  That’s all any of us want.  The true stock show junkies want a fair shake.  That’s it.

I will also gladly tell you to NOT use the Tulsa wether judge.  He is ZERO for Two at major shows in Oklahoma.  He couldn’t judge a class of hamsters if there were 2 live ones and 2 not alive.

This is how I imagine his 4H career.

“Coach, how did I do?”

“Oh heck, well, I mean, some people are good in the livestock world and well….some people just need to join the band.  And if the band doesn’t work out, just wait a few years and an Oklahoma show will hire you to judge.”

RUSM?

However, I enjoyed the market lamb judge at Tulsa.  We didn’t win, but I liked the lambs that did.  We placed exactly where we should have and we had a good show.  Isn’t that how it is supposed to be?

Just in case I wasn’t clear, the worst two jobs of judging livestock, that I have ever witnessed, regardless of species, was the SAME guy and he was allowed to judge an OYE and a Tulsa show.  Put that dumb bastard on your judge’s list.

Yeah, I’m fine.  And sometimes, a person just has to say what’s on their mind.  And, yes, I realize the repercussions are not on my side.   (I’ve lost more than most but I’m still calling it real. Ten years from now….you all will have discovered…..what I’ve been talking about…..is dead on!   I’ve got nothing left to lose.)

“Hell, I’m right now and I’ll be right then. You people just don’t want to admit it yet.”

Not my line, but I like it.  Rest In Peace!

And sometimes, somebody ain’t afraid to speak up.  I’ll say it.  You hired him twice, and he sucked twice.  In the words of Kelln, “Get that no judging bastards name off of any list that requires a sound selection of stock!”

We are 2 decades into the show goat game.  You don’t need a sheep judge to judge the goat show.  There are enough problems.  Just listen to one of 2 songs–one is an all- time great and the other just seems appropriate.

The Chair–by George Strait.  Maybe, just maybe the best written song of all time.

Safety Dance –by Men without Hats    That’s what you clowns are doing.  Just bidding a time or three more than you planned and hoping that buys you help!    But, it wasn’t enough.   That song sucks and….

Just in case you have questions–580-571-5029

I don’t know where to start.  This may be the most important blog that I have ever written.  I need to write this for myself and others.  And I am not trying to one-up anybody else’s shitty 2020.  But the punches just keep coming.  But, as long as we can keep walking away and towards a better year, I guess it will be okay.

Here we go again……different story, new emotions.

This afternoon, I left Shattuck Automotive Supply and headed west.  I had to meet a lady so that she could get her package of tamales.  I made it 1 block west of main street Shattuck.  As I went through the intersection by the tag agency, I saw a blur.  Coming at me, on the driver’s side.  I could tell it was a 3 wheeler and there was blonde hair.  There was an impact.

Oh shit!!! WTH?  The ag pickup came to a stop.  I jumped out and went around to see the 3 wheeler lodged under the bumper and……

MY GOD!!!  There are two bodies lying in the street.  I know them both.  I have both of them in class.  They are both breathing!   YES!!!!   THANK GOD!!!!

It is amazing how hard it is to dial 911, especially when you know the injured.  And as 911 answered, the pickup bluetooth took over my phone, so I reached in and shut the pickup off.  I walked back to the kids, then walked to where I could read the street signs to give directions.  THEN I got cut-off from 911.  F%#K!!!    So, I called a local EMT.  He answered and said that the ambulance was in route.  That’s all I needed to know.

A witnessing neighbor helped me hold both boys still.  Then other people showed up.  Some helped.  Some were telling me that they witnessed everything.  “Ma’am, I don’t care that I didn’t do anything wrong.  Tell it to the cops.  I just want the boys taken care of.  Please step away.”

I called the school counselor to contact family members.  My school co-workers, the cops, the EMTs, the neighbors, everybody did their parts.  Impressive!

