A New View

     I got the chance to interview my first ranch family a few days ago (watch for the post and pictures in a few days).  They were a little nervous about what they should say and where this story would be published.  That is very understandable given the sheer volume of information that is floating around these days in social media. 

     Just the other day I learned that 8 years worth of fine viewing is downloaded to YouTube each day.  Can you imagine taking 8 years of your life and spending it in front of a computer screen watching YouTube videos all day long?  Still, even with the mass of information that is downloaded daily to the Internet, the window of opportunity is wide open for farmers and ranchers to tell their story. 

     Like me, you might be one of those folks that loves to hear a good story about the heart, determination, and gusto that it takes to be a cattle rancher.  Not every job requires you to be able to pack a 90 pound calf, doctor a sick cow in the middle of the pasture with only a rope and a horse, wake up every two hours through the night during calving season, and feed your hungry animals before you feed your family, because they are your livelihood.  Or, you may be somewhat skeptical about what happens on a cattle ranch.  If so, then I hope to help you get a new view of life on a farm as I bring you stories of love, hope, determination, and family life.    

Momma cow cleaning her new baby calf.

     Being a rancher isn't an easy job and the reward does not come in the form of a paycheck at the end of every week. 

Future cattle rancher

       No, the reward is in the sound of a new calf as he greets his momma for the first time, the sight of your herd grazing peacefully on lush pasture, the smell of freshly baled alfalfa hay as you load it on the trailer, the feel of your child's hand in yours as they learn responsibility through helping with daily chores, and the taste of the beef dinner that you are proud to say came from your pasture. 

A square baler baling alfalfa.

     From the past to the present, our cattle ranchers have worked hard for us.  They make up less than .5% of the population and they are proud people with great values and moral standards just like you.