Monday, January 27, 2014

Why We Do What We Do

Growing up, ranching was just what we did.  My parents were (and still are) ranchers.  My parents' parents and their parents and as far back as I know, took care of the land and made a life raising animals.  I was just proud to be living in the country and at times felt sorry for my friends who didn't.

However, when I left home for college, I didn't plan on returning.  I wasn't out the door yelling from the rooftops that I hated where I grew up and couldn't get away fast enough.  That wasn't true at all.  But, the thought of coming back to ranch in an era when the family farm was slowly falling to larger corporate farms and entities, I didn't want that risk.  I didn't want to come back to a livelihood that was so dependent on external factors (the market, the weather, the land, etc).  I didn't want to suffer though the tough times simply repeating, "Next year will be better."

After college, work in DC, grad school and more work, I had gotten my taste of life away from the country. And, I loved so much of it.  So, when my husband mentioned returning to the ranch, I was a bit skeptical. Now, I couldn't be more thankful.  Not only is it an incredible place to raise a family, but it's a life in which we can all work together, sharing in each joy and challenge that comes our way.

The ranch has evolved since I was growing up.  We conditioned stocker steers then.  After a brief stint raising Coriente cattle for rodeo stock and bulls, we've ended up as a cow/calf operation.  While each type of operation offers its pros and cons, the cow/calf is my favorite.  There is just something about seeing calves born every spring and taking care of the cows year after year.  
It isn't an easy life, and it isn't like the movies.  Although, I've realized, that no life really is.  Regardless of what business people are involved in, there are risks and uncontrollable variables.  

We do it because we love it.  Of course, it is our business, but it is also caring for God's land and His creation.  Better yet, we love being able to be part of a much bigger picture...one in which agriculture feeds, clothes, and shelters mankind.



We feed, doctor, and nurture these cattle so that from here they can go to the final stages of preparation before being used as food to sustain life.  We get to be part of feeding the world, and I'll say that's a pretty rewarding thing.

12 comments :

  1. This is perfect. Seriously, perfect. And I think your point is quite profound about how no life is like the movies, no matter what it is!

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  2. Hi! New follower via the vanilla tulip. I also grew up on a farm and moved to the city to persue schooling. I've ended up back on the country as well - although my husband works on a strictly grain/seed operation a opposed to the cattle & grain farm I grew up on, I agree that raising a family rooted in agriculture is awesome! So happy you and your husband are continuing the family farm. Lovely photos and I looks forward to following your journey!

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    1. Kelli, I just realized that over half of the comments I've had from people on my blog were going to my junk mail for the past month. So, I'm responding as I can. I am so sorry!! Thank you so much for following! Love that you've been able to make it back to the farm - and I would love to know more about it! Thanks again for your sweet comments.

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  3. I can totally relate to this Britt. Having grown up on a ranch and somehow coming back to live on one, its interesting to see how life changes your perspective on things. I think I've kinda got the best of both worlds since we live on my dad's ranch, yet my husband doesn't work on it so we avoid the stress, should I admit that? I'm pretty happy my kids can experience it and enjoy the freedom and knowledge it brings!

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  4. This is a great read. And thank you for doing what you do.

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    1. Thank you so much, Kelly! That means a lot to me. We have so much to be thankful for!

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  5. These pictures are amazing! And what a life, it sounds like so much work, but also so rewarding! I grew up breeding, training, and showing horses and thought that was hard work. But raising cattle!! Thats on a whole other level, I totally respect you and your family!!

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  6. The pictures were amazing, as always. And the post was so well-written. I think you should write a book someday. :)

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    1. Oh my gosh, you are way too kind. I would love nothing more, but I don't know where I'd even begin!

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  7. Britt, this is a beautiful, thoughtful piece. I think it speaks to a longing that so many of us have to be in communion with the creation that surrounds us! Hard work connects us in a way that a sedentary life never will. Ah...I'm going to be thinking about this post for a long time. Thank you.

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  8. Snow! Snow=moisture for the earth!

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