One boy was knocked out.  As I got off the phone, he came to and rolled over.  And that’s when I saw the 10 or 12″ inch long gash on his calf.  3″ wide and all parts visible.  The bone was not broken.  We could see it.  I called his name and he responded.  I said his name again and asked if he could hear me.  He replied, “Yes sir.”  I told him to lay still and let people help him.  He again replied, “Yes sir.”

During 3rd hour today, this freshman boy had made a 90 on his cutting torch assignment.  On Monday, he was scared to light the torch for his first time.  Today, he was making an A.  Good kid.

The other boy was moving a lot and starting to get a bit hysterical.  The county boys showed up.  STUDS!  Pud, Shaddon and Pittman bailed out and went to helping.  I held this boys shoulders and told him to be calm.  I called him by name and he responded.  Lot of blood and scrapes but no visible major wounds.  But he was getting amped and scared.  We held him still until the ambulance got there.  The EMTs went to work on the boy with the bad cut.  They wanted us to put a neck brace on the other boy.  We had to cut his hoodie off.  He was growing more hysterical.  He would calm down when I called him by name.  But he was wound up.  I held his head as we rolled him onto the medical board.

As we got him on the board, he got quiet, then went limp and then……..quit…….breathing.   I held on and watched him. Is he calming down?  Is he breathing?  Is this normal?   Pud was right there with me, helping, watching.  Pud then yelled out, “This one is not breathing!”

And then, a massive inhale and he was moving again.  I do not know if my heart or lungs worked during those forever-long seconds.  At this point, I don’t care.  Looking back, I think that he hyper-ventilated for a bit.  He did it again as he was loaded him into the ambulance.  Good kid.

Today, during 1st hour, this boy and the other 8th grade boys planted a test plot of wheat, rye and triticale.  This boy’s family is in the custom cutting business.  He really likes the agronomy stuff as he knows more than most kids about these crops.  Did I mention that he is a good kid?

I was going west at 20-25 mph.  I wasn’t on the phone.  I was just cruising 3 blocks so I could get a lady her tamales.  One of the boys had gotten this 3 wheeler the night before.  They were hauling ass going north, and the brakes didn’t work on the 3 wheeler.  They ran the stop sign and smacked the ag pickup in the driver’s side corner of the front bumper.  If they had hit the side of the pickup, we would not have a happy ending.  Tammy and I went to the Emergency Room with their families.  Both boys were stabilized and were being medi-flighted to OKC for precautionary measures.  The driver did not have any broken bones just a horrible bad cut on his leg to deal with.  The rider had a swollen knee and hopefully nothing else.  The boys got to see each other before they flew them out on separate helicopters.  Prayers for both families.  So far, all indications look positive.

And since, I was in a school vehicle, insurance required me to take a piss test.  The insurance.  Not the sheriff department or the highway patrol…but the insurance company.  OK, fine.  Give me the jug.

It doesn’t matter who was at fault.  It doesn’t matter that they were on a 3 wheeler.  I was just a driver minding my own business and they were kids just being kids.  No one… can ever…. prepare you… for how fast that “in a blink of an eye” actually is.   No one can prepare you for the actuality of how hard it is to dial 911, especially when you know the injured.  One can never realize how good an ambulance siren sounds, until you are waiting on one.

I write this with great pride as I got to witness our first responders and EMTs in action.  They are wicked good!  Some of them I grew up with, some I have known most of my life and some might have been former students.  No matter, they are good and I am proud to call them my friends.  One of them is actually a licensed veterinarian.   People, I felt good when he showed up on the scene.  If he can take care of animals……..well, we like to take care of animals.  And nobody turned smart-ass until we had good word on the boys.

This all sounds hard to hear and it is harder to write;  I guess that 2020 is getting better?!?!?  WTF?  Early on, I had to attend a couple of funerals.  Now, I don’t know what to say.  It isn’t easy for any of the parents involved.  But, when a husband/wife came to check on us……..and we buried their son back in May…DAMN!!!  This is better?  Yes, it just shows you how strong people are.

