MESSAGE FROM THE EVP
More is lost by indecision, than by wrong decision We don't all have to agree, but we do all need to take action and here's why
A
s we continue to face challenges in our industry. I wanted to take a moment to remind us all that the decisions are made by those that show up! This includes people as individuals, organizations, leadership, and members that are present. Life is full of questions, opportunities, and challenges. Each and every day decisions are in front of us. They are not always easy and often, regardless of your decision, you won’t please everyone.
Life is full of questions, opportunities, and challenges. Each and every day decisions are in front of us. They are not always easy and often, regardless of your decision, you won’t please everyone. Let’s start with elections: the decision is made by those that show up and vote. If you look at the statistics, historically a minority of people actually show up and vote in elections. It is an even smaller percentage during the midterm elections. Now, we all are busy. However, in spite of the inundation of decisions one 8
LINE RIDER APRIL/MAY 2022
BY CAMERON MULRONY ICA Executive Vice President
might make on a daily basis, the narrative is still the same: If you want to be part of the solution, show up! Let me give you a quick example. In my lifetime, I have started a few colts for our program (as well as others), and each day I’d start with a plan. Usually about the time I’d be ready to lead the first colt to the barn for the days adventure, the plan has changed. The guy who showed up influences your decisions- me in this example. Is it the guy who has all day to ride 6 head and let the horse tell you when it’s been a good day? Is it the guy whom is in a hurry and needs to be done with all 6 in 3 hours? Is it the guy who smashed his finger with a hammer earlier in the day and has a different attitude now? Or is it the guy who thinks this is the best piece of 2yr old horse flesh he’ll have the chance to ride, and is attentive to the process? My point being,the guy that shows up that day makes the decisions, and the outcome may vary based on this attitude. Now let’s look at our association. We have many members and individuals who represent the different aspects of cattle operations statewide. Decisions are made that effect our industry from top to bottom and are decided by agencies and individuals far from the mountains of north Idaho, the Owyhee desert, and the valleys of eastern Idaho. They are typically miles away from Idaho and are distant from our industry as well. We can make changes to this representation (politically) by voting. In the end, the decisions are made by those who show up, those who vote. I do not write this to suggest that we need ‘more’ or ‘different’ decisions at this time, but for the reminder that consistency and effective communication are key to quality decision making. Daily decisions must be made that affect www.idahocattle.org
