2023-12-25 08:59:51
Point of view: We make sacrifices under all conditions for our animals
Kelsey Pagel, AGDAILY*
Image : Kuehner, Shutterstock
We recently had our first snowfall of the season here in Northeast Kansas. It was quite abundant, between 4 and 10 inches [10-25 cm], depending on location. With it appeared all the messages on social networks concerning the love for snow and its beauty or the intense disgust it arouses. I don’t like snow. I keep telling Matt, my husband, that my goal is to live in a place where I can leave my garden hose out all year round and it never freezes. Yes, the humidity is appreciable since we are experiencing a drought that has lasted for several years, but why can’t it come in the form of rain when the temperature is above 15 degrees! [Ma note : Là, c’est des Celsius. 15 ° Fahrenheit font -9,4 °C].
I realized that there is a direct correlation between people who love snow and people who don’t have livestock. We grew up with livestock – pigs and cattle. Our calvings began in mid-March, when it was not yet very hot. We controlled them on quads. I was born on March 12. Even though my mom had a C-section, the cows are what she loves most on the farm, and even though Dad helped out more than usual during the first season, you can be sure I was on the quad with her and my two older sisters to check on the calvings.
We literally grew up on a quad, through bad weather and good weather. We learned to layer clothes to stay warm. I remember spring break from my eighth grade year. It was total chaos: snow, ice and subzero temperatures. We brought the calves to the maternity ward as quickly as they were born. We were on a quad from dawn until nightfall trying to save as many as possible. These few days have been difficult. It was all regarding the cattle.
If you have livestock, your story is similar. He is always the most important, no matter what happens. Plans are all well and good until you have livestock, and then they are suddenly changed when they escape or something goes wrong. No matter the temperature or weather conditions, whether you are sick or not, livestock must be taken care of.
As we dive into the holiday season, there are plenty of projects and events to plan. I have seen the frustration of family and friends when you are delayed or have to cancel last minute due to livestock issues. People who don’t own livestock don’t understand why it’s not possible to ignore the problem, or deal with it later
But they’re not the only ones who are upset, are they? We too want to be present at these events. We have planned and taken all necessary steps to get household chores done in advance so we can be on time and present for the holidays, but it is beyond our control when something goes wrong.
We then wonder if we are sane. Why do we have livestock? Life would be so much easier without it. Not only do you have all the problems that come with having livestock, but you are also constantly attacked or questioned by people who don’t understand the livestock world.
As my mother tells us, it’s regarding providing the best possible life for the animals in our care. Sometimes this involves inconvenience and sacrifice for us, but we, as human beings, have made the choice to be livestock owners, and so it is up to us to give to the animals we Let’s live the best life possible. It’s our responsibility.
During this holiday season, I hope that the weather conditions will be favorable and that illnesses will be rare (in our animals and in humans). I wish you to spend pleasant moments with family and friends during parties and gatherings. The end-of-year holidays are often a time full of emotions. We all feel and perceive things differently. Approach gatherings with a sense of peace and forgiveness. Let the little things go. Protect your family. Family does not need to share your worries. Make choices that will bring you joy.
May we remember the purpose of this time and not be stressed by its commercialization. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year !
______________
*Kelsey Pagel is a farmer from Kansas. She grew up on a cattle and row crop operation and married another farmer. Kelsey and her husband (Matt) operate a farm and ranch with her family, where they are living the dream and enjoying most of the moments.
Source : Perspective: We make sacrifices in all conditions for animals | AGDAILY
1703573289
#Point #view #sacrifices #conditions #animals
