So God Made a Farmer

Surely ya'll remember Paul Harvey? He was a well-known radio broadcaster with a very distinguishable voice who was famous for his tagline, "The Rest of the Story."

In 1978, he was apparently a guest speaker at the 1978 National FFA Convention and he gave a speech called, 'So God Made a Farmer'. A family friend emailed me this video that has set pictures to the words of that speech. It's quite inspiring and makes me proud of my family's agriculture heritage and Hyatt's family's production background.

I think you'll enjoy it too.

Until next time, ~ Buzzard ~

Care, Not Cash

I've raised horses and livestock my entire life.  From horses to goats, sheep to swine - I've fed, watered, doctored, been frustrated by and been trampled on by all of them.  Why do I, and thousand of other young livestock men and women, put so much time, sweat, blood, tears and care towards our animals and their lives? Because of the love we have for livestock and the way of life that accompanies owning and caring for them.

The first time I ever read this poem, I was standing in my the Ninja's parents' kitchen in Ohio in 2009 and I have loved it ever since. Written by H.W. Mumford, it exemplifies all the superb qualities of a Stockman (or woman) that are often unnoticed. 

A Tribute to the Stockman

Behold the Stockman! Artist and Artisan.

He may be polished, or a diamond in the rough-but always a gem.

Whose devotion to his animals is second only to his love of God and family.

Whose gripping affection is tempered only by his inborn sense of the true proportion of things.

Who cheerfully braves personal discomfort to make sure his livestock suffer not.

To him there is rhythm in the clatter of the horse’s hoof, music in the bleating of the sheep and in the lowing of the herd.

His approaching footsteps call forth the affectionate whinny of recognition.

His calm, well-modulated voice inspires confidence and wins affection.

His coming is greeted with demonstrations of pleasure, and his going with evident disappointment.

Who sees something more in cows than the drudgery of milking, more in swine than the grunt and squeal, more in the horse than the patient servant, and more in sheep than the golden hoof.

Herdsman, shepherd, groom-yes, and more.

Broad-minded, big-hearted whole-souled; whose life and character linger long after the cordial greeting is stilled and the hearty handshake is but a memory; whose silent influence forever lives.

May his kind multiply and replenish the earth.

Nowhere in that literary masterpiece does it say "and make as much money as possible" or "take over modern agriculture" or "fool the public into eating meat".  It doesn't mention those statements because 1) they're not true and 2) nobody gets into the farming or livestock business to make millions of dollars. Farmers and ranchers do so because they love the land, animals, hard work and their fellow farmer.  They are rich in character, determination and wisdom.  What better wealth to have?

Until next time,
~Buzzard~

The American Royal: A Lasting Legacy

October and November are very special months to the Kansas City, Missouri area. Thousands of people visit downtown K.C. every fall to experience the phenomenon that is the American Royal.

I have been to the American Royal every year since I was three. This year's trip was my 20th visit to one of the most awe-inspiring, long standing agricultural traditions in the United States. It's amazing how the Royal brings people together throughout generations; grandpas come and watch their grandsons show cattle in the same arena they once showed in. Parents wonder aloud how the times and shows have changed so much but the Royal and its halls still have the same feel and charisma as they always did. Children, between shows and rodeos and meals, run around with their friends pretending to fit cattle or rope steers. The excitement is contagious and it leaves you with a contented feeling long after you’ve left the grounds. It also brings people together that may only see each other once or twice a year. The camaraderie between different families and their children is priceless. There are very few industries in which such close companionship is seen between competitors in the same contest. I have been very privileged to be a part of two such industries: rodeo and livestock showing.

As I was watching the swine showmanship finals last night I heard the judge, Alan Duttlinger, bring up a fantastic point about the Royal. This year was its 110th anniversary -- it was established in 1899 -- and through the past three centuries it's mind boggling to think about the massive amounts of people and animals that have passed through both Kemper and Hale arenas. People travel from all over the United States to be a part of the Royal - the majority will never make the Champions Drive but come back every year for the experience and to see their friends from the other side of the country. Once you leave, you can’t wait for next year to roll around so you can make the trek again.

No matter the age, background or general agricultural knowledge, the Royal leaves a lasting impression. Twenty years after my first visit I still anxiously await the trip every fall to admire the livestock and their exhibitors, watch the rodeo and peruse the trade show. If you haven’t been, you’re denying yourself the delight of a timeless agricultural tradition. Go forth and be amazed at the excitement, the wonder and the prestige of the American Royal.