Wow! Just spent a week in Houston at the stock show. Nothing new for our family but have to say it was one of the most memorable weeks ever. To start out, it was Garrett's last stock show. :( Tears have fallen all week, every time he did something Lonnie and I just soaked it in. It has really been tough on Dad. Garrett has been his confidant, his helper, his right-hand-man. They work side by side without even talking, without even wondering what the other one was thinking. Very special to this mom!
Anyway, the most impressive thing has been the other families there. Yes, FAMILIES. Not just contestants and coaches or spectators and news teams. FAMILIES...working side by side, making decisions, talking together, playing, learning. I know it has gone on forever but I guess I just got to watch it because I had extra time this year. You didn't see one person telling everyone else what to do. Yes, there are county leaders that keep everything organized and offer advise, but as a whole parents and kids were making every decision for that animal. It was just refreshing to look all around me and see parents talking to their kids, explaining what was going on and then handing it over to their kids to do. I am sure there were some in the barn that did it all (and we know that is the case in
many situations) but I didn't see it. I really can't think of any other activity or event that is truly 100% family oriented.As we sat Thursday night about to watch the Champion Swine Drive, the judges offered comments on their philosophies of stock shows and the agriculture industry. They were truly class acts. When they talked about stock shows being the first step in awareness of the agriculture industry, I literally got chills. Of course I can't say it like they did but it was inspiring, eye opening and true. One statistic they gave was that in 50 years the U.S. will need to produce 100% more food than they do today on less acreage and with less animals. WOW! They explained how important it was that producers figure out how to get more meat on each and every animal so they do not need more animals to produce more food. They explained that farmers have to produce more grain, vegetables, etc....on less land than ever before. As our population grows, the need for land for housing grows and so does the need for food. Almost 50% of today's kids do not get enough food each day. Can you believe that? Obesity is not caused from too much fo
od but by cheap food, processed food. (Yes, I already knew that but loved hearing someone else say it.) Kind of ironic, don't you think?So, as those immediately involved in the agriculture industry, it is our job to speak up and let others know, to make them aware of the danger of losing our agriculture. In the end it could be catastrophic if not handled correctly. I don't know about you but for me it was a rude awakening. Some people think of agriculture as the migrant workers, those that live in trailers, and even cooperate America. Well, it is you and me, our neighbors, the guy the next county over. We are agriculture. Heavy load for so few to carry but it has to be done.
