More Than Words
As I sit to write this column, it’s hard to believe I have been a part of the Roundup family for a year now. As cliché as it sounds, the year has truly flown by, and I have been amazed time and time again by the willingness of the Wyoming agricultural community to welcome me here with open arms.
As somewhat of a nerd, I’ll admit that I love keeping up with the new advances in agriculture, veterinary medicine and current events, which is, in part, why I love my job. You mean I get paid to continually learn about everything from chemigation to tax reform and don’t have to take an exam? Sign me up!
These advances are an integral part of the agricultural industry throughout Wyoming and the nation. Arguably, a nation cannot thrive or even be independent without the assets of sustainable agriculture.
As Allan Savory, a biologist and grasslands specialist from Rhodesia, stated, “Agriculture is not crop production as popular belief holds – it’s the production of food and fiber from the world’s land and waters. Without agriculture, it is not possible to have a city, stock market, banks, university, church or army. Agriculture is the foundation of civilization and any stable economy.”
However, what truly is the backbone of Wyoming agriculture is the unchanging and unquenchable spirit of the West that is exemplified in each person I’ve met in my time here. Learning more about and being welcomed into the lives of those individuals who work on the front lines to provide our nation with food, fiber and fuel is by far the most rewarding part of working at the Roundup.
Thomas Jefferson aptly said, “Cultivators of the earth are the most valuable citizens. They are the most vigorous, the most independent, the most virtuous and they are tied to their country and wedded to its liberty and interests by the most lasting bands.”
In addition to being a nerd, I’ll also confess to having some romantic leanings sometimes. The words of others are more than simple articulation. They are the speaker’s memories, values, pain, joy, hopes and dreams. Spoken words reminisce the romance of the past and imagine the possibilities of the future. They have the power to ground our minds while also giving wings to our hearts.
Through my job here, I’m incredibly blessed that I have been allowed to chronicle those words that speak to my soul. They come from ordinary people I’ve met – those that will probably not be remembered in history books – and oftentimes while in humble locations like the family kitchen or driving in an old work truck.
Whether eloquently spoken or simply stated, the power behind, emotion in and inflection on their words is profound. These individual’s lives and stories are what continue to shape our future and embody the spirit of the West.
I am truly humbled to be permitted to partake in your life stories and share them with others. As my family and I continue building our lives rooted here in Wyoming agriculture, I look forward to the privilege of not only sharing valuable information with our readers, but learning more from each of you, as well. Thank you for sharing your lives and your stories with us.
