Step back. Take a deep breath. Hold it. Exhale. Again. And one more. Good.
OK, now we can talk. Yes, it does seem like everything is going wrong. Drought, fires, floods … skyrocketing prices, diminishing profits … supply chain problems, credit limitations … the list goes on and on, and we continue to hold on. But it is taking a mental and physical toll.
At Land’s Feed, we give out bumper stickers to our customers that read “If You Eat, Then You’re Involved in Agriculture.” We do this to remind readers of the stickers that their very existence depends on farmers and ranchers continuing to exist and produce.
Our wholesale warehouse has endured three large price increases from our suppliers over the past two years, and we have chosen not to pass on the entire increase to our customers, as they are struggling to maintain their businesses – and without customers, we are out of business. Yes, it has seriously cut into our margins – but in Texas, some serious culling of herds has already occurred.
Luckily, the state did get a solid dosing of rain about a month ago, which broke the extreme drought, but the heat is back now, and we have not had any significant rain since then. The despair and depression is palpable. Talk around the local coffee shop is, “It might really be time to throw in the towel this time.”
It's not. Hold the towel! We are getting a handle on the pandemic; prices are starting to moderate and supply lines are clearing. Yes, the Federal Reserve will most likely push us into a recession (if we aren’t there already), but barring some other disaster, it should be somewhat shallow and short in duration, with prices moderating.
On the bright side, the financial supporters of “fake meat” are abandoning the fledgling industry – the product will remain, but it will be relegated to the fringes, as it should be. Humans like meat, real meat, not some Frankenstein science concoction. And China and the other developing countries are clamoring for adding meat (real meat) to their diets as they become more prosperous. The demand for meat is projected to expand over the next two decades.
Yes, times are tough – but tie a knot in your towel and hang on! And most importantly, don’t suffer alone and in silence. Not talking about it with your spouse and family because you don’t want to upset them is not helping them or you. If not a family member, then share with a close friend or spiritual adviser. There is no shame – everyone is and has been affected by this latest downturn. Pretending otherwise is silly. You are stronger than you think, and these tough times will pass. The important point is to be here when they do.
As always, my advice is to grow your herd and keep them (and yourself) healthy, for land’s sake!
