One of the neatest things about social media and blogging is the friends you make along the way. I met Kristen at the 2010 NCBA Conference in San Antonio, we became Facebook friends, then realized we both write blogs. At the time I was only writing Anna-Lisa Smile, Beefonabudget.com hadn't started yet, and she was writing her blog Kristen's Corner,which is also a column in the Wellington News Leader. Kristen and I have become good friends and often share each others posts with our readers. Kristen wrote this a few months ago, and last week in my cow calf class it came to mind so I wanted to share it with all of you. It's called Bulls & Boys, and is most definitly true. I hope you enjoy! Thanks Kristen!
Wednesday, February 17, 2010
Bulls & Boys
The cattle industry has taught me a lot about life. Everything from responsibility to life and death, cattle are good teachers. In a conversation with my dad, I recently discovered that dating is a lot like finding a good herd bull.
“A systematic approach to finding and identifying the “right” bull is imperative,” according to the Systematic Approach to Buying a Bull, published by the Virginia Cooperative Extension.
Step 1- Identify Herd Goals- Herd goals serve as the foundation for sire selection and provide guidance as to traits with the most relevance.
Step 2- Assess Herd Strengths and Weaknesses- Basic performance parameters are necessary to serve as the basis for assessing areas of strength and those needing attention.
Step 3- Establish Selection Priorities- Focus on a handful of priority traits rather than attempting to change many traits simultaneously.
My dad and I agreed that it’s key for the ‘bull’ to have sound structure, a good disposition and that he stays in the home pasture.
Highly heritable traits are important. How have the sire and dam performed? In addition to these traits, recessive genes are also good to take note of through a look at the rest of the herd.
And I think it’s imperative to know when to keep ‘em and when to cull ’em.
The joy of this last part is that it doesn’t have to be solely your decision. God is a good one to listen to considering He sees the big picture.
Proverbs 16:3 says, Commit to the Lord whatever you do, and your plans will succeed.
Proverbs 3:6 says, Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will make your path straight.
I know without a doubt that God has an amazing plan for my life. I pray for my future husband and look forward to the day when God brings us together.
Also, I do pray that he’s tough hided and has a good sense of humor. He’s going to need it when my dad starts asking him about his EPD’s and Gene Star DNA scores.
You can read more of Kristen's work at http://kristenodomscorner.blogspot.com/
I hope you all enjoy this beautiful day and have a great week!
By His Grace,Anna-Lisa
Animals sure can teach us a lot. I would agree with her selection criteria.
ReplyDeletewww.cdycattle.blogspot.com
I'd have to agree with this post also :)
ReplyDeleteMine is gonna have to more than likely be as "bull-headed" and stubborn as myself, no pun intended (;