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Since 1949
Shipton’s Big R is locally owned and managed, influencing our efforts to stay rooted in the community that has supported us since 1949. Our commitment to our community forms the solid foundation from which we do business to this day.Throughout the year, we proudly host in-store events, sponsor local groups, contribute to local causes, and of course, generously provide knowledge, expertise, and exceptional customer service.
Shipton's Big R Blog
Starting Your Colony
February 3, 2023
A BEE-Ginners Guide
If you are looking to start a new backyard hobby, beekeeping makes a perfectly paired outdoor pastime. While
a honeybee has a strong economic value due to their pollination, the honey crop
is the driving force behind most backyard beekeepers. Before
diving in, it’s important to know what running a successful first-time hive entails.
Beehives require management and good stewardship, which take both time
and knowledge.
Annie Spratt | Unsplash Images
What should I know before?
Before
diving headfirst, though, know that there's a sharp learning curve when successfully
running your first-time hives. For starters, you'll need beekeeping equipment
and a protective beekeeper suit and hat.
Beekeeping is local- Bees are directly influenced by
their environment and their behavior and success vary across climates.
Familiarizing yourself with what beekeeping looks like for your climate.
Biology of a Bee- Understanding bee biology is imperative
for all beginners. Within the community lives, the queen who lies
upwards of 1500 eggs daily, worker bees who run the hive, and drones
which are male bees who mate with queens from other colonies.
Take a beekeeping class: An experienced, respected individual or organization to
learn the basics of proper terminology, the equipment uses, and how to manage
bees from season to season.
Books We Sell:
What
equipment do I need?
Woodenware -This makes up the
beehive itself and includes the hive bottom,
hive body, and top cover.
Protective
veil and gloves- beekeepers,
should avoid stings at all costs by wearing protective clothing. Getting stung
can be a distraction leading to a dropped frame.
Smoker- This helps calm and distract the bees while you're working within
the hive.
Hive Tool- A must-have that allows you to easily access the hive and move frames around.
Bees- Pre-Order enough to fill your colonies.
The most frequent route, and the one we offer at Shipton’s Big R, is called a package—a small screen box with
about 10,000 loose bees. The queen, which typically bears no kin to the other
honeybees, stays separated in a cage.
When
Should I Start My Hive?
The answer varies by
climate and geography,
What is
the time commitment?
Like any hobby, you get
out of beekeeping what you put in. All in all, for every two hives, allow an
average of one hour per week to manage your bees. Some seasons will be busier
than others, though.
Where
should I set up my hives?
For the best placement,
face the opening of each hive in either the south, east, or southeast
direction.
Bees get to soak in the morning sun (which
gets them up and moving) and then cool down with a bit of
shade later in the afternoon. Avoid high-activity
backyard hotspots, too, like sidewalks or a swing set. And, of course, make
sure you put the hives in an easy open spot for your beekeeping simplicity.
Brazilian Steak Recipe
January 27, 2023
Garlic Butter
Brazilian Steak Recipe – the most tender and juicy steak with a golden garlic
butter sauce that's out of this world good! So easy, plus only 4 ingredients
and 15 minutes to make! This delicious steak recipe is perfect with sour cream
mashed potatoes or a side salad.
Ingredients
Meat
1 lb. skirt steak
Produce
6 tsp Garlic
1/4 cup Parsley
Baking & Spices
1
tbsp
Salt and pepper
Dairy
5 tbsp Butter, unsalted
Prep the ingredients
The best way to start this Brazilian steak
is to prep prep prep! Clean the parsley dry and chop, same with the minced
garlic, and get the butter out. Cut the skirt steak into 3 or 4 parts. This
garlic butter Brazilian steak is just amazing! It's made with my
favorite cut of beef, skirt steak! And only 4 other ingredients (not including
salt and pepper). Yes, just 4 ingredients and I bet you have most of them. 4 Ingredients and 15 minutes are all it
takes. It's my opinion this is the quickest and
most delicious meal. Especially when short on time or just want something fast
but GOOD! The other great thing about this Brazilian
steak recipe: you'll feel like you're dining at the famous, Fogo de Chao.
Nothing like eating restaurant-quality dinners in the comfort of your
home.
INSTRUCTIONS
1.
Cut
the steak into 3 or 4 parts. Pat the steaks dry then season both sides
liberally with salt and pepper
2.
In a
heavy-duty skillet large enough for the skirt steak, heat oil over medium-high
heat until it’s very hot. Add the steak and sear both sides (brown both sides)
for 2-3 minutes until medium rare or cook longer until your desired doneness. I
cooked mine for about 4 minutes on each side. Place steaks to rest on a plate
and cover with foil.
3.
In a
skillet melt the butter over low heat then adds the garlic. Cook by swirling or
using a spatula to move the butter and garlic around until lightly golden.
Don’t overcook, or the butter and garlic will burn.
4.
Pour
the garlic butter into a bowl and salt to taste. Slice the steak against the
grain. Garnish with parsley and then spoon or pour the garlic butter over the
steak. Serve immediately.
COOK TIPS
Steak
When I cut the steak into 3 equal parts I like to cook each
side for about 4 mins. 4 equal parts: 3 minutes.
Do not move the steaks around as they cook. Leave them alone
to sear (they brown very well).
Garlic
We love garlic so I used 6 tsp of finely minced garlic. I felt
like anything less wasn't as flavorful. Feel free to use less garlic if you
like. This is what I use when I don't feel like mincing garlic.
Cutting the steak
Make sure you cut against the grain of
the steak. If not, your steak may be tough. Cutting against the grain will make
it nice and tender.
Tips
to make this steak well done:
If
you like your steak well done, just cook it longer until your desired
doneness.
Top ten tips for a cleaner and leaner New Year
January 10, 2023
Top ten tips for a cleaner and leaner New Year
Here, I’d like to share some basic tips for how to maintain your healthy lifestyle, body weight, and overall well-being.
1. Be physically active every day.
2. Limit unhealthy foods.
3. Take multivitamin supplements
4. Drink water and stay hydrated, and limit sugared drinks
5. Get enough sleep
6. Reduce Sitting and screen time
7. Read five pages from a book.
8. Limit your intake of alcohol
9. Do not smoke or vape
10. Manage stress levels
Trying day by day will help set long-term goals that are more achievable than trying to set year-long resolutions. There is no perfect health and every single one of us has challenges, but every decision we make allows us to choose the most positive outcome for our health and well-being. That gives us power!
Our Community Partners
We believe actions speak louder than words which is why we have and will always support our great community with new ideas and creative solutions. Here are just a few of the organizations we proudly support.
4H
Billings Mustangs
Ducks Unlimited
FFA
Friends of NRA
Nile
Pheasants Forever
Pro Bull Riders
Rocky Mountain Elk Foundation
UBRC
Billings Chamber of CommerceChase Hawks RodeoMiss Rodeo MontanaNRA Rodeo FinalsRed Lodge RodeoSheridan County Fair
Sheridan County Rodeo
Sheridan Wyoming Rodeo
Wrangler Team RopingYoung LifeMore Resources
Yellowstone County 4H
Kids experience 4-H in every county and parish in the country—through in-school and after-school programs, school and community clubs and 4-H camps.
USDA Plants Poisonous to Livestock in the Western States
Please click on this link to learn about all of the poisonous plants that can harm your livestock.
Merck Animal Health
Merck Animal Health is dedicated to preserving and improving the health, well-being and performance of animals through science.
Nutrena Knowledge Center
Our feed isn’t just grown, it’s crafted. Real science goes into putting the nutrients animals need into each Nutrena® feed product. What’s inside the feed counts.