So you want to be a rancher. Why? Did you grow up on a farm? You loved the smell of the disced land and the rain on the roof and the cows lowing in the field. You can’t stomach city-life anymore. The stress, the pace. You feel you not accomplishing much at a desk. You want to work hard, and you like the physicality of ranching, and you want to see the fruits of your labor in my fields, in the herd, and in your family. You want to grow strong boys into men, and you want your daughters to be just like their mom. Tough and tender.
You want to grow children who are accountable for their actions. Who will stand tall in adversity, support the weak and root for the underdog. You want to buy acreage in the rural part of this state of Texas where you can be free to pursue your dreams without the interference of the government.
Being a rancher is not easy. The Ennis News said there are 10 reasons I respect farmers and ranchers.
- Farming and ranching are tough. Early mornings. Late nights. Long hours in between. They rarely complain. They just saddle up for the day and ride on through.
9. It’s a dirty job. No doubt about that. They come home covered in mud and grease. There are rips and tears in their clothes, and they often have a distinct smell.
8. Farmers and ranchers strive to improve with each crop and each year. They’re efficient and tech-savvy. And they’re the definition of sustainability.
7. They endure the demands of the field. Market swings can take their toll. And your consumer opinion could leave a harvest at risk.
6. Working in that Texas heat isn’t for the faint of heart. Several days of 100+ degrees can melt a person, but farmers and ranchers keep going. They make sure their livestock are cared for, and their crops are harvested no matter what the heat index reads.
5. Vacation and weekends are words not often used on the farm, because there’s no break from feeding and caring for livestock, growing crops, and teaching the next generation about agriculture.
4. They get their kids involved on the farm and ranch. They help with chores, ride in the combine during harvest, or help move cattle to another pasture. Together, they’re building on the time-honored tradition of Texas agriculture.
3. Farmers and ranchers teach their kids the value of hard work, responsibility, time management, loyalty, respect, and trust at an early age. Those are qualities we need in our future farmers and ranchers but also in our future Congressional leaders, teachers, coaches and businessmen, and women.
2. They grow food, fiber, and fuel for their families and mine. And they don’t even know all of their customers’ names. But that’s okay. Because their backyard can feed and clothe us. And they don’t ask for any thanks in return.
And the number one reason why I respect Texas farmers and ranchers…
- They’re the first to lend a helping hand. When a neighbor is sick or in need of help, farmers and ranchers are there. And they serve on school boards, as community leaders or as volunteers—always working to better the area they live and work in.
Farming and ranching is a lifestyle. A labor of love. It’s the roots that hold a family legacy, brings communities together, and fuels the world economy.
I think they deserve our respect.
