The Joys and Discomforts of Agricultural Life

Shalani Wilcox

One of the best examples of agricultural advocacy in my life is my dad, Ron Wilcox. He and his two brothers, Terry and Lynn, own a farm operation in Eastern Idaho which grows potatoes, grains, corn, and alfalfa as well as raises beef cattle. Each of the three brothers oversee a different aspect of the farm. Ron is the head of the beef ranch which consists of two herds of Sim-Angus and Hereford composite bred cattle.

Being a farmer or rancher is certainly not an easy job. Ron stated that weather, disease, prices, and a lack of needed resources can prove to be difficult for ranchers, but one of the greatest challenges is finding good help. Owning a ranch can’t be a one-person gig; it requires many people working together to get the job done. While he does do much work alongside his employees including fixing fence, hauling cattle, weaning, vehicle maintenance, trailing cattle, etc.; Ron’s main responsibility is to describe the vision for the future to his workers to help them understand what is expected of them. Finding those individuals who are willing to work together for long hours and share the same vision can be tricky, but he certainly cares about his employees and their opinions and well-being.

As difficult as managing a ranch can get, it can also be equally rewarding. When asked what his favorite part about his job is, without hesitation Ron responded, “Just being a part of nature. There’s something about watching a seed germinate, a calf being born, or seeing the results of your selective breeding after three years when your calf crop is harvested and meets the target goal at the packing plant.” Ron can be described as a very outdoorsy man, and he enjoys camping, hiking, hunting, and mule packing trips; it was no surprise that the favorite part of his job is the outdoors.

Ron got started into agriculture the second he was born. “As soon as I was able to do anything at all, really that was the only life for me.” He worked with his family when he was younger to grow potatoes and raise cattle and continued to be involved in farming until he started into his own cattle business in the year 1993. He works hard to be an advocate for agriculture through serving as the North Upper Snake River District Representative for the Idaho FFA State Alumni, and he loves to share stories about his experiences in farming. “Learning how to tell our story” is one of the best things we can do to become an advocate he says. He loves his job and lifestyle as a rancher, and he does the best he can to ensure that a positive image is put out about agriculturalists through his actions. “We are stewards. We owe it to the land, wildlife, crops, and our livestock to try the best we can and put new knowledge to practice.”

Thank you to my dad who is a great example of a hard-working farmer! He has taught me so many life lessons and the importance of dedication, perseverance, and patience. Thank you for letting me discover the “joys and discomforts of agricultural life” through your example and teaching!