You can gladly take the year 2020, your over-inflated athletes/celebrities, your shitty politicians, bass-ackward media, this racist crap, effing riots and shove it all right up …………………

I’m going to be positive.

And here is the rest of the story.  When I was helping Duke out of his crash, I looked down and saw a penny with his blood on it. HEADS UP!  I picked it up and put it in my pocket.  And I did what I do every time I touch a penny.

Later, after I cleaned his pickup out, dodged all of the fishing lures/hooks and the piles of spare change scattered at the wreck scene, that was the only penny that I found with his blood on it.  I gave it to Duke and said, “Keep it.”

Tonight, when that 8th grade boy was on that medical board and quit breathing…..and then started again, I noticed a penny, heads up, lying under his left shoulder.  I picked it up and put it in my pocket.  And I did what I do every time I touch a penny.

I prayed.  And I prayed.

I’ve done that for decades.  Somewhere, sometime, back about the time Kela was born, circa 1990, I started praying anytime I touched a penny.  It doesn’t have to be heads up.  Just a penny.  I had read an article about how worthless pennies were and somebody had replied (I roughly quote) “as long as a penny had the words “In GOD we trust”, a penny is priceless.”  I agreed.  Still do.  It isn’t the penny. It’s the words, the thoughts, the prayer.  The actually taking time to acknowledge GOD and the thought of prayer that matters.  It is that simple.

And that ties right back to my true religion.  In GOD we trust.  Say it again….In GOD we trust.

Now, I can’t wait to give him that penny.  It’s just one cent but…..I’m taking a deep breath, wiping a tear and realizing that some things…well, some things

As parents, as teachers, as agriculturists, there is no other way.  In GOD we trust.  This is the way.

Although, I absolutely love getting texts/messages/ calls regarding these blogs, I don’t need help.  I’m good.  Just say a prayer for you and yours.  We are fine.  But, we won’t turn down any prayers sent our way.

I loved it when I was sent the emojiis of “Horseshoes & Shamrocks”.   I don’t even know how to send the middle finger emoji and yet some can get creative enough to send horseshoes & shamrocks.  Bad ass!  I am constantly reminded that I am the weakest link of this crap of which I write.  Here’s to wishing nothing but horseshoes and shamrocks to all of you.  A not-so-good day today and yet a better day tomorrow.  GOD speed!  And please, for the love of GOD, remember those damn pennies!  A prayer is a prayer is prayer and it’s all good.

It is no secret that I am a fan of the all time great movie “Blazing Saddles”.  And there have been plenty of comments of how that movie could not be made today since it absolutely offends everybody.  Personally, I think society ought to sit down together, eat some popcorn and laugh as you realize how everybody comes together and works to save Rock Ridge.

Another show that wasn’t afraid to tackle racial stereotypes and race relations was Chappelle’s Show.  Dave Chappelle had a hilarious sketch comedy show that aired back in the early 2000s.  Recently, they have been airing some of these episodes.  The Racial Draft–with the blacks having the first overall pick and the analysts not sure if Tiger Woods would be drafted by the blacks, the Asians or the Whites.  The blacks ended up drafting Tiger Woods.  “Goodbye fried rice and hello fried chicken.”  There was plenty of hard-hitting analysis for the Jewish, Latin, White and Asian picks.  They make fun of Madonna, Oprah and Mariah Carey.  The Whites drafted Colin Powell but they also have to take Condoleeza Rice.  And in return, they give OJ Simpson back to the blacks.  Nobody was left un-offended.

He also had a sketch about the black Nostradamus–Negrodamus.  And of course, he had a sketch about everybody’s favorite family–The Niggars.  Which was a white family with THAT surname.  These sketches were so wrong that they were right and yet they were funny.

And no, I did not watch the debate (debacle).  I’m not yet old enough to stay up and watch offensive television.

