Finally we have the sound, smell and actual feel of rain.  It even thundered off and on this fine day.  It hasn’t came heavy yet, but it is coming down. We have needed a rain since July, as have others.  Sure we caught some moisture with the ice storm but c’mon.  This is way better than moisture combined with downed trees and no power.  More importantly, the TX, OK and KS counties that were fire-swept really, really needed a rain to help heal up.  Prayers have been answered.  Mother Nature won’t leave the Earth scarred for long.

I cleaned feeder troughs with a smile ( maybe it was more of a smirk).  Of course, in a few days, I could get sick of this as well.  I was cold and wet.  Some of the goats were as well.  But that isn’t my fault as some does allow themselves to be pushed out of the barns and sheds by other goats.

It is a known fact that I dislike does and their behavior.  But, in reality, the show ring is kind of like a doe herd.  You can get run out by cheaters, politics, money and the other crap that goes on by the minority.  Or you can do your job, stay the course and not let that crap deter you from your goals.

Our goal at Kelln Livestock is to raise champion kids and to help others do the same.  I will gladly brag that Tammy and I have done this very well.  As have others.  When there is a skid-mark in the game, we use these problems to discuss the problem and relate it to the real world.  Everyone of us has made mistakes in the real world, myself included.  And when you do, step up, own it, learn from it.  Some will read this and say “Well, his kids haven’t won.”  Alright.  That is fine.  My kids have won more than most and not as much as a few.  But, my kids are winning at a bigger game.  Excuse?  Sure!  Use that however you need to.

We probably need a fresh rain in the show ring.  A rain that drowns the stench of foul play.  A rain that helps us remember what this program is supposed to be about.  Just a good old fashioned cleansing.  Judges need to remember that integrity is a key word.  Breeders and jocks need reminded that yes, you should want to win but not at the expense of others.  Feed companies need to be happy that people chose to buy their feed, not pushing agendas.  Show managers need to be mindful.

Most importantly, parents need to step back and remember to be parents, first and foremost.  No, I don’t want participation trophies.  I want kids to learn that others work just as hard.  I want kids to understand that not all judges, referees & umpires are crooked.  I want kids to respect hard work and other factors that contribute to success.  I want kids to learn that life isn’t always fair.  I want kids to learn to show out of the sift line/pen.  I want kids that stand reserve grand to look at the grand and go “Dang, that is a good one!  I don’t mind getting beat by that one.”  Then go back to the pen and be disappointed (but not mad) that they didn’t reach their goal of winning it all.  I want kids to want to do better next year, next show, next event…for the rest of their lives.  Heck, (yeah, that is a word that I normally use) I want to strive to do better..constantly.  I want parents to do the same.

And as I have written before, if any of this offends you, I will gladly discuss it with you and explain where you are wrong. Or just sue me.  I would gladly relish the opportunity.  I write this with no one person in mind, BUT if at any point that you have to wonder if I mean you, it probably does.

Have a good one and a better tomorrow.  Or if you disagree with me on this topic, in the words of Rusty Thomas,   GET BENT!

I’m in a happy place.  Moisture in the ground and a pot pie for supper.  Yes, it has cooled down to where I can eat it.