01/07/09 Why reitire?

Some people work to retire, some retire to work at what they like and some work but don't retire. I'm Jeff Keane; I'll be back right after this with an illustration of one of these examples. People who like to work and don't retire could be exemplified by Kenny Raymond. An article by Robert Waggener in Western Farmer-Stockman magazine tells just a little about this progressive, never retired Wyoming cattle rancher. Last spring, at 85 years young Mr. Raymond spent two months, seven days a week, ten hours a day flood irrigating his pasture and hay ground. Now, you may think anyone working at ranching that many years would have to be pretty set in his ways, but Kenny Raymond is always open for new suggestions to try. Working with his son, Gary and Gary's wife and children Mr. Raymond has changed calving dates to coincide with better spring weather, expanded the ranch's rotational grazing system, changed cattle breeds to increase income and decrease calving problems, and is always looking for ways to improve rangeland resources and wildlife habitat. Kenny Raymond was honored as Wyoming's 2007 Outstanding Older Worker by the national organization, Experience Works. Most successful people go at their craft 110 percent, but Mr. Raymond believes 150 percent is about right and that doesn't leave much time for retirement. Now, that's an American Rancher. I'm Jeff Keane. Western-Farmer Stockman December 2008.