Serving with Purpose: Steve Cook’s Inspiring Journey from Battlefield to Ranch
- 12/14/2023
- LATEST NEWS
A robust support system, thoughtfully and intentionally designed to create a “life cycle of engagement,” is required to help farmers and ranchers of all ages meet the current and future needs of their farm, customers, and society. After the discussion Cook said, “We’re … all trying to get the same results. It’s just reassuring knowing that who kind of have the same idea…, trying to go in the same direction and you’re not out there doing it alone. It was really reassuring and eye-opening.”
During the table conversations it became clear, trusted advisors in finance, research, agronomy, and markets need to be prepared to offer and engage in a life cycle of engagement to help farmers adopt technologies and practices more easily. While some advisors will be part of a university system or local agribusiness, other times it is important to have farmers mentoring other farmers to build camaraderie in the often-solitary work of farming and ranching. 
As a veteran, Cook brings a unique perspective to his role as a beef rancher, combining his dedication to serving others with his passion for agriculture. Cook’s military career helped shape him into the disciplined and hardworking individual he is today. Through authentic experiences shared with us, he shed light on how he successfully transitioned from the military to his farming career. This transition highlights the resilience and adaptability that veterans often possess and wisdom they can provide to other ranchers and veterans. As a beef rancher, Cook plays a vital role in the agricultural industry. His ranch serves as not only a source of high-quality beef but also as a model for responsible land management and animal husbandry practices. Beef ranchers like Cook provide ecosystem services like sequestering carbon and providing much needed habitat and clean water for the surrounding area. Through his expertise and dedication, he contributes to the sustainability of our food system while ensuring the well-being of his livestock. After retiring from a 25-year career in the military, Steve transitioned into a new chapter of his life as a veteran. With his experience as a commissioned second lieutenant and quartermaster officer, he dedicated his entire career to logistics. This background equipped him with valuable skills in planning, organization, and resource management. Having been deployed overseas multiple times, including tours in Korea, Mogadishu, and three deployments to Iraq, Cook gained invaluable experience and skills in various challenging environments. This background has provided him with a unique perspective and strong leadership qualities that have served him well in his transition into the world of agriculture.
Transitioning out of the military can be a significant adjustment for veterans, often missing a sense of camaraderie and teamwork the most and feeling somewhat isolated as they navigate their new civilian lives. For those who choose to pursue a career in agriculture, such as becoming a beef rancher, this transition can be even more dramatic. The military operates on a strong team-based structure, where individuals rely on each other for support and success. In contrast, working as a rancher often involves long days of independent work moving cattle, tending fences, or walking pastures. Farming and ranching can also be mentally taxing with many stressors not in the farmer’s control like changing commodity prices, natural disasters, interest rates, and disease.
Being the strong, resourceful leader he is, when Cook began ranching he searched for resources to help him learn more and find others to collaborate with. Asking for help can be difficult for anyone, however, there are many opportunities for coaching, collaboration, and learning within the agricultural community. Steve found some resources and has begun serving as a resource for others. Veterans who become ranchers can connect with other farmers and ranchers through organizations like the Farmer Veteran Coalition. Steve opens his ranch up to veterans and wants to make sure others have the resources he wanted when he first began on his own.
Mentorship programs specifically tailored for veterans in agriculture can provide valuable guidance and assistance during this transition period. These programs often pair veterans with experienced ranchers, like Cook, who can offer advice, share knowledge, and help navigate the unique challenges that come with starting a career in agriculture.
Steve exemplifies the values of hard work, resilience, and commitment. His ranch serves as not only a place of business but also as a reflection of his dedication to sustainable farming practices and animal welfare. If you are interested in learning more about engaging with farmers throughout their careers, please consider reaching out to FFA, MANRRS, Farmer Veteran Coalition, or the related commodity organizations like United Soybean Board.
To learn more about Steve Cook and his ranch listen to our podcast episode at: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/from-veteran-to-rancher-a-life-of-service/id1439648040?i=1000634401177.
Wholly or partially funded by U.S. Farmers & Ranchers in Action with support from United Soybean Board.
Footnotes:
• https://www.fao.org/fileadmin/templates/faoitaly/documents/pdf/pdf_Food_Security_Cocept_Note.pdf
• https://www.imf.org/en/Blogs/Articles/2022/12/21/countries-hurt-by-war-and-fragility-need-strong-global-partnerships-resources
• https://www.fao.org/hunger/en/
• https://www.hsph.harvard.edu/nutritionsource/soy/
• https://www.usda.gov/nutrition-security
• https://www.wishh.org/global-food-security/
• https://it.usembassy.gov/how-climate-change-affects-the-food-crisis/
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