Fence Building and Finding Balance
#bfrdpwy #aginternship #RightRisk
This week I was able to spend a lot of time up on the mountain working on a couple of different projects. The project I would like to focus on is a bucking pole fence we built in one of my host family’s horse pastures. They chose to build a bucking pole fence in this area because the ground is very unforgiving with too many rocks to pound any posts in the ground. This was another great example of different ways to get the same job done and how understanding limitations and working around those limitations allow us to complete a job successfully.
Some of the challenges when using bucking pole fence is the bulkiness of the material. This was especially difficult at times because we had to pack most of the material down into a draw with a four-wheeler, which prompted us to be creative and balance our materials to where we could bring them down successfully. After getting over the initial hurdle of gathering and bringing down everything we need to build the fence, the process of construction was smooth and actually very fun seeing the progress we made and the satisfaction after it was done. This was another task I got to experience on the ranch that I had never done before, and it was full of learning moments with times of struggle and satisfaction, giving me another skill that I can use elsewhere in other endeavors I find myself on as I move forward with my career in agriculture.
An important lesson I have learned to truly apply as I work with my host family on their ranch is making time for rest. Another simple concept, but one that is very easy for me to lose sight of. My host family has made rest a part of their weekly routine by leaving Sundays as a day to recharge, a day to leave the ranch work to rest, and instead focus on other important things like their family and faith. I have found their ability to follow through with this idea very inspirational. I know in my own life, I have told myself I will make time for other important things besides academics or work but fail to follow through. As I reflect on these actions, I realize that this is a fast-track to physical and mental burnout. In ranch and farm work especially, I see the ease in getting caught up in the work that must be done, because there is always something that can be worked on.
What my host family has challenged me to realize is that the work will always be there, and that idea gives us even more of a reason to give our bodies and minds a day to relax, so that on Monday morning we are more equipped to complete the tasks at hand to the best of our ability’s. Practicing this lesson now when I’m young will help me in my future as the responsibilities in my day-to-day life become more significant. This will keep me from letting work control my life and remind me to focus on other things that are arguably more important than our work.
Submitted by: Jonah Verhoef
Edits by: GrowinG Internship Team
