I think I need to retire to a mountain top close to a snow cap. The heat has caused me to sweat, which gets my shirts wet and makes salt rings under my arms. I am afraid it could be a dangerous disease for old beef producers. My close relative just laughs at me when I show her the big old salt rings and makes remarks about being too soft. She also muttered something about a soft spot under my hat; and it, my hat, is wet around the band, too!
We got the AI work done and now the watch is on. We bought a low birth-weight bull, young and unproven, to do the clean-up work. He is aggressive and looks good but only time will tell. It is a gamble when a feller decides to go into this business and most will lay their entire worth on the line to do it. Then the gamble just continues to grow, buy a good bull and hope he is the right genetics for the cows -- the bank still owns them -- to improve your herd.
The gamble bloats as land is leased, pastures are sprayed and lime and fertilizer are spread on the acres you have leased. Here is hoping the owner doesn't decide to let his nephew have the property before you gain any results from your dollars.
Well, we are all looking for that good life, the one that allows you to live in the country and listen to the birds sing in the mornings! I have preached the aforementioned sermon many times in my life. I try to explain to young men that time is what they spend while they work to pay the bills and the rewards are many if they don't die too early!
Sorta kidding, but a feller has to put the pencil to the paper and spend some knee time when trying to decide to jump into this occupation. It seems to be so easy as a young man rides in the sale barn pens or gathers for the neighbors while he is still in school. Fools you if you aren't real careful!
The haying is going so well that I am not even complaining -- well, not much anyway! I sprang for one of those fancy hay wagons and can haul in many big bales at once. I do it with my George Strait pickup, radio and air conditioner working well. The old hay truck isn't bad in the winter, but it's hotter than the oven in Pizza Hut in the summer!
The offspring are making many rolls and keeping my nose to the grindstone. I stopped at the coffee emporium long enough for iced tea and pie yesterday. I couldn't stay long as the politics were so thick the air was too laden to breathe! This area is sure to be worn out by the time the elections roll around.
It is my opinion, and everyone has one, help a neighbor or a feller in need and do it willingly. I see some homeless-looking folks on our town street occasionally and wonder about the reasons they are in that condition. I can't know and you probably can't either, but we can do something. And keep your powder dry as I am concerned for all of us!
Bill is the pen name used by the Gravette-area author of this weekly column. Opinions expressed are those of the author.
Editorial on 06/22/2016