The Wheel Never Stops Turning

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7/27/21

With summer in full swing, it has been nothing but constant movement for us here at MRRA. Life has been BUSY. There is never a dull moment in this lifestyle, and honestly, we wouldn't have it any other way. For our first blog post here at MRRA, I (Whitney) wanted to focus on the lifestyle choices and sacrifices Blake and I have to make each and every day to make this business successful--to make this thing work--for us to sit back and feel like we're headed in the right direction each and every day for ourselves, each other, and for our business. Now it's important to note that I did not grow up with a ranching background. I had absolutely no idea how things worked, what sacrifices are made on a daily basis, and the endless work and dedication found within this lifestyle. I think the easiest way for me to encompass all that IS the ranching lifestyle is to make a good ol' fashion list. So, here we go!

The Ranching Lifestyle

The Ranching Lifestyle IS:

• Early mornings and late nights

• Beating the summer heat and getting more work done in half a day than a normal person probably would in a whole day

• Schedules that change at the drop of a dime depending on what comes up that day (this has been the biggest learning curve for me personally, I'm a schedule kind of gal through and through)

• Long days building fence, repairing fence, and tightening fence

• Hauling cattle from pasture to pasture, sale to sale, customer to customer

• Checking cattle (this may be one of my personal favorite things to do) and driving through the herd to look for any critter who may need to be doctored and taking a few moments to photograph the "cutest" cows and calves in the bunch...sorry, Blake!

• Dropping everything and hauling butt to whichever pasture the cows decided to be renegades in and are now roaming freely--because fences are just suggestions, am I right?

• See fencing again*

• Quick lunches (both in the field or pasture) and hearty dinners

• Minimal down time and time to relax

• Having to say "no" to people and plans because we can't travel too far from home (again, big learning curve here)

• Feeling anxiety ridden when finally getting the chance to sit down for the day because the thoughts of "did I do enough today?" run on repeat in your head

• Sacrifice, hard-work, dedication, and REWARD

I remember having a conversation with Blake early on in our relationship about this lifestyle and whether or not I wanted to sign myself up for the long haul. I remember looking at him, cocking my head a bit, and laughing. "Why wouldn't I want to sign up for this?" I responded. I've never been one to shy away from hard-work and sacrifice, heck I've done what I've always had to do for myself and my career within education. Adding "ranch wife" and "helper" to my title wasn't something that concerned me one bit, and I was up for this newest adventure!

Although this lifestyle is a tremendous amount of work and sacrifice, I can say without a shred of doubt in my mind that this is one of the most rewarding and thrilling experiences. This lifestyle has shown me true grit and tenacity, and I have SUCH an newfound appreciation for farmers and ranchers all around the area. Hats off to all of you out there busting butt day in and day out to make ends meet. I see you. I appreciate you. I am you.

-Whitney Wold

#missouririverredangus #cattleindustry #ranchinglifestyle