Western Lifestyle

Dust, Grit, and Heart: A Century of Western Progress and the Spirit of Country Living

There’s something timeless about the western lifestyle. It’s in the creak of leather saddles, the scent of fresh hay, and the quiet dignity of sunrise chores, but as romantic as it sounds, the heart of country living has changed a lot in the past century - evolving with technology, culture, and the modern world. From the roaring rodeo arenas to the humble barns on family farms, here’s a look at western life over the last 100 years - and what it truly means to live country.

Rodeo: From Ranch Sport to National Spectacle

A hundred years ago, rodeo was far from the big-ticket, stadium-filling entertainment it is today. Born out of actual ranch work, rodeo events were informal competitions where cowboys showed off their skills - roping calves, riding broncs, and wrestling steers - all things they did daily on the range.

In the 1920s and ’30s, these contests began to gain structure. Organizations like the Rodeo Association of America formed, and by the 1940s, the Professional Rodeo Cowboys Association (PRCA) was established. Prize money grew. So did sponsorships and televised events. Rodeo went from gritty side shows to professional sport with international fan bases.

Today, events like the National Finals Rodeo (NFR) in Las Vegas draw crowds from across the world. Yet despite the lights and cameras, the essence remains the same: skill, grit, and a fearless relationship with livestock. Rodeo’s heart beats with tradition, even as its boots march into the modern world.

Farming: From Horse-Drawn Plows to Precision Agriculture

The last century has seen farming transform more than any other sector in country lifestyle. In the early 1900s, farms were smaller, more diversified, and deeply dependent on family labor. Most tasks - from tilling to harvesting - were done with horses or by hand. A good harvest meant security. A bad one could ruin a family.

Fast forward to now, and you'll find GPS-guided tractors, drones monitoring crops, and artificial intelligence helping manage everything from irrigation to soil nutrition. Precision agriculture allows farmers to use data to make more efficient decisions, reducing waste and improving yields.

Yet, amidst all the tech, today’s farmers are still guardians of the land. The work is no less hard. The risks - weather, market prices, global demand - are ever-present, but the rewards? Feeding communities. Sustaining legacies. Keeping the land alive.

Ranching: Legacy, Livestock, and Land Stewardship

Ranching has evolved just as farming has but maintains a distinct identity. Where farmers cultivate crops, ranchers raise animals - primarily cattle, but also sheep, goats, and more. A century ago, ranching relied on open range grazing, minimal fencing, and weather-worn notebooks instead of spreadsheets.

Today’s ranchers use modern genetics, rotational grazing systems, and satellite technology to monitor herds. Still, the job remains a tough one. It’s not uncommon for ranchers to work through holidays, face down droughts or floods, and rise before the sun.

Unlike industrial meat operations, many family-owned ranches emphasize animal welfare and land sustainability. Ranching, at its core, is a legacy job - passed down through generations, a life lived close to animals, nature, and seasons.

Cowboys: Not Just a Job, but a Way of Life

So where do cowboys fit in?

Cowboys were historically ranch hands - those who spent their days on horseback driving cattle, fixing fence, doctoring livestock, and mending whatever needed fixing. The classic cowboy, with his wide-brimmed hat and dusty boots, became an icon of independence and toughness.

Today, the cowboy still exists - both as a real person and a cultural symbol. Many still work full-time on ranches, some are rodeo athletes, and others embrace the lifestyle even if they punch a time clock during the week. Cowboy culture has influenced music, fashion, and even business values like honesty, humility, and grit.

You don’t have to rope steers or ride broncs to be a cowboy. Sometimes, it's about living with integrity, holding yourself accountable, and tipping your hat to strangers.

Farmer vs Rancher vs Cowboy vs Country-Lovin’ Soul

In the modern western world, these titles often overlap - and sometimes blur entirely, but they each carry a unique role:

• Farmer: Works the land. Grows crops. Masters science and timing.
• Rancher: Raises livestock. Stewards animals and land alike.
• Cowboy: Hands-on. Day-to-day labor. Sometimes a job, always an attitude.
• Country Lifestyle Lover: Maybe born in a city. Maybe never stepped foot on a farm or ranch, but their heart beats a little faster when boots hit dirt.

You don’t need land to appreciate the scent of alfalfa or the sound of coyotes in the distance. You don’t have to ride to admire the craftsmanship of a saddle. Country living is just as much about values - hard work, simplicity, respect for nature - as it is about the work itself.

Whether you were raised feeding calves before school or found your love for wide open spaces as an adult, the western spirit is one of connection - to land, to animals, to community, and to self.

Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow

In the last 100 years, the western lifestyle has adapted and grown - but it’s never lost its soul. We’ve traded horses for horsepower in some places and added Wi-Fi to barns in others, but even in the era of ag-tech and global cattle markets, one truth remains:

The country life isn’t just a location. It’s a mindset.

It’s waking up early because the land doesn’t wait.
It’s helping a neighbor without being asked.
It’s knowing that dirt on your jeans often means a job well done.

Whether you're a fifth-generation rancher, a backyard gardener, a weekend country bar dancer, or someone who just feels at home in flannel and denim - the western way welcomes you.

So tip your hat. Keep your boots muddy, and let the call of the open land remind you who you are.

Because the dust may settle - but the country spirit never does. 

Honoring Western Culture

Farmers, ranchers, and cowboys are the backbone of our nation, working tirelessly to provide food, preserve traditions, and care for the land.

Honoring them starts with simple acts of gratitude - thank them in person, support farm to market businesses and local butchers. Attend local rodeos, farmers markets, or agricultural fairs to show up for their hard work. Advocate for policies that protect rural communities and sustainable agriculture. Teaching younger generations about the vital nature of keeping their industries alive. 

Chivalry and Adapting to the Culture of Country Lifestyle

Should you, as a man, take off your hat to introduce yourself? The short answer is yes. You can't go wrong with it. The issue is, it's so commonly used by deceitful men to portray a false sense of integrity, it's hard to know if the gesture has meaning. Long story short, don't let the manner of an introduction decide the potential of an interaction.

When should I wear a felt or straw hat?

The answer from people with nothing better to do: You wear a felt from Labor Day until Memorial Day, and you wear a straw from Memorial Day until Labor Day.

The only real answer: You wear one or the other based on the weather. Straw for hot - felt for cold. The only time this changes is for formal events in the heat. It is strongly recommended to wear a felt to all formal events, particularly if a sports coat/blazer is involved. Lastly, never buy a pre-shaped hat if you want to look the part. Pre-shaped hats can be spotted from a mile away. Go to a western store that has a hat shaper on site and pick your style. Tip your shaper when your hat is ready.

When should you wear skinny jeans with boots?

Never. Let's be clear: always do whatever you want with your life. That being said, you don't have to wear boots to attend western lifestyle activities. It's okay to not appear country at a country event. If you do want to wear boots, we strongly recommend adding one pair of boot cut jeans to your wardrobe. As a wise man once said, "fake it until you make it."

All that being said, be whoever you want and do whatever you want at any given moment, but in everything you do, be kind, be respectful, and live with integrity. 🐎🌾🌄