CALF_News_Oct_Nov_2018

47 CALF News • October | November 2018 • www.calfnews.net young stockman R CALF NEWS PRESENTS R By Aly McClure Contributing Editor • Concrete cattle feeders • Freeze-proof pond tank • Fence line feeder THIS AIN’T NO BULL • Super-Tanker fence line freeze-proof stock tank TRACTOR TRAILER DELIVERY AVAILABLE IN THE CONTINTENTAL U.S. THE CONCRETE WORKS LLC • 877-464-7575 WWW.THECONCRETEWORKS.COM BEST PRICE QUALITY SERVICE SERVING THE MIDWEST FOR OVER 20 YEARS! T wenty years old and a fifth- generation rancher from north central Nebraska, Cade Kalkowski is proud to say he is living his dream. Working alongside his family, learning the ropes of manag- ing the family legacy, Cade assuredly has a bright future in front of him. “Being raised with an agriculture back- ground has allowed me opportunities in life I wouldn’t have otherwise been able to experience,” Kalkowski says. “Since I was a kid, I always had an interest in cattle and ranching. It was the central part of our life, affecting certain beliefs and teach- ing invaluable life lessons Beliefs like, ‘A good day’s work will always pay off ’ and taking on the responsibility of caring for cattle is one of life’s greatest blessings. “The way agriculture impacts society as a whole is intriguing, along with find- ing our part in continuing its production. “Now that I am in college and taking on new challenges that expand beyond ranching with my dad,” he continues,“I always know that no matter the situation, I can always fall back on the lessons and values I learned in those rolling pastures. I hope that my future brings me back to the ranch, continuing to raise cattle and establishing my own herd. It’s like what my dad said about ranching,‘It’s a hard life, but it sure is a good one.’ And it’s a good life that I plan to carry on.” Kalkowski is a humble rancher’s son, a decorated collegiate athlete, a caring community member and part of the next generation of beef producers. We can only hope that most of the upcoming generation have the dedication and work ethic of this young man. If they do, it’s looking pretty bright out there.  I ace them. (Which I don’t think I will have any trouble with since the teacher is pretty laid back). Last year I didn’t have really any homework at all. But this year is a giant slap in the face, and it hurts! I hope that this is just a phase though, and not something more regular. Speaking of school, our Marching Band Show is almost ready for takeoff! It is called “War Dance” and is based on the traditional New Zealand dance called the Haka. It is very high energy and exciting! (By the time this comes out, there may be several videos of it if you are interested in watching. I am in the middle for much of the beginning and rifle work!). With all that is going on, I hope I can come out of this year alive!  4-H DIARY Continued from page 46