CALF_News_June_July_2020

27 CALF News • June | July 2020 • www.calfnews.net change and the effects that raising cattle has on the envi- ronment. And while Daryl is nothing like the stereotypical “environmentalist” he probably understands and cares for the environment as much or more than most. We talked about the strict food safety regulations and that beef in America is as safe as it has ever been. We talked about the farm-to-table phe- nomenon and how it affects family ranchers. Following my “lunch and learn” experience, I sat in the circle with the rest of the group. These were neighbors and friends, all who had come to help one another brand the calves and spend a beautiful January day together. We talked about what boots were the best, passed around spurs and discussed who had made them, how much they weighed and how they were designed. I intently watched as they had a roping competi- tion, much like a game of HORSE on a basketball court. They never judged me, they welcomed me fiercely, and in some cases, were equally as fascinated by my life as I was by theirs. The temperature dropped, the sun began to set, and my adventure was coming to an end. We wrapped up our duties and headed back to the house to pack up and head to town. I reluctantly said my thank yous and goodbyes, got in the truck and wrapped up the day knowing that this would not be the last time I would do something like this, but rather the first of many to come. This day was a true illustration of the intrinsic values that Doug had shared with me.“Of all the things I love in the world, and value in the world, this is priceless,” he said.“Yes, it’s a business, but the value of this ranch, to me, can’t really be measured in dollars. If you take care of the land, the land will take care of you.” One thing that I have taken away from this is that beef is more than a business, it is a lifestyle. My time at With- ers Ranch proved that sentiment to be true. The people were genuine, welcoming and hardworking, and the work was rewarding and interesting. There was no doubt that the philosophy Doug applies to his business – “land, then cattle, then profit” – is a model for success. As I took one last look from the front porch of my cozy accommodations, I reflected on the weekend. I thought about my new appreciation for my delicious meals and family gatherings. I looked out across the plains and admired a marvelous, orange and gray, wide-open sunset. It was the perfect punctuation on my experience. 