Marriott Ranch

My Thanksgiving break was not boring, by any means. I had the awesome opportunity to go to the state of Virginia to visit my wife's family. Last year we went to my side of the family for Thanksgiving. I definitely did not get the short end of the stick with this deal. Upon going to Virginia, I stayed at Marriott Ranch, a 4,700 acre ranch. My wife's parents have a house on Marriott Ranch,  our Thanksgiving festivities  were on Marriott Ranch as well; so it was convenient to stay there. Soon enough Thanksgiving day approached. Our day festivities were spent eating food at the Manor House on Marriott Ranch.

Here is a picture I took of the Manor House. As I first laid my eyes on this building  I had several questions. My wife's father spent many years working on Marriott Ranch; I knew he would know the answers to my questions. Instantly, I  asked him: "How old was this building?" My wives father (Jerry) replied: "The building was built in 1814, which adds up to a little over  200 years old." That is an old building! Before our trip to Virginia my wife would tell me the Manor House was haunted. I continued to ask Jerry the tough questions. Next I asked:"Is the Manor House really, haunted?" Jerry laughed at my question a little bit, and replied: "Yes!" I was instantly fascinated with the building and its haunting stories. Jerry continued to tell me stories of why it was haunted. The summarized basic story is the Manor House was in possession of a man who was married to a lady that had psychological problems. Before being sent to a psych ward, she sketched her name in a window in the building (still there today). She was eventually summoned to a psych ward by her husband and eventually died. It is said that, that women haunts the Manor House, seeking revenge on her husband and her early death. Pretty spooky, eh?

As I said before, the Marriott Ranch is 4,700 acres big. There is a lot of land to look at and see. The next day after Thanksgiving,  we went on a jeep ride to look at the land on Marriott Ranch. 

As we were on this jeep ride, I was able to ask Jerry some more questions. I asked Jerry: "What did you do on Marriott Ranch?" Jerry replied: "Much of my time was spent looking after the grounds, and taking care of cattle. I took care of over 500 head of cattle at a time. I was in charge of making sure Marriott Ranch was ran correctly." As our jeep tour continued, Jerry would tell stories at specific places along the way. He told a story of how cows charged after his kids when they were on the ranch working with him. He also talked about the many people that lived on Marriott Ranch, and showed us there homes.  I can only imagine how much work that would be, to oversee 4,700 acres of land.

As we were on our tour of the land we also stopped by some barns. My wife told me many stories of her playing in the barns, finding little kittens, and playing in the cow and horse feed. Well, those stories came true to me as I visited the barns. Right across the street from the barns was my wife's home she grew up in; separate from the house her parents live in now. As us three as seen above, checked out the barns we saw cats every where, just as my wife described. We also went upstairs to the cow and horse feed, and jumped and played in the feed. It was a lot of fun, but the odor of the feed was almost unbearable! While at the barns, my wife told me her childhood stories. As I heard her telling these stories, I began to ask her questions. I asked:"Is this barn functional today?" My wife replied: "I am not sure, these barns I don't think are used very much any more." And she was right, there was cob webs everywhere! If these barns were being used, they were used very minimally. The barn we were at had several four-wheeler's and tractors that were old and looked like they had not moved for a while, My wife told me: "This barn is just one of many barns found on the ranch, there are barns everywhere! If the workers are not using this barn very much, I bet they are using other ones."Right across the street from the barns was my wife's home she grew up in; separate from the house her parents live in now. Shortly after our barn fun, our jeep ride came to an end as the sun set; creating amazing scenery. We were not able to see the entire 4,700 acres of Marriott Ranch, but we were able to see some of it.  

Above, is another picture I took on Marriott ranch just before the sunset. My experience on Marriott ranch was amazing and informal. My second to last night on the ranch, me and my wife stayed at the Manor House. As the Manor House today serves as a venue, and a bed and breakfast hotel. My wife was scared, as well as me. The house just has an old, haunted, scary feeling to it. That night we slept maybe two hours, because of the experiences we had at the Manor House. I left the Manor House knowing for sure that it was haunted. I also left the entire Marriott Ranch with a greater understanding of the purpose the ranch serves. By housing, and feeding hundreds of cattle. Marriott Ranch is a historic place and venue for many people to go visit, as well. My time at Marriott Ranch was a blast, and a time I will always remember. I hope to be able to visit again soon. 

