Part of me is glad to hear all of the remarks regarding the karma post. But, I also don’t want to lose sight of the fact that although there are some turds that cause problems in this industry, the HUGE majority of people in the stock show game are legit. Some of the absolute best people that I have ever dealt with are stock show people. I’ve written about great Americans such as Jim Rhodes, Scott Comstock, Darrel Gosney, Brandon the Bruce and others. Legends such as Stan Bixler are still helping kids in the ag industry. There are so many more positives than negatives, but we all tune into the negative stories.
I find it interesting that some of the most influential people in the Oklahoma wether shows are borderline A-holes. Allan Poe, Tommy Milligan, Mikey Thompson and Bryan Kennedy just to name a few. You could include me, but I’m not really borderline. What I also know about myself and these dudes, is that they will all answer questions and help kids, help breeders, help others in general. And most of the time, there isn’t money involved. Individually, we are a gruff, temperamental group, that has each managed to find success in this game. Granted, Tammy will tell you that all of these guys have great wives. None of us will argue. I have personally witnessed what all of these guys have done behind the scenes to help the industry and most of all to help kids. Most don’t realize this and every one of these people mentioned in this paragraph will certainly not worry about whether somebody thinks they are an ass or not. They will just continue to take care of business. But the goat business is screwed without people like this. I can’t help but think how much Duke Kelln or Newt Sweet might win if their parents quit helping everybody else’s kids.
Which brings me to a cool text that I received this week. And I quote, “Mr. Kelln (correct spelling), most of the time I think you are an ass but this time you’ve earned a bunch of respect from me. I appreciate you having the balls to say what needs to be said publicly. Thanks.”
Dude, I loved this. It took some balls to hit send and sign his name. I love it. Granted the dude, doesn’t really know me, has never been to my house to look at goats or talk goats or whatever, hasn’t bought from me in a sale, or bought buck semen, but somehow I am an ass. Okay, that’s fine, not sure but I still love the text and the fact that he sent it and I got it. I have no problem with somebody thinking that as I probably earned the title. But, I have done this a long time. I have seen more than my share of crap. I’ve probably screwed up before and probably will again. Guarantee that I have learned from past mistakes. I have not nor will not put my kids’ name in jeopardy. But, the odds are extremely high that I am right. Like it or not. I don’t care.
I want to close on a positive note. Every one of us knows of somebody that is helping others. That is why we are showing. The NEGATIVE always gets brought to the forefront and in reality, it is just a few turds that stink up the place. It just so happens that these turds are big. Just like our mainstream media, we need to quit focusing on the bad and remember the positive notes. These positives are a way better kind of deal.
I was recently asked the question, “How bad is it in the stock show game?” My reply–I always try to wear clean underwear. But, occasionally there is a skid mark. And then I make sure and change to some clean drawers. It’s time for some clean underwear.
On a positive note, the wind was absolutely horrendous on this day. BRUTAL! The wind was whipping the high lines. I don’t know if the electric cooperative killed the power or if it was luck, but when it was the windiest, there was no power from Mooreland to Shattuck. Therefore, no fires. Sometimes, things just work out for the best. Like clean underwear.
And my last piece of advice for this evening. If you like wearing dirty drawers, remember that the yellow stain goes in the front. Have a good one and a better tomorrow. I’m going to.
