The Writing Rancher

Show cattle are to the beef industry what models are to people.

Some folks view them as mythical unicorns representing an unattainable, undesirable ideal. Others see them as a diverse, important representation of the cattle (or people) in our world.

Then, there’s people like us: we value the role show cattle (and models😉) play in connecting us with consumers; we respect that responsibility, and we work hard to make sure our kids have opportunity within the industry to grow as leaders for whatever their futures hold.

On that note, the rancher and two of the kids are keeping up with ranch work at home while my dad hauls the other three of us around Grand Island, Nebraska for the National Junior Hereford Show & Conference.

We’re here for the experience! As we start on day three, I can say it’s an experience full of great people and special moments.

Most people don’t understand ranch life in general, let alone this whole show business. Believe me, I get it.

But please also trust me … this life–ranching, farming, exhibiting livestock–is a great way to raise kids who will go on to be leaders in a multitude of diverse industries. It’s an important life to appreciate no matter what walk of life you’re on.

We don’t have to understand each other’s lifestyles to respect each other’s value.

#WeAreRanchers #HerefordExpress

Show cattle are to the beef industry what models are to people. Some folks view them as mythical unicorns representing an unattainable, undesirable ideal. Others see them as a diverse, important representation of the cattle (or people) in our world.

Then, there’s people like us: we value the role show cattle (and models😉) play in connecting us with consumers; we respect that responsibility, and we work hard to make sure our kids have opportunity within the industry to grow as leaders for whatever their futures hold.

On that note, the rancher and two of the kids are keeping up with ranch work at home while my dad hauls the other three of us around Grand Island, Nebraska for the National Junior Hereford Show & Conference. •

We’re here for the experience! As we start on day three, I can say it’s an experience full of great people and special moments. Most people don’t understand ranch life in general, let alone this whole show business. Believe me, I get it. But please also trust me … this life–ranching, farming, exhibiting livestock–is a great way to raise kids who will go on to be leaders in a multitude of diverse industries. It’s an important life to appreciate no matter what walk of life you’re on. #WeAreRanchers #HerefordExpress

Last night’s gorgeous calm gave way to Mother Nature’s fury this morning. •

While people in the little towns within 10 miles of our place were pummeled with golf ball size hail, we squeaked through with only ping pong ball hail and inches of torrential rain. •

The rancher and team are currently trying to save our irrigation motor and electronics from our flooded banks of the Missouri River. Dams have washed out. Creeks have taken fencelines with their bursting seams. And still, we are grateful. •

Would today’s rain been more enjoyable spread out over the arid days of July? Damn straight. Is there a blessing in every rain drop and changed plan? Always. Please continue your prayers and support for everyone trying to live this ranch life to the fullest. Be it floods, droughts, fires, or any number of other challenges, we all know many who have it far worse! #WeAreRanchers

There is so much right in this lesson! This post came across my feed exactly as I needed it, right as I was scrolling to log out. The call to stop and read was loud. I don’t always listen, but I’m glad I did. Perhaps this is the reminder you need too … “get your butt back in that seat and keep your eyes on me”.❤

Rutherford Land and Cattle

June 4 · 

to our system and into the right pasture.

As we finished palpating, giving them their vaccinations, and putting them in their appropriate pens, I asked my youngest son if he would take my feed truck and hook up to my 32’ trailer.

Perhaps the worst part of being laid up physically is being hyper-aware mentally.

Our branding season started today, and for the first time in 13 years, I wasn’t part of it. My family sweetly told me how I was missed, but aside from fewer photos, my typical branding iron and table-tipping duties were well-handled … of course, there was no doubt that would be the case.

Branding is one of my favorite ranch seasons, and I’m bummed to sit this one out. But, there was special joy living this season through the eyes, stories, and experiences of our children!

#WeAreRanchers #BeautyLivesWhereYouLook

Today, we remember the service men, women, and families who gave all for us, our country, and our freedoms. History must be remembered, acknowledged, and honored. •

To the families whose loved ones died in service, thank you for sharing your hearts, stories, and lives. To the current service members and veterans who made it through, thank you for all you gave, all you continue to give, and the wars you fight within. •

We remember those who now serve at the right hand of God. We thank you! #WeAreRanchers #NeverForget

We raise beef and grow grass, but our ranch story isn’t defined by how we judiciously keep our herd healthy or what we carefully utilize as nutritious feed. Instead, our ranch story is defined by family. ♡

Be the family blood or chosen, loyalty, respect, and faith drive our business. You can see those qualities when watching our kids trail their dad. You can see those principles when watching biological and adopted aunts and uncles interact with our kids. You can hear those drivers when our kids hang on every word or story shared by their grandparents and great-grandparents ♡

Family lies at the root of all we do. We believe in the value of role models … the strength of a family unit. We believe the beef we raise and the grass we grow are better because of that foundation.❤

#WeAreRanchers #RanchLife https://youtu.be/2uzK3VwzraM

Gully washer! ⛆ The wee morning hours brought us a rush of rain, wicked lightening, driving wind, and tiny hail. ▪ Welcome to South Dakota! Where the weather changes like the wind blows…consistently. ▪Once fences were fixed, the cattle re-sorted, and wind damage repaired, the guys took care of chores and enjoyed all the hope of a rain day! 🌈 #WeAreRanchers #RanchLife #SDbeef

Quiet moments on the ranch have always been where I find my peace.

Be it at my childhood home or my current one, riding horseback through a pasture or looking over a herd of cows from a quiet hillside provided the kind of peace my introspective, people-pleasing self required.

Those moments rejuvenated my soul and refreshed my mind.

For me, finding solitude in the uninterrupted beauty of ranch life means regaining perspective. It’s hard to be pompous when you ponder the magnitude of God’s creation and your teeny-tiny place in it!

Then, without warning, independent access to the meaningful outdoors was snatched by a broken ankle😕

Four weeks into a long healing process, my brain feels like mush, and I’m sick of the house!

Of course, all is far from lost. I’ll regain my independence and once again find my peace. I’ve been able to slow down and really see our children, really watch my family live their full lives.

There’s peace in all of that. Perhaps, however, the greatest gift is realizing beauty and blessing lie where you are willing to see them … mush-brain and all😎

The crew headed out to gather cattle in the river hills.

#WeAreRanchers

It’s very dry here at the Blum Ranch–a condition not unique to our central South Dakota location😕

Though green, the grasses seem to have stalled. Hot, dry winds suck any moisture we hoped to have right from the ground.

Yet, this morning a little sprinkle went through! It didn’t register in the gauge, but even the smallest amount of moisture refreshes the earth and fans our flames of hope🌈

Our spring planting is underway. Branding time is around the corner.

With each day, we prepare for the possibility of another drought year by living in our faith and hope!

#WeAreRanchers #SDbeef