Sort & Cull

STUART, Iowa (DTN) -- The old saying, "The days are long and the years are short," is certainly true. When people must make changes for the well-being of a family member, it can be hard. When you have an opportunity to make an old farmer's day, take it.

Earlier this week, my daughter, Kassidy, called me and asked if I was busy at the end of the next day. I didn't recall anything pressing, but knew when she told me her idea, I was going to do what I could to make it happen.

"Mom, I have this idea. Let's take Jolene to the care center to see Gene and the residents," she said.

Gene is the 85-year-old grandfather of Kassidy's boyfriend. Gene has been at the care center for a few years. He had lived on an Iowa farm for many years and raised Angus cattle.

Jolene hadn't been shown in a competition since 2017. She is the matriarch of our herd, a gentle creature who loves attention and a good snack. I thought it was possible and after a few phone calls, we had a plan.

It was warmer than most Iowa winter days, but there was still a chill in the air. Since we were in the neighboring town to our farm, I thought there would be others at the center whom I knew and I just hoped our plan would work.

When we arrived, Maradith, the center's director who was also a college friend of mine and whose family raises cattle, met us outside. She told Kassidy to walk Jolene up the sidewalk and through the gate to the courtyard area. The residents who saw us weren't sure they were actually seeing a cow.

The first man wheeled out the door was a familiar face and one who had also raised Angus cattle nearby. Then others joined. Some using walkers and canes, others in wheelchairs. They all lit up at the sight of our girl. We answered many questions: How much does she weigh? How old is she? Does she have a baby? Where is your farm?

All answers were followed by comments about how sweet she was, how big she was, and how they hadn't been this close to a cow in a long time or ever. The smiles and conversations were so heartwarming. A simple act made the day for all those people who are parents, grandparents, farmers and family. I think it made the day of some of the workers, too.

Taking a line from a star on the popular show Landman, when they visit a retirement home, "They don't care what you say. They just care that you're saying it." Those words ring true from our visit.

And from Kassidy's thoughts, "I wanted to share what I am the most passionate about with people who may have grown up on a farm and have them realize the younger generation will continue the legacy they set for us."

My challenge to you for 2026 is to find a way to make someone smile. Share something you are passionate about with someone because you never know what an impact you can make.

Jennifer Carrico can be reached at jennifer.carrico@dtn.com

Follow her on social platform X @JennCattleGal

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