Raising Ranch Kids

There are many lessons that ranch kids are privileged to learn early in life.

Family cooperation is one of the only ways that anything in the agriculture industry gets accomplished successfully. The more that we can lean on each other for support whether it is in the field or in the office, the more goals we are able to reach as an operation. Kids learn that on the ranch when they help with even the small tasks they are capable of, it can help out the whole operation immensely. When getting kids involved in the ranch it is best to find tasks that they can easily accomplish with little to no help to build their confidence. This allows them a self sense of accomplishment and are more likely to try even harder to help.

I believe one of the most beneficial learned skill for kids raised on a ranch is work ethic. Without the work, there is no money. Working on a ranch is often all day, everyday. Kids learn to work efficiently and correctly because the sooner the work is done, the sooner they can have their fun. Chores aren't a burden, they are a part of life. If we leave chores undone it will only take us longer to accomplish later. Work ethic also teaches appreciation. In the Agriculture Industry, nothing is earned easily (or at least nothing of value), and hard work with dedication teaches children to appreciate everything they have.

Respect for animals is another very important lesson learned on a ranch. Every animal has a purpose and should be used through its life for that purpose. Some animals have a more important purpose. Clyde's purpose is to entertain the public, or at least that's what we've decided. Animals should be treated with kind hands and low-stress practices at all times. Nature is something to be marveled at and appreciated. Our professionals in the agriculture industry put their lives last in order to protect their crop and livestock to feed their other countrymen.

Gun safety is a huge lesson that saves lives. We begin teaching gun safety with a pump action BB gun, however, it is treated like a real gun always. Protecting the animals on a ranch is a major role of a ranch manager and guns is one way that we protect from predators when needed. We appreciate gun safety and respect guns as the danger they pose when not properly handled. When we take the time to teach our children even the small lessons, it allows us to connect on a deeper level. Thankfully, in almost any area of Ag, you're unplugged from social media or the internet with any learning experience. It is all hands on!!

Not only is it extremely important to feed your livestock properly for successful ranching, but you must also properly feed your help. People work harder when they feel appreciated and they are properly nourished. Feeding your help is a small way to say, "thank you for your hard work. I see your efforts." We must care for our help on all ends of the operation to achieve the greatest success and, hopefully, profit!

Ranching and farming is a job only for the passionate. Of course the goal of any operation is to make a profit, but most professionals in the business hold their jobs because of their passion, not the money. Ag teaches our kids that it is better to wake up every day and perform a job you love than do something that makes you miserable for money. This industry is by far the only profession that I have yet to meet an actual hands on professional whom is miserable. These men and women love what they do, are proud of their hard work and wouldn't have it any other way.

Politeness is a major skill that I require of my son no matter whom he is addressing. In our lives, we use Ma'am and Sir, Please and Thank you, and Mr. and Mrs. Respect for our elders is a foundation of a proper gentleman and a huge aspect of the Agriculture Industry as most of our knowledge came from an elder who took the time to teach us. We believe that no question is a dumb question except for the ones you don't ask. Asking is always better than assuming for the safety of yourself and the livestock. And completing the task exactly as you were told is expected not preferred.

Raising kids in the Ag Industry is one of the most beneficial parenting decisions that I have ever made. My son loves the livestock and culture of ranching. At times we have our moments of wishing the work would end for some quality family time, but you have to realize that each day you are able to work side by side with your loved ones is the highest-quality time we can spend.

How do you all keep the family together while working in the Agriculture Industry?

What do you believe is your best parenting lessons from this profession?