Nothing but love for the bacon!

Helping to make this land grand

Trails End #2, one of the Roberts Ranch of Oklahoma Farms, once again has something to celebrate. Today it was named as one of the top environmental stewards in the nation. Recognized as a steward in the state of Oklahoma in March, Trails End #2 continues to showcase how much Oklahoma farmers care for their land and communities.

"We take pride in what we do," said Bill Barnes, the man responsible for the implementation and record keeping of the environmental aspects at the Roberts Ranch of Oklahoma farm of Trails End #2. "So not only are we concerned about doing the right thing, we take pride in doing it. We want to make sure we are taking care of the land and the natural resources associated with that land - so future generations can enjoy them as much as we do."

Trails End #2 is a sits on 560 acres outside of Ames, Okla. Not only do they take care of the hogs on the farm, they also make sure to preserve the habitat for the animals native to the area.

"When we cleared the land for our fields, no more was cleared than was absolutely necessary," Barnes said. "This allowed us to preserve habitat for the quail, turkeys and deer living in the area."

However, throughout the years Trails End #2 has gone a step further than simply provide a natural habitat for the wildlife in the area.

"We put out supplemental feed for the quail, turkeys and deer to help sustain them when their natural cover wasn't growing as it normally would," Barnes said.

In addition to their efforts for the native animals - they also take the time to preserve their land, as well as their neighbors' land. Jeff Menke, the production manager for all of the Roberts Ranch of Oklahoma farms, shows his belief in thier ability to sustain the quality and value of the local resources.

"I live right there - half of a mile from Trails End #2," Menke said. "My kids have grown up there and we all drink the water. We're going to do the right things because it affects our neighbors and it affects us. We take pride in doing things the way they should be done."

okPORK is pleased to call Roberts Ranch of Oklahoma a member and are glad to congratulate them for this honor.

"Trails End #2 is another in a long line of Oklahoma hog farmers who not only show dedication to their animals but also to the quality of the land, water and air around them," Roy Lee Lindsey, the okPORK. "We are glad to see farms carrying on the traditions of Oklahomans who were honored as National Environmental Stewards in the past."

Who has time to make breakfast?

You do! Or you can. It doesn't have to be in the morning - and it doesn't have to be anything difficult. Here are some fun ideas to get you and your family in a breakfast mood.

Overnight Bacon Casserole breakfast casserole

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 55 minutes
Marinating Time: 12 hours

1 pound bacon, sliced

8 slices whole wheat bread
6 eggs
1 1/2 cups milk
1 cup cheddar cheese (4 ounce), shredded
1/2 teaspoon dry mustard

Cut strips of bacon crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces. Cook bacon in skillet over medium heat until crisp; blot with paper towels. Discard accumulated bacon fat.

Remove crusts from bread, and reserve for another use. Cut bread slices into cubes; set aside.

In a large bowl, beat eggs, stir in milk, cheese and mustard. Gently stir bacon and bread cubes into egg mixture; spoon into buttered 8-inch square baking dish. Cover tightly and refrigerator overnight.
Remove from refrigerator and let stand at room temperature for 15 minutes. Bake, uncovered, at 325 degrees F. for 45 minutes or until knife inserted midway between center and outer edge comes out clean.

Breakfast Sausage Pizza

6 ounces pork sausage, bulk

4 slices bacon, thick cut, cut in half

8 eggs, beaten

1 10-inch pizza crust, purchased

1 cup Colby Jack cheese, shredded

1/2 cup onion, thinly sliced

1/4 cup italian parsley , snipped

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/2 teaspoon black pepper

In a large skillet cook sausage, bacon, and onions over medium-high heat until browned and cooked through (about 10-15 minutes). Remove with slotted spoon and set aside. Remove all but 1 teaspoon of drippings from pan. Add eggs, parsley, and seasonings, stirring to scramble. Stir while cooking for 2-3 minutes or until eggs are just set.

Meanwhile, place pizza crust on a pizza pan or baking sheet and top with 1/2 cup of the cheese. Place in a 400 degrees F oven for 3-5 minutes until cheese is melted. Remove crust and top with eggs, sausage, and onions. Top with bacon and remaining cheese. Return to oven until cheese is melted and bacon is crisp.

About Oklahoma Pork Council

The Oklahoma Pork Council, a producer organization consisting of Oklahoma pork producers, represents the interests of all pork producers. Partially funded by federally collected Pork Checkoff dollars, OPC promotes pork and pork products, funds research, and educates consumers and producers about the pork industry. For more information about this or any other programs of the Oklahoma Pork Council visit www.okpork.org or call 1.405.232.3781.