From the Fields: Other perspectives

We were living on Tulsa time this week. We spent the week in Oklahoma at the National Junior Angus Show. This was our first time attending the show and we had a great time in the barns and around Tulsa. It was a hot but fun week. I think the heat was true whether in Oklahoma or Indiana. Like all things COVID affected, changes were made to the show to encourage social distancing. Several competitions were completed virtually and modified rules required no fitting in order to encourage social distancing, as well. No masks were required in the stalls or show ring. In this socially distanced time, it was such a good feeling to be with others, doing what we love and sharing stories. Soon as we returned home, the farm was ready and waiting for us to pick up where we left off. We got our hemp planted, pollination looks to be going well on the crops and the second cutting of hay is down. Fungicide application continues to be a priority for many.

The city of Tulsa did start a mask mandate the Friday before the show started. While away we heard the announcement that Indiana also would start requiring masks in public. I know there are many different opinions when it comes to the wearing of masks. I do not wish to start a debate, but will share our personal experience and thoughts. I don’t feel the masks are necessary. We recognize that doing our work out and about here on the farm with our cattle and crops, our immune systems are exposed to more than most and we are blessed be in good health. I’m comfortable in public without the mask. However, I also recognize that my family is in good health and we are blessed to not have the fear of being high risk. There are others not so lucky.

Everything is a matter of perspective. We will respectfully where our masks where required. If wearing our masks means our neighbors, family and friends can continue to go to work, make a living and care for their families, that is what we will do. If wearing our masks means kids can get back to fall sports, like football that our boys love, that is what we will do. If wearing masks means we can show our cattle at the modified state fair in a few weeks, that is what we will do. If wearing masks means our kids can go back to school, that is what we will do. We know there are some kids whose home life isn’t the same as ours. Those kids need to be at school where they can be fed and loved on by staff. If wearing masks means we can still go to church together, that is what we will do. So, as we prepare to make this transition to masks in public, consider these different perspectives if it helps make the transition easier. Enough of that. I’ve got to get over to Amazon and find one of those masks with a cow’s face on it — that will give people at Walmart a chuckle.

Salem, Ind.