From the Barns: Truths to live by

As I begin the final writing of 2025, I once again fall back into the opening paragraph being focused on weather. My excuse is also the same: Weather drives much of what we can accomplish in agriculture and certainly affects our timing.

We have already received 12 inches of snow. My kids returned to their homes in Rockford and Milwaukee a day early to beat the storm. It has thrown the plans for winter grazing to the wind, at least temporarily.

Carson phoned yesterday and laid out plans to bring in 40 to 50 fall pairs to start grazing Dec. 8. This decision is based on events, since snow, that have brought some melt back and there is a forecast for some improved temperatures. Even then, this plan may require some rolled-out hay for supplement or calf-friendly laying space. Cows are really good to work through snow for good grass, if the snow doesn’t form a crust.

I just spent the last hour on Zoom listening to the first of the succession planning and farm management “Farm Talk Friday” winter series by Mike Downey, a farm business coach and transition consultant with UnCommon Farms. As always, it included some really good reminders to help manage better and prepare for generational transition.

Decisions in our business must be made with numbers. The real chore with that is, of course, getting those numbers in hand and front and center for consideration. I am presently working with a bunch of those numbers — comparing our steer grazing, sorghum-sudangrass grazing and converting row-crop land to grazing and comparing-those-systems project.

If the Lord be willin’ and the creek don’t rise, those numbers will fill this space in January. I am anxious to see the results myself, especially in light of the tough grazing year we have had. Decisions for next year will be driven by those numbers.

We have already been talking about a similar program next summer, with some major changes including reduced numbers. If we use a similar system again, we will be making an important transition from the rye and kale planting in those acres to the next summer forage. I feel like that will be an all-important step that has to work well. And, again, weather will be a factor.

We attended the Cattlemen’s Gala & Fundraiser to support the Illinois Beef Foundation. It was a terrific event with a large crowd and something for everyone. Most of all, I really enjoyed seeing Illinois Beef Association friends that I don’t see nearly often enough. I hope this becomes an annual event.

The older I get the more I realize some of life truths have to be understood and honored:

• There are consequences for our actions.

• Life isn’t always fair.

• No one owes you anything.

• Being unique doesn’t mean automatic success.

• Most people are focused on their own lives.

• Time is your most valuable asset.

• Hard work alone doesn’t guarantee success.

• Failure and loss are part of growth.

• You must take responsibility for your life.

• You can’t make everyone happy.

• Change is constant and unavoidable.

Every day brings these into play. As you navigate through each and every day keep these in mind to make things better and smoother.

Have a wonderful holiday and New Year, remembering the reason for the season. And stay safe and sane.