Photo Opportunities

Sometimes as I travel along I realize that I MUST get out my camera and preserve what I see for posterity.


Someone apparently was attempting to move this log cabin on a goosneck flat-bed trailer.

The mishap must have made them change their mind. The FOR SALE sign speaks volumes.

I suddenly realized that this Tennessee "mobile home" just barely made it across the line into Kentucky before falling apart. There's gotta be a story here. Comments and captions are welcome.

The Bradley 3 Ranch Bull Sale

Today is the Bradley 3 Ranch Bull Sale. Yesterday, I went out and took a look at the bulls and visited with some of the folks there.

I was really impressed with the operation. They've been around since 1955. It is a seedstock operation but is not your typical registered cattle outfit. This is a serious working ranch.

Neal checking out the young bulls.

Most seedstock operations and many commercial ranches are partially supported by other sources of income -- such as oil or other minerals, or perhaps by other businesses. Many seedstock operators focus on showing cattle and "showing-off" their cattle. Not the Bradleys. This outfit is all about improving cattle for the average cowman.


Their focus is to maximize beef production per acre while operating at the peak sustainable capacity of their range. They seek to pass their knowlege to other producers both in genetics and in education. The ranch has received many environmental stewardship awards and that stewardship is reflected in the productivity of the operation.

Not only does the ranch seek to maximize the economic side of ranching, it also seeks to produce better quality meat for the consumer. This is done through carefully selecting for tenderness and other traits which make the end product more appealing to the consumer.

A few of the 163 bulls offered.

It is truly a family operation. My hat is off to the Bradley 3 Ranch.

Entering the Social Networking Age

I have joined the Social Networking age by starting a Facebook page. I have already connected with classmates and friends from years back that I had totally lost touch with. It has been both interesting and fun.

I have been skeptical of such Social Networking sites, but I now understand the appeal. In fact, I sometimes find myself chatting with others who are signed on. It has been insightful and informative.

No, facebook isn't paying me to post this. I am doing it because it has impacted me.

More Travels

Phoenix. I spent the week of Jan. 25 to Jan. 31 in Phoenix for the National Cattlemen's Beef Association annual Trade Show and convention. OK, not all of it was for the NCBA Convention, the first couple of days were seminars on BVD (that's bovine viral diarrhea virus for all you non-cattle people).

The economic downturn has affected the cattle industry just like many others across the country. The difference that I see is attitude. Cattle folks have a way of tightening their belt, pulling down their hat and knuckling down to take on whatever comes their way. There is an amazing can-do spirit that sets them apart from many people. I admire their willingness to face adversity and overcome it despite the odds. It's just another storm on the horizon -- OK, not on the horizon anymore.

If you are ever in Phoenix I would highly recommend Donovan's Steak and Chop House. It was outstanding. I would rank it among the very best in the country. Great food, the right level of service, quiet atmosphere and quality through and through.

More travels to come. I'll try and keep you posted.