Growing up in Wyoming on a small family cattle ranch next to the Wind River Mountains was a gift from God that I treasure more as I grow older. My parents believed that a “little hard work never hurt anyone.” I still hear that echoing in my mind. Living on a ranch requires tremendous effort by the entire family. Both of my parents were there to supply the list of chores, supervision, guidance, and motivation that developed the “grit” that made us typical ranch kids. Consequently, I saw my Dad as being larger than life; in fact, some of us considered him a real-life John Wayne. He had that special spark of a pioneering spirit coupled with a quick wit and a rock-solid sense of fairness and justice. Dad loved life and it just loved him back. My Mom was an equal partner in their marriage, but she had earned that status. I believe their spirit exemplifies the spirit of ranchers and farmers throughout the history of the United States. In fact, the values children learn growing up working on a ranch or farm instill a work ethic that many historians link to the success of the United States. In 1787 Thomas Jefferson stated that “The pursuits of agriculture are the surest road to affluence and the best preservative of morals.”
We held our monthly meeting for April on Monday the twelfth at Lattin Farms. During the business meeting we adopted the revisions to our bylaws crafted at a special meeting in March. The Scholarship Committee reported that we had received ten applications for our Scholarships from Churchill County High School and the Oasis Academy. They will be reviewing the applications and awarding them at the respective schools. The Carcass Committee announced that the judges for the competition were fully financed and there was going to be a live show. Final details are currently being worked out. Nice work Ladies! Unfortunately, the Junior Livestock Show and Sale will close this year without the traditional dinner sponsored by many in the community.
Vice President Leana Carey shared with Cowbelles the Proclamation that Fallon Mayor, Ken Tedford signed declaring March 2021 as Agriculture Month. The Proclamation noted that the agriculture industry in Fallon is an essential element of the economy and lifestyle of the community. Google defines agribusiness as the group of industries dealing with agriculture products and services required in farming. A farmer or rancher in Fallon is a mantle that is worn with pride for the fresh and healthy locally produced food. Many products are utilized locally, but just as many begin a journey to a food processing plant and ending in a food service business. The agriculture industry in Fallon has a rich history of growing food for the community and traditions worthy of recognition and sustaining. Thank you, Mayor Tedford. Congratulations and thank you to a group of unsung heroes in our midst.
The meeting included a special presentation. We finally met the individual we chose as Teacher of the Year, Heather Weissmer when we presented her with her cash award. There to share in the honor were her two daughters and her husband. Smiles and laughs abounded during this part of the meeting. Heather teaches second grade at the Oasis Academy.
Sonja Johnson collaborated with Amber Smeyers on a special presentation related to agricultural literacy. The presentation included an educational activity called Build A Calf that explored the role of heredity in cattle and identified dominant and recessive genes. It was nice to have Heather’s children there to assist with the activity. Thank you, girls! This sample was one of many lessons available to teachers that incorporates agricultural concepts into the classroom.
Amber is the Agricultural Literacy Coordinator for the state of Nevada. The Beef Education and Publicity/Promotion Committee will be reviewing the websites and utilizing Amber’s expertise to develop some ideas to get agricultural concepts into the classroom. Amber Smeyer can be reached at asmyer@agri.nv.gov or 775-870-6736.
Be sure to check out our latest favorite beef recipe below! Sheet Pan Burger Sliders with Secret Sauce ~ mmmmm mmmmm mmmmm!
By Susan Van Patten, President
Our Favorite Beef Recipes
Sheet Pan Burger Sliders with Secret Sauce
These sliders are super easy to put together and are always a huge hit! Ditch the drive-thru; satisfy your “fast food” craving at home! Perfect outdoor party food, they’re also great with fries and a salad for a fun family “dinner and a movie” night.
Ingredients
2 pounds ground beef
2 large eggs, beaten
3/4 cup minced onion, divided
2 teaspoons garlic powder
1 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon pepper
1 package (17 ounces) dinner rolls
1/2 cup Thousand Island dressing, divided
10 slices American cheese
12 sliced dill pickles
1-1/2 cups shredded Iceberg lettuce
1 tablespoon butter, melted
1 tablespoon sesame seeds, toasted
Directions
Preheat oven to 350°. In a large bowl, mix beef, eggs, 1/2 cup minced onion, garlic powder, salt and pepper just until combined; do not overmix. Place meat mixture on a large, parchment-lined baking sheet; shape into two, 6-in. x 8-in. rectangles, each about 1/2-inch thick. Bake until a thermometer reads 160°, 15-20 minutes.
Without separating rolls, cut rolls in half horizontally. Spread 1/4 cup of dressing evenly over bottom halves of rolls.
Blot meat with paper towels to remove excess fat; top meat with cheese and return to oven. Bake until cheese has just melted, 2-3 minutes. Place meat on bottom halves of rolls; spread with remaining 1/4 cup dressing. Layer with pickles, remaining 1/4 cup minced onion and shredded lettuce; replace with top halves of rolls. Brush butter on top of rolls; sprinkle with sesame seeds.
Cut and serve immediately.