“ In a way, sometimes too much data and tech can distract us,” Tom acknowledged.“ We want to find a balance between making sure old-way traditions are being remembered and honored, like roping and dragging calves, instead of using a calf table. But the animal medicine and welfare has improved through time, too, and that’ s to everyone’ s benefit.

“ Our entire breeding program is based on modern methods with artificial insemination, tracking heat cycles and embryo work. This kind of thing just wasn’ t available back then. But it’ s blessed our operation immensely. All that said, the folks who came before us paved the way, and many of those old ways are at the base of our operation still.”

Looking to the future of the family farm, the Butlers believe it is getting harder for younger generations to get financing to continue to operate. At the same time, they feel farmers today have many resources that can help.

“ We are constantly working with our local FSA office and some very loyal bankers,” Tom said.“ Both exhibit

honesty and integrity. You can make it if you are willing to look outside the box. Sometimes folks will tell you that you can’ t make a living to sustain a family on cattle, or in agriculture in general, if you don’ t own the livestock or own the land. With God and hard work, all things are possible.”

Whenever the Butlers open up conversations with friends who are not familiar with animal production in its true form, from a real farm family, they always find it so intriguing. They find these people have a million questions and have no idea how extensive the process is with breeding, calving, doctoring, grazing, feeding, etc.

“ This whole idea of modern homesteading, largely stemming from social media, is just not realistic for many folks,” Tom said.“ And the reason why, in our opinion, is because the love of agriculture has to be deeper than just the imagery of a fun fairytale farm life.”“ You really have to believe in it,” Neeley added.“ You have to have a love and passion for it and an appreciation for how much effort it takes to make it work.

If you don’ t truly love it, you won’ t last and animals will suffer. We are striving to put a better product on your table. The cattle welfare is at the top of our list. We love conversations that help people really understand what animal production is all about, why it’ s essential for small scale

farmers to stay in operation.”

Like most of the Farm Family of the Year honorees, the Butler’ s are extremely humbled by being selected.“ There are tons of farm families that we look up to,” Tom said.“ We are honored to be recognized.”