There is a lot that can be learned from older generations.
Sometimes I think the younger generation creates a bit of a barrier between ourselves and our predecessors. Don’t get me wrong, I think this works both ways, but I also think it’s easier for us to take the high road. We are in a point in time where ranching really must look a little different than it used to in order to be profitable. But this doesn’t mean that what previous generations did was wrong. We all do what we have to do to either survive or thrive in the present time. You might not make those same decisions now, but time warp yourself back in time, and you might be surprised to learn that you would actually make those same decisions given the circumstances at that time. And rest assured, forty years from now your children and grandchildren will be having their own doubts about the choices you made.
Not every person of the older generation has valuable information to pass down, but many do. And we should listen. The best kind of people to listen to are the ones who tell you their mistakes right along with their successes. These are the humble and honest folks who really want to teach you something. These people are the ones we need to have conversations with. Use the opportunity to learn something new.
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