Buzzard's Beat by Brandi Buzzard

30/07/2025

Two weeks ago, our county agriculture extension agent needed confirmation of our daughter’s second-year bucket calf’s ear tag to maintain record keeping and ensure we haven’t tried to sneak in another heifer in Coco’s place. We have unique ear tag identification for our 4-H animals and there is only one tag like Coco’s – it can’t be removed and placed in another animal’s ear due to its unique button-like structure. We also have similar tags for the Boer goats that will parade around the ring in just a few short weeks.

On a larger scale, we have multiple forms of identification for our cattle herd as well. Every animal – cow, heifer or bull – has an ear tag and most of them also have a tattoo and/or brand for a variety of reasons.

Read more about these reasons and why traceability yields stability and safety in our beef supply in my latest blog for Kansas Living at:

Why animal ID matters — from the show ring to national disease traceability.

25/07/2025

🌍 Global beef trade is way more complex than most people realize! We're diving deep into why the US both imports AND exports beef, and how this intricate system actually benefits our producers.

Understanding these global connections is crucial for anyone in the beef industry. The imports and exports aren't competing against each other like you might think, they're working together in ways that might surprise you! 🥩

Plus, we're in the thick of preg-checking and weaning season on the ranch, and I'm sharing my secret for keeping it low-stress and calm. Head to my AcresTV channel for the full breakdown!

24/07/2025

GUT CHECK IN THE PASTURE
I remember the first time I saw our clover looking sad after we sprayed pastures. I hated that we had sown clover into our pastures to increase forage quality and utilize its nitrogen-fixing properties, but we didn’t have a tool that let us control the w**d pressures without killing the clover.
It just made me sick to see all that valuable nutritive forage go to waste because we had bigger fish to fry (i.e. w**ds to kill like cockleburs, pig w**d and thistles) that needed our attention more than the clover needed preservation.
Then we discovered NovaGraz from Corteva Agriscience. NovaGraz is the ONLY herbicide to control w**ds while protecting valuable white clover. It’s a game-changer and helps us preserve abundant, diverse and high-quality forage that improves our soil fertility and grazing management.
Now, after we spray with NovaGraz, the clover will get kind of sad for a few days, but like clockwork it springs back to life and the w**ds go “bye-bye.” You have to trust the process (trust me!!) – NovaGraz is the real deal. Just check out the timeline of images from our pasture before and afterspraying. It’s a pasture-based miracle!
We intend to keep the white clover in our pastures for years to come now that we have the right tool. Remember, herbicides are a valuable tool in our toolbox for managing pastures and raising healthy beef, because healthy pastures lead to healthy cattle and safe beef!

23/07/2025

Being a rodeo mama means balancing fierce competition with teaching grace, resilience, and faith. It's the hardest and most rewarding thing I've ever done, creating irreplaceable memories with my little cowgirl.

21/07/2025

🌱 We're hitting it hard! Getting the sprayer ready, planting corn silage, and spreading fertilizer for the seasons ahead.

But here's what's really got my attention: the screwworm situation isn't going away. This devastating threat to our livestock industry is still making headlines, and I'm breaking down the latest updates on what's being done to combat it. 🐄

If you're in the beef industry, this is one episode you don't want to miss! Head over to my AcresTV channel for all the details.

18/07/2025

Just like humans, cattle get sick and need medical care. That's why responsible antibiotic use and strong vet relationships are crucial for animal welfare and food safety.
Learn how we manage diseases like anaplasmosis to keep our herd healthy and our beef supply safe!

16/07/2025

🎤 There's nothing I love more than sharing the story of agriculture and connecting with audiences who are passionate about farming and food!
Fall and winter conference season is approaching, and I'm excited to bring fresh perspectives on agriculture advocacy to your next event. Whether it's keynotes, panels, or workshops, I'm here to inspire and educate.

Planning a conference or event? Do you have a conference you love? I'd love to hear about it!

14/07/2025

In this older episode of AcresTV I'm diving into something that's been on my mind lately: how consumers really view factory farming and what we can do about it. It's not always an easy conversation, but it's one we need to have as farmers.
What's your take on bridging the gap between farmers and consumers? Drop your thoughts below! 👇

11/07/2025

🫐 Happy Blueberry Muffin Day! 🧁
Did you know the US blueberry industry is worth over $1.1 billion? These little berries take 5-7 years to reach full production but can yield up to 10,000 pounds per acre!

What's your favorite way to enjoy blueberries?

Drop a 🫐 if you're team muffin!

09/07/2025

Ranching with kids in tow? Here are my tried-and-true hacks for staying productive while keeping little ones safe and entertained on the ranch, from flexible schedules to strategic snack placement!

What are your best parenting tips for farm life?

08/07/2025

ODE TO A COW

When life seems one too many for you,
Go and look at a cow.

When the future’s black and the outlook blue,
Go and look at a cow.

For she does nothing but eat her food,
And sleep in the meadows entirely nood,
Refusing to fret or worry or brood
Because she doesn’t know how.
Whenever you’re feeling bothered and sore,
Go and look at a cow.

When everything else is a fearful bore,
Go and look at a cow.

Observe her gentle and placid air,
Her nonchalance and savoir faire,
Her absolute freedom from every care,
Her imperturbable brow.
So when you’re at the end of your wits,
Go and look at a cow.

Or when your nerves are frayed to bits,
And wrinkles furrow your brow;
She’ll merely moo in her gentle way,
Switching her rudder as if to say:
“Bother tomorrow! Let’s live today!”

Take the advice of a cow.
•
By Unknown Author • The Old Farmer’s Almanac 1936

HAPPY COW APPRECIATION DAY!

07/07/2025

🍫 Happy World Chocolate Day! From cocoa farms near the equator to chocolate factories worldwide, it takes incredible agricultural teamwork to bring this sweet treat to our tables.
Did you know it takes 400 cocoa beans to make just one pound of chocolate?

🌱☀️