“If it takes more than two sentences to describe your cattle to a buyer, plan on getting discounted,” said Tom Brink, CEO of Red Angus Association and a past president of J&F Oklahoma Holdings, the cattle procurement and ownership arm of Five Rivers Cattle Feeding.

“It looks like you’re not having fun,” one father said watching his son go about his day-to-day tasks. “I’m really not,” replied the son. That was the moment 85-year-old J.W. “Bill” Marriott Jr. knew his son wouldn’t take over the family business. And it was tough.

Going back to the family farm may be a dream for some, but that doesn’t make it a reality. When Sally, Drake and Corbin Yon decided to return to their family’s reputable seedstock and row-crop business in Ridge Spring, South Carolina, the legwork had already been done.

Sally: We are all working on the same farm, but we don’t really see a lot of each other. Even though the meetings take longer than needed some days, they are good because they help everyone know what’s going on.

In mathematical terms two plus two equals four. But in crossbreeding terms, two plus two equals five and in some cases, even six.

“You’re welcome back at V8 Ranch anytime,” smiled Brandon Cutrer as I pulled out of the drive after our interview – and I’m certain I’m not the only visitor who’s heard those words.

After months of negotiation, both the U.S. and China have come to an agreement that will allow commercial shipment of U.S. beef to China for the first time since 2003. The June 12 announcement has been highly anticipated since the original announcement made in August last year.

Think of a time when you walked in someone else’s shoes. And I don’t mean when you forgot your muck boots helping a neighbor sort cows. I’m talking full-on “I’ve been where you’ve been” type of a thing.

While some producers struggle to stay afloat in what seems to be an unprofitable business, there are plenty of ranches defying the odds.