Michael L. Gooch, SPHR's Page

“Life ain’t about how fast you run or how high you climb, but how well you bounce.” Cowboy Wisdom

During my teenage years, I had a good friend named Billy. He was a pleasant, easygoing person. Like me, he threw the shot put and ran track. He was faster than I was and could throw further, but without my style and grace. He couldn’t beat me in the bench press, but he came close. We also played football together. He was an offensive lineman, and I was a running back. I simply had to run through th… Continue

“Always do the right thing. This pacifies your family and keeps your enemies at bay.” Cowboy Wisdom

The result of operating a ranch without a strong value system is apparent. You go out of business lickity-split. Your word is no longer your bond, and no one will purchase your livestock or extend needed credit. People will no longer hire on for work. Your neighbors distrust you. Your hopes and dreams dry up and blow away because you could not tell the difference between right and wrong. On the o… Continue

“You’re only young once. After that, you need some other excuse for acting like an idiot.”
Cowboy Wisdom

Years ago, my dad would take me to a nearby small town that held its weekly cattle auction on Saturdays. The sale barn was a magical place. I loved the smell of the cattle, hot dogs, diesel fuel, and new leather. Dad would always buy something, and it was major fun to drive home anticipating Mom’s response.

One of the auction regulars was a man who raised crossbred cattle. You would usually… Continue

“Never, ever tell a cowboy how to do something. Tell ’em what you need, then watch how resourceful he can be."
Cowboy Wisdom

A successful cow/calf operation is not just the result of planning and hard work. Creativity plays a central role in paying the banker. Unlike standardized industrial processes, each ranch is unique. Challenges and opportunities differ. My soil, water, and topography will be different from yours. My stock will have different genetics even though they may be the same breed… Continue

“Never miss a good chance to shut up.” Cowboy Wisdom

Take a trip back into time, say AD 1550. You could communicate via a few rare books and, if you lived in Europe, a few newspapers. One of the biggest complaints in society was the lack of communication. Spring ahead to AD 1950. Many communication devices have arisen, for example, television, radio, telegraph, telephone, LP records, newspapers, postal services, and talking motion pictures. These were all wonderful communication streams and a q… Continue