"Farm it Maybe"

Today I analyzed the YouTube video "Farm it Maybe", a parody from Carly Rae Jepson's original song "Call me Maybe". This video is apart of pop culture today; focusing on farming. What really caught my eye with this video compared to all the other videos I viewed was the age of the performer. Upon watching the video you can see the boy is not even a teenager. What makes this fascinating, in doing research, "the average age of a farmer today in American is 57"(Introduction). That is really old! In this video it depicts the boy performing farming tasks at a young age. What this implies to me, is the boy is learning to farm at a young age. He is learning how to become a farmer. He is also growing to appreciate what he is doing. I am sure farming is not very fun for children at that age. But, to make a three minute long video about farming says something about his interest in farming. This video depicts the important roles farmers play in America today. Some of those roles include and are not limited to: milking the cows, feeding the cattle, and working the tractor in the fields. As you can tell in the video the boy loves the life as a farmer. He loves his cattle, and loves to also take care of them. 

I feel farming is very vital to a healthy, functioning America. I feel it is important for young men and children to understand that as young farmers. I am not a farmer, but I am very grateful for farming. I respect children who farm at a young age, as depicted in this video. Acts like this, and children like this can help motivate America to greater causes. Some of those causes include: younger average age of farmers, help end world hunger, and help popularize farming. Even though this video is really cheezy, deep down the message has an impact on all. This video, as well as other farming parody videos are a great way to put focus on farming, and its importance. 

Work Cited:

 Fred, Lil. ""Farm It Maybe" - Lil Fred, "Call Me Maybe" Parody - Carly Rae Jepsen." YouTube Videos. YouTube, 14 July 2012. Web. 15 Nov. 2015. <https://youtu.be/e3kwdue5XS0>. 

 "Introduction to Farm Demographics." Start2Farm.gov. National Agricultural Library (USDA). Web. 15 Nov. 2015. <http://www.start2farm.gov/usda/knowledge>. 

Video:

"Farm it Maybe"

Picture Source:

 "Places in the Heart." IMDb. Web. 1 Nov. 2015. 

Places in the Heart

Paul Nelson

November 1, 2015

Book/Film Review

Places in the Heart

            If you were asked today to become a farmer, would you do it? In the movie Places in the Heart directed by Robert Benton, Edna Spalding (mother), is shown as a widow looking for a way to provide for her family. Edna meets a hobo black gentleman named Moses, who has experience with farming cotton. With no-where to turn for financial help, and the bank threatening to take her home from her; Edna decides to farm cotton. Relying on the word and experience of Moses, when Edna has no idea how to farm cotton. Even in Edna’s unfortunate situation, Places in the Heart depicts many benefits found in farming, some of these benefits include: sense of purpose, financial income/stability, and work ethic.

            Edna’s husband named Royce Spalding is a Sheriff of the town of Waxahachie, Texas. Upon sitting down for family dinner, gunshots are heard in the distance, later followed up with a knock at the door by the deputy inquiring for Mr. Spalding. Sheriff Spalding adheres to his duties and takes care of the problem. As he approaches the problem he realizes it is a young black boy drunk, shooting a gun randomly. Sheriff Spalding waits for the gun to empty of bullets, and then asks the boy if he is finished. The boy then turns the gun towards Sheriff Spalding and fires. The bullet hits and kills Sheriff Spalding.

 Edna’s world has now been turned upside down, in conversation with her sister Margarette she asked: “What is going to happen to us?” Edna was a widow and had to now provide for her family physically, emotionally, and financially. With Edna losing her husband, she lost her sense of purpose. Edna was determined to find her purpose in life again. She found that purpose when Moses knocked on her door, and she decided to plant, farm, and cultivate cotton. Through-out the movie Edna is happier when she is working, farming, and does not have to deal with the anguish of her dead husband and providing for her family financially.

            Farming gave Edna a financial stability in time of need. This movie takes place in 1935 during the Great Depression. The ability to find employment was very hard. “In 1935 the unemployment rate was 19.97 %”(United). Compared to “5.1% percent in 2014”(NCSL). For Edna to randomly plant cotton was a huge risk. There was a high rate that it would fail. Edna did not have another choice, as mentioned before, the bank threaten that if she did not pay her payments on her home she would have to sell the land. Edna and Moses tried their crazy plan of farming cotton. As they planted the cotton, the price of cotton dropped from six cents a pound to three and a half cents a pound. Because of that drop in price Edna would not have enough money to pay her payment on the house. Edna and Moses planted thirty acres of cotton and were able to get three dollars and seventy five cents from the buyer when they sold the cotton. The movie does not go into much detail on whether or not she was able to keep the house, or make the payment needed. What the movie did show is how excited and anxious Edna was about farming. Farming back then and for the most part today does not make you into a millionaire. Farming does make you a wage and for the most part it is stable. “The average wage annually in 2012 for a farmer was: $69,300” (Bureau). Of course there would be other variables contributing towards a successful and an unsuccessful crop or year; such as weather. Whether a farmer does become a millionaire or not, you know he is a hard worker.

