to let you humbly ask questions. Even if you already know what he’s talking about, listen to what he’s got to say and learn from it,” Burton said.
Seek out mentors The young ranch managers stressed the importance
of mentors. According to Roberts, “The best educa- tion for me was working under people. I learned more about ranching from the people who had already been there, and who were willing to help me move up.” By developing contacts, he was able to create an
arsenal of connections that he can use. “Depending on the subject, I know where to go: people who know more than I, who have more experience and are more knowledgeable. I know who to call for expert advice on the subjects that I am looking into.” Burton was also grateful to those owners who
believed in him and gave him his fi rst job managing his own operation. “Pete Scarmardo [of Scarmardo Cattle Company in Caldwell] really gave me that fi rst opportunity and enough rope to hang myself if I wanted to. Thankfully, he had enough trust in me, and he let me take that responsibility and go with it.”
Respect the past Welch respects the legacy of the ranch for which
he works. “Ranching is a business and a lifestyle that has a lot of legacy associated with it. The ranch I work for has been around since 1889. It has fed a lot of mouths and sent a lot of kids to college. When you are responsible for people and their families, you worry about their well-being. You worry about the health of the ranch and the livelihood of the people who work for you, and those who depend on you with their investment.” The panelists discussed how they are not afraid to
adapt new technologies and practices. “We want to preserve our heritage, but also be as effi cient as we can,” said Riojas. Roberts agreed, “There are always new ideas you can go to, but the old way still has to be there.” Burton reinforced the need to carefully consider
listening to the experience of the previous generation. “There is a balance between technology, the experi- ence of those around you, and respect for the things you do that have withstood the test of time.” He also encouraged people to consider new practices and technologies only if they work for your operation.
62 The Cattleman June 2015
Young people bring energy, a
renewed outlook to everyday life, and new learning techniques. I wish I had been a little more patient and listened a little bit
more in my twenties, but I guess that is a part of growing and learning.
“There are a bunch of different apps and technologies out there to help you with both the production and strategic side of your business. Whether it is mapping or calculations, each of them has value, but you have to fi gure out how they can work for you.”
Be confi dent in your youth Refl ecting after the session, each of the panelists
stated that they do not believe they are held to higher standards as a ranch manager simply because they are young. “I think that any operation that hires someone has high expectations. That is why they were hired,” said Riojas. Roberts agreed, “I think I put more pres- sure on myself than anyone else does.” Burton added, “It’s been my observation that owners
hold honesty, integrity, work ethic, and communica- tion skills in higher regard than levels of experience.” “When you are in the positions that we are in and
do the job that we have to do, you are always going to have something to worry about; whether it’s drought, labor issues, or cattle rotations,” stated Riojas. “Young people bring energy, a renewed outlook to
everyday life, and new learning techniques. I wish I had been a little more patient and listened a little bit more in my twenties, but I guess that is a part of growing and learning.” The Young Leadership Series provides interactive
learning experiences for emerging leaders to ensure that TSCRA remains at the forefront of the beef in- dustry. Started in 2008, this group of young beef professionals is dedicated to leadership development and industry issues, in order to become prepared to be effective leaders and advocates for TSCRA in Texas and Oklahoma, and for the beef industry. For more information, visit
www.tscra.org.
thecattlemanmagazine.com
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