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Isn't every one special?As we were planning for the 4th Annual Houston E. Mull Memorial FFA Scholarship Cattle Drive, I was asked why this young man is any different or any more special than any of the other kids that lose their lives each year in farm or vehicle accidents. I don't know whether it is so much that Houston was more or less special than any of the others, but aren't they all special? Don't they all leave behind parents, grandparents, siblings, cousins and friends that grieve their passing? Of course, and in that respect they are all special. It is an unfortunate reality that it often takes a tragedy for people to stop and recognize the good work of one of our young people. Such is the case for many families that suffer such a loss. It's not that they don't want to let go, which must be so incredibly difficult, but they want to keep the memory of their loved one alive. Robin, Brenda and Bradley Mull have developed a special scholarship fund that provides funds to future agriculturalists, as Houston was, to further their dreams within the industry. In 2007, the Houston E. Mull Memorial FFA Scholarship fund presented 18, $500 to $1000 scholarships to members of Houston's graduating class. While Houston himself will not be attending college, the passion for food production that he shared with these other young people will allow them to pursue their dreams and honor his memory. To date, the fund has provided over $15,000 worth of scholarships to people that may be responsible for the feeding of our nation in just a few short years. The Mull family has chosen an old-fashioned cattle drive to the stockyards, reminiscent of the early days in Missouri cattle transport, as the main event for supporting the scholarship fund and celebrating the life of their son Houston. On this, the fourth year, the event has expanded to fulfill the dreams of those interested in really re-living the life of a drover on the trail. Beginning on Oct. 31, 2007, participants will enjoy a trail drive training session by master horseman Rick Wheat, inventor of the patented Noavel Headstall. On Nov. 1, we will have a chuck wagon breakfast and hit the trail, pushing 50 head of longhorn steers. We will spend the night on a bedroll in camp and push our steers to the Mull farm by mid-afternoon on the 2nd of November. The fun begins for the rest of the community, that gathers for this event on Friday night, when everyone is encouraged to bring their best dish to share. After a full stomach and some great music, we will retire to prepare for the next day's drive. On Saturday, November 3, everyone is invited to trail 100 head of longhorns through Houston's hometown of Malta Bend. If you don't have a mount, jump in one of the covered wagons and enjoy the trail. We will end the day with a steak fry, cowboy poetry, music and a benefit auction, back at the Mull Farm. A great deal of planning and preparation go into making this event such a huge success and one that continues to grow and gain the admiration of many. But can you imagine a better way to honor the memory of someone you love? So every effort that goes into making the cattle drive a the wonderful event is done with love and respect, not out of any sense of obligation. Regardless of how we handle the children in our lives, we have to remember that they are our most precious gift and the most valuable commodity we raise on our farms and ranches. When one is taken from us, honoring their memory is a special way to keep them in our lives. The Cattle Drive is our way of honoring Houston and saying 'thank you' to the community for support through such a tragedy. Other families have chosen different ways to memorialize their losses, but without a doubt, every single one of them is special and should be handled as such! For more details, log onto the website www.FacesOfAg.com Editor's note: Trent Loos is a sixth generation United States farmer, host of the daily radio show, Loos Tales, and founder of Faces of Agriculture, a non-profit organization putting the human element back into the production of food. Get more information at www.FacesOfAg.com, or e-mail Trent at trent@loostales.com. 10/8/07 Date: 10/4/07
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