            Places in the Heart did a very good job at showing how hard it really is to cultivate cotton. Edna was a very hard worker. She underestimated the time and effort it would take to pick cotton, as I am sure many would for the first time cultivating cotton. Edna wanted to win prize money for the first bale of cotton in the year nineteen thirty-five. The winner of this award was to receive one hundred dollars. Moses thought she was crazy to even think about doing such a thing. But…Edna did it. She, Moses, her children, and hired workers started picking to be able to make the dead line for the first bail.  As Edna, Moses, her children, and workers were shown picking cotton you could see the sheer pain they were in. Edna had cuts all over her hands and knees. In the movie they were shown picking all through the night trying to make the deadline. Edna was shown in tears as she picked cotton, obviously in terrible pain. Edna made the deadline, it is not clear whether she won the prize money or not. What was clear is Edna did something she never thought she could do. Just as I mentioned before, when she sold her cotton she talked with Moses about expanding her fields and planting more. Edna believed in herself that she could do more. I feel that is the same with all farming; especially with ancient farmers or farmers in Edna’s exact condition. Farming teaches you to work hard, persevere, and have never ending hope. The very first farmers to plant a crop had those same qualities, and I believe every farmer still has those qualities of working hard, persevering, and having never ending hope.

            In conclusion, Places in the Heart depicts many benefits found in farming, some of these benefits include: sense of purpose, financial income/stability, and work ethic. I really enjoyed the entire film. The movie taught me how excruciating it is to farm cotton and how hard times really were in nineteen thirty-five during the Great Depression. It also taught me how important farming is to our culture. Farming remained a constant help in time of need in nineteen thirty-five and it remains a constant today, and will remain a constant always.  

Work Cited:

"Unemployment Statistics during the Great Depression." United States History. Web. 16 Oct. 2015. <http://www.u-s-history.com/pages/h1528.html>.

"National Employment Monthly Update." NCSL. National Conference of State Legislatures, 2 Oct. 2015. Web. 16 Oct. 2015. <http://www.ncsl.org/research/labor-and-employment/national-employment-monthly-update.aspx>.

"Farmers, Ranchers, and Other Agricultural Managers." Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2012. Web. 16 Oct. 2015. <http://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/farmers-ranchers-and-other-agricultural-managers.htm>.

Places in the Heart. Dir. Robert Benton. TriStar Pictures, 1984. Videocassette. 

Farm Bill

The Farm Bill was first introduced to the U.S Legislation in 1933, by Franklin D. Roosevelt's New Deal. The Farm Bill is a ominbus bill; meaning it is a law that covers a number of other diverse or unrelated topics(United). The Farm Bill is usually revamped by Legislation every five years. There have been many laws created during the time span extending since 1933. From the first bill, the Agriculture Adjustment Act (1933). This bill created many opportunities for farmers in The Great Depression.  "The bill allowed farmers to receive payment for not growing food on a percentage of their land as allocated by the United States Secretary of Agriculture. It also enabled the government to buy excess grain from farmers, which could then be sold later if bad weather or other circumstances negatively affected output"(United). The most recent law passed by congress was the Agriculture Act (2014).

The Agriculture Act "authorized changes in nutrition and agriculture programs in the United States for the years of 2014-2018. The bill authorizes $956 billion in spending over the next ten years"(Agriculture). With on going changes and improvements provided to the Farm Bill usually every five years, services function up to date. With knowing there will be changes every five years farmers can look forward to change and new forms of help through the government.

 The Farm Bill has created many opportunities for farmers through out the years. But with me not being a farmer, what does the Farm Bill do for me? United States Department of Agriculture lists five reasons why the Farm Bill is good for the economy. First, it reads: "Reduces our deficits by making the biggest reforms to our agriculture programs in decades." Second, "Generates 35 cents in economic benefits for every dollar invested by promoting trade to keep farm incomes strong." Third, "Authorizes and directs key rural programs that help promote local economic development". Fourth, "Invests in programs and and services that will help existing farmers stay prosperous and stay on their land." Fifth, "Renews conservation efforts to protect our fields, forests, and waters"(USDA). 

