Big gloves to fill

Coming up this weekend, my family will again be attending a cattle show. This meant the past weekend was spent loading up the trailer with the fan, show box, chute, and side panels. As I was the kid at home, I got the chance to help do all the heavy lifting. As we began the work, I realized, like a newbie, I had forgotten my gloves. My dad, ever the hero, insisted I take his. As I slipped the worn leather onto my fingers, I realized there was no way I was ever going to fill these gloves.


My parents’ generation lived many experiences in agriculture. They have seen technology revolutionize the way we breed and feed cows. Farmers and ranchers worked the tough times like the 1980s and saw the rewards in later decades. These are the folks who have adopted not only the technology of the personal computer, but also embraced social media. In addition to all that, they have fed a growing world.

It makes me nervous. The older I get, the more I appreciate my parents and their peers. I stand in awe of all they have accomplished, and wonder where we go from here. Don't get me wrong, I know that agriculture has many issues on its plate, but I wonder is my generation up for the challenge. Are we willing to work hard, and think outside the box like those before us?

We shut the door on the trailer and I handed the gloves back to dad. After all, I was simply borrowing them. I have my own that fit quite nicely. We as a generation of farmers, ranchers, and allied industry professionals have our own gloves too. As we begin to take leadership roles in the industry we must respect and honor those who have done so much, but we must also forge our own way. Find the place where your hands fit best, and put them to work.

'till the cows come home,

Ellie