Ranchers’ New Year’s Resolutions

Do you know any farmers and ranchers who write New Year’s Resolutions? I don’t. Farmers and ranchers typically know the things they need to do, but there is something about putting it on paper and resolving to do it that is completely out of line with how they think. I personally think if something needs to be done; it’s a good idea to do it as soon as possible. That way it doesn’t become a long-term problem.You see what I mean?

It’s often the rancher’s spouse who would like to see a plan in place. She or he doesn’t want to nag, so only the most important or urgent things get done. Some ranchers, like me, write list of things that need doing, but list sometimes get lost. Or often, a few items are checked off the list, but the remaining items never make it to the new list.

I’ve heard that smart folks can write good resolutions any time, but they need to post them where they can see them every day. A few of my clients have wet boards in their tack room or some place that they see it at least once daily, if not more. For farmers and ranchers with employees, the wet board is the list of things that can be done when they run out of other things to do.

Good resolutions have to be attainable. Winning the lottery is a good resolution, just not necessarily attainable. Some resolutions take a lot of planning before they can move forward. Putting in an irrigation system takes drawing up a plan, buying the materials, renting equipment and having weather that allows the work to be done. So breaking down the resolution into doable parts can help.

Having helped a number of clients with problems, here are some resolutions that I know most farmers and ranchers need to make.

I will develop a budget to get the things done that I resolve to do. (I will break down each project and develop a budget and a time line for that project.)

I will repair all my fences gates and locks, so animals will not escape. (This will promote peace and harmony at home, because no one wants to chase an animal at night or in bad weather) I will repair all my equipment and put it on a maintenance schedule. (This includes the family vehicle.)

I will cull the cows that cause me trouble. (You know the ones I am talking about. The critters that jump fences and hog the hay bales.)

I will keep better records. (This will keep me from cussing during tax season, and when my spouse ask me about which cow had what calf.)

I will cull the cows that are not making me money. (This means that I will need to seriously look at each animal’s history. Has she had a calf every year? How often has she gone to the vet? Does she eat more than other cows? You know.)

I will have at least one bale of hay for each animal I own to feed this coming winter. (More if I believe that some part of the summer is dry.)

I will have hay made on my property so I don’t need to buy hay from someone else. (I will need to find someone to bale hay for me before the first day of summer.)

I will divide my pastures into at least 14 paddocks with a water source in each paddock. (I will buy electric fence or put up permanent fencing. I will plan for and purchase the necessary equipment and materials to make this happen.) Let me know if you’re curious about the number 14.

I will plan for my eventual death. (This is always a difficult topic, but passing along the farm or ranch should not be left only to my spouse or children. Involve everyone in the discussion. Ask, who actually wants to farm or ranch?)

I will plan ahead for weather disasters. (Floods, droughts, hurricanes, tornados, lightning storms, power outages and more) I will get the insurance I need and set aside money for emergencies. (Insurance recovery can take time and having cash on hand can be helpful.)

I will take time to learn what my land is telling me I need to do. (Why can’t I seem to grow enough grass, or why doesn’t my ranch look as good as the best ranch in the area?) (Note: It’s not always about having enough time or money.)

I will read a book about farming/ranching techniques I have not yet considered. (Like Knowledge Rich Ranching by Alan Nation or Management-intensive Grazing by Jim Gerrish) I will order a new farming/ ranching magazine that doesn’t use most of its pages trying to sell me things that I don’t want. (Like The Stockman Grass-Farmer.)

I will attend an alternative ranching class to see what I can learn. (You don’t know, what you don’t know.You might learn something new that makes you more money.) Keep reading the Fayette County Record for more information!

I will work to get healthier. (I will learn about natural medicine and alternative health methods for things that ail me.) Keep reading this column for more information!

If I can’t figure out how to do all the things that I have resolved, I will hire someone who can help me with the thought process. I will hire a consultant.

I’m sure you can add to this list. Call me if you want help.

David E. Will is a Schulenburg farmer, rancher, nurseryman, landscaper, and consultant. He can be reached at 830-629-9876 or by email at dwill207@satx.rr.com.