My sisters and I took a short trip to Charleston, SC recently. Why did we go? To have a sister trip . . . we've never done that before. My older sisters were 11 and 7 when I was born. I've always loved and respected my sisters, but now that we are all working moms and wives, I feel like the age gap has finally closed in.
Now, all three of us love beef but one of the things we were most excited about in Charleston was eating fresh seafood (and the beach, of coarse!) We asked around and put a lot of thought into the first place we would eat. We decided on Hyman's. The three of us were seated and given menus. I immediately open mine and start looking it over with much anticipation. I glance up to see both sisters digging in their purse. A little curious as to what was going on, I wait a few seconds and see that they were both digging for their glasses to read the menu. I, being the youngest, made sure to giggle and ask if they needed me to read the menu to them. (wink wink) Our eating experience at Hyman's was great as were the other places we chose to dine at in Charleston, including Page's Okra Grill, Henry's and Fleet's Landing.
While at the beach one morning we staked out our spot and got situated. Before we knew it the tide had come in and we had to move back. This happened four times within about 2 hours. I bet we moved around 75 yards back from our original spot. After the first couple times we were more aware and ready.
That evening, we met a couple on the shuttle ride to our resort. We made small talk in the van about where we call home, where we ate that evening and how long we were staying. It goes without saying that we had eaten seafood and cleaned our plates. This couple had eaten at a local steakhouse that they loved.
Fast forward a few minutes to one sister talking about kids’ schedules and the phrase ‘Rodeo camp’ was said out loud. Somehow amid the chatter of three sisters, our new friends managed to get a question in.
“Ummm did you just say, (long pause) Rodeo camp!?!”
“Yes. My kids compete in rodeos,” Sister 2 says. “They attended a camp last week that helps them get better at roping.”
Our new friends were blown away to have met someone who owns the boots, the hat and the horse. We went on to explain that we were three Oklahoma farm girls. We grew up on a beef cattle ranch and we were so glad that they enjoyed their steak at supper. They were floored to learn that we had experienced the birth of a new born calf, harvested wheat, baled hay, scooped poop, milked a cow. . . you get the idea.
Then the next question from one of our new friends was, “So I love beef but I’m sitting here thinking how hard it must be for you guys to raise these animals knowing what is going to eventually happen?”
Our answers were simple. Sister 1 said, “It’s just the circle of life. The good Lord provided cattle as a great source for human nutrition.”
I explained to our new friends that we work hard to care for our cattle. We shared the numbers of cows on our ranch, not to boast but to show them that ranching is a business and ranchers care about the health and well-being of their animals but also take pride in producing a protein that consumers view as safe, healthy and nutritious.
Just like the tide coming in so quickly, it took us a minute to realize what was ahead of us. What started out as a busy mom talking out loud about her kids’ crazy schedules led to an opportunity to share about our industry, our family’s livelihood and God’s plan. Even though we like to think we are ‘off duty’ when we are on vacation, that couldn’t be further from the truth. Moms are never off-duty and as Christians and cattlemen we must always be ready to share no matter where we are.
I love traveling, but I also love coming home. For me, there certainly is no place like home! Today, we are hauling several loads of steers to market. This group of steers were the lucky ones that got to graze on wheat pasture until that last bit of good grazing was gone. Within the next two or three days, the combines will be rolling in to harvest the portion of our wheat that was not grazed out. Watching combines cut the waving wheat is always a beautiful sight. As a kid, I remember being passed around at harvest time from the combine with Dad to the wheat truck with Mom, the grain cart with my sister and sometimes my Nana would take me home with her after she brought lunch to all of us.
As the youngest, I've always had to be adaptable and ready for whatever comes next. That's just the way ranch life goes. We never get asked if we are ready for rain, wind, snow or scorching temperatures. We just roll with the punches, try to be ready for the unexpected and make the best of what we have been dealt.
This Spring we have been blessed with grass that is tall and lush. The soybeans planted last week are coming up nicely. And Millet will be planted soon as well that will be used for high protein hay over the winter. There certainly isn't a reason to get bored around our place. If we aren't working in the moment, we are working to be ready for the coming months and years.
It rained hard and hailed a bit while I was away. My husband sent me this photo of our youngest helping check the soybeans. Can you see some beans popping through the soil? If the hail had hit a day or two later, the soybeans would not have fared so well. Our wheat managed to miss the hail storm.