The Beginning

Most 8 year old girls want dolls and toys for their birthday. That was probably my second choice if I did not get what I really wanted that year: a cow. I loved helping grandma around the farm, but I wanted something of my own, something I could really love and call mine. So for my 8th birthday my parents and grandma got me a Belted Galloway calf who I called Lilly. I remember being so excited that I cried happy tears as I unknowingly walked into the barn and saw my birthday present. Lilly was fed with a giant bottle 2x per day making her super friendly, almost like a big dog. Later I would take her to my county fair and show her through 4-H. With Lilly I learned responsibility, proper care, how to halter break cows and showmanship. Eventually my grandma convinced me it was time to sell Lilly and although it was hard as a kid, I took part it the full circle of raising, showing and selling. Although I was sad at first, this sale allowed me then to purchase a new heifer my family named Dusty Rose because of her dun color. I learned how to profit off of our animals and to reinvest in better cattle to improve the genetics and quality of our herd. I am so thankful my family got me the best gift ever. I believe part of the reason I am so passionate about the industry today is because my family encouraged me to be involved and helped me learn with real experiences on the farm.