Even Those Tough Ranchers Cherish Camaraderie, Ya Reckon?
 | Author:
Denise Thompson, MT43 News AG Correspondent
Denise Thompson |
Denise Thompson
MT43 News AG Correspondent
Due to the sheer magnitude of the demands of ranch life, there is little time for other things, unless, of course, you are intentional about those other “things.” Faith. Family. Friendship. Fitness. Fun.
Those other things bring a balance, a sense of purpose, and viability to the long hours, and the physical and emotional demands of this lifestyle. Yes, even those tough ranchers yearn for and cherish camaraderie, ya reckon?!
Fellowship. Brotherhood. Camaraderie (or comradery) is a feeling of trust and friendship among a group of people who have usually known each other for a long time or gone through some kind of experience together. “Esprit de corps” refers to the feelings, such as pride and loyalty, shared by members of a group of people.
The beauty of this lifestyle is the quintessential nature to which camaraderie is fostered and protected. Certainly, it is a bonus to share hobbies with our fellow ranchers: hunting and fishing trips, travel, roping, picnics and dinner dates, sports, etc.. But the depths of these relationships are truly formed through working together at brandings, moving cattle across the range, shipping calves to market, going to bull sales, preg. checking the cows, shootin’ the breeze…..and facing the innate joys and hardships of ranch life, together.
The winters are long in rural Montana. With spring comes renewed hope in the warm sun, extended daylight, green grass, newborn calves, turning of soil, and satisfying rains. Just as quenching as spring, is the comfort of endearing friendships. Those fellow ranchers, neighbors, confidantes, and wholesome humans who sincerely make life grand!
For us, there are few who fit all attributes of a comrade more than Mr. Greg Field. We fondly refer to him as “Fielding” and we think the world of him. He has shared some of our most heartfelt, joyous moments, and some of our most difficult challenges of a lifetime. He has hung in the trenches and cheered in the triumphs. More than anything, he has prayed. He has not only been a worker bee but also an advisor and our comic relief extraordinaire. There are few men who have been more influential in the lives of both Vince and Jyler. He is an incredible husband and father, super witty, honest as the day is long, so fun, hardworking, bright, and truly a stand-up guy!! To make this union…this friendship even sweeter, is the fact that we can acknowledge all the same in regards to Greg’s wife, Dawn. Double the blessing.
For the Love of Ag, From the Heart of a Western Woman,
Denise Thompson
Article Images
Click on Image Thumbnail(s) to view fullsize image
PhotoCredit: Denise Thompson Photo
Image 1 Caption: Vince Thompson and Greg Field, shootin' the breeze on Shipping Day, 2022
Denise Thompson Photo
Image 2 Caption: Greg Field and Jyler Thompson counting calves before loading them on the truck. Shipping Day, 2022
Denise Thompson Photo
