The life of a rancher, and that of a ranching family, is a life that is quite unique, and for me it is a life that harkens back to the time of those who settled the frontiers. It is also a way of life that seems to be disappearing as ‘established’ beef prices prevent cattle ranchers from making a suitable profit - and in more and more instances, any profit at all. In many ways this life reminds me of the various indigenous cultures I have lived with, and documented. They live by rules established by the community, and they live close to the land and what the land produces. The rancher isn’t a rancher because that is what he, or she does. They are ranchers because that is who they are. It is a way of being. Granted there are exceptions to this, especially within the corporate ranches; but within the family ranches, it is as I described.
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