The Farm Bill not only benefits farmers, but citizens all around the Nation. These are just five examples of positive effects to the economy, the Farm Bill does so much more then that. The Farm Bill has benefited me by providing means for farmers to produce food wisely and effectively, in turn creating food and sustaining my life. Not only has this bill sustained my life but my grandparents and parents as well. The Farm Bill has helped farmers and the Nation out of hard times and I believe it will continue to do so, as it is used properly. 




Work Cited:

 "Agricultural Act of 2014." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia, 2015. Web. 25 Oct. 2015. 

 "United States Farm Bill." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia, 2 Apr. 2015. Web. 25 Oct. 2015. 

 "Here Is How a Comprehensive Farm Bill Goes Beyond Our Farms." The White House. United States Department of Agriculture, 7 Feb. 2014. Web. 25 Oct. 2015. 

Folklore

There can be many stories told...today and of old, about Farming Folklore. The way in which someone categorizes a folklore is found in five simple steps, the story needs to be: informal, traditional, oral, have variation, and have folk (Folklore). By following these steps you are better able to identify several examples of folklore. Soon you will begin to realize how popular and often farm folklore is used around you. The type of folklore I would like to talk about is, traditional. 

The example story I would like to use is called: "The Crows are in the Corn". This tall tale story originated in the plains of Georgia. The example I will be exploiting is retold by a man named S.E. Schlosser. I will present the text by which he tells the story, and then explain in my own words how it relates to us today in farming. 

In the words of S.E. Schlosser he said:

"It happened in Georgia not long ago, that a farmer and his wife decided to sleep late, like the rich folk do. It was a beautiful Sunday morning, the kind that brings all God's creatures out to play. But not these farm folk. No, they just slept and slept and slept.

The crows were gathered in a large oak tree, having a big morning meeting. They noticed that there was nobody stirring around the house, and that the corn was ripe in the field. So they adjourned their meeting mighty quick and flew over to the field to eat some corn.

"Caw-n, caw-n," they cackled excitedly.

The old rooster woke up to their activities and started to crow excitedly to the sleeping family. "Wake up, wake up, wake up!"

The farmer and his wife just kept sleeping, and the crows kept eating the corn.

"Caw-n, caw-n," they called.

"The crows are in the corn! The crows are in the corn!" The rooster cock-a-doodle-dooed with all his might.

The farmer kept snoring, and his wife just rolled over and pulled the pillow over her head.

The rooster was frantic. He tried once more: "The crows are in the corn. They're pulling up the corn!"

The farmer and his wife kept right on sleeping. And the crow's kept right on eating.

The rooster quit crowing in disgust. Nothing would wake the farmer and his wife.

The old turkey came strolling into the yard and watched the proceedings. Finally he said to the rooster: "The corns all et up, all et up, all et up."

When the farmer and his wife finally rolled out of bed, they found that the corn was all gone. That is why in Georgia we say "the crows are in the corn" when it is time to get up"(Schlosser)

After reading this story about "the crows are in the corn" I think it refers to a farmers work. If a farmer becomes lazy, sleeps in, or gives up on his farm; "his corn is all gone". Just as this story was applied to the creators of it, this story can still be applied to us today. If a farmer slacks in his efforts; whether it be: corn, alfalfa, or livestock it could be lost. It is important to not sleep in, while duty calls and work is to be done. 

Work Cited:

 Schlosser, S.E. "The Crows Are in the Corn." American Folklore. 14 Dec. 2014. Web. 11 Oct. 2015. <http://americanfolklore.net/folklore/2010/08/the_crows_are_in_the_corn.html>. 

 "Folklore." Canvas. Utah State University. Web. 11 Oct. 2015. <https://usu.instructure.com/courses/384381/assignments/1891614#submit>. 

Loving me some Tortilla history

I absolutely love tortillas. Tortillas can be used for countless reasons. Some of these reasons include: burritos, quick snacks, or wraps. My favorite kind of tortillas are uncooked tortillas. The reasons why uncooked tortillas are my favorite are because of two reasons. First, they are quick and convenient. Second, they are the freshest version of tortillas out there. My favorite brand of uncooked tortillas is "Tortilla Land". After looking at the package of uncooked tortillas, it is easy to identify that Tortilla Land uncooked tortillas are manufactured by Circle Foods in San Diego, California.

Circle foods has been on the scene for making quality foods for over 25 years. Circle foods has been praised for their quality food and facilities being "awarded Level 3 SQF certification, the highest standard of food safety and quality."(About). But the first tortilla did not originate just 25 years ago.

