The Helpers

 

"Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping."

Fred Rogers

As we've completed our final cattle roundups and the associated tasks this fall, I've thought of the helpers more than once.

Even though farming and ranching may seem a solitary job, there are many others who quietly help get the jobs done. 

Sometimes, they are the people on your payroll, though we haven't had that for a couple of years now. 

They may be neighbors who help out with cattle drives or finish a wheat field when your combine breaks down. 

Dr. Bruce Figger preg-checking our cow herd, November 16, 2021

It may be the veterinarian who helps keep your herd healthy. 

Dr. Bruce, giving vaccinations, November 16, 2021

It may be the semi truck driver who, year after year, hauls your calves to the sale barn.

Darrell Harner with Harner Trucking, Sylvia - November 10, 2021

 

It's a bonus that he knew your parents, so you can stand around and reminisce while the air builds up ...

... then deliver the load safely to the sale barn.

It's the sale barn personnel and the auctioneer who get your cattle sold for the best price possible.

Pratt Livestock Sale, November 11, 2021 - selling our feeder calves (born during the winter of 2021)

It's the co-op employees who fufill so many tasks all year - from applying fertilizer, to delivering fuel, to weighing trucks to dumping trucks in the elevator (and so many more jobs).

And, of course, it's the family members who do whatever job needs doing at whatever time it needs to be done - sometimes in the shadows.

 - and who sometimes dodge "organic matter" from the business end of the cow while keeping good records.

This just scratches the surface. There are so many people and organizations that have made a difference in our lives and livelihoods throughout the years - from parts counter guys who know your name to the seed dealers. The list goes on and on.

Even though we are saying goodbye to some of the day-to-day work, there will still be "helpers" and partnerships. That's the nature of living in a rural community.

The end of an era - waving goodbye to our feeder calves.

I am always comforted by realizing that there are still so many helpers - so many caring people in this world.

-- Fred Rogers

 

We are thankful.