It’s been fun watching the dairy industry grow around here. While Texas isn’t the No. 1 dairy state (yet), people sure are keeping an eye on us.

Most of the exposure is good; businesses are happy to see the dairymen come in and dairymen in eastern New Mexico and the Texas Panhandle are happy to be in a place where they’re welcome by most of their neighbors. They fit in well with the other hardworking people in the area, and they bring a business-savvy attitude that’s hungry for knowledge and open to adopting technology.

But most of the dairymen I’ve met still like to make time for a good ol’ fashioned conversation. The younger generation looks promising, too, though they’re almost too technology friendly, as they often prefer to converse via MySpace. LOL, if you know what I mean.

But just because these dairies are out in the country now, it doesn’t mean they can hide from doomsday prophets. Most of these jolly folks like to talk about issues such as immigration and water availability. Even the animal rights’ people wander out here from time to time. Why, the other day, someone from out of state asked me if I was concerned about all the ticks in West Texas.

First of all, it’s winter; yes, even Lubbock has seen some snow. Second, I have a blue tick hound (if she can’t attract a tick, nothing will), and she hasn’t seen one of those critters since the last time I took her to Oklahoma.

One of my mentors once told me, “Don’t present a problem, if you can’t also offer a possible solution.” I understand where he’s coming from (or from where he’s coming). Anyone can find problems; apparently that’s what sells.

I tell my wife that I would support a news channel that showed only happy stories (and traffic and weather). I’m not sure if anyone else would. But sometimes I need to step back and get a second wind in the face of bellyaching and depressing stories.

Now I’m not saying that these issues are not real or that we should turn a blind eye to them; we just need to make sure they’re painted in proper perspective. Maybe this means we need to educate others. Maybe this means we need to educate ourselves.

Many of the dairymen that came here from California already have experience in dealing with the “public” and stay well informed. Many of the area’s feedlots do so, too. Perhaps others should seek their advice more often. We should all be working together (media included) to protect the image of agriculture.

Sure, we all need to take a break once in a while – to pay taxes and whatnot – but we also need to fight consistently and persistently. To use one of my dad’s favorite Babe Ruth quotes, “It’s hard to beat a man who won’t quit.” That should apply to all of us.

As my pastor told me recently, “You’ve got to pick your battles … and there are plenty out there from which to choose.” Amen to that.

But when we can, let’s also try to look on the bright side. As always, God does the rest. PD