Upon the success of Seth’s first steer sale, Jay asked Sam if he was interested in raising a steer for the next fair. Sam shrugged and was very non-committal for months. When the time approached this fall to choose a calf from Grandpa’s or his dad’s herd, Sam still didn’t seem very enthused about the idea. Neither of us pushed him towards doing it, we just thought if he wanted to, he was old enough.
Going over to decide which little cow had the most potential must have been more fun than he imagined because he came home enthused and has been diligent about working with his steer ever since. Likewise, Seth, who has a year’s worth of experience to help him, is so much more confident around his animal than last year. Both boys regularly go over with their dad to feed, lead and curry comb their steers.
Jay is, by far, the most excited about all of this. Following last year’s fair of feeling like a country bumpkin to all the latest steer showing methods, he’s done a whole lot of research and raising steers with his boys is currently his favorite hobby. Whenever he puts on his Carhartt clothes and gets to spend an hour or so watching his boys be cowboys, he comes home with as much enthusiasm as if he’d just won the lottery. Two weeks ago, he went to Utah to take an Artificial Insemination class so that NEXT year, he can hopefully produce some even higher quality show steers. I’m telling you, a fair beast has been unleashed.
Occasionally, I get cynical about all of the effort. It is a lot of brouhaha for an animal, after all. The steers need to be fed twice a day, twelve hours apart. This means Jay wakes up at 5 am most days so that he can feed them again at 5 pm. They need to be gentle so the more you stroke and lead and maneuver them, the more successful you’ll be at the fair. When Jay came back from Utah and told me in detail about all he had learned, he noticed the worry on my face.
“This is golf, Jay. It has hooves and a hide, but it’s just a hobby, right?”
While he assured me that he wasn’t going to quit his job and become a full time cowboy or traveling inseminator, he did remind me that it’s more than a hobby. There are lots of things that a man can choose as a hobby and plenty of things a man can do with his sons. But, there are few things that bridge generations, instill responsibility, forge brotherly bonds, earn money for missions, and develop confidence all at the same time. Jay defended the time and effort by explaining how this ties him to his boys. It ties brothers to each other. It ties them and him to their grandfather. It’s work. It’s dirty. It can be hard. There are no days off (although they still get days off. Jay continues to shoulder the bulk of the responsibility). They are learning about genetics and the economy. Math skills are put to test as they measure and weigh out grain and estimate rates of weight gain. Come fair time, things like paying attention to detail, showing grace under pressure and showmanship are all developed. Lastly, the cycle of life and recognition of the important role of animals are understood.
They could be playing golf. Don’t get me wrong, I think golf is a noble hobby with lots of life lessons it the game, albeit an expensive and time consuming way to learn them. I’d be lying if I didn’t admit that a part of me wishes it WAS golf that Jay was into because family trips can be taken without wondering who will watch the golf balls and games can be postponed or rescheduled if the weather is bad.
In spite of its unrelenting and demanding, nature, I’m happy that Seth and Sam and Jay get to raise steers together. I’ve no doubt that Henry will join them in a few years and Daniel after that. I’m so glad they have a passionate dad who shares his passions with them. Maybe I’ll join in the fun. Just don’t expect to see me wearing Wranglers or Carhartts any time soon.
6 comments:
Oh Lucy, I second, third, and fourth Jay's mention (you also learn parliamentary procedure in 4-H). You already know I'm a veteran 4-h'er, but he's so right on every argument he makes for it (as you've already conceded, my enthusiasm is just running away with me is all).
You'd be a lot of help on those tails come show time. I've yet to see a man that can fix a tail like a woman. We just have that knack.
P.S. YOu're so smart to do it when the calves are small. We never started until they were brutes and it takes until you're 14 or 15 to feel brave at that point.
The A.I. class made me smile. Oh ho. Jay's been bit.
I know how you feel. The time, the committment, the cows ugh, it makes my stomach turn. But at the same time I'm jealous that your boys get to be a part of all that. If we lived there, I'd have Matt do it too.
What a great learning experience for your children!
What a handsome photo of Seth!
I think this a great way for your boys husband to bond! Not to mention the invaluable lessons your boys are learning about hard work and responsibility. Good for you for supporting them.
:)
So different from the life we lead but I sure love reading about it! :) And I love all the life lessons that their chosen hobby teaches. AND they make money doing it, right? Not many hobbies provide those kind of benefits.
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