Do I Miss It?

Do I Miss It?

Well…

For twenty-nine years, my daily life included a feed yard and cattle feeding. I grew up on a feed yard, studied feed yard management in college, and for seven years I worked at the same feed yard. I loved working in the feed yard so-much-so that it wasn’t really work. I love a challenge and the feed yard was constantly challenging me, both mentally and physically. It was anything but monotonous. Each day presented me with new obstacles and opportunities.

For the most part, the same core crew of people worked together for my entire tenure at the feed yard. I formed lasting friendships with the people in that crew. We fought with each other, laughed together, and worked toward the common goal of raising safe, wholesome, and nutritious beef. We were a family.

Needless to say, my decision to leave the feed yard was not an easy one (tears were shed during the decision making process and on my last day at the feed yard), but I put my faith in God and prayed a lot. With His help, I concluded that being on the ranch full time was the best choice for me and my family. And, it has turned out to be just that. I do not know nearly as much about the cows and grazing cattle as I do about feed yards and feeder cattle, so I am a little out of my element. But, I am always up for a challenge and have wholeheartedly accepted this one!

I SO enjoy working with my husband and our kids!
Photo courtesy of Jesse Mae

Living and working on the ranch has also given me the opportunity to include my kids in the daily chores. Teaching our son and daughters about agriculture and caring for cattle, while working as a family has proven to be one of THE most rewarding things I have ever done. My husband and I are the happiest we have ever been, and life is good!

So, do I miss it? The answer is, yes.

But, do I regret it? No – not for a minute.