Over the past year, I have repeatedly been asked how I became interested in dairy cattle considering I grew up in a state more well-known for beef and wheat. Many times, that conversation prompt leaves me talking about the lessons I learned growing up on a dairy farm in central Kansas. The story I tell revolves not just around hard work and early mornings. It was also greatly influenced by my dad's decision to give me a cow when I was in third grade.
I had been showing for a few years prior to his gift, but the level of responsibility that comes with actually owning an animal was much different for me. My first calf died shortly after calving as a 2-year-old, and my dad gave me a choice that furthered my interest in the industry. He offered to give me another cow, but he also took me to the Kansas state sale and helped me pick out the first cow which I bought with my own money.
My dad purchased my first calf, Hope, when I was in third grade sparking my interest in the industry.
Looking back, I can't believe my dad let me spend almost every dime I had saved from shows and birthdays on a big, black springing heifer. However, it was his willingness to let me take that chance that solidified my career in the dairy industry. Why? Because in letting me choose to invest in a cow, I had a personal stake in the business. I was responsible not only for caring for the animal and showing her, I was also interested in her reproduction schedule, foot trimmings and milk production.
I realize not every young person who is given a calf responds in the same way, but what I have noticed in the few years that I have spent around others in youth development projects is that young people given the chance to personally invest in their projects, whether it is a gift, a calf they lease or one they purchased on their own, are the individuals that I see growing into leaders on their operations and in the industry.
If I have learned anything from my experience, it is that we should never underestimate the power a calf can have in shaping the future of the industry.
The author was the 26th Hoard's Dairyman editorial intern. She is a senior at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. At KSU, Maggie is double majoring in agricultural communications and journalism and animal sciences and industry. Seiler grew up on a 130-cow registered Holstein dairy in Valley Center, Kan., near Wichita.
I had been showing for a few years prior to his gift, but the level of responsibility that comes with actually owning an animal was much different for me. My first calf died shortly after calving as a 2-year-old, and my dad gave me a choice that furthered my interest in the industry. He offered to give me another cow, but he also took me to the Kansas state sale and helped me pick out the first cow which I bought with my own money.
Looking back, I can't believe my dad let me spend almost every dime I had saved from shows and birthdays on a big, black springing heifer. However, it was his willingness to let me take that chance that solidified my career in the dairy industry. Why? Because in letting me choose to invest in a cow, I had a personal stake in the business. I was responsible not only for caring for the animal and showing her, I was also interested in her reproduction schedule, foot trimmings and milk production.
I realize not every young person who is given a calf responds in the same way, but what I have noticed in the few years that I have spent around others in youth development projects is that young people given the chance to personally invest in their projects, whether it is a gift, a calf they lease or one they purchased on their own, are the individuals that I see growing into leaders on their operations and in the industry.
If I have learned anything from my experience, it is that we should never underestimate the power a calf can have in shaping the future of the industry.
The author was the 26th Hoard's Dairyman editorial intern. She is a senior at Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kan. At KSU, Maggie is double majoring in agricultural communications and journalism and animal sciences and industry. Seiler grew up on a 130-cow registered Holstein dairy in Valley Center, Kan., near Wichita.
