"We're burning daylight!" my dad would holler at us kids, meaning hurry up and get on with the task at hand.

He probably did often feel like John Wayne as Wil Andersen in the film “The Cowboys.” After all, his school-aged kids were the only cowhands around most days. 

I’d roll my eyes playfully — the sun was already up. But we couldn’t waste time when there was always much to be done on the farm.

Growing up in agriculture teaches you daily to take advantage of opportunities given — to “make hay when the sun shines.” 

On the surface the advice sounds easy enough to heed. Much like the diverse farms and ranches across America, not all opportunities are equal. Each will face their own challenges and be given unique prospects. But similar to farming, making the effort to be a good steward of what you are given goes a long way, and everyone can learn hard work. 

The October 2024 edition of the Angus Journal highlights what it means to “Make the Most of It.” In the stories that follow, I think you’ll find some commonalities of Angus breeders and cattlemen who, when given an opportunity, were open-minded and ready to adapt. They build upon skills, seek knowledge and foster relationships for support. They are resilient, learning from experiences regardless of the outcome.

In this issue we recognize Certified Angus Beef’s Commitment to Excellence award recipients, who all have unique roads to success. We cover topics to consider through columns authored by industry experts and introduce you to Board of Director candidates and the delegates selected by the American Angus Association membership to conduct business during the upcoming Angus Convention. 

It’s an exciting time to be an Angus breeder; the opportunities are vast. 

So, “Forget the apples. Slap some bacon on a biscuit, and let’s go! We’re burning daylight.”