View from the Cab: Reflecting on 2022

By: Kent Casson

The hustle and bustle of the holiday season is here but we should all take a moment to reflect on our blessings from 2022.

We have our health, family and friends. Let’s take the time to appreciate all we have this Christmas and spend time with loved ones. I encourage you to start some new traditions with your family to ensure long-lasting memories for the kids.

Like other children everywhere, ours are looking forward to Christmas break from school for extra time with Mom and Dad. They always enjoy playing with those new Christmas toys before heading back to the classroom in January. But just like the Christmas song says, “Mom and Dad can hardly wait for school to start again!”

Though the weather has been a bit back and forth this year, it truly feels like December now that the kids have visited Santa during our annual trip to the Anchor fire station and had their Christmas program at church. I can smell the aroma of fresh-baked cookies from my wife and mother-in-law. By the way, I highly recommend the buckeyes and crème wafers.

I enjoy waking up early each morning to the bright glow of the Christmas tree in the living room this time of the year. It reminds us of Christ’s light and the bright star that shone so brightly on that holy night in a stable. In the darkest days of winter, we are reminded of the hope and anticipation that lies ahead.

We are looking forward to some quality time attending Christmas Eve church, setting out cookies and milk and the anticipation of Santa’s arrival. Our Christmas Day will be filled with brunch at my in-laws and a late lunch with my side of the family before we all return home to relax and take a deep breath after another holiday.

Commodity markets typically turn quiet around holiday time and many offices are closed various days around Christmas and New Year’s Day. Plus, you never know what the weather may do outside. It can be rather frightful. This gives those of us in the farming the perfect chance to focus on what matters most – family.

Take a little time for yourself, too. You deserve it. A nonstop work schedule paired with turbulent times in the world is not easy for anyone. I look at 2023 as a new beginning or “clean slate,” if you will. We all have a chance to rewrite our stories starting in January and let’s make it the best year yet!

From my family to yours, we wish you a holiday season full of peace and joy and a most prosperous New Year. Cheers.