Transitioning the family farm to the next generation is often a long, tedious process filled with excitement, disappointment, apprehension and unfortunately heartache. It is not an easy process. The older generation struggles with letting go of decision making and walking away from traditions they have known all of their lives. They struggle with the thought of no longer having that income. The younger generation is often chomping at the bit to do things their way and start taking financial control.
Talk with any farmer or rancher and most will have some story of transition.
A son punching his father because they can't agree.
A son finally getting to buy the farm when he is 60 and his own son is 30.
Fathers that continually change their mind about when they will retire.
I can share personal stories about all of the above occuring in my own family.
My husband and I have had the great opportunity to get to know some great young farmers and ranchers across the country through the Farm Bureau Young Farmers and Ranchers program. After hearing so many transition stories we have come to realize that we are in a pretty lucky position when it comes to transitioning the ranch to the next generation.
I'm not saying that there haven't been hiccups around here because there definitely have. We've all been frustrated at times.
In the past few years my FIL has started slowly getting out of specific operations on the ranch. We now run the entire cow herd (and soon all the pasture) and have almost the entire hay operation. He is still active in the cropping (wheat) side and will be for a couple more years.
This was his last year running cattle. He bought grass calves last winter, ran them on pasture and just sold them. To celebrate and honor his last set of cattle to sell we gathered at the sale barn.
Grandpa with 5 of the 11 grandchildren along with Kylee (my SIL) who is in the middle of moving from CO to KS.
On the catwalk above the cattle checking it all out.
One of the best parts of the sale barn is the food! TJ and Lil sharing a strawberry shake.
3 sale barn virgins! Miss L (3 months), Tyce (8 months) and Addy (3 years)
Tyce and Addy timed their move to KS at just the right time to be back in ND to see this day.
Yum! Cheeseburgers and fries from the Feedbunk Cafe at the sale barn.
Grandpa with his last set of calves!
Way to go Grandpa! Nice set of calves! Grandpa had 6 little cheerleaders in the stands (5 girls and only 1 boy!) These 4 cousins are only 18 months apart. Addy is stuck right in the middle of the twins and Lil for age.
Grandpa you will always be welcome to come work cows and calves with us! Our 4 girls should have memories of growing up working along side their grandpa. You have lots to teach them yet!
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