No more Panera for this girl.... #PluckEZChicken

Oh Panera, why oh why did you have to go and show your pure ignorance about where your food comes from. I sure did enjoy eating there but I guess I will have to find myself a new lunch time establishment. I'm sure I can find a place that supporters hard working American farmers.

To find out why myself and MANY other farm family supporters are deciding to spend our dollars elsewhere, check out Dairy Carrie's latest post DEAR PANERA BREAD COMPANY.
 

...that's what she said

Thank You Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Farmers!

So I always knew I liked Culver's, but after today, its probably a super bad thing that I live 2 minutes from this tasty restaurant.

Today I learned that Culver's has teamed up with the National FFA Organization to thank American farmers and the future of American agriculture, FFA members! In a world where it sometimes seems that hardworking farmers and ranchers are constantly the target of misguided information and radical untruths, to see something as simple as a photo on Facebook being shared and liked thousands of times can put a smile on the face of anyone involved in agriculture.

And beyond the fact that Culver's is proud to shout their support of farmers from the social media roof tops, they are also helping others thank a farmer by sending thank you notes, which in turn Culver's will donate $1 to the National  FFA Foundation for every note sent.

Click the photo to Thank A Farmer!

Then after you write your note, head on over to Culver's and divulge your taste buds in a Reese's Peanut Butter Cup Concrete Mixer. Well, that's what I did anyway. And let me just take this moment to say thank you to the "Reese's Peanut Butter Cup farmers" for providing me with a tasty relief from my work day. Your Peanut Butter Cup farming is much obliged. :-)

Hey brother bears and poppa Lyle, to thank you for being super great farmers, I ate ice cream in your honor. You're welcome :-)

But before I sign off, I would just like to share a little diddly of information about other restaurants and food services companies that, shall we say, do not support American farmers. These places support groups such as The Humane Society of the United States and have been bullied by this radical anti-agriculture group to eliminate buying products raised by certain methods of production that HSUS does not agree with. Methods that American farmers use to produce the safest and healthiest food products in the most humane and efficient ways possible.

The list of places include:

• McDonald’s
• Wendy’s
• Burger King
• Sonic
• Safeway
• Harris Teeter
• Winn-Dixie
• Carl’s Jr.
• Hardee’s
• Quiznos
• Red Robin Gourmet Burgers
• Chipotle
• Whole Foods
• Wolfgang Puck
• along with many other businesses.

But, there is one restaurant that I will not be throwing under the bus like the above mentioned, and that is Domino's! After last year's Ag Pizza Party, Domino's scored major brownie points in the supporting American Farmers category. And now I can happily add Culver's to that category.

So I guess it looks like my diet from now on will consist of Domino's pizza and Culver's concrete mixers. Well, maybe just today's diet anyway.

...that's what she said

March Against Monsanto. Remind me what you're mad about again?

The other day I was at our local farmers market and I overheard a conversation between the leaders of our buy local foods groups talking about the recent March Against Monsanto. Now after about 15 seconds of hearing what she was saying, lets just say my blood was boiling. But before I go on, let me clarify, I have no beef with people who choose to raise or consume organic, grass feed, antibiotic free, etc etc. types of food products, we need selection and choices for all types of consumers, but what I do have a problem with is people who choose to attack and create criticism off of false claims that hinder others from making educated decisions. My ultimate wish in life is that we would have a culture full of educated consumers who had the freedom to dictate their buying habits off of educated research, but because of ridiculous activist formations like "March Against Monsanto" I don't think that is happening anytime soon.

On Saturday May 25, thousands of people across the globe organized a March Against Monsanto. The group claims  that GMO foods are not sustainable and cause harm through causing cancer tumors, infertility, and birth defects. The group believes that chemicals produced by Monsanto are poisoning our environment and they strongly dislike government and FDA support and approval of GMO foods. This group also says they want to unveil the truth about GMOs, boycott Monsanto, and increase research on the harm caused by consuming GMO foods.

http://erinehnle.com/blog/

So after reading all their claims and missions, I still ask "So you're mad about what again?"

