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I visited with a rancher in Mississippi last month. He said the best career advice he’d been given was, “All that glitters is not gold.” He went on to say that many young farmers today in Mississippi think raising poultry will end their financial woes – in essence, it would be their gold field.

“I could have ….”
“I would have ….”
“I should have ….”
“If only I had known ….”

I spent several years working in and running feedlots, so I have a keen appreciation, even fondness, for that particular side of the cattle business.

He stayed up past midnight to fertilize the pastures because according to the AccuWeather app, rain was supposed to start by 8 a.m. Perfect timing to dissolve the pellets. My iPhone weather app didn’t show any rain expected until the next evening. But he claims the AccuWeather app is always more accurate. 

Let’s talk about the D-word for a second. No, I’m not talking about the four-letter variety. I’m talking about a type of invisible corrosion that closely follows the purchase of equipment and large tools.

Many years ago, I noticed a sign in a mechanic’s office which was visible to customers. ‘Shop rate, $25 per hour. If you watch, $35 per hour. If you help, $50 per hour. Box jobs, full shop rate plus $10. No whining.’