35th Annual Edition
Cattlemen’s Roundup
Issue dedicated to our tough-tested people in the cattle industry Frederick. I know it takes hard work and commitment to feed and care for livestock.
By Connie Sieh Groop Special to the Farm Forum
Wet mucky lots. Short tempers. Hay floating in fields. Breakdowns. Rain. Wet corn. Cold temperatures. Broken fences. Snow. Frustration. It seems like everything has been thrown at farmers and ranchers this winter, spring and fall as the hardworking people of the area continue to care for the livestock they love. While conditions have been far from typical, the men and women in the Farm Forum’s coverage area never give up. If they find adversity, they overcome it and move on to the next challenge. The supply of beef to grocery stores continues, with consumers having little knowledge of the work that goes into producing each pound of hamburger, each pound of steak and the toll it may take on the souls of those involved. While some are looking for meat alternatives, the statistics show, on average, each person consumes 55.5 pounds per year. Knowing that time is precious when facing extreme conditions, I hesitated to call farmers and ranchers for stories. But each one seemed to have a few minutes to share a bit of what they are going through to let people know what they face every day. For some it was therapy. Most ended the call by saying that others have it worse. This is the second year that Farm Forum’s Advertising Director Christy Orwig wanted to provide increased local content in this issue. She asked me, as a former editor of Farm Forum, to interview and write stories that will connect with our readers. I have great respect for those who live and work in the livestock industry. I grew up on a farm where cattle were raised but it’s been years since we’ve had cattle on our place at
The nerves of many have been stretched as tight as good fence wire this fall. Many still struggle with getting feed home, crops harvested and cattle moved. Freezing temperatures firmed up the ground, making it easier in some ways, harder in others. In this issue of Farm Forum’s Cattlemen’s Edition, attention focuses on issues impacting those living and working on ranches and farms. Industry leaders share their perspective on ag issues including the Beef Checkoff, traceability, fake meat and innovations in the industry. I’ve interviewed some who live and work in the industry, asking them to share details about their operations. The South Dakota Animal Disease Research and Diagnostic Laboratory is the front line of defense in protecting the state’s $7.3 billion livestock industry against diseases and provides important diagnostic information. Specialists share information concerning nutrition and the care of animals. New technology offers ways to help deal with the increasingly complex world. Resilience. That’s the word that that impresses me through all the stories. Those in the ag community have the capability to endure stress to recover and move forward. Many have that; sadly, a few within our midst will not be able to endure the stresses. As a close-knit community, reach out to those who are struggling. Sometimes it takes a helping hand; sometimes it takes a few minutes to listen; sometimes it just means being there and believing that next year will be better. If you can suggest people who would be good subjects for future issues, please let me know by emailing conniegroop19@gmail.com
Regional Publisher - Kevin Shaw Advertising Director - Christy Orwig Farm Forum Sales Mgr - Lynde Ross The FA RM FORUM'" (USPS #000-451) is published weekly every Friday plus a special edition in the Spring and a special edition in the Fall by the Aberdeen News Company, P.O. Box 4430, 124 South Second Street, Aberdeen, South Dakota 57402-4430. Periodicals postage paid at the Post Office, Aberdeen, South Dakota 57401.
FarmForum.Net
6
December 6, 2019
Editorial Contributor - Connie Sieh Groop Layout Design - Elaine Kling
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Cattlemen’s Roundup