All of the things they are yelling and chanting about, science has conclusively refuted consistently over the past several decades that companies like Monsanto have been submitting these products for approval by the USDA and FDA. So even though these foods have been proven safe and healthy time and time again, people still find a reason to stand up and make a scene.

Since this group is so steaming mad about...well I'm still not sure what exactly, let me walk you through alittle thing I like to call "Farmer Logic".

My dad is a farmer, my uncles are farmers, my brothers are farmers, my friends are farmers, all of these people plant seeds that are GMOs. The leader of March Against Monsanto claims she was inspired to start the movement to protect her two daughters. She was quoted saying "I feel Monsanto threatens their generations health, fertility and longevity."

So "Ms. I'm Steaming Mad And I Don't Know Why", your daughters and myself consume the same GMO foods that my dad is raising and you are saying that he is causing me to be unhealthy, infertile, and live a short life? Well lets think about this, I'm pretty sure my dad loves me just as you do your daughters, so do you really think that he would raise crops that are going to kill me? You are not the only ones who consume these products that farmers are raising. Farmers and their families eat from the same table you do so do you honestly believe that farmers would produce foods that are unsafe for their own family? No, they would not, it's simple "Farmer Logic".

 ...that's what she said

That's What She Said...But Why Did She Say That?

So I have linked up with this gang of Nebraska bloggers and this is my first attempt at joining the weekly blog theme party. This week everyone is sharing why and how you picked your name for your blog.

Well, when I started my blog I decided I wanted a theme or purpose for my blog. And of course that was a simple decision, AGVOCACY.  I mean, agriculture is my life, so what else am I going to ramble about on this thing. So now that I had my purpose, I needed a name. I tossed around names involving Farmers Daughter, Country Kid, Dirt Road Diaries, Agriculture Impressions, etc etc. But it just wasn't clicking for me.
 
Then I was watching one of my all time favorite shows, The Office, and Micheal Scott spouted off the famous one-liner, "that's what she said", and BAM! name found.

If you ask anyone who knows me at all, they will probably tell you I am a straight up jokster and a touch of smart ass, well, maybe more than a "touch" ;-). I love to bop around and make others laugh and sarcasm is a language I speak rather fluently. So having the title That's What She Said was a perfect fit. Plain and simple.

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Nobody is Going to Tell Carrie Underwood to “Shut Up and Sing”

So the last few days Carrie Underwood has caused quite a ruckus on the web with her comments regarding her disapproval of Tennessee HB 1191/SB1248, The Livestock Cruelty Prevention Act.  And since all my fellow ag peeps are raising their voices on the issue, I figured I might as well join the party!

In Tennessee, The Livestock Cruelty Prevention Act (HB 1191/SB1248) has passed in the state legislature and is now awaiting the signature of Tennessee Governor Bill Haslam. The measure stops animal rights activists from videotaping and editing videos to create animal cruelty on tape and sending these videos to the media and debuting them on social media to create publicity for something that may or may not have been fabricated. This measure certainly does not prevent farmers and ranchers from being transparent and helping to stop animal abuse, but it instead prohibits animal activists from going undercover with false pretenses in order to try and film abuse.

Well apparently, Carrie Underwood isn’t too happy about this measure entering into the agriculture world. A world she apparently LOVES and SUPPORTS so much, with her monthly donations to the Humane Society of the United States (HSUS), her vegetarianism, her support of People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA), and her blatant disregard for a majority of her country music fans, who I can probably guess are involved in agriculture. 

Now what boils my blood more than ever, is that she supports groups such as HSUS, an anti-animal agriculture extremist group who would be MORE THAN HAPPY to put her ranching parents out of a job. Come on Carrie, do your research, talk to your family, realize what you are potentially supporting!

I was reading an article about some recent comments Underwood made about the TN bill saying: "Shame on TN lawmakers for passing the Ag Gag bill. If Gov. Bill Haslam signs this, he needs to expect me at his front door. Who's with me?"

In response, State Representative Andy Holt, who supports the bill, told local news: "I would say that Carrie Underwood will stick to singing, I'll stick to lawmaking."

To that I say, right on Representative Holt. This is just another example of celebrities using their status to try and manipulate the legal system.

The first sentence of that article also said, “nobody is going to tell Carrie Underwood to “shut up and sing”.

