Lifelong learning 

By Morgan Boecker 

I was always a good student. Through maintaining a high grade-point average, school was the only activity that nurtured my competitive side. But, when I pursued a master’s degree in communications, I quickly discovered graduate school called for a different kind of learning, and I didn’t much care for it.  

I am a doer by nature. Crossing items off my to-do list motivates me. But graduate school? There was just too much planning how to do the work rather than getting it done.  

I burned out on classroom learning. Do you ever feel the same way in the cattle business? 

The pace of change, from the cow/calf to feeding sectors, forces us to learn new techniques or adopt technologies which promise to make the job easier and more profitable.  

It’s easy to get stuck in the rut of what works and what we have time to get done. So, how do you find the drive and inspiration for evolving improvement? 

A southwestern rancher told me, “I learned to be a student as a grownup.” 

In his 50s with zero years of ranching experience, he purchased land and a “Ranching 101” textbook. Though not enrolled in courses, he asked the right people lots of questions and over 20 years, has shipped loads of cattle that improved from 20 percent to 80 percent Prime. He changed one thing at a time, applying the lessons learned. The results keep coming.    

Perhaps the hardest lesson I’ve learned is this: learning is a daily chore. The university may have taught me how to acquire knowledge and study, but the true tests aren’t taken in a classroom. 

New knowledge requires good teachers. Now, my best learning comes from experts who can answer questions and provide mentorship. It’s the sharing of knowledge that helps me navigate this ever-changing business. 

Who is helping you grow your business? Have you considered retained ownership after developing carcass traits in your herd, but the risk of the unknown holds you back? Odds are there’s someone ready to share the knowledge you need to make the cattle and management even better, if you only ask.  

Maybe, the teacher someone needs is you. Good thing you were paying attention all those years to the obscure hand gestures, disgruntled directions and after-dinner table talk between family, friends and colleagues. 

No matter how much I don’t want to repeat the time spent in graduate school, I wouldn’t be writing this column if I hadn’t.  

After all, learning is a lifetime process. It’s easier when motivated, but sometimes it takes discipline and a little conversation.  

Morgan Boeker is the producer communications manager for Certified Angus Beef. Next time in Black Ink, Nicole Erceg will discuss changes.