~ guest post by Jecca Ostrander

The other day I started thinking about how ag folks tend to be territorial.  We have an opinion on most anything and usually tend to not listen to other producers.  Seems to me that there are multiple options in a business such as agriculture.  Farmers have preferences in methods of planting and tilling or not tilling (no-till), whether to utilize biotechnology or not, organic, natural and the list continues to grow.  Ranchers are just as opinionated. LOL.  Ask my rancher hubby how to do most anything and he will have an opinion and be able to stand his ground.  Our rancher son doesn’t agree with all the ways ‘dad’ does things either, which makes for fun family dinners.

I think it’s interesting that in an area of a couple hundred miles, in the heart of the Sandhills of Nebraska that are so many different ways of raising beef and making it profitable.  Discussions can be made as to whether beef should be grain or grass fed, confined or not, natural, antibiotic free; again the list continues to grow.  In my opinion, the big picture is usually lost in these arguments. Those people that eat our food are most concerned about the safety and health of the product they are consuming.  The American farmer and rancher raise some of the healthiest products on the planet and do so with great care.

Jecca Ostrander is a ranching wife who loves to see God’s Hand work in all things.

The bigger picture I like to look at is how well the American rancher and farmer can feed not only our nation – but so much of the world. We do so amidst heavy and unnecessary regulations. I have explained many times that if the farmer or rancher does not take care of the ground they make their living on, then they risk losing a family heritage.   My husband and I fully understand that overgrazing will diminish our bottom line.  We use many conservation practices to maintain the health of the grass we harvest in the form of cattle.

Another aspect to consider is that America is a very affluent society.  We are able to choose and have preferences in the types of food we eat.  Because of that diversity we are able to have choices such as organic, grass or grain fed, antibiotic free and others.  People in Africa aren’t arguing about what’s on their label; they’re just happy to have food. Sometimes we need to keep this bigger picture in mind.

Back to the territorial aspect –  the ag industry as a whole represents only 1.8% of our nations’ population and then approximately only .5% of those folks are involved in all animal agriculture,. I am frustrated when we start bickering over methods and procedures within the beef industry.  To me it’s like the difference between ‘Fugi’ and ‘Braeburn’ apples; both excellent choices for a snack, but have each apple has been bred to have differences that allow people to make their choice. The same is true in beef; I don’t feel we can argue over whether grass fed or grain fed is best or better or only choice.  And the people who can produce for a specific market segment shouldn’t get snarky over whether it’s the best or not.

We ALL are the face of American Agriculture; large, small, family or corporation; we need to be one voice of encouragement to our consumers. We have a very hungry planet to feed, not only here at home but a across the WORLD.  All aspects of agriculture can meet this goal with our diverse practices.  I remember the little Sunday School song – This Little Light of Mine, I think we need to SHINE, and SHINE together.  What can you do to make that happen?

 Jecca and her husband Cash ranch in Western Nebraska in the Sandhills and have three grown sons who enjoy the many benefits of ranch living.  They raise Angus cross cattle and Jecca has raised cow working Quarter Horses most of her life (https://www.boxoquarterhorses.com).  Their son is joining them in the operation and is the fifth generation to be living in the Sandhills.  You can find Jecca on Twitter and Facebook.