In my days on the ag conference speaking circuit, I noticed a few things about the people in the audience that led me to measure the “happiness quotient” in the room. My admittedly anecdotal, non-scientific process led to a theory: Farmers and ranchers living in wetter climates were happier than those living in arid climates. And it didn’t matter if it was a drought year or a good water year, arid folks were always a bit “drier” in their happiness. I remember one moment in particular where, after listening to a half hour of depressing commentary at a luncheon in South Dakota I piped up with, “You guys are killing me here! Don’t you have a reason to smile in all this?!”
I guess that’s one of the reasons I started On Pasture. It was kind of a grazier happiness self-help publication. Yeah, it’s a business, and I know it can be hard. But maybe we’re missing opportunities that let us create operations that bring more smiles. In fact, that’s what this week’s collection is all about: Tips and hints for better businesses and smilier graziers.
Secrets From A Happy Farmer
Forrest Pritchard took over the family farm when it was doing so poorly selling it off was in the wind. But he’s turned things around, and even made time for his other passion: writing. Here are two of his best articles about how to be a happy grazier.
How to Try Something New
Sometimes we know what we want to change but there are challenges that we face in actually doing it. These South Dakota graziers talk about those challenges and what they did about them.
Buy Happiness!
If you think money can’t buy happiness, Michael Norton thinks you’re doing it wrong. 🙂
https://onpasture.com/2023/11/13/how-to-buy-happiness/
Take Time Out for Some Fun
Dance!
According to research (and you all know how I love research!) dancing makes you a happier person. So this week’s funnies is a song you can dance to. Enjoy!
