I failed and broke a promise. Not long ago, I told my friend Mary Beth that I would always write about her son-in-law for my Memorial Day column. SFC Forrest Robertson made the ultimate sacrifice in Afghanistan; he died protecting each one of us. He is the only hero that I knew personally that made the greatest sacrifice, and that is why I have vowed to never forget. Then Monday happened.

A couple of weeks ago, we celebrated Earth Day. Yes, I know it was a couple of weeks ago, and I am finally getting around to writing about it. No one ever accused me of being quick or timely.

Calving season is fully underway. I know it is dry and the temperatures are abnormally warm, and I really should be concerned about the pattern we seem to be slipping into, but it is really tough. I could really get used to checking and tagging calves without the need to wear coveralls and mud boots.

It is hard to believe that once again I am here with another whole year in the rearview mirror. I would really like to pull over into the right lane or even the shoulder for a while and get out of the passing lane. Time seems like it keeps building up speed and passing faster and faster all the time. Needless to say, 2015 was a blur.

Welcome to the random ramblings and humble thoughts from an addled producer and agricultural advocate. I am a farmer and rancher from the northern Flint Hills in Pottawatomie County, Kansas, and a former county extension agent.