Blueberry French Toast Casserole
2 loaves cubed french bread (separated)
1 8-oz pack softened cream cheese
1 cup confectioners sugar
2 tablespoons milk
1 tablespoon vanilla extract, divided
1 pint fresh blueberries, divided
2 cups milk
8 eggs
1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
Preheat oven to 375°. Mix together the cream cheese, confectioners’ sugar, 2 tablespoons of milk, and 1 teaspoon of vanilla until the mixture is smooth. Gently fold in 1 cup of the blueberries to distribute them evenly throughout.
Layer the bottom of a 10×14-inch baking dish with bread cubes, creating an even base. Spread the cream cheese mixture over the layer of bread cubes. Top with the remaining bread cubes.
In a large bowl, whisk together 2 cups of milk, eggs, 2 teaspoons of vanilla, cinnamon, and nutmeg until combined. Pour over the layered bread in the baking dish, ensuring all the bread is soaked. Sprinkle 1 cup of blueberries evenly on top.
Cover the dish tightly with aluminum foil and refrigerate for 8 hours or overnight.
Place the dish on the counter 30-60 minutes before baking. Place in the preheated oven for 45 minutes with the foil on. After 45 minutes, remove foil and continue baking until the center is set and the top is lightly browned, about 30 more minutes.
Remove from the oven and cool slightly before serving.
Find more homestyle recipes at pinterest.com/ranchandrecreation
Family Farms - The Backbone of America
As you all know, winters are not an easy time on ranches, from breaking ice in tanks every other hour, to pulling calves in -20 degree weather. We have heard it so many times. “Ranchers and farmers are the backbone of America” and yet, there is no amount of words to describe how true that statement is. Instead of describing what that means, let’s look at the numbers. Familyrun farms and ranches account for approximately 2% of the population. According to USDA data, the vast majority of agricultural production in the United States comes from familyowned farms, with around 97%
of farms being family-owned and accounting for roughly 90% of total farm production value. What a wild statistic to take in and analyze. To go along with those statistics, a family owned ranch or farm will produce enough to feed 169 people a year. We are in debt to those families that work day and night. Days are getting longer, the temperatures are getting warmer and the light is shown at the end of the tunnel for 98% of the country. Please remember these families that made it possible to put burgers on the grill and beer in the fridge. To the 2% that works day and night, sun or snow, THANK YOU.
Farm
Winter on the high plains is no joke, and keeping livestock water tanks from freezing solid is a constant battle. For years, I relied on traditional tank heaters, which do the job but come with high electricity costs. This year, I decided to try something different—a pond aerator I found on Amazon for $150. I wasn’t sure what to expect, but I was pleasantly surprised by the results. The concept behind an aerator is simple: it pumps air through a diffuser, creating constant water movement and introducing oxygen. In extreme cold, that circulation prevents ice from forming as quickly, keeping a portion of the tank open for livestock access. I set mine up in a standard stock tank and was amazed at how well it worked, even when temperatures dipped well below zero.
What really impressed me, though, was the cost savings. Compared to a traditional 1,500-watt tank heater that runs non-stop, the aerator’s
& Ranch safety check-in
With spring works in full swing, it is important to think about safety and consider the protocols your operation has in place
EVEN PROS DOUBLE-CHECK EQUIPMENT We all know the drill, but it’s worth repeating: give machinery a once-over before use, watch for worn parts, and never remove safety guards — no matter how tempting. A few extra minutes can prevent hours (or worse) of downtime.
HANDLE CHEMICALS LIKE THE PROS YOU ARE You’ve done this a hundred times, but that’s when mistakes creep in. Always follow the label, suit up with the right PPE, and keep chemicals stored securely and clearly marked. A small slip-up can have big consequences.
DON’T LET HEAT OR FATIGUE SNEAK UP ON YOU You might feel tough enough to push through, but dehydration and exhaustion can hit
#safety
fast — and hit hard. Keep water handy, pace yourself, and watch out for each other in the field. Good work starts with a clear head and steady hands.
SAFE
LIVESTOCK HANDLING PREVENTS ACCIDENTS Animals can be unpredictable, even when they know you. Stay calm, move slow, and use proper gates and handling equipment. Never turn your back on livestock in close quarters, and know the signs of agitation before they escalate.
KEEP
FIRST AID AND EMERGENCY PLANS READY We hope you never need them, but quick access to first aid supplies and knowing your emergency response plan can make all the difference. Make sure everyone on the property — family and crew — knows where supplies are and what to do.
power consumption is minimal. I barely noticed a difference on my electric bill, and it kept my water open just as effectively. While it might not be a perfect replacement in the worst blizzards, for most winter days, it’s an efficient and budget-friendly alternative.
For anyone running cattle or horses in the brutal winters of Wyoming, western Nebraska, or South Dakota, this is an option worth considering. A small upfront investment and a fraction of the operating cost make it a smart addition to any winter water management plan. Sometimes, the simplest solutions are the best.
upcoming
Mile High Hunt & Fish Expo April 11-13, 2025
Gaylord Rockies Aurora, Colorado
We’re excited to be an exhibitor at this fantastic event, which provides outdoor enthusiasts the best expo experience in the West — mixing exciting adventures with learning opportunities and conservation efforts. It’s all about celebrating the outdoors, protecting natural resources, and bringing people together to enjoy the thrill of the hunt and the peace of a day spent fishing. Stop by our booth for a chat and a chance to win!
Rafter MB Arena Wheatland, Wy
$2,800,000
Discover limitless possibilities on this 59.3-acre facility nestled in Wheatland, Wyoming. Come and tour a world-class equine facility with an expansive insulated and heated indoor arena (107x214), six indoor box stalls, tack room, wash rack. There are six other interior stalls with pipe runs, six covered runs, and nine horse-safe turnouts. The irrigated pastures include 59 acres of water rights from Wheatland Irrigation District. The house – built in 1999 – has four bedrooms and three baths, and is 2,936sf. Enjoy the beautiful backdrop of Laramie Peak and lush green horse pastures. Listed by Holly Allison
One of the most diverse and improved ranches in the Nebraska panhandle, offering a playground for the outdoor enthusiast while maintaining a working agriculture operation. Stocked ponds, miles of trails, and several shooting ranges offer entertainment when the cattle work is complete. The northwest portion of the ranch is dryland farm ground and native grasses; as you venture deeper into the ranch you are greeted with pine- and cedar-lined canyons. The abundance of surface water, diverse terrain, and quality of forage make a premier hunting destination.