I’ll tell you what else is offensive….first timer momma does that don’t milk very well.

I mentioned tamales last week.  Oh, they were soooo good!   A student’s mother brought fresh pork tamales and jalapeño & cheese tamales and refried beans and salsa.  Another student’s mom made the best rice that I have ever had along with a salsa that packed some eat.  This started as a food science discussion in a class full of seniors.

I ate all of this on Friday morning at 9:30 am.  I about foundered. I did not eat again until after lunch on Saturday.

Going forward, I can see my week ending in Tulsa, which means Tally’s Cafe.

Currently, we aren’t breeding any does.  It is the time of year when we wait for a breeding period that ends with births at the end of March.  I am breeding a few does for other people.  UZI has been in a good mood lately.

Tammy and Jennifer traveled to Stillwater to watch that game.  It wasn’t pretty but a win is a win.  Just ask the u of o fans.   Heckuva a win for K State?!?!  Gotta luv it.

Have a good one.

I constantly get asked, “Where do you come up with this stuff?”

I don’t look for it.  The only problem I have is editing this deal.  It is hard to put the real deals on here.

You see, I learned years ago, that there are students, kids, moms, etc. that read this deal.  And as such, I have tried to keep it clean.  That part is a struggle.  The problem is REAL.

To preface this post, all things are factual.  Some of the most twisted people that I have ever met are in the stock show game.  They also just happen to be some of the best people that I have ever met and will do anything to help a kid or another family.  After typing those last two sentences, I now realize why I like these people.

Today, in class, we had a dress-code violation.  I had a young man wearing shorts and a t-shirt.  It was grade day with a cutting torch.  He knew it and didn’t come dressed to work.  No problem!  I have a bunch of FR overalls from Cudd Pressure Control.  Pull those on and go to work.

Eenhh!?!?   Little bit of a problem.  This “boy” is 6’4″ x 300.  Not fat.  Just a little above average size lad.  No, he doesn’t play football.

“Boss, you serious?”

YEAH!! I told you to come dressed to work!

One thing led to another.  He pulled the jumpsuit on.  It was a tight fit.  It was tighter than I thought it would be.  He did not look comfortable.  But he was covered safely.  A couple of kids offered him $5 to model the outfit to the group in the classroom.  He took them up on it.  They paid him.  There might have been some Tommy Boy references.  He was a great sport about it.  He collected $5 and a bunch of respect for owning it.

Then, he went out and cut a 4″ piece of 1/4″ plate.  We scored it a 92.  Better yet, he then worked right alongside me as we helped a special needs student that wanted to learn how to light a torch.  I literally watched as this kid made friends by owning his dilemma.  He then made good by earning a solid grade.  Win-Win.

I also have him in class after lunch.  At lunch break, he went home and got jeans.  Now, he was in a class…. with a bunch of jocks.  They had heard the story. They wanted to see the picture.  I asked his permission.  He proudly said to show it.  Lots of laughs.  No bullying.  He was 6’4″ before, now he was standing 7′ as he had helped another kid.  And he had scored as good or better than some “jocks”.  All while wearing a deal that just didn’t fit.  Everybody worked hard.  He will come dressed to kill from now on.

If you’ve ever been one of the simple-minded sumbitches that think that I only want to win banners….well, hell…..you would be absolutlety INcorrect!   But, you would still be right… as I will work to make sure that kid and those others have something to show for their effort.  Not for me.  I don’t need another banner.  But as long as they have lines on Resumes, Scholarships  and Job Apps, why would I not make sure a kid can find success.  If a kid finds success, regardless of the field of expertise, then we all win.  Only lazy sunsabitches can argue this fact!  And if any of you want to know how this deal went down, just call my co-teacher.  She would love to bash me, yet can’t.  Ask her.

This is where one should stop reading.  Walk away.  STOP!!!  You’ve been warned.

