The cowboy is one of the most romantic, enduring figures in the American consciousness, right up there with astronauts, muscle cars and George Washington. However, somewhere along the line, a disconnect grew in the minds of the public between the 1,000-mile cattle drives of the 19th century and modern beef production.

Tyrell sits down with John R. Erickson, author of the beloved Hank the Cowdog book series, for a meandering and insightful conversation about the animals we live and work with, recovering after wildfires and educating the public about livestock agriculture. 

Wildfires were a fact of life growing up, especially out West. I’d see bulletins come across the news – 50,000 acres, 100,000 acres, gone. I’d shake my head, think “That’s too bad” and go about my day. I think, from now on, I will view these events with a little more compassion.

Mine is a horse-poor outfit. I’m aware that the term “horse-poor” is subject to interpretation, and I’ve seen it thrown around and used in a variety of ways in the ranching world.

Working hard works, well, until it doesn’t. And it doesn’t always work when my girls enter the show ring for the market judging class during the county fair.

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines trust as “an assured reliance on the character, ability, strength or truth of someone or something; dependence on something future or contingent: hope.”

“Sis, the horses are saddled. Get your boots on and meet me outside.” They are going to check the cows.

What makes the difference between employees who are happy at work and those who are miserable? 

One of the biggest challenges facing modern society is accurately understanding agriculture and its role in our everyday lives. In an era of information being readily available, it is amazing how quickly that information can be misinterpreted or misunderstood.