I write this editorial huddled in a hotel room in front of my A/C unit, seeking respite from the humid convection oven that is Texas in August. I know the weather guys are saying this summer has been one of the driest on record in Texas, but to this Idaho girl, it still feels like I’m breathing water rather than drinking it.
I’m here in Texas attending the Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course. The central topic of this year’s general session was “The next 40 years in the cattle business.” Even the most well-informed, forward-thinking industry experts would find that a tall order – no one’s crystal ball is that big, but the assembled cast of ranchers and industry experts at the general session gave it their best shot. Casting an eye forward to the future, their outlook was generally positive, not necessarily because of cattle market trends or weather patterns or even advancements in technology, but because of their faith in the people of the beef industry. They remain confident that producers will continue to work, together and individually, to better their operations in sustainable and creative ways that will not only support progress in the beef industry, but continue to share our story with consumers in a positive way.
Other topics broached during that discussion include the eventual transition to the next generation of ranchers, consumer education and working with newcomers to the industry, and my personal favorite, advancements in technology and adapting it into day-to-day ranch operations, among other things. (Tune into an upcoming podcast episode to hear the full conversation.)
Something that struck me during this event was the shift in focus that signifies a progressive producer. To me, progressive producers make it a priority to become knowledgeable about issues regarding herd health, feed and nutrition, reproduction, business management and technology – the bread and butter of what we do here in this magazine. They also take this knowledge and go a step further. No matter what region they’re in, what breeds they rely on or what creative management practices they employ, these producers share another common trait. Instead of asking “What should I be doing that I’m not already?” they ask, “How can I do it better?”
Who are these Renaissance ranchers? You see them on the covers and in the pages of industry magazines like ours. You hear from them in seminars and panel discussions at industry events, and you hear about them during a shoot-the-bull session outside church, at the diner or waiting to pick up your order from the feed store.
If you don’t feel like you’re there yet, don’t be discouraged. You don’t have to be Mary Poppins – practically perfect in every way – to take a step in the right direction. It’s a matter of doing the best you can, with what you’ve got, wherever you are, and I believe most of you fine folks are already doing that. Now, ask yourself, "How can I do it better?” A whole industry full of experts, extension agents, USDA folks and, most importantly, other ranchers are there to help you.
And on a related note, if you would like to keep reading about these Renaissance ranchers and learning from a great lineup of extension agents and industry experts, don’t forget to fill out the easy form in the center insert of this month’s magazine.
