Family, Change, and Bad Words that Start with "B" (Cuss words need not apply)

Some years you soar into good times that seem almost euphoric. Good luck, health, and good memories are easy to find. The flip side of the coin reminds us that bad times don't last, but the lessons learned certainly will. In 2022 we experienced a bit of both, but certainly, the flip side seemed plenty. But we've all been there, right? And the good news is that it definitely didn't last. We are already far into February and feel more hopeful for a successful year.

The other ever-changing world of cattle ranching also served some hard lessons. Having a false-positive Brucellosis test last fall made us evaluate our business on a whole new level, which in hindsight is what we needed, but at the time was very unnerving. Brucellosis is now another real concern on top of the ever-growing list that includes wolves, Grizzly bears, and environmental groups. We are thankful that through our Brucellosis quarantine that the suspect cow was just a reactor to the vaccine and all the cows bled negative. It took a lot of time, money, and prayers to get those results.

We would be amiss to not thank everyone who offered to help in many ways. That is what truly makes the agricultural industry and our area so special. There were so many offers of help, prayers, and assistance, that it gave us the relief we needed. Looking back on the past year has made me reflect a bit deeper and also recognize the things that are really important in our lives and I am confident that faith, family, and a handful of good friends are one of the most important things that we can rely on.

These acts of kindness have started a wave of change that I am sure will make the Brucellosis Protocol more efficient for the next producer to go through this. It isn't a matter of who but when. With elk populations being the major carrier for the disease and common grazing areas between elk and cattle, it is bound to happen. Several bills in the Wyoming Legislature have been introduced and passed second reading into the House and the Senate. This is great news to get much-needed change. Check out the following bills for more information: Senate File 29, "Brucellosis Management Updates" and House Bill 180, "Brucellosis Testing-Notification Requirements." I urge you to read these bills as they have recently passed the second reading on February 16.

North to the Sawtooths - Haley Clark Photo

If there is one thing that I have learned through my five years of being back on the ranch, it has been to do the hard things that most ranchers don't like to do. Talk about the work they do and how we do it. If there is a problem with any system you a part of, find the means to make a positive change - our goal is to do that to Wyoming's Brucellosis Protocol. My goal isn't to be in the spotlight, but to glorify God for the opportunities He has given me to live this crazy, ever-changing lifestyle we love.