A cattleman’s perspective

By Caleb Beason / Guest Columnist

“Snow and cold temperatures are coming!” This forecast instantly fuels most people’s thoughts to the excitement of getting out of school, sledding down your favorite hill with friends and family or maybe your whole household piling in the living room for warm food and movies.

However, the thoughts of a livestock producer instantly go to fretting over the unknown and promptly begin preparation for what is to come. Some of these duties consist of ensuring the animals have enough hay/feed, keeping water supplies flowing, whether piped water or ponds and following protocols to keep tractors and equipment running reliably.

Since this first forecast and depending on the area you live, some have seen snow or sleet, and some areas have experienced both, but we’ve all experienced very frigid temperatures. No matter the weather conditions, farmers and ranchers are dedicated to prioritizing the welfare and health of all animals in their care.

For cattlemen specifically, providing some type of energy supplement to the herds is top of mind to maintain a cow’s Body Condition Score (BCS) of five or better. This means cows have adequate fat reserves to provide some insulation and to be used as an energy reserve. Some of these energy supplements include cubes, cottonseed, distillers, grains and energy tubs.

Even though those of us in the livestock industry choose to do what we do, and animal stewardship ranks at the top of necessities, it’s very easy to slip into the pitfalls of being overwhelmed by the many responsibilities.

I won’t lie, there are days on the farm or ranch that are dreadful, but the important lesson is, positivity makes each day tolerable. I cling to the Bible verse Galatians 6:9: “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.”

Everything in life is about perspective. As we count our blessings, consider the challenges faced by farmers and ranchers, truck drivers, electrical workers and many others who brave all types of weather conditions to meet our needs. My thoughts and prayers are with every livestock producer struggling to combat “Old Man Winter.” Hang in there! It will warm up soon, and the joys of spring will be appreciated.

Caleb Beason, a teacher at Phil Campbell High School, owns and operates Star B Cattle in Russellville. He is an active member of the Franklin County Cattlemen and heads the FFA program at PCHS.