2013ReCap

Happy New Year, Friends and Family!

To save time and resources, Jeff and I decided to do our 2013 Re-Cap letter online this year on my blog. 

2013 started off pretty good. Last year's winter was fairly mild, especially as compared to the way this one is starting off. Even as I type this, the temperature outdoors is -18.  We have had several arctic blasts so far this year that were absent last year.  

Starting off with the Farm and Ranch Report. Calving took place as usual in February and March-- it was a very successful time with minimal calf loss and relatively good weather. Healthy calves lead to a nice calf sale this fall. As for crops, we worked on taking a large chunk of land out of CRP which was trying at times. Otherwise, timely rains and overall good weather meant excellent crops this year and a good harvest. We raised winter wheat, spring wheat, and yellow peas. 

Also in Ag-Related news, in 2013 Jeff and I were asked to join a young couples leadership program through Montana Farmers Union, called Farmers Union Enterprises.  We are not quite mid-way through the experience and are truly enjoying it so far. There are three other couples in our group- from North Dakota, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. The FUE program consists of travel to Farmers Union conferences and conventions periodically throughout the year. At each event we participate in the conference itself and also have at least a day of small group leadership training and education. So far, we have been to Bozeman, MT for the Montana Farmers Union Mid-Year Meeting, and to Minot, ND for the North Dakota Farmers Union Annual Convention.  Coming up this March, we hare headed to Santa Fe, NM for the National Farmers Union Annual Convention and in June we are tentatively headed to the Apostle Islands in Northern Wisconsin. The FUE program will culminate with a fly-in to Washington DC next September 2014. This experience has been very worthwhile so far- we are looking forward to the next series of events. 

After about two years working as a Financial Counselor (Bill Collector) for Liberty Medical Center in Chester, I left that job in October. Even though I did not enjoy my job that much, I do miss some of the people I worked with. I am now working as a Behavioral Intervention Specialist for a company called Altacare. Altacare contracts with schools to provide in-school mental health therapy and counseling to kids. North Star School District, which is the local school here, has a contract with Altacare so I was able to begin work here in Rudyard and Gildford in October. I am really enjoying my job so far- it has been a good fit and a great switch from my previous work. I find that I really enjoy working with kids and teenagers, but the younger elementary kids most of all. Specifically, my job mostly involves teaching kids social skills, anger management, and how to find virtues in themselves and others. It's very rewarding.  Also, the North Star School District has some really great teachers and staff who are a joy to work with. It's definitely a gem among small town schools in Montana. 

Last year I also had the opportunity to coach Track and Field for North Star as an Assistant Coach. I worked primarily with hurdlers and high-jumpers.  We had about 20 athletes (boys and girls) on our team and good representation at the State Meet last Memorial Day Weekend. My coaching contract was renewed (YAY!) and I am anxiously counting down the days until the First Day of Track Practice on March 17!! Go Knights!

Harvey spends as much time as he can outdoors,which has been challenging on days like today when the temperature does not get above zero. He has matured into an excellent bird hunter and we take him out during bird season as much as we can. He is also a great running buddy and overall farm hand and is an excellent snuggler!

Best wishes in 2014! 

Love, Katie, Jeff and Harvey.