Its Memorial Day weekend, a time when many people relax with friends and family around barbeque grills to enjoy friendship and great food. Many people have a long three day weekend planned to kick back and relax.
For farmers and ranchers, there is no such thing as a three day weekend. Livestock still need to be fed each day, crops need planted and fences won’t wait until Tuesday to be fixed. And of course, a farmer’s equipment always breaks down on the holidays when there are no stores open to get parts. When this happens, the frantic calling begins to find a neighbor who may have the part you need. Fun and relaxing around a grill with friends and family waits until the sun goes down and the day’s work is finished.
This is only a small glimpse of what goes on behind the scenes to produce safe food for our country. When you hear a news story that portrays agriculture in a negative manner, think about the dedication farmers and ranchers have to feed this country. Farmers and ranchers dedicate their lives to caring for their livestock and being great stewards of the land, and their dedication doesn’t stop for a three day weekend.