Thank you, ag industry laborers

By MONETTE TAYLOR | South Central Texas Edition

The Hajovsky family farmers bring in their corn harvest in Fayette County. At their labor are Charles in the combine; Clay in the tractor; and Paul is moving up to the truck. Staff photos by Carolyn Rost

Sept. 2, 2004 - After over 100 years, there is still a question concerning which man actually started the Labor Day holiday. According to information from the U.S. Department of Labor, some records show that Peter J. McGuire, general secretary of the Brotherhood of Carpenters and Joiners and a cofounder of the American Federation of Labor suggested honoring workers with a special holiday.

Other accounts give credit to Matthew Maguire, a machinist. This information cites the fact that Maguire, who was a secretary of Local 344 of the International Association of Machinists in Paterson, N.J., proposed the holiday in 1882.

First celebrated in New York City on Sept. 5, 1882 ... a Tuesday ... the holiday was changed to the first Monday in September in 1884, and the Central Labor Union urged other organizations in other cities to recognize the "working man." By 1887, other cities and states started jumping on the band wagon to recognize workers and their families.

Today, many of the "working men" honored on Labor Day still include agricultural producers, or others involved in helping support the needs of these people. In an effort to spotlight a few of the many who are involved in ag-related labor, Country World set out with notepad and camera in hand.

Although he raises cattle and hay for himself, L.A. Muehr also works at the M-G Farm Service Center in Weimar. Here, he gets ready to load out grass seed for a customer. Staff photos by Carolyn Rost

One such family in South Central Texas includes fourth and fifth generation producers. The Hajovsky family: brothers Paul, Gerard, Charles Jr. and his son, Clay, have worked the land in the Holman area for up to 40 years. Paul said that they raise corn, cattle and pecans on the family land, and he enjoys the independence of being his own boss. The hardest part is making money, he added.

In Weimar, we found L.A. Muehr working at the M-G Farm Service Center. He was busy loading products for customers, but knew once he was back home in Hallettsville, he would still have to take care of his own cattle and hay crops.

Over in Lee County, we talked with Billy Gillum, the Lee County Extension agent. After being an agent for 28 years, 11 1/2 of those in Lee County, Gillum said he still enjoys working with ag producers and the youth. He said it's "self-gratifying" to be able to make a difference in others' lives. The hardest part for Gillum is the amount of time the job requires.

In Luling, we found Joe Capello who has managed the City Market for 40 years and still going strong. He said he loves watching people eat his barbecue, but said it can be a "dirty job" and long hours.

Lydia Pittman of Cavender's Boot City in Austin said she likes the diverse group of people the store attracts. With visitors to the State Capitol from all over the world, she's met people from many countries who were interested in Texas boots and the "outfits" Texans wear.

Finally, we caught up with Russell Klump, the ag teacher at La Grange High School. Klump just started his 12th year as ag teacher, and said he still enjoys seeing "students have success" in their projects. The hardest part for him is the weekends he must spend away from his family during stock shows.