I can hardly move around my small kitchen without bumping into my daughters, each balancing on a chair beside me, watching my every move. 

When I step outside to water my garden, they are trailing behind, debating who gets to help hold the water hose. When we check cows with my dad, they lean their small arms out the window, carefully mimicking our counting. 

At just 5 and 3 years old, they are eager to learn. They want to do. They desire to be included. 

It’s humbling to realize how much influence even these ordinary days carry. There is importance in the “every day,” which can hold us accountable to be mindful of how others might be watching, learning and shaping themselves by our example.

“You cannot get through a single day without having an impact on the world around you. What you do makes a difference, and you have to decide what kind of difference you want to make.”— Jane Goodall

The next generation is already here

We often talk about the future of the Angus industry as if it’s something just over the horizon and we are waiting for the next generation to take hold and carry it forward. 

But the next generation isn’t waiting. It’s already here. 

They are following the footsteps of those before them — studying pedigrees, making tough decisions on where to invest to grow their herd, weighing which tools best fit their operations and learning how to build and maintain strong customer relationships.

This issue of the Angus Journal asks, “Who’s Next?” But perhaps the better question isn’t just who will step up someday. Instead, we might ask: how do we make space for those who are already stepping up today?

The future of this industry depends as much on opportunity as it does on ability. We see over and over again, the Angus breed is the best at developing people with talent, strong work ethic and dedication. 

There is room at the table for a young producer returning home with fresh ideas and big questions. There’s room for the first-generation cattleman to find their footing in this industry. There’s room for those who may not follow the traditional path, but bring with them the skills needed to navigate a rapidly changing landscape.

Through mentorship, partnerships and a conscious effort to include, we can make room for the next generation — not someday, but now — to walk alongside us, sharing experience and perspective. 

Securing the future of the Angus industry won’t happen by chance. It will happen by choice — the choice to invest not just in cattle, but in people.
And the good news is, the table isn’t full yet.