Robyn Volkening, M.A.’s Post

The Story Behind the World Dairy Expo's Colored Shavings: Ever wonder the process behind the scenes of this highly anticipated World Dairy Expo feature each year? Check out the article below by Hoard's Dairyman. It's a project I enjoy taking part in every year at American Wood Fibers.

Some leaders think unanimous agreement is the sign of high performance. Nothing could be further from the truth. I once worked in a team where nobody wanted to speak up, even when there were customers leaving left, right, and center. The team just pretended like nothing was wrong because they'd checked out. They no longer cared. Most of them were interviewing at competitors already. Our boss thought everything was great. What he didn't understand was the toxic way the company was being run with a daily Game of Thrones leadership battle made employees grow tired. They just wanted to escape the mayhem, so they stayed quiet while they formulated their plans. When you've got bills to pay you can't get up and leave, so often people stay silent instead. Beware of a lack of conflict at work. It usually means innovation is no more or people have stopped caring enough to speak up. <<<>>> ♻️ Repost to share this idea with your network.

Today I adopted a human... "It broke my heart to see him so lonely and confused. I suddenly saw his teary eyes as he looked into mine. So I barked with all my might and went after him, following him from house to house. Finally I got close enough to touch his hand with my nose.” The man smiled and I felt his cold heart begin to warm. I pulled myself close to his face and felt his tears start to fall. I looked at him and he returned it with a wonderful smile. I excitedly jumped into his lap, promised that I would be good, that I would love him forever and that I would never leave him. How lucky it was that he happened to be passing where I was and that we could meet like that. I felt lucky too. So many people went that way, but only he, he alone, looked at me. I'm glad he made a choice and I could save his life. I adopted a person." ~ Unknown author

A career high moment last night! Teton Ridge closed out #NYFW by bringing the West to the streets of #NYC to launch our new short film series, “Window to the West.” This series will feature and share stories of some of the biggest names in Western sports, entertainment and lifestyle. Our first film starred Adan Banuelos, a legend in the performance horse industry. So proud of my team for making this all come to life. Truly such a disruptive and one-of-a-kind event. Big thanks to our sponsors Brumbaugh's Furniture & Design, Kemo Sabe, Tito's Handmade Vodka, Kin Euphorics, Bloomer Trailer Mfg Inc, NRS (National Roper's Supply) and National Cutting Horse Association. None of this would have been possible without you all!

𝘏𝘦 𝘸𝘢𝘴 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘤𝘰𝘸𝘣𝘰𝘺'𝘴 𝘣𝘪𝘵 𝘢𝘯𝘥 𝘴𝘱𝘶𝘳 𝘮𝘢𝘬𝘦𝘳. Billy Klapper was a cowboy, who made real cowboy gear for real working cowboys over more than six decades. Billy forged a career making the most sought after bits and spurs by those in the know. His bits had balance and to have a Klapper bit was to have an unequaled connection between horse and rider. His spurs were true one-piece spurs--intricately polished and adorned, but made to be worn on a daily basis. In fact, it was Billy's one-piece design that was so rare in today's modern era of manufacture. Starting with Model T axles from another manufacturing era, Billy would work with a small coal forge to shape the steel--just one piece of it--into the curves of a bit or the body and shank of a spur. Reserved in manner and a man of few words, it was Billy's eyes that were most expressive. They sparkled this last June at the Summer Stampede Art & Gear Show as he displayed what may have been his last set of spurs to go to public sale. As the dust settled from the contested bidding, the spurs became treasured pieces in a collection for a cool $10,500. Billy's pieces will go on as some of the most collected bits and spurs in ranching history. His dedication to craft and function put him in a class all his own, and he stands as inspiration for the next generation of bit and spur makers. Rest in Peace | Billy Klapper, 1937-2024