These farmers are the ones who absolutely have to keep all the cows and calves alive. If one dies, more profit is lost. These “middle class” farmers are the ones who struggle from year to year to make payments, but love what they do and don't give up. Middle class ranchers are those who work day in and day out with little rest to continue to prosper. Feeding a family, continuing tradition and improving the livestock industry are just some of the goals these ranchers seem to aspire to. Many people who live in cities don't understand the livestock industry. Shipping occurs when all the young calves are weaned and sent to farms, where they will be fed until they are old enough to be slaughtered. Breeders only get paid once a year, called the shipping season. When income only comes in during September, October or November, payments should be set on an annual basis rather than monthly. For example, vehicle payments are made annually, usually set to be made around November or December, when the calf check has arrived and the money is now available. Farmers' credit must also be exceptional as they rely on banknotes to get them through the year. Once the shipping season is over, all notes and payments can be made for the year. Stimpson Brothers Ranch Incorporated, which is the family ranch where I live, struggles from year to year, but knows no different lifestyles. Everyone is raised this way, they raise their children the same way, and they will die on the spot, just like their parents did. They struggle to make ends meet and only have enough to get by, but they enjoy the life they live and are happy with what they have accomplished. The countless hours of dedication and hard work have only given them more pride in the business and the industry itself. These hardworking and determined breeders are what the real world of breeding is all about