Sometimes, it’s easy to live in a bubble—especially in a small town where life revolves around familiar faces and daily routines. I often forget that there are thousands, maybe even millions, of people who have no idea what it means to have agriculture as their livelihood.
Although my husband and I don’t currently own a ranch, we are deeply involved in my family’s operation. We help out often and even run a couple of head of our own cattle with my parents. We love the lifestyle that agriculture provides for our family and cherish the lessons that working on a cattle ranch offers our kids. Our little girl, especially, loves going to the ranch. She’s endlessly curious, asking questions about everything she sees—right now, she’s fascinated with the baby calves and how they nurse from their mothers. Of course, there are harder conversations too, like explaining what happens when a cow loses her calf.
Both my husband and I grew up in this way of life, and we value the lessons it instilled in us—hard work, responsibility, animal husbandry, understanding the production cycle, working alongside family, and navigating the tough times that inevitably come with ranching. These values meant so much to us that after I finished my master’s degree in animal science, we chose to move back to the small town where I grew up.
Since returning, we’ve had the opportunity to be part of organizations that advocate for the livelihoods of farmers and ranchers. About a year ago, we joined Farm Bureau. At first, we didn’t fully understand what the organization did, but we quickly learned how vital its work is. Only 2% of the U.S. population is actively involved in farming and ranching. Out of 340.1 million people, only 6.8 million are responsible for producing the food that ends up on our tables. To put that into perspective, the population of New York City alone exceeds the number of people working in agriculture nationwide.
Organizations like Farm Bureau stand up for farmers, ranchers, and rural communities, advocating for policies that support agriculture and ensure its sustainability. Recently, Jared and I had the opportunity to attend “Day on the Hill” with Farm Bureau, where we spent time at the state capitol speaking with local representatives about the issues that matter most to agriculturalists in Utah.
Being part of something greater than ourselves—something that protects the future of agriculture—is an incredible experience. It’s not just about the present; it’s about ensuring that our children, and future generations, have the same opportunities we’ve had. We want our kids to grow up knowing the satisfaction of working the land, the responsibility of caring for animals, and the pride of being stewards of something bigger than themselves.
Agriculture is more than just a job—it’s a legacy. It’s a way of life that connects us to the land, to each other, and to a future we hope to pass down. By staying involved, advocating for agriculture, and supporting those who feed our country, we are doing our part to ensure that this way of life doesn’t disappear. We are part of something bigger, and that’s a responsibility we don’t take lightly.