As I told this story tonight to a neighbor/friend/parent, we got to laughing.  Somehow, the term “manscaping”  came up.  Growing up,  I knew of no such thing.  Then in the late ’80s.  I heard of a way to get rid of crabs.

For the record, I’ve never had “crabs”.  However, I was told of a way to rid ones-self of them.

–Shave half the bush.

–Hold an ice pick in one hand.

–Light fire to the existing bush.

–Stab the crabs as they come running out of the fire.

Stupid, yes.  But, you won’t have “crabs” and yet, you will have other problems.  Just this week, the Shattuck native that told me this remedy, passed away.

Now, back to the original story.  As I told the earlier story, I was asked the question. “Have you ever heard of anybody manscaping while using scissors?”     WHAT?   NO!!  I have now. OWWW!!   U serious Clark?

I have enough trouble shearing a sheep with a 13 tooth blade.  Heck, back in the day–circa 1987?-I sheared a sheath off Jake’s sheep at the county fair.  I had to stand in the barn, holding a towel tightly to a sheep’s sheared off pecker sheath.  The whole county knew what had happened.  I had to own it.  Dad wasn’t there.  I did it.  Later, that night, Jake had the grand lamb.  (In today’s terms, that lamb would be tight sheathed.)

And how does this tie to a goat—who cares?!   All I know, is that every time that I have doctored for the “buck crud”, I think about that “crabs” story.  And as I am scraping crud off of a buck’s scrotum, I think of these twisted friends of mine……..

I just got done eating a plate of Blue & Gold bacon, some fresh eggs………it’s good now, but I CAN’T wait to tell you about tomorrow!!!!!!  It will be a brag.

Tamales!!!!

With the open seat on the supreme court, there is a lot of clamoring over who & when the next justice should be appointed.  It is clear cut, the currently seated POTUS is in charge of selecting the next justice.  There is no reason to wait till after the election.  This should not even be a point of discussion, except for the self-serving side always looking for a way to twist policies to meet their needs.

I don’t care if the next justice is male or female, Catholic, Jewish or Baptist, white, black, asian or hispanic.  We need a fair representation of our nation.  What I would like to see is a justice that originates from middle America.  You know someplace that is not a metropolitan area.  Look at where the 8 current justices come from.

Buffalo, NY;  Savannah, GA;  San Francisco, CA;  Trenton, NY;  Bronx, NY;  New York, NY;  Washington D.C.;  and Denver, CO (I do not consider Denver as a valid representation of middle America.)

We can’t find a supreme court justice candidate from say Ohio or Texas or Wyoming?  U kidding me?

This is like never having a Texan judge a market goat show.  And there should be more Okies judging state and national shows.  Historically speaking, some of the best goat people are Okies.  Why isn’t Allan Poe, Bryan Kennedy, John Lastly or Tommy Milligan being used to judge state and national shows?  Shawn Sparks and Ricky Jack Thompson need to be used more.

All of the above are not my opinions.  I’m just right!  Have a good day!

There is no doubt that 2020 has been rough.  Bend over and assume the position.  And no lube.  Yet, we still have a 1/4 of the year left.  Duke’s 2020 has been worse than most.  Yet, he is still plugging away.  One of these days, I will write his full version of 2020.  This kid has been known to piss me smooth off, yet his resilience is proving to be at an all-time level.

Over the course of 20+ years of teaching ag, I have had some bad-ass students.  Long, long list.  I’m not going to name names but dang, I have had a pile of good ones that made me look like I knew what I was doing.  We are currently loaded at Shattuck.  However, as I sit and reminisce,  there has been so many good ones.  Fortunately, Tammy and I are still friends with all of them.

