SAFETY TRAILER

Bon Homme Avon

Twedt Family

animal to make the final decision,” Jason said. “It’s pretty cool having the kids involved in our operation.”

Bridget agrees. “We are the ‘bad’ parents who make our kids get up early to help us in the summer.”

Jade says she doesn’t mind the early mornings because she begins each day working with the family’s show cattle and goats. “I like working with animals,” said Jade, who plans on pursuing a career in the field of veterinary medicine.

This summer Jade is taking the lead on daily show chores because Cassandra is at volleyball and basketball morning workouts that begin at 7.

“There are not many farm kids in my class, so I usually get labeled as the stereotypical ‘farm kid.’ My coaches say I’m stronger and more aggressive – which is kind of true,” Cassandra said.

As she goes into her senior year of high school, she said balancing athletics, cattle shows and farm chores with other school involvement and activities is preparing her for life after high school. She is President of the Beresford FFA Chapter, serves on student council, is active in youth group, 4-H, plays volleyball, basketball and runs track.

“In college I won’t have anyone taking care of me,” Cassandra said. “Working with my siblings and parents has taught me how to get things done and how to work with people, even if I am not getting along with them at the moment.”

Her brother, Taten, would agree. He enjoys helping his parents out on the farm haying or treating sick animals. His favorite farm activities are the ones he can do horseback. In addition to farmwork, Taten spends his summers rodeoing. He is active in 4-H, FFA, High School Rodeo and 4-H Rodeo.

“I like roping, it is fun for me,” Taten said.

Taten spends most summer evenings in neighbors’ arenas practicing for the next rodeo. Because of opportunities the family farm has provided to him to do what he loves, Taten said he would not want to live anywhere else.

Bridget and Jason said it means a lot to hear their children share what they enjoy about living and working on the family farm.

“This farm is such a big part of our lives,” Bridget said. “And the livestock industry has been such a big part of both of our lives, we knew we wanted our kids involved from the start.” n By Lura Roti for SDFU