American Cattlemen: A Jack of All Trades

"I do not believe there was ever a life more attractive than life on a cattle farm..."

                                                                                                 -Theodore Roosevelt

Former president Theodore Roosevelt once made this statement, which would go on to be remembered for years to come.  As a politician, author, naturalist, soldier, explorer, and historian, Roosevelt was known for his many talents and contributions to The United States.  However, many do not remember the robust masculinity and "cowboy" persona this president possessed.

After the death of both his wife and mother within the same day, Roosevelt was devastated.  Therefore, he decided to temporarily leave politics and become a cattle rancher in the Dakotas.  Not only did Roosevelt learn to ride horse, rope, and hunt as a cattleman, but he also began to write.  He published three books, as well as wrote about frontier life for national magazines.  The works of Roosevelt would go on to inspire future writers within the cattle industry.

Nearly 100 years later, long after Roosevelt's time, the trade magazine American Cattlemen was launched.  American Cattlemen is one of the industry's premier beef cattle magazines.  Published monthly, it is dedicated to the growth and success of livestock producers across America.  The magazine offers timely and relevant editorials that relate to cattle producers.  Featured articles include news related to production issues, equipment innovations, and rural lifestyles of producers and their families.  In addition to articles, American Cattlemen also offers advertisement space for fellow ranchers.

This trade magazine is the perfect example of what the field of Livestock Media all entails.  The articles within it provide insight about both the style and tone of writing that should be used for the audience.  Also, advertisements in American Cattlemen are useful templates for designing promotional materials for potential clients.  These templates provide ideas for layout designs and color schemes most appealing to readers.

Although most subscribers prefer a hard copy of the magazine, the use of social media is becoming more and more popular.  By simply "liking" the American Cattlemen Facebook page, you are able to preview articles featured in the magazine, take trivia quizzes, and even enter photo contests.  By utilizing social media, publishers are able to reach out to a broader audience.  Also, they are able to reach their audience in a more timely manner.  Why wait for a magazine in the snail mail when you can have it in a click of a button!  Although trade magazines have come a long way from Theodore Roosevelt's time, they are still progressing day-to-day. 

Time for a Quiz:

Want to test your cattle knowledge?  Try taking the "Cattle Trivia Quiz" featured in a previous issue of American Cattlemen.  Good luck! 

http://www.americancattlemen.com/quizzes/cattle-trivia-quiz

Animal Science: It's More Than Just Cows & Horses

While sorting through mail one day, you come upon an issue of AgWeek. With a puzzled look, you stare at the cover and conclude it must be the neighbor's mail. To your knowledge, you have never subscribed to this foreign publication, but then your curiosity takes over. As you flip through the pages, you see articles on various agriculture topics such as pesticide use in crops and cattle backgrounding for herd health. You also investigate the many classifieds for machinery and livestock, as well as browse through the advertisements and finally check out the current market prices. 

Although you may not understand all the mumble-jumble associated with the agriculture industries of crop and livestock production, one simple newspaper publication has sparked an interest. Many questions are now brewing in your head, such as: What exactly is agriculture? Is there more to it than just cows and horses? What do farmers and ranchers do? What types of jobs are available?  and finally... What can agriculture do for me? You want to learn more about this the growing world of agriculture, but have no idea where to start. That's where I step in.

What is Animal Science?

As an Animal Science student at North Dakota State University, I get asked a lot of questions about my major.  The most popular of which is, "So does that means your going to be a veterinarian?"  Contrary to popular belief, not all Animal Science majors strive to become veterinarians.  According to the NDSU Animal Science Department homepage, this major is "designed to prepare students for careers in Animal Agribusiness and related fields.  The course work to prepare students for the field includes biological principles, scientific relationships, management practices, marketing, and business concepts applicable to animal products and livestock production systems."  So whether it is a rancher, an animal nutritionist, a marketing adviser, or a veterinarian, the field of Animal Science has a career to offer for just about anybody.

Better Yet.. What Is Livestock Media?

However, the questions really start to fly when I explain that not only am I an Animal Science major (not becoming a veterinarian), but I am also emphasizing my degree in Livestock Media.  "What on earth are you going to do with that?" is usually the common response.  This option within the field offers students an opportunity to acquire skills in journalism, advertising and public relations in addition to the basics of Animal Science.  Employment opportunities range from working for magazines, breed associations, or commodity organizations.  Believe it or not, the possibilities are endless! But the big question is, what do I want to do within the focus of Livestock Media?

Although agriculture in general has always been a part of my life, surprisingly a career in Animal Science has not always been in my future.  While initially pursuing a degree in Biology, with hopes of one day becoming a doctor, my career path hit a fork in the road.  Within the past five years, I have become more involved with the planning of my cousin's annual bull production sale.  The insight and knowledge I gained from working with not only promotional materials, but also with customers, opened my eyes to a whole new world of opportunity. Could I really make a career out this, while still supporting an industry that I know and love?  Once I have completed my Animal Science degree, I hope to start my own design, promotional, and marketing business for livestock.  Maybe one day I will even be able to market livestock of my own, right along side my cousin who gave me a start in the industry. 

Want to Learn More?

For more information about Animal Sciences at NDSU, or careers within the field, visit the Animal Sciences Department Website. Also, if your curious to learn more about careers in Livestock Media, I encourage you to visit the Ranch House Designs, Inc. website.  This company serves thousands of agriculture, industry and business clients to increase profits with marketing, website and graphic design services.  Their blog, which is updated frequently, is one of my personal favorites within the livestock industry.

http://www.ag.ndsu.edu/ansc/

http://ranchhousedesigns.com/blog/