As the March 15 date of the 3C/NLC annual production sale approaches, the event has taken on more of a profound meaning this year for Rick and NaLani Dunsmore.
“The sale serves as a pretty important day. We are selling our entire heifer crop. The kids are keeping a few of their own, but Rick and I are selling 100% of ours,” said NaLani Dunsmore. “In the past we have sold some heifers on the sale, but given the current circumstances, we are selling all of them.”
Earlier this year in late January, the Dunsmores and their three children watched in shock and horror as their home, three pets and all their belongings went up in flames. The Dunsmores are grateful that no people were hurt or injured, but as the family sifts through the ashes, they realize that some things that were lost are irreplaceable.
“There are things you just can’t get back. My grandma’s antique desk, where she did all her writing, her antique sewing machine and table and hutch, my great-great-great grandmother’s china,” shared NaLani. “Over the years I’ve been given a lot of my mom’s notes and belongings from her friends. It’s disheartening it’s all gone.”
She also shared that many people have asked her about the one thing she would have grabbed had she been able to.
“My tote with all my SD cards from my digital camera. I wish I would have broken the window and reached in and grabbed that for all of my kids’ pictures. Also, showing is a big part of the kids’ lives and all their buckles and banners are burnt up,” she said. “This whole thing has been very emotional for everyone. NaLea had her cat cremated after losing it in the fire. It was a tough day when she received a sympathy card from Prairie View Veterinary Clinic with her cat’s name, paw print and nose print. Swayzee and Chase have been pretty quiet. They are working through it in their own ways.”
While this tragedy has definitely presented the Dunsmore’s with challenges, they are very thankful of the support, not only from their own community but also surrounding communities as well.
“We really appreciate the generosity since the fire — everyone has been absolutely wonderful. From clothes to gift baskets to gift cards, food and quilts. Swayze even got a gift basket from her basketball opponent’s school after playing Lake Preston,” NaLani said.
While the family’s year certainly did not start out how they envisioned, the Dunsmores are hopeful and hard at work.
“The insurance adjuster called to get information and go over items lost in the fire, but between photographing and video recording livestock, doing calving checks at midnight and 3 a.m. and just getting ready for the sale, we were busy,” laughed NaLani. “Our adjuster told me, ‘Your family sure doesn’t let any grass grow under your feet!’”
While the sole purpose of selling their heifer crop is to generate funds to help with the rebuilding of their home, the Dunsmore’s also share that it is a great opportunity for other producers.
”This sale gives a rare opportunity to buy the best genetics we’ve raised to date. This gives an opportunity for producers to really add value to their herd,” explained NaLani. “What it really represents for us is hope — our family taking the necessary next steps to rebuild.”
Information about the sale can be found at https://www.facebook.com/3cChristensenRanch
