Editorial / Opinions

I recently read an article published by Drovers CattleNetwork written by Editor Mary Soukup that made me think of you – yes, you – our readers.  The article titled, “Farming and ranching – it’s a family business,” took a close look at the research put out by the USDA’s Economic Research Service on the number of U.S. family farms.

Although I never intended for my column to become a ‘Dear Abby’ feature, I do get a fair amount of letters and emails from time to time, requesting my advice on a particular subject. Such was the case this past week:

As I sit here and write this it’s National FFA week. FFA members across the nation are celebrating and promoting an organization that will impact their lives forever.

Many of you know I write western fiction novels and short stories about the western world of the 1800s. For me it’s a job come true, I’ve read westerns and historical books about those times all my life. I grew up at the Saturday matinees watching Roy, Gene and Hopalong and I guess my head danced with idea of things to write about.

The following is a true story. The names were changed to protect… er… well…men everywhere.

As I sit hear and write this it’s National FFA week. FFA members across the nation are celebrating and promoting an organization that will impact their lives forever.

It was 5 degrees above zero; blowing a stiff, northwest wind as I topped the hill towards the herd of standing cows. Six-inches of snow on the ground made the cold wind seem even worse, and the cows, attempting to shield themselves from the frigid breeze, were all lined up along a perimeter fence, bordering a wooded area along the west side of the field. As I unrolled the first bale of hay, the ladies had a tough time trying to figure out whether to leave the limited shelter of the trees or fill their bellies. Ultimately, as it always does, the desire to eat won out.

Missouri Farm Bureau recently celebrated Thank A Farmer Week. Many people across the state saluted farmers that week and joined Missouri Farm Bureau in collecting food for Ronald McDonald House Charities across the state. In light of Thank A Farmer Week, I just want to take a moment to thank all of the farmers who read our paper. Not only do you provide food, shelter and fuel to the world but without you Ozarks Farm & Neighbor wouldn’t exist. Farmers not only read our paper but purchase from our advertisers or even advertise with us themselves.

This year I have the pleasure of being president of Western Writers of America. The job calls for me to fly somewhere in January for a meeting. It had been held in Albuquerque, N.M., in past years. But we wanted to look at sites for future conventions and the meeting was to be held in Denver. Let me tell you, I am a big old boy and airline seats were made for Argentine Horse jockeys, so only when I can’t drive my pickup, I fly.

"Do you have a busy day planned, Mr. Crownover?” asked the lady at the desk, as I prepared to leave the doctor’s office.