It’s almost that time of year again…well maybe it already is for some but it’s almost time here. Shearing will happen soon and then it’ll be time to start watching for new life on the farm! I anxiously await this time of year because I thoroughly enjoy the new life and all the cuteness. Of course there is also the abundance of afterbirth still stuck to chore clothes and the constant smell of manure!! Watching the new calves and lambs as they race around in the sun inevitably will brighten any day.

Memories of last spring periodically flash across my mind in preparation for this year. Questions of what could we have done soon make their way into what should we do this year. Should we do anything different? One thing we decided to change was the calving date. What use to happen in March has now become late April. Hopefully this will allow for warmer temperatures with less chance of severe winter storms. How can one go through so much devastation and heartbreak in one year and then face the next year with anticipation, excitement and hope?

That’s the definition of ranching….enduring the hard times to enjoy the good ones. To never quit because the livestock are depending on us. To be resilient and patient. To sweat and cuss the endless feelings of defeat just to watch with unending pride as the trucks leave the yard with all of your hard work, sacrifice and dedication to this way of life. Ranching is understanding the greater good and what you are providing for the world all while trying to defend your way of life. If those who question it only knew the pure devotion a rancher has to the land and livestock, they might see the good in ranching.

That’s a topic for another day though…there’s milk replacer to buy, pens to get ready and most importantly sleep to enjoy until it becomes hard to find. Happy spring to all our fellow ranchers of the world and may God bless us with a bountiful crop and beautiful weather.

Positive Outlook

New Year - Better Me

New Beginnings