Not long ago, I was reading an obituary of a dear family friend and mentor, Martin. He was successful by every definition of the word – from the dynamics of his family and the legacy he left behind, to the structure of his business and contributions to the dairy industry.
He had such a profound impact on my husband that when we heard of his dire prognosis, Willie compressed his schedule and drove the 17 hours for a few hours in his presence. They spent a day reminiscing on how they met, the woes and triumphs of their profession, and their striking perspectives on the journey through life. The last conversation the two shared was a simple phone call on a Sunday afternoon to see how each other’s families were doing as they prepared for the week ahead – not knowing it would be the final call.
This loss, as most do, reminded me of the fragility of life. It also reminded me of what our life’s work becomes. Are we destined to be defined by our careers and contributions? How can an occupation speak grandly to the values that shape us?
When I pose those questions for myself, I’m brought back to a segment Simon Sinek did on defining oneself. He begs viewers to ask, “Without a title, who are you?” Because in his eyes, a title will change, and for that reason, it shouldn’t define you but be a part of who you are.
We see this quite often in the dairy industry. The patriarchs of the family retire as a younger generation takes the reins of the dairy business; some leave the farm but remain involved in an allied industry; others exit the industry completely in search of a different revenue stream. The reason really makes no difference. It’s how the shift defines a person that really matters. And truthfully, one of the greatest traits of our industry is having individuals with that “farming blood” running through their veins regardless of their current occupation, and that speaks to the values instilled in dairy farmers: forward thinking, ambitious, giving, etc. Those are worth more than any title.
If you’re reading this, you’re likely a dairy farmer by trade. It’s a profound profession, no doubt. But I want to challenge you in how you define yourself. Try, “I am an achiever, and I am a dairy farmer.” “I am an opportunist, and I am a dairy farmer.” “I am a mentor, and I am a dairy farmer.” Or perhaps even more humbly, “I am a spouse, and I am a dairy farmer.” “I am a parent, and I am a dairy farmer.” “I am a sibling, and I am a dairy farmer.”
In reflecting on Martin’s life and the impact he had on my husband – and in turn my family – his actions and words far surpassed his daily profession and helped foster a dairy industry we can all be proud to be a part of. His life took him through dairy farming to hoof trimming and being a businessman, but most importantly and consistently, he was compassionate, inquisitive and God fearing.
How do you want to be defined?
