By Marilyn Schlake
Social relationships build a sense of community and belonging. For farming and ranching, one of those communities is the livestock sale barns. Researchers at the University of Nebraska–Lincoln examined four Nebraska livestock sale barns to assess the social value these businesses provide to their patrons and surrounding communities. The study explored how social connections formed at sale barns contribute to personal well-being and facilitate the exchange of knowledge that influences farmers and ranchers both within the sale barn environment and beyond.
“Our research team surveyed social interaction between patrons, managers, and their employees at the sale arena, cafes, and open gathering spots,” said Cheryl Burkhart-Kriesel, Nebraska Extension Specialist with the Department of Agricultural Economics. “Following, we conducted more in-depth interviews with some of the individuals who completed the survey.”
Besides the buying and selling of livestock, 60 percent of the study participants said socializing, such as building relationships and offering support to others, was a reason they attended livestock auctions. Additionally, 63 percent said they have made new friends as a result.
These connections provide an outlet for individuals to cope with industry challenges, and range from a simple recognition of hard work and livestock quality to more in-depth, one-on-one conversations about personal life events.
Source : unl.edu