Labor Day Thanks

In agriculture there is rarely idle time and so, while Labor Day is often thought of as a day dedicated to those involved in labor union type jobs, I am lifting up farmers and ranchers as my honorees this year.

What qualifies them you ask? Let me tell you . . .

• They often risk their own lives for the life of another. Be it an animal or another man, farmers and ranchers (hereby referred to as FRs) will battle weather and terrain to make sure someone/something they care about is safe.

• 365 days a year is dedicated to planning for and producing the food you and I eat every day. I guarantee you, even when a cowboy has thrown off the boots and has a drink in hand, somewhere in his mind he is thinking about his “to-do” list.

• During their days on the farm and ranch they are often mentoring the next generation of agriculturalists. How many other workers can put in a successful days work while answering the wondering questions of a 4-year-old?

• As if they didn’t have enough to do, many FRs are involved in civic roles. County commissions, PTAs and church councils are often on their resumes.

• FRs take pride in their work. How many of us can say that on a routine basis?

• Many FRs will help a man down on his luck. Not to give him a hand out, but a hand up.

• FRs believe that an honest days labor will bring you the other 3 L’s – Liberty, Love, and Life – and rightly so.

Thank you to all the farmers and ranchers who work daily for my benefit.