Here’s to a beautiful Father’s Day weekend! Here’s to fantastic weather for all of our outdoor activities. And here’s to kids that go and do rather than sit and stare.

Ranching, and beef production, are truly a family affair and I couldn’t be more proud of the contribution that these two girls are already making. For example, we had to move a herd to a different pasture last weekend and as you can see in the video above, they had it covered! But on this Father’s Day, I’m thinking more about the contributions I make. How do I contribute to their character, their courage, their independence and their future success?

Agriculture is to thank for almost all of their lessons - and mine too. Second only to our faith, agriculture teaches us real accountability, responsibility, compassion, patience and fortitude. This new grass fed beef business is based upon agriculture and the horses we ride and show are tools for agriculture. Most challenges are presented as difficult work or impossible circumstances. However, tangible products are the result and we can rejoice in the fruits of our labor. So, on this Father’s Day, I’m thankful for a life filled with authenticity. I’m thankful for time on the land, with the animals and with my daughters - away from technology. We all know how important technology is to conducting business in today’s world. But, it’s just as important to get away from it as often as possible and interact with a world that will kick you if you get in the wrong spot - a world that will not grow grass no matter what you do if you don’t get rain - a world where the prize will hide in the brush and it requires more than a Google search to go find it.

Let’s rejoice in the world around us more and stress about how the world is presented to us through technology less. I’ll be outside surrounded by ruffles and glitter while we sweat. I’ll be listening for the lessons hidden in our world and working to pass them on to the next generation.

Take the kids to the lake, take them skateboarding, skiing, climbing, hiking. Take them to a rodeo, start riding, go fishing, buy a dirt bike or just go to the park. Or… take them to a farm, or ranch. Compete. Learn to win. Learn to lose. Fail. Succeed. Listen. And teach.

God bless all you Father’s out there. Have a great weekend! And a blessed parenthood.