Well correction, I am …and I just did.

...that's what she said

"Country Style" Wordless Wednesday

For some reason I have come to believe I am some sort of a photographer lately and have accumulated over 2,000 photos in the past few weeks, so thus, I give you.... PHOTO BOMB!

"Real" cowgirls have a kindergartener lead them around....

The Beef State

Nebraska is known as the Beef State because of its major role in producing beef to feed the world. Nebraska's farmers and ranchers have been raising cattle for many generations and take great pride in what they do. Each and every day we care for our livestock and the land, which is top priority when producing a safe and nutritious supply of beef for you to enjoy.

Today 97% of America's cattle farms and ranches are family operated and caring for animals is a family tradition handed down and improved upon from generation to generation. In Nebraska, our farms and ranches produce more beef per square mile than any other state, which makes sense, since there are more cattle in the great Cornhusker state than people.

In every state in America, you will find beef ranchers and farmers - hard working people who are dedicated to their land, their animals, and to providing America and the world with safe, wholesome and nutritious beef.

Many of us are more than just cattle farmers and ranchers.  We are active members of our communities and belong to organizations like local school boards, church councils and social clubs. Consistent care for animals and improvements to farms and ranches are vital to making sure America has the safest, most environmentally friendly beef supply in the world.

We love our land and what we do. We're committed to honesty, integrity and hard work, and we are proud to share details on how the beef you eat makes its way from our pastures to your plate.  

...that's what she said

I Didn't Die!

Now that 2012 is almost over its time to share the awesomeness that was my life the last 365 days. So here it is folks... My life in a list..

1. Started this blog!
2. Flew to the other side of the world.
3. Graduated college!

4. Made new friends... Some good, some not so good, and kept some amazing friends around! 
5. Visited my bestie in Nashville!

6. Road tripped with some amazing friends to visit my other bestie in Dodge City!
7. Jumped off a cliff into glacier water!
8. Got a big girl job that I love!

9. Went to the bars probably to much. ;)
10. Had to much fun at the bars....

11.Made some "bad decisions" that I definitely don't regret. :)
12. Saw my main man Eric Church again!

 13. Turned the big 2-2.

14. Moved to my own place.
15. Paraglided off of a mountain.

16. Excused some people and welcomed new ones into my life.
17. Rode a mechanical bull.
18. Introduced the ladies to the awesomeness that is wings at Gary's.

19. Discovered my favorite nail salon!
20. Got a Target REDcard!!
21. Learned the importance of organ donation.
22. Was a bridesmaid for the first time.
23. Picked up dog do-do with a doggy bag.

24. Rode a Harley.
25. Won some business plan competitions.
25. Got my first article published on agweb!
26. Discovered the amazingness that is RedBox!
27. Found my new love for Pendleton.
28. Saw Channing Tatum at the airport.
29. Said good bye to the G6.

30. Became a better Agvocate.
31. Bought WAY to many pairs of shoes.
32. Finally bought some square toes, which I practically live in now.
33. Fully jumped on the Red Dirt bandwagon.
34. Shared a beer with a PBR champion.
35. Got an iPad!
36. Had my car broken into.
37. Painted myself silly.
38. Learned how to light the rubix cub that is a pilot light.
39. Won $90.50 on a slot machine.

40. Finally invested in a corkscrew.
41. Got a crockpot!!!
42. Swore to much.
43. Fell out of the raft, while white water rafting. (sad part is that's not the first time)

44. I continued my rep as a smart ass.
45. "Tried" to stop fishing with corn dogs.
46. Continued to be fricken awesome!

47. Took a lot of photos of cattle, corn, tractors, and other Ag stuff.

48. Continued to be sarcastic 24/7.
49. Learned to look forward, not back...
50. I DIDN'T DIE!

SCORE:  2012 - 0  Ashley - 50

Bring it on 2013.

...that's what she said

Farmer Style

There isn't much I can say about this video except that, I. LOVE. THE. PETERSON. BROS! These Kansas boys are the prime reason why I love American farmers and ranchers. And they show it perfectly in the music videos they are so famous for producing. So Great job boys! Keep it up!