“I realize now, after reading and listening to many more cowboy poets last summer, that I’ve encountered aspects of the genre before. I grew up listening to my grandma tell stories about the weekly ranch happenings: a snake in the chicken coop, a cow on the front porch, a goat on the barn roof,” writes Piper Wiest as she blogs about her experience with the Western Folklife Center Archives.

This month, the columnists shoulder a weighty question about the knowledge imparted through learning “old-fashioned” skills. They seem in agreement that such skills aren’t “old-fashioned,” but rather, as Bill might say, simply “mind-boggling” to most.

This month, Over-Worked asks a line-blurring question about "work-life balance" in agriculture. And, the poets pinpoint those special somethings that bring polish and shine to the grind of ranch work.

This month, On The Edge poses a question at the heart of being a hand…and at the heart of being a human: “Describe a moment in your life when you found yourself on the edge, questioning how or why to continue. What inspired your actions, and what was the outcome?” From one hand to another, the poets share stories of balancing on the edge in life’s precarious moments.

After an impressive five-year stint as the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering Manager, our dear friend Brad McMullen will depart Elko soon. We’re going to miss his thoughtful insights, steadfast even temperament, infectious laughter, and oh-so-handy tech skills. As a special treat, we gathered these pics of Brad on the job to celebrate five glorious and meaningful years with the WFC!

We’re turning the tables with a poet’s-choice question. This month, what was one question became many when Curious but Courteous asked the cowboy poets, “What question would you like to be asked?”

From community gardens to firefighting camps to folklife centers, Robin Wignall reminds us that, even in rural places, there are as many entry points into community as there are Saturday afternoon samples at Costco. Dig in with a little intention and a community may spring up.

It’s a riddle of rhythms. How much does a horse’s rhythm share with a cowboy’s poetry? And how much does a cowboy share with their horse? Read on for the pros’ answers to this month’s question from Instagram follower @carteagraphy, who asks, “Does your horse's gait affect your writing, and do you read out loud to your horse?”

This month, @fordthejord on Instagram asks, “How do you approach editing? Is a poem ever really done?”

With weather-born disasters and rural resilience on our mind, we've re-shared Dee Davis’ Commentary: Things the Flood Takes. Dee is president of the Center for Rural Strategies and publisher of The Daily Yonder. He spoke on what draws people to rural communities during the 38th National Cowboy Poetry Gathering.

This month, the poets reply to Fern from Ferndale, who asks “How is the current weather situation affecting your spring chores on the ranch? Do you have a favorite spring poem to share?”

This month, we asked Virginia Bennett which poems she might’ve shared if she’d been on stage during the Ask a Cowboy Poet live show.

Hopeful in Yellowstone asks “As you reflect on the past year and look forward to 2023, what are your hopes for the New Year? and do you have any resolutions or lessons learned or traditions that guide you this time of year?” And, the poets answer with their unique brand of hope.

City Slicker asks the poets to “tell us how this time of year on the ranch reflects in your poetry? or in your favorite poems?” Read on as they explain why fall is all the rage with the ranch literati.

On Sept. 12, 2022, the Western Folklife Center lost a tremendous friend and supporter. We will miss you Gary Crowe and all that you generously gave with your spirit, kind heart, and quick wit.

An anonymous ask has the panel of poets addressing a defining question—just exactly what constitutes a “cowboy” poem? And how does Robert Service fit into all of this?

Robin Wignall, a Western Folklife Center super-volunteer since 2012, writes about some of her many volunteer exploits and the impact of volunteering. Join Robin as a volunteer at the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering in 2023 (or anytime year-round!).

The poets are taking us on a trip down memory lane. As they relive their first experiences at the Cowboy Poetry Gathering (now the National Cowboy Poetry Gathering), they also reflect on what the Gathering means to them and to cowboy poetry…and, of course, invoke characters and friends wrapped up in Gatherings past.