It’s raining again today and although I’ve been soaked to the bone and covered with mud, you won’t hear me complain about the rain considering the drought situation we’re all facing. Taking what Mother Nature dishes out is just what ranchers have to do; there just isn’t that option of waiting to feed cows once the weather clears up. Although I must admit that I really believe our mud might just be the worst in the state, it’s basically clay and when it gets wet it takes on a life of its own. It can be as slick as ice and retain the ability to suck you under in seconds. I’m really not kidding when I say it has its own life force. But I’d better stop complaining and get better at adapting because as much as I hate my muck boots that seldom leave my feet, in just a few months they’ll be back on to irrigate.

In this month’s issue you’re going to find a lot of information on a breed of cattle that is just now coming into its own in America. The Wagyu breed is just beginning to make waves in our industry. Wagyu beef is appearing on menus of fine dining establishments throughout the country and even on plates in the White House. The buzz is definitely getting louder and it may just offer something for your program as well. My first experience with the Wagyu breed came as one of my most memorable dining experiences to date. I was at a Wagyu ranch in New Mexico when the owner Robert Estrin offered to grill us a full blood Wagyu steak. His only tool was a cast iron frying pan and a little salt and pepper. The end result could only be described as sublime, I can honestly say I’ve never tasted anything before or after those fantastic fork-fulls that even compares.

This month we are also featuring the Hereford breed and we have a great layout of two long standing, successful western Hereford herds that really took the National Western Stock show Herford event by storm. Our congratulations go out to them both. Another great photo feature this month is our coverage of the famed Red Bluff Bull show and sale, where once again, they continue to break attendance records and have one of the most successful all-breed bull sales in the nation. Turn to the article entitled, “Leading by Example,” about two remarkable young women from the west, which are doing so much right now to promote our industry and lifestyle. As always we’ve included a couple of chuckles that should help get you over some of this month’s speed bumps.

The only thing getting me down the trail this month is a four-wheel drive ATV and both of us are looking towards April when we can wash the mud off our wheels and get a little shined up. I hope that all of you can take a moment to warm up, grab effervescent refreshment and spend some time with this month’s issue. Stay strong, stay cheery, and keep your boots dry. Happy Trails…..