Time For Thanks

It is that time of the year to give thanks and to be thankful for all we have. Last week around Veterans Day, we all thanked veterans we know and remembered those who gave it all in service to our country. They are the reason our freedoms have remained intact. Remembering our veterans is as important as celebrating Thanksgiving, I think.

I was in the service during the Vietnam era. When we returned to the States, we were supposed to get home under cover of darkness, as those in uniform were not the most popular out and about. But thank God we’re over that disrespectful thinking and now honor all warriors, especially those wounded or fallen. Most have scars, hidden or obvious, and they need the best treatment that’s available. Wars may not be honorable, but the warriors are, and without the warriors, we wouldn’t be able to celebrate Thanksgiving.

This next week we’ll celebrate Thanksgiving Day, so take a moment to reflect on the good that surrounds you and remember that we are thankful we are able to thank God for all that He has given us.

Some of us in the state still haven’t found or needed our coats, overshoes, muck boots or windshield scrapers from last spring, and most of us have had a great year weather-wise. Place that with the livestock prices we have had in the last year, and it has either been a record breaking – or at least a pretty good – year.

I’m always thankful for the livestock, crop and public lands organizations we have available to join and be a part of and for the staffs of those organizations who represent us around the country. It really disturbs me to see the number of those in agriculture who haven’t joined up and just let their neighbors get involved in these organizations and pay the bill for all the good these organizations do.

For instance, take the Public Lands Council. Less than 20 percent of the public lands ranchers send in their voluntary assessment. This assessment provides dollars to fund staff to watch our backs in Washington D. C., mainly in the halls of Congress. We can be sure that those who want to put an end to grazing on public lands in the West are digging into their pockets to influence Congress. How do we combat that? You have to “pony up” as your neighbors do to protect your rights.

It is the same on the state level. Show up at the annual meetings or conventions and support the organization that best represents you. The staff and officers of those organizations are there for you and your ag business, why not support them?

There is one convention left this year, the 2015 Winter Roundup, sponsored by the Wyoming Stock Growers Association, and their focus is on “Tools For The Endangered Rancher.” There will be presentations on a broad array of topics to help you and your family in your business and special discussions for young producers and their issues. Issues on both private and public lands will be discussed, and anyone attending will have some fun.

Broaden your understanding of the issues that you face daily and come to Casper Nov. 20-Dec. 2, join, support and become a part of a positive opportunity for you and your family.