Throughout my high school years and into the beginning of my college life, I was at times full of anger and quite distraught. I had a short temper with family members, and if things didn't go my way, I wasn't someone you wanted to be around. Within the last three years, my entire outlook on life has flipped a 180. I see the value in many things and appreciate life as it comes my way. Living a much more enjoyable life now, here is a reflection on the things I hold closest to my heart.
Family is everything. Many farm families have issues of passing down the tradition from generation to generation, but these stories of disagreement are disheartening. Without family we would be nothing. Without family we would initially have nothing and no one. The bonds that we share with family members are bonds that are different than anyone else. Throughout this holiday season I encourage you to take the time to thank your family and explain how important they are to you. Always remember, blood is thicker than water.
Animals are amazing. The relationship a pet or livestock owner shares with his/her animals is something unique. The pride you take as a rancher seeing newborn calves, lambs, or piglets grow up is a feeling that you can only understand by going through it. The responsibility you have for an animal can lead to a lot of life skills and virtues learned over time. Always remember, a dog is a man's best friend. A little care and nurturing can go a long way with any animal, and also any person that you meet.
Make every moment memorable. It's important to go about life and realize the days are full of events that make us into the people we are. From chasing cows to pulling calves, to planting time and harvest season, to weaning lambs and selling hogs, and to grilling steaks and chowing down hamburgers. Agriculture has made so many memories in my life thus far, and I am quite excited to see how many more I will make. From traveling around the world to Australia, I've had the great fortune of seeing many places and meeting many new people. Being home on the farm has given me the chance to grow closer with my immediate family, making some of the most memorable moments of my life. I am grateful for the life I have had and the memories I have made. They will never be forgotten.
Faith is forever. In my family, we have a strong faith in God our Savior. He has done so many things for us, especially giving His life for us, so we can live ours well. The least we can do is follow in His ways and do our best to guide others. It is through my faith that I have come to terms with how fortunate my life is. There is never a reason to ever be hateful or underestimate anyone. Live in the moment and be thankful for all that surrounds you.
This holiday season I encourage you to make a list of the things you are grateful for. Reflecting on your life can be one of the healthiest things possible!
Saturday, November 29, 2014
Friday, November 28, 2014
From Cottage to Mansion
The population of the United States has grown immensely over time. With this growth in numbers, animal agriculture has as well moved to a higher density population to raise livestock on a more sustainable and efficient level. In most cases, it also is healthier and safer for the animals involved too. Read below about the various livestock industries and the importance of the housing facilities they use.
The Swine Industry in a Cottage.
The majority of the hogs living today are raised in confinement operations, buildings in which pigs are housed and unable to come in contact with the outdoor environment. This lifestyle is healthy for the pigs, as it drastically lessens the chances of them coming in contact with outdoor pathogens that can make them sick, and sadly lead to death. Most consumers believe this life is unfair to the pigs, but in reality farmers are just trying to keep them healthy. It also keeps the pigs safe as they tend to fight with one another when placed in group settings, which can create open wounds and lead to illnesses from bacterial infections.
The Dairy Industry in a Rambler.
Dairy cows have more freedom than hogs. They are housed in barns that consist of group animal contact, but not always allows them to roam outside. Windows or open walls give the barn an outdoor feel and allows for proper ventilation. This partial confinement setting is used so farmers can regulate the proper diet that the cows consume, so they can make the safest, most wholesome milk for the consumer. Within the barns is a bedding option, which could be water beds, sand beds, or gel mats. The bedding creates comfort for the cows, so they spend plenty of time resting, minimizing lameness issues.
The Sheep Industry in a Two-Story Home.
Ewes and lambs are primarily raised outdoors amongst pastures. This facility lets the animals graze as they wish within the area fenced, but not at all times are they free to roam. During lambing time, sheep are confined for easier maintenance and checking for birthing. Immediately after lambing, a ewe and her lamb(s) are put into a small individual pen called a lambing jug. This pen allows for the ewe to create a bond with her lamb(s). After three to five days, they are returned back with the remainder of the flock. Their new found relationship though allows for them to find one another amongst the crowd.
The Beef Industry in a Mansion.
On a cow/calf operation, outdoor life is the only life there is. Roaming pastures full of abundant grass meet beef cattle every spring and lasts throughout the summer. During winter months, especially in northern climates, cattle are housed in pastures, but fed hay and silage to maintain their health and body condition. Cows and calves are rarely put into dry lots, up until calves are weaned and moved into feedlot settings, where they eat a ration consisting high in protein to gain weight until harvesting time
Have any questions about the housing facilities used within the livestock industry? Feel free to comment below!
The Swine Industry in a Cottage.
The majority of the hogs living today are raised in confinement operations, buildings in which pigs are housed and unable to come in contact with the outdoor environment. This lifestyle is healthy for the pigs, as it drastically lessens the chances of them coming in contact with outdoor pathogens that can make them sick, and sadly lead to death. Most consumers believe this life is unfair to the pigs, but in reality farmers are just trying to keep them healthy. It also keeps the pigs safe as they tend to fight with one another when placed in group settings, which can create open wounds and lead to illnesses from bacterial infections.
The Dairy Industry in a Rambler.
Dairy cows have more freedom than hogs. They are housed in barns that consist of group animal contact, but not always allows them to roam outside. Windows or open walls give the barn an outdoor feel and allows for proper ventilation. This partial confinement setting is used so farmers can regulate the proper diet that the cows consume, so they can make the safest, most wholesome milk for the consumer. Within the barns is a bedding option, which could be water beds, sand beds, or gel mats. The bedding creates comfort for the cows, so they spend plenty of time resting, minimizing lameness issues.
The Sheep Industry in a Two-Story Home.
Ewes and lambs are primarily raised outdoors amongst pastures. This facility lets the animals graze as they wish within the area fenced, but not at all times are they free to roam. During lambing time, sheep are confined for easier maintenance and checking for birthing. Immediately after lambing, a ewe and her lamb(s) are put into a small individual pen called a lambing jug. This pen allows for the ewe to create a bond with her lamb(s). After three to five days, they are returned back with the remainder of the flock. Their new found relationship though allows for them to find one another amongst the crowd.
The Beef Industry in a Mansion.
On a cow/calf operation, outdoor life is the only life there is. Roaming pastures full of abundant grass meet beef cattle every spring and lasts throughout the summer. During winter months, especially in northern climates, cattle are housed in pastures, but fed hay and silage to maintain their health and body condition. Cows and calves are rarely put into dry lots, up until calves are weaned and moved into feedlot settings, where they eat a ration consisting high in protein to gain weight until harvesting time
Have any questions about the housing facilities used within the livestock industry? Feel free to comment below!
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)