Of beef, irrigating and men shaving their legs

May, and the irrigation boards were frozen together this morning. But water is still plentiful so can't complain. Branding is done and so is most of dragging and ditch cleaning. Allen, a family friend, now retired, shaved his legs. And look for the signs Carson Valley Beef producers are putting up acknowledging a proclamation made by Douglas County commissioners recognizing local beef producers this month.

At least 17 Valley ranchers are placing discrete 2-by-3-foot white and red signs on their property acknowledging being a local beef producer. Seventeen is a pretty exciting number. That many active ranches is a good sign agriculture is working in Carson Valley. Enough cattle here to supply beef for the whole Valley. But admittedly I am not organized enough, yet, to do that. Details need to be worked out. But some area ranchers are making progress and supply their Carson Valley beef to local stores and restaurants. Ask for it, see what happens.

Something else is afoot in the Valley. A reliable source, PBWLV (Psycho Bird Woman of Long Valley), says there are lots of chickens in the Gardnerville Ranchos. She mentioned this along with saying, "I was looking up how to make a chicken tractor on backyardchicken.com."

Yep, devoted people with a small plot of ground in an urban environment want to raise chickens. PBWLV claims to know a number of these Gardnerville area residents raising chickens in their backyards and they love it. They compare coops, feed, breeds, egg collecting strategies, chicken tractors and gosh, who knows what else. Another exciting agricultural community in the Valley. It too may find a way into our area stores. Then look for proudly posted poultry producer signs in your area.

But not out here. I have nothing against chickens. I just do not want, can't and won't raise them, ever. And am amazed when someone else does. I would rather walk through warm cow pies barefoot then walk through a chicken coop with knee high rubber boots on. Chickens are "oowweeeyy" to me.

I know it comes from an old prejudice developed collecting eggs as a small, innocent girl in the Midwest. Roosters chased and mean hens pecked me. I know chickens help keep insects in check, reducing the need for pesticides, can produce good protein hormone free and rich fertilizer when cared for properly. But I only like my chickens fried, baked, barbecued or sauteed in white wine, with butter and capers. Besides there are way too many coyotes, minks, skunks, cats and hawks interested in any chickens I raise out here. I will keep PBWLV my local poultry connection.

And about Allen's shaved legs. It is a reminder bicycle season is in full swing and serious male peddlers shave their legs in case of a fall making wound cleaning easier. So watch for bikers when out and about looking for local agricultural producers signs, chicken or beef.

Marie Johnson is a Carson Valley rancher.