Thursday, April 15, 2010

Yep, I'm Alive...


Wow, has it seriously been two months since I have posted on here?  Things have been so crazy with calving, blogging for money...ha! (check out BEEF Daily) and planning for my wedding in October.  Just thought I would check in and post a cute new photo of my sister, Courtney, and my soon-to-be sister-in-laws, Jill and Shelby.  I have been traveling so much and working constantly, so it was so nice to get together and just relax.  They stayed for the weekend, and we, of course, we squeezed in some SHOPPING!  It's good to be a girl, isn't it?

Friday, February 5, 2010

I Heart Beef


Have you heard about the "I Heart Beef" campaign going on this February? I'm doing my part to celebrate each and every day.  This is a photo from a recent date night with my fiance after being away and traveling for the past two weeks.  We had ribeyes, twice baked potatoes, corn, wine and carmel, fudge trifles. Yum!

The checkoff-funded consumer survey used as a foundation for the campaign found:

  • In this month of romance, beef is the preferred choice of Americans (62 percent) because nothing says love like a great steak dinner for Valentine’s Day.
  • Americans associate steak as a “best match” for love (44 percent), romance (42 percent) and passion (41 percent)—more so than other high-end proteins.
  • When it’s time to share that Valentine’s Day meal, beef wins. A ribeye (35 percent) or T-bone steak (32 percent) are chosen as the best meal to share with a significant other.
  • Americans most often associate beef with celebrations (50 percent), compared to chicken (18 percent), pork (17 percent) or fish (15 percent).
  • Sixty-two percent of Americans say they choose to prepare beef if they are looking for gratitude or appreciation from their dinner partner.
  • Fifty-three percent of Americans identify filet mignon as the food most associated with candlelight romance and 50 percent of Americans think filet mignon is the best way to say “I love you.”

Thursday, February 4, 2010

Blog Training with the Beef Ambassadors

Talking "shop" with the 2010 National Beef Ambassador Team during their blog training session with me in San Antonio, TX.  Check out their blog, www.beefambassadors.com.  Pictured below from LR: Amanda Nolz, Ellie Hoffschneider, Jackson Alexander, Malorie Bankhead, Mandy-Jo Laurent and Becky Vraspir.


In Case You Missed It...BEEF Daily Blog Spots










Wednesday, February 3, 2010

ND Farm Bureau's Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Conference

Participating in the panel, "Beef - What's the Future?" with several distinguished members of the North Dakota Farm Bureau.

Presenting my speech, "Stand Up, Speak Out, Tell Your Story," with producers at the NDFB Young Farmer and Rancher Leadership Conference.  I truly enjoyed my time with these folks, and I learned so much to take back to the operation, as well.

Only in Texas



Only in Texas...would this happen to me. Chatting away with my favorite MN Cattlewomen at the trade show, and they bought me a ride on this African Watusi steer. Seriously embarrassing. A crowd gathered, strangers took my picture and they kept saying, "Isn't that Amanda Nolz with BEEF Magazine?" Ugh...

Sunday, January 24, 2010

Two words: SAN ANTONIO! That's where I'll be this Monday thru Friday. Can't Wait! Stay tuned for updates as I meet up with cattle producers in the BEEF booth and speak with graduates at the Masters of Beef Advocacy commencement ceremony. Hope to see you there!

Thursday, January 21, 2010

Highlights from Seattle

Last week, I attended the 91st Annual American Farm Bureau Federation Meeting in Seattle, WA as a media representative for the state of South Dakota. If you check out my BEEF Daily blog, I highlight some of the amazing speakers I was able to listen to during my stay in the big city. Today, I thought I would share some of the "fun stuff" from my trip.



No, it isn't beef. I'll admit I took advantage of the fresh fish options while in Seattle. I tried crab legs from Pike's Place Fish Market, black crusted cod stuffed with crab, salmon, lobsters, clams and as pictured above, hawaiian ahi tuna. I had never tried a tuna steak before because it's raw color sort of frightened me. Yes, that's how I like my steaks, but for some reason, I was hesitant about this fish entree. Well, one evening, I was "adopted" by the good folks with the MN Farm Bureau. They took me out to this amazing restaurant, and I figured I would be adventurous and try something new. I'm so glad I did. This tuna was AMAZING. It was served with this really thick pasta, artichoke hearts, brussel sprouts and Brazilian red peppers. It was cooked to perfection with the perfect amount of spicy and sweet. Thanks, MNFB for a great evening!



You will have to tilt your head sideways or flip flop your laptop to see this one properly. These photos were taken on my phone, and hey, I'm a busy girl with no time for editing photos this morning! Anyway, one evening, Monsanto hosted a media reception for all of us journalists. It was on the 75th floor of a building, and I was able to see the skyline of Seattle, and I could even look DOWN on the Space Needle. Beautiful! We had free champagne, wine, prime rib and tiramasu. I was pretty sure I had died and gone to heaven. However, it wasn't the food and the drinks that made this evening memorable; it was the view from the bathroom. Yes, the bathroom. Each stall had it's own sink, toiletries and this incredible view. It sounds weird to say, but I think all of us gals could have stayed in that bathroom forever.

Stay tuned for more travel updates. My next stop: San Antonio, TX.

The Latest at BEEF Daily



Hey, January? Where did you go? My plate has been overflowing this month with travels, speaking engagement, cattle shows and blogging. Check out the last from my BEEF Daily blog, and be sure to join in on the conversation!

Jan. 11, 2010: Blogging From “Tropical” Seattle at AFBF Annual Meeting

Jan. 12, 2010: Stenholm Talks Politics, Energy and Immigration with Producers

Jan. 13, 2010: Terry Bradshaw Lights Up Closing Ceremony at Farm Bureau Meeting

Jan. 14, 2010: Global Warming, A Red, Hot Lie?

Jan. 18, 2010: Do Your Legislators Make the Grade?

Jan. 19, 2010:PETA’s Pathetic Publicity Stunts

Jan. 20, 2010:Farm Bureau Discusses Ohio’s Stand Against HSUS

Jan. 21, 2010: Join the Conversation!

Wednesday, January 6, 2010

NOLZ Limousin on the Cover of Limousin World!


I recently sold two photos to the Limousin World, a breed publication that my family subscribes to.  These were the FIRST photos I have ever sold, and I was so excited to see the first one on the cover in November, and I framed it to keep it in my apartment.  So cool!



Yesterday, I received the January publication, and our cattle are gracing the cover again!  It's a very cool feeling.  And, it can't be half bad advertising for both my photography skills and our bulls for sale.  Contact me at beefnews@hotmail.com, if you're interested in my photography for prints or your publication.  Thanks!

Sunday, January 3, 2010

I'm Getting Married!


The big news of 2010: I'm changing my last name.  We are planning a beautiful wedding to be held this October, and I can't wait to become Mrs. Amanda Radke.  I'm a very lucky girl!  Stay tuned for updates (I've already been asked what kind of beef I'll be serving at the wedding, ha!)

Friday, January 1, 2010

Happy New Year from NOLZ Limousin


From my ranch to your home, Happy New Year from NOLZ Limousin.  Check out our website for more information about our registered seedstock for sale by private treaty.  

What are you looking forward to in 2010?  I'm excited to share my travels and ranching adventures with all of you.  Stay tuned for future blog entries!