Yet, some truly were/are great.  Several years ago, a group of former students asked me to name my best student of all-time.  This group of “kids” had state winning speaking titles, grand champion animals, national qualifying CDE teams, state officers, proficiencies, etc, etc, etc.  Loaded resumes.  My mind was stirring when I was asked this question……oh, snap!   Luckily, I found my wits and answered….”I would have to say Kela Kelln was the best one.”  This group of great ones, nodded, looked me in the eye and said, “Kelln, that is the only right answer.”

Now, I can’t argue with that answer.  But….I saw a book face post that just made 2020 REAL to me!   Kaylee Holt and Duke Kelln are getting their American FFA Degrees this year.  Yet, National FFA Convention is a virtual deal.  Without a doubt, Kaylee and Duke are my favorite co-pilots.  Kaylee always commanded the passenger seat and was in charge of the tunes.  And that chick always played bad-ass 70’s & 80’s stuff.  Def Leppard to John Denver.  I can argue that Duke has rode shotgun on more wicked animal gathering trips than any other kid.

I would have liked to make that drive to Indy.  Go to St. Elmo’s…with the grandparents…..and the grandparent’s paying for the meal.  (That part wouldn’t happen but I like to let them think that it would.)

My favorite dining experience of all-time was at St. Elmo’s.  I was no longer teaching at Fairview.  However, Fairview had numerous proficiency finalists and a couple of CDE teams competing.  The Rhodes and Bedwell families were chaperones.  Tammy and Mindi Clark were in charge of getting kids to and from interviews and competitions.  Fred Slater and I were judging national interviews.  The kids did not know that we would be there.  Kela was mad at me that I would not be there before she went in to her interview.  (she would be wrong)

Fred & I made dinner reservations months in advance.  Only Jim Rhodes, Tammy and Mindi knew the plans.  That evening, the Fairview group (which was a large group) met at the reservation’s table of St. Elmo’s.  Fred and I slipped in with the group.  I was a little bit pissed when they didn’t seat us in the fancy, white table cloth section.  Then, they took the group through another section, then down the stairs.  I’m REAL pissy at this point! These are good looking, well mannered kids that deserve attention.  Then they took the group through the basement seating.  WTF?!?!?!??  RUSM?!?  I’m ready to throat punch somebody at this point.

Now, just as I am ready to unleash a Kelln tirade, they open a door at the other side of the basement.  The kids are led into the cellar…wait, the wine cellar?  RUSM?   And then led through the wine cellar into a private dining room.  Three waiters that did nothing but take care of Fairview kids.  Holy crap!!!   This is unreal.  The food was off the hook good.  The service was like in the movies.  WICKED!!   As we finished eating, they gave us a tour of the wine cellar.  Like it was yesterday, I still remember Justin Bedwell holding a $4,200 bottle of wine.

Today, tonight, right now….if given a chance to go back, I would tell Justin to crack that cork on that bottle.  Trust me.  If that kid had permission, he would do it.  I would deal with the consequences.  And by the time Jim, Joy, Tammy, Mindi, Jeff, Diane, Fred and myself had a glass…there would be just enough for Kela and Justin to taste a $4,200 bottle of wine.  Nobody would be drunk and wow….this story would taste oh so good!  Maybe not.  I truly don’t know.

Fred & I agreed to split the check.  It was stupid high.  Probably the best money that I ever spent.  As I sit here and think about what I could have done with that amount of $s……….I already told ya.   Crack that seal, pop that cork, don’t look back.

2020  has GOT to get better!  Here’s what I foresee, as I drink another glass of cranberry juice on the rocks…..for October of 2020.  Bob May swings through Fargo, America. Loads us up and hauls Kaylee, Duke  & the crew to Indianapolis.  Doug Heshelman meets us at St. Elmo’s.  Uncle Doug pays for the meal. Ron Simonson slides over to make sure that cranberry juice is not the only thing on the menu.  Kratzer is late because he is on Milligan’s personal plane (BK, Frazier and Milligan are flying cuz 2020 has not been unkind to the online sale guru)   Hayden is the pilot.

I’m done.  Have a good one. And a better tomorrow.