As I launch my first blog post, I reflect on my past weekend activities at the state beef expo. It was refreshing to take a break from the piles of snow and cold temperatures to mingle with fellow beef producers from all generations.
As I participated in various meetings and activities the weekend festivities provided, I was inspired by vibrant young leaders who hold raising beef animals very near and dear to their hearts. As they discuss plans to host a large regional show, career plans, and the next steps of education; it was apparent that their future plans all surrounded around raising cattle.
Unfortunately, I became worrisome that the future of raising beef may not be an option for these young people. Negative portrayals of animal agriculture, hidden agendas, and legislation guided by emotions and not facts could eliminate our right to raise livestock.
As I switched gears and entered into the adult arena, it surfaced that the everyday battles with Mother Nature and the art of being a successful business has the adults going through the motions. Deep down we all once shared that same gleam in our eyes but the redundant tasks of raising animals and tilling the soil has worn on our excitement for the business.
Let’s take a lesson from these young energetic ranchers. Do not lose your passion for agriculture. Wear it on your sleeve with pride. Combating the war on agriculture will take all farmers and ranchers, female and male-young and old, to interconnect. We need to set personal agendas aside, step out of our comfort zone, and form a network that stands up for the TRUTH ABOUT AGRICULTURE or there will be no business of Agriculture.
No comments:
Post a Comment