When I married and our business catered entirely to the farmer I couldn't understand why so often it was necessary I “Hold dinner”...or all the “waiting” that happened when I planned outings etc. I had to learn that our life was wrapped up into that of our farmers schedule as well.
If their machinery broke down...that had a priority. Running a farm equipment business you never had regular business hours. You opened when they called and took care of their need as they needed it.
Ignore those who make judgments......all should be grateful for our farmers. Like it or not we don't eat without them.
I always felt bad for the vet. We had a cow break a leg in a feeder; he was out at 9 or 10 that night diagnosing and helping us put her down. Both of my kids have been to the vet to “assist” with c-sections on cows.
I am truly amazed that so many seem to second judge and scorn ranchers and feel no compassion for someone in hard times. I was raised that the cattle come first as most all ranch people are so I know the heartbreak that comes from the effort they must have made to save all those cattle and then not be able to save them all. I feel every loss, even of old critters.
It is hard to adjust to agriculture if you are not born into it. I knew a city girl that was convinced that her husband was having an affair when he would leave at all hours during calving season. After she cried on my shoulder I told her to get up and go with him, help him- and she started doing that and she fell in love with the life, which of course she had to or lose him eventually. I think it is hard for others to imagine someone willing to put up with the long hard hours, the worst mother nature can deliver, the financial uncertainty and still be in love with the life.
I once found the perfect birthday card for my father-in-law, it said on the front I was going to give you a million dollars for your birthday...then when you opened it up inside it said but I knew you would just keep ranching until it was all gone...