My cowboy and I have been married for 26 years. As I think of the Valentine’s Days we’ve experienced over the years, it’s clear that just like other things in life, there are phases. And there are probably more phases to come.

When some folks think about the cowboy life or ranch life, they think of being horseback 24/7. In fact, there are a fair number of cowboys I’ve met in the last few years who only want to be horseback. One tool we’ve grown to love and appreciate perhaps more than any in all our learning is a solid spreadsheet.

If you were brought up in the ag industry, there have likely been several “yes, you can” moments from trusted mentors along the way. If you are bringing someone along to follow in your footsteps and take their place in the agricultural community, there is a high probability you’ve had a “yes, you can” opportunity.

Progressive Cattle Editor Carrie Veselka visits with Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Ag Economist David Anderson and Rick Machen with the King Ranch Institute for Ranch Management at the 2023 Texas A&M Beef Cattle Short Course.

I was not happy as I followed my 10-year-old daughter from the show ring back to the barns. Between me and her and the halter in her hand, lumbered the stout, gentle tank of a 4-H steer that I figured was likely the best show steer we’d probably ever raise on our place.

The twitch of butterflies in my stomach reminded me I was nervous. I shifted in my saddle to ease the tension in my knees and in my gut. Reba, whose mother was named Dolly, sensed my anxiety and danced as I waited for the announcer to read my name.