SPECIAL SECTION We Are R-CALF - Bert N. Smith of Ruby Valley, Nevada "Pick an occupation that you love, then you'll never have to retire," says R-CALF USA member and rancher Bert N. Smith of Ruby Valley, Nevada. "I have been in the cattle business for 75 years and a ranch owner for 65," Smith says. "Future generations of ranchers will be the only way to maintain the beef and cattle industries," he says. "The five-year-old buckaroo following a buckaroo clad is the best way to preserve the ranching business." "Ranching is not easy and is not a business for the weak or faint-hearted," reports Smith. "It is harder today than ever before because help is not available." Still, Smith believes that a ranch is the ideal place to rear a family. His children learned economics dnd the value of hard work. "Each one raised his or her own cattle and, when they left the ranch, they had a little nest egg to put down on a house. Raising a family on a ranch is a blessing to children," says Smith. In an effort to help defend this cherished way of life, Smith joined R-CALF over a decade ago. He has taken part in almost every R-CALF USA convention and has worked diligently to spread the good news about "the only national cattle association that stands up for the range cow-calf rancher <xnc\ all other cattle raisers." Smith appreciates the diverse issues addressed by R CALF USA members and committees in their endeavor to better the industry. "R-CALF USA is the only association working full-time to preserve ranch lands and the cattle business for future generations. R-CALF USA also works to protect ownership of grazing and water rights on the open federal lands," But, R-CALF USA's battles affect more- than just ranchers. "Beef consumers must demand COOL labeling in order to protect American producers and the U.S. market. As long as it is profitable, ranchers will continue to produce beef- America's favorite protein source - for our consumers. U.S. producers raise the world's safest meat. Cheap, but unsafe meat, imported from foreign countries, could ruin the image of the beef industry." Smith's recipe for success amid the stresses and challenges of ranching for three quarters of a century? It helps to have God as your partner. He guides your decisions and helps you through the rough times, which come to every family." His advice to young ranchers, I wish I could tell a young rancher not to go into debt. Debt is a never- forgiving master and should be avoided whenever possible. And, one more thing. Dare to try and be willing to accept failure, and learn from it," says Smith. "And, of course, join R-CALF USA; it stands up for the cattle business only. Don't put time and money into an association that represents the packer monopoly." 231