As we pulled through the gate to the pasture, we turned north into the prettiest prairie grass on the property. My parents live in the middle of fescue country — this specific section of grass has always been a favorite of mine, and the cows’ too. 

“I know exactly where those bred females will be,” he said with a proud grin. Over the ridge and down near the creek, sure enough the herd was tucked in under the shade. 

Before looking through them and taking count, he noticed a large tree blown over from a recent storm. 

“I’ll call my tree guy,” he laughs. It’s the neighbor who will exchange labor for firewood.

As we turned back east, we talked about how blessed we are the pastures are so green in early July, and the hay inventory will be strong. Mixed in with updates on his latest herd sire purchase was news on the grandkids, how his chronic back pain is faring, plans in the week to get back to the hayfield before it rains again and his volunteer work at the county fair swine show. 

Raised right

My dad wasn’t just checking cattle that morning. Like so many cattlemen, he was tending to a lifetime of stewardship. 

In the span of one pickup ride, we talked about herd health, productive pasture, family milestones, community involvement and the realities of staying physically able to do the work he loves. None of those things exist independently — they are all connected.

The health of a herd depends on the health of the land, and the future of both rests in families willing and able to carry those values forward. Cattlemen are rarely focused on just one thing. They are constantly balancing the needs of livestock, resources and people.

That Sunday morning wasn’t memorable because of anything extraordinary we accomplished — it was quite an average morning on that Missouri farm. The cows were where they were supposed to be, the grass looked good and the chores got done. What made it memorable was the reminder that being “raised right” is more than just how we raise cattle. 

It’s about caring for the land entrusted to us, supporting our families through every season and investing in the communities that sustain the rural way of life.

Sitting beside my dad, I was reminded that a healthy herd, productive land and strong family aren’t separate goals. Together, they are the foundation of a life, and a legacy, raised right.