Survival of Hard Times

I sat and looked around at the faces in the room full of ranchers. Some young, some old. Men, women, and little kids quietly mingling, discussing politics and the weather and why we were all here.

Hoping to gain answers, all hoping for some new revelation or epiphany that none of us had thought of to solve what is becoming a dire situation.

A heavy blanket of sadness, exhaustion, and anxiety hung in the air, clinging to each of us even as a few laughs punctuated the otherwise dull roar of the room. Finally the questions began flowing. Nutritionists and veterinarians tried their best to answer questions about the lack of roughage available in our area, blister beetles, water issues, and calf prices.

"Some have been here before" , I thought to myself, as I scanned the faces in the room. Old timers showed concern for the younger generations sitting beside them. It's a heart breaking story no matter how you look at it, and the speakers all say the same thing-hard decisions will have to be made.

At the end, no one feels relief. Perhaps we are more educated than before the meeting started, but we are still a little lost. No one points fingers or places blame for the state of our industry - Mother Nature is a cruel mistress, and we all know we have to take our lickins.

We all say a silent prayer as we walk out the door, and know the work is far from over.

We mustn't believe we are alone. Ranchers and farmers in the West are all in the same seemingly sinking ship, and we just have to have each other's backs. Reach out, ask for help, and check in on your neighbors and friends. When tough times come, we undoubtedly get tougher.

We are resilient, and with God's grace and mercy, this too shall pass.

Richelle