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Just a scoop full(Aug. 13)--What an interesting year so far in the cattle business. Perhaps there are other words that are more fitting than the word "interesting." I was talking to a farmer and cattleman the other day who said the problem with our business is we have no control over our input costs and we also have no control over what we will receive in price for our product. That has been the case for as long as I have been around. I realize a lot of farmers and ranchers have gone through a lot of tough years that made them wonder whether they would survive or not. I also realize that unless you were born with a silver spoon in your mouth, we will more than likely see a plenty of years ahead that will make us question our survival. As far as the future, there are a lot of people in this world and most all of them like to eat. We have an excellent product--beef. Our main struggle will probably be making sure we get a fair price or our share of the profit. I do not mind taking less for cattle if we have way too much beef on hand. But I also want to share in the extra profit when the good times are in our court. A lot of times we are our own worst enemy. Whether you are feeding at a commercial feedlot, or at a sale barn, or simply working directly in the cattle business, make sure you do business with people who want you to do well financially. If you find honest people, then half of the battle is already whipped. There are basically two types of people in business: those who will work very hard for you and those who are only concerned with themselves. I had an individual say to me several years ago, "Let's face it--everyone is really only concerned with himself." I said nothing but I thought to myself, "That is the greediest thing I have ever heard anyone say." Editor's Note: Jerry Nine, Woodward, Okla., is a lifetime cattleman who grew up on his family's ranch near Laverne, Okla. 8/25/08 Date: 8/20/08
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