Monday's agriculture website of interest: REAL AGRICULTURE

Today's agricultural website of interest comes from "north of the border". The Real Agriculture blog is maintained by Shaun Haney, a seed farmer and self proclaimed "agnerd". Shaun, along with six other contributors, write regular blog posts about the Canadian agriculture situation.

In addition to blogging about the news as it affects Canadian agriculture, Shaun also blogs about the insights to those news and opinions. Although the site is a bit informal in its writing style, it focuses on current events and reporting to and from a farmer level. On a lighter note, one of my favorite posts was a video taken by Shaun at the 2010 NCBA conference in San Antonio. The video details, "What to consider when buy a cowboy hat."

Monday's agriculture website of interest: AGPROUD

Are you involved in some way with agriculture and farming? Are you "agproud"? Today's agriculture website of interest to share with readers is the Agriculture Proud site, sharing the story of all people who help produce food.

Being Agriculture Proud simply involves telling your agriculture story. The site encourages farmers to explain why are you proud to be a part of agriculture. A few key points of emphasis are:

• Be real and authentic about your passion for Agriculture
• Show the enthusiasm for your passion
• Keep it simple and to the point
• Make it a candid point of view (everything in life is not flowers and sunshine)
• Stick to your experience. You can’t defend everyone

The site is maintained by Ryan Goodman, a Texas cattleman with a desire to make agriculture's voice heard. You can find Ryan as @AR_Ranchhand on Twitter.

Monday's agriculture website of interest: ADVOCATES FOR AGRICULTURE

Today's agriculture website of interest to share with readers is maintained by Troy Hadrick, a beef rancher from South Dakota. His blog, "Advocates for Agriculture," chronicles his life as a fifth generation rancher while also explaining to consumers how their food is produced. Take notice, however, Troy's blog is not for the faint of heart. He doesn't pull any punches when explaining the myths surrounding agriculture and certainly takes great pride explaining the issues farming faces. You can also find his videos on You Tube on the Advocates for Ag channel.

A conversation with Shannon Grissom: Part 9

What would you like to do more of in the future?

More cows, rodeo action scenes and some plein-air pastoral landscapes. And I LOVE commissioned work. They take me places I might not visit.

Picture credit: "Van", oil on canvas

Click here to learn more about this beef steer oil painting

Monday's agriculture website of interest: AG - IT'S NOT JUST A JOB, IT'S AN ADVENTURE!

Today's agriculture themed website of interest to followers is "Life on a Cattle Ranch", written by Kansas beef rancher, Debbie Lyons-Blythe. Debbie and her husband Duane Blythe are raising five teenagers and 500 head of cattle on a ranch in Kansas. Debbie posts to her blog weekly to share with people around the world what life is like in rural Kansas and how her family works every day to ensure a safe, nutritious supply of beef to consumers.

A conversation with Carla Christina Contreras: Part 4

Where do you get your inspiration?

My inspiration comes from being present… from paying attention to what’s happening moment to moment. I could be on my way to getting new tires (true story) and be moved by something I see on the way to my appointment – have to pull the car over to capture the inspiration. I have many award winners because I take this time to honor my photographic passion and insight.

Picture credit: "Do I Know You?"

Click here to learn more about this beef cattle photograph

A conversation with Carla Christina Contreras: Part 2

Where did you learn your technique?

I truly believe my background in film and television has much to do with my technique. Cinematography was introduced to me at an early age by my father (a film and television Key Grip), I would go to the set with him early in my childhood to watch and meet the actors on the set, and get to observe them doing their jobs. But it wasn’t just the actors that interested me – I loved watching the gaffer adjust light, the director working with the actors, the script girl keeping up with continuity, etc. etc. etc. Details became my thing – and again, I’m sure that influenced my style.

Picture credit: "Highland Cooo"

Click here to learn more about this cow art image

A conversation with Amanda Raithel: Part 11

What else do you do besides your art?

I work full time on a registered Angus farm called Herbster Angus Farms. My husband and I manage 200 momma cows. We also do a bit of team roping on the side when the cows are content.

Do you ever have goof ups or work you don’t like?

Everyday. Some art ideas are great and when you put them on paper they stink. I still have unfinished work in my studio that has been "put aside" for greener pastures, so-to-speak.

Picture credit: Amanda and her family enjoying some time on their ranch in Nebraska

A conversation with Amanda Raithel: Part 2

How did you get started?

As with most artists, I had a great teacher. In secondary school, I learned I had the necessary eye and determination to make good artwork.

Picture credit: "Brothers", pencil drawing

Click here to go to Cow Art and More to learn more about this beef cattle drawing

November featured artist

Registered Angus farmer and fine arts graduate Amanda Raithel is the featured artist this month on Cow Art and More. Amanda farms with her husband and daughter on their Nebraska ranch. Amanda's artwork centers around the show cattle business she and her husband have dedicated their lives to. See the complete line of Amanda's work on the Cow Art and More specials page.

Amanda's art has free shipping for the entire month.