■ William Cousins~General Manager of Whitetail Institute of North America
IT IS OUR OBLIGATION TO REMAIN STEWARDS OF THE LAND
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hankfully, our lives seem to be returning to some degree of normalcy. As I reflect on the past year or so of separation from the normal traffic of life, it occurs to me that life hasn’t been all bad, and I hope some aspects where more focus was granted because of the pandemic will continue. One such area is stewardship of the land. Anyone who has spent hours on a tractor knows that thoughts during such times tend to run deep. I realize that technology continues to make the world faster and offers us more potential assistance in how we conduct our lives, but it also has drawbacks, such as more distractions from what’s real. In the past, I have left the field after dark frazzled because I tried to cram too much into one day. That exercise only fuels my anxiety. So far this year, life seems to be moving back toward normal, and in hindsight,
PHOTO BY MATT HARPER
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I realize that the sudden life slowdown forced by the pandemic seems to have adjusted my perspective. I’m now focused on continuing a somewhat slower pace of life. Working the land teaches patience and is truly rewarding. It’s that first smell of freshly turned dirt that seems to further connect me with Mother Earth. Food plotting and caring for the wildlife God blesses all of us with is excellent therapy. You do the work that’s required and then wait for Mother Nature to do her part. You always hope for favorable conditions, and some years are better than others. I must keep in mind, though, that things don’t happen overnight. Working the soil is good for the soul, and I have resolved to maintain a slower pace of life, plan ahead, manage my expectations and enjoy the process. It’s
a blessing. I have also resolved to properly use the time food plotting gives me for reflection, while I’m in the cab of the tractor or walking the farm observing the growth of my food plots. I’ve always been committed to good stewardship of the land. I’m just its current protector. The arrowheads I find after rain hits a newly tilled field remind me the land belonged to others before me. I’m just a temporary guardian, and it’s my obligation to make sure I leave it in the best shape possible for those who are to follow.
William
