Growth and Reflection
The anticipation of spring is upon us and the excitement of new life is quickly growing. The mental prep work has begun and for some there are jobs that need to be completed before the birth of the first calf or lamb. For us, we will be shearing our flock soon in preparation of lambing. Currently we have been in a cold spell that leaves the temps in the area of -35 overnight. Thankfully by the time we finish shearing the temps will have adjusted to a much more comfortable range. Barns will need to be prepped and supplies purchased but the excitement of new life seems to outweigh much of the stress of preparing. However, there is the predominant chaos that life just tends to ensue with having children that are school age. Amongst the crazy schedules, we still try and find ways to improve our operation or find a new avenue to grow. We recently implemented the Precious Feeders, LLC as it encompasses the custom feeding of calves in our feedlot. We are utilizing the direct assistance of a nutritionist that helps to establish the appropriate rations for optimal growth over the length of time the cattle are on feed. Also using the Performance Beef app has created a streamline and accurate record of feedings to ensure proper billing of feed to our clients. Our goal is to best utilize the products we grow and for us that means putting it through cattle. As John sometimes refers to it, “We are walking it off the place.”
Once the hustle of harvest for the year had ended, you’d think it would have led to a moment of reprieve. That is most definitely not the case as we have been nonstop between tasks to get accomplished before winter settled in and the endless activities with the kids. In addition we move into the planning of when to pull bulls and when to put the rams in with the ewes. Both of which create a “date” in which we have to take into consideration. For you see, now we have transitioned into the stage in which our childrens’ schedules seem to dictate certain “dates”. So the start of breeding for the ewes has now become dependent upon a basketball schedule. The pulling of bulls creates the contemplation of ultrasound dates, pre-weaning shots, weaning and how that correlates to when the break in fall sports begins. John and I have always tried to stay diligent to the work load required with farming and ranching but also trying to be present in our childrens’ activities. Not always both of us….but at least one of us.
The need to try and be present will often create the feeling of guilt for me. I often get this simply because I am the one who gets to be present while John continues on the task at hand. That mental questioning of whether I should have left or if I should have stayed will be on repeat for hours. The torn feelings of wanting to be there to support our children but also not wanting to leave him to finish on his own knowing he too would also like be present is a battle I often face. However, we realize that this stage will pass and time will seem to slow down when they are gone so we are truly trying to soak in all the moments and memories we are getting to be a part of.
A friend recently re-posted a comment that said, “We must be thankful and think of how rich we are. Our family is priceless. Our health is wealth. Our time is gold.” Like her, I think we need that reminder as we often get wrapped up in the chaos of life and juggling the kids’ schedules as well as getting sucked into the never-ending work load that comes with operating a farm/ranch. In our small community there has been too many young lives affected by tragic accidents, a devastating health diagnosis and an unexpected passing. I can’t begin to count how many times I’ve sat in quiet and just questioned “why” and “how” as I could not imagine trying to navigate through such pain. The sadness that fills the air lingers like the smoke from a fire almost suffocating those whom it engulfs. Only the light from above or the rainbow after a brief rain seems to give us hope for a better tomorrow. Love your family whole-heartedly and take the time to enjoy the moments God provides for us to be here since we have learned how quickly that can change.