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.