One day is never enough to recognize those who served in the United States military. Veterans Day, on November 11, gives us time to pause and give thanks to those who have sacrificed so much defending our freedoms. To cattle producers who have served, we thank you, not only on Veterans Day, but every day. 

A Perfect Fit
The signors of the Declaration of Independence made a pledge in the last line of this influential document: “And for the support of this Declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of divine Providence, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes and our sacred Honor." Those words have guided Blaine Clowser throughout his career, both in the United States Air Force and as a Nebraska cattle producer.

Clowser grew up in Dayton, Pennsylvania, working with cattle from an early age. He went on to earn an animal science degree from Penn State University, where he also met his wife, Sharon. His true career passion, however, was the military so he went into service in January 1987. He always wanted to see the world and be part of the action, and the United States Air Force gave him that opportunity with tours in Turkey, Iraq, Afghanistan, Saudi Arabia, the UK, among others. 

“Growing up, I always wanted to serve my country,” Clowser said. “For me, the military is like a hand in a glove, we just fit together.”

Early in his military career one of Clowser’s tours led him to Offutt Air Force Base in Nebraska, which brought him back to agriculture. He spent time working at a local dairy farm, milking cows and managing crop planting and harvest. Blaine and Sharon set roots in Nebraska, raising daughters Jessica and Michaela, along with a cattle herd of their own. When Clowser’s deployments took him around the world, his family managed the cattle business at home.

One of his most memorable tours took Clowser to northeastern Afghanistan where he was in charge of an agribusiness development team, working with Afghan farmers. Their charge was to work “By Afghans, With Afghans and Through Afghans” to share information and improve their agricultural techniques. The rugged terrain and arid climate created challenges for growing crops such as corn, soy beans and chickpeas. The team encouraged the production of lucrative crops such as saffron. Clowser’s team provided hands-on learning experiences which not only helped advance farming practices but also developed trust and credibility among local governments. 

“I was very impressed with the Afghan people; they were growing food to support their families and communities,” Clowser said. “They were good farmers but lacked hands-on training, which we were able to provide.”

After 17 years of active duty and transitioning from enlisted to an officer, Clowser joined the Kansas Air Guard, serving another 11 years before retiring in 2014 as a Lieutenant Colonel. Today, the Clowser family raises a commercial herd of Angus and Simmental cattle and both Blaine and Sharon also work off the farm. Clowser brings a practical and disciplined approach to raising cattle and being a cow-calf producer. He values efficient herd management, cattle welfare and sound business practices.

Clowser is proud of his military service, the people he served with and the common goal of doing something bigger than themselves. While he misses the camaraderie and group dynamics the military develops, his skills and experience translate well to the cattle industry.

“The cattle industry and military mirror each other as they both help to carry on the greatness of our country,” Clowser reflected.