Tortillas are said to date back over 10,000 years before Christ. Tortillas were a vital food source for many civilizations. Some of these civilizations included: Aztecs of Meso-America, Spanish conquerors, and many other ancient civilizations. () Anciently Tortillas are made from finely stone ground corn or wheat. The corn meal or wheat was then soaked in water or lime juice creating what was called "masa". Masa would be best described as a cornmeal dough. The masa was then patted down into a flattened shape, and cooked on a griddle creating a tortilla.

This process of grounding, soaking, flattening, and cooking sounds very tasking. Comparative to me, today, cooking tortillas from an all ready flatten tortilla package. The process today is uniquely different compared to the process I described earlier. Many machines have taken the place of ancient women and grinding stones. Machines today can produce anywhere up to 60,000 tortillas an hour! Tortillas still remain a stable food in many parts of the world such as: Mexico, Central America, and have grown in popularity in the United States.

Even after many years, tortillas still are made from the same general ingredients. I will probably buy, make, and eat tortillas for the rest of my life. Tortillas, admittedly, would not be what they are today if it was not for farmers. Like I said before, tortillas main ingredient anciently was corn. Meaning the people that first discovered, or made tortillas were farmers. People anciently had to understand and know how to cultivate crops of corn to produce the food supply that was a staple in their existence.

 I found it very easy to find information about tortillas and to tie the roots back to its origination. The information I found did not surprise me, it honestly made me appreciate the product more. Gaining knowledge on what you eat and where it came from; makes you show a little more appreciation for what you eat everyday.

Sources:

 About us. (2015). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from http://www.circlefoods.com/about-us/ 

 History of the Tortilla. (2015). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from http://www.latortillaloca.com/History.htm 

 Tortilla. (2015, September 23). Retrieved September 27, 2015, from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tortilla 

An Ancestor From the Dust.

If you were to ask me the question: "Do you have anyone in your family that farms?" My answer would of been a unsure: "no?" Upon asking my parents the same question, I was able to receive a more productive response. My father supplied me ancestral knowledge; dating all the way back to the 1800's! I never knew I had a ancestor who farmed, or that farmed that long ago. My ancestor from the dust that farmed was, Erastus Snow.

Snow was heavily involved in the history of the The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, spending most of his years in service of the church. In 1861 he was appointed to be head of the "Southern Utah Mormon Settlements"("Snow"). Snow began settling Southern Utah by spending a lucrative amount of his time farming. Snow raised: alfalfa, corn, cows, hogs, and many other agricultural resources.

In the book: "Erastus Snow, The Life of a Missionary and Pioneer for the Early Mormon Church", In summary Andrew Karl Larson relates a story that tells of Snows determination to be known as a hard worker. Because of Snows rigurous schedule of church duties, Snow did not have a lot of time to work on his own. Snow was later criticized for using church funds and not working himself.  Brigham Young his leader, asked Snow to work to supply for his family just as the other settlers in St.George, Utah did. Sometime later, a meeting was being held and Snow was to be present in the meeting. Young being anxious sent for some one to find Snow. The book reads: "Brigham finally sent one of the brethren to get him. He found the apostle in his working clothes loading manure at the corral. "Why aren't you at the meeting?" the brother inquired. "Brother Brigham wants you there." Erastus answered mildly enough. "You tell Brother Brigham that if he wants me, he knows where to find me.""("Larson" pg.609). Upon hearing the news of the conversation between the two, Brigham later found Erastus and asked him what he was doing. Erastus answered: "I'm doing what you said I should be doing: working to support my family.""("Larson" pg. 609).

Throughout the 1860's Snow continued to settle and cultivate Southern Utah. During this cultivation the American Civil War broke out. Even with the break out of the war, Snow was minimally effected. With Utah not being a slave state, Utah was not admitted into the war.

Snow continued to serve faithfully in the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints and as a farmer, until the day of his death. There has been many of my ancestors, whom I never thought existed that farmed; Each becoming a new hero in my eyes. As they cultivated their lives in the dirt, they  cultivated my life today. I will always be indebted to my "Ancestors From the Dust".




Work Cited:

 "Erastus Snow." Wikipedia: The Free Encyclopedia. 11 Sept. 2015. Web. 13 Sept. 2015. <https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Erastus_Snow>. 

 Larson, Andrew. Erastus Snow: The Life of a Missionary and Pioneer for the Early Mormon Church. Vol. 1. Salt Lake City: U of Utah. 609. Print. 

Welcome to my blog! My name is Paul, I am a student at Utah State University, and on this blog I will be talking about everything farming. I will post multiple times in the coming months about my view points, opinions, facts, and what I have learned about farming. I hope as you read my posts and updates you can grow a greater appreciation and knowledge of farming, and the purpose it serves to the world.