Message from the Natural Resources Policy Director

The balance of the season

How life in the cattle industry presents a series of self-righting stabilities

BY KAREN WILLIAMS ICA Natural Resources Policy Director

It’s that time again—you know, the most wonderful time of the year. Personally, I do consider it among the most wonderful times of the year and find myself getting caught up in the festive air. However, while December brings the many joys of Christmastime, I recognize that the month also ushers in some unpleasantries. While a warm atmosphere full of lights and decorations typically awaits indoors, the air outside is a bit different and serves as a marked contrast. In my neck of the woods, Christmastime and the weeks immediately follow-

While we are likely to continue to feel frustrated by illconceived proposals and stonewalling in Washington for at least the next two years, we can find some relief in the fact that we are well represented within our own state by lawmakers and elected officials who have roots in the cattle business and continue to protect our industry.

ing are typically the coldest and snowiest of the year. Pastures are blanketed with snow which means the feed truck must be fired up again. The enslavement to the cows’ daily feeding schedule begins which is immediately followed up with the many stresses of calving season and its preparations. The stackyard full of hay begins to dwindle all too quickly and the drudgeries of working in cold and blustery weather add up. Likely, just reading about this makes you apt to grumble. The contrasts between the frustrations associated with cold weather and the feelings of joy and appreciation of the season are strong yet provide much needed balance to our lives. Too much of a good thing creates apathy and dulled senses, while too much of a bad thing is just, well, bad.

I frustrate my kids by not letting them listen to Christmas music before Thanksgiving, but then it’s full on only Christmas music on my playlist for a month. By my way of thinking, if we listened to it early, we would be tired of it before Christmas even arrived. Balance. Similarly, there are few things I love more than the feelings brought by the Christmas tree, lights, and a house fully decorated for the holidays. But when the season is over and all the excess is put away, the cleared-out spaces feel nice. Balance.

Life in the cattle industry is full of juxtapositions that create balance. We struggle through the hardships brought on by an unstable industry reliant on too many outside factors, but we experience joys of life and nature that few others do because of our lifestyle. Balance.

The recent elections, just behind us though still unsettled, certainly provided reason to feel out of balance. Many of us hoped for sweeping changes across the nation that did not happen. I have heard some pundits talk about how divided branches of the federal government create balance. More realistically, it is

gridlock. But oftentimes gridlock is preferrable to united forces whose perspective is contrary to your own. Therein lies the balance—some years we are able to achieve victories for our industry while at other times, we spend the majority of our time playing defense against ill-conceived laws and regulations that would harm our ability to pursue our way of life and produce food. While we are likely to continue to feel frustrated by ill-conceived proposals and stonewalling in Washington for at least the next two years, we can find some relief in the fact that we are well represented within our own state by lawmakers and elected officials who have roots in the cattle business and continue to protect our industry. Balance.

The road ahead for our industry is as full of uncertainties as it ever has been. Yet the challenges create opportunities which can bring balance to our wary souls. As tired as we may be of hearing about climate change and of those who errantly blame our industry, the issue may bring new and unique opportunities. Already, it has led to discussions which have given us the opportunity to exhibit the benefit of cattle in tackling the potential effects of living in an ever-changing and undependable climate. The benefits of livestock grazing to wildfire fuels control, soil heath, and carbon sequestration are starting to become discovered by those outside our industry. It is incumbent upon us to build upon these thoughts and tell the positive story of our industry—to provide balance to the discussion and let the public and policymakers know of the balance we promote to the ecosystem. Frustrating theories and outlandish proposals can lead to improved dialogue, proof in the benefits of our industry, and new partnerships. Balance.

As we continue to tackle issues thrown at our industry, and as you trudge through the chores of life, look for and find appreciation in the balance. Here’s wishing that the reason for the season gives you opportunity to look at life with a fresh perspective and renewed outlook. May you find balance in the joys and in the struggles of your life.

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