Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

Abundant spring rains made it difficult to harvest spring crops

creating that domino effect of too much to get done within 

the specific planting time frame. June could be compared to 

a Chinese fire drill down on the dairy farm with everyone going

in multiple directions everyday. All of the crops we raise are used

throughout the year to feed our dairy cows. 

The cows are counting on us!

I found myself working as a transport person as we moved equipment 

to the fields for planting crops that will be harvested in the fall.

Equipment adjustments are normal and often take more than one

farmer's knowledge to work out the kinks or in this case the hydraulics.

I'm thankful for these moments in time when waiting on the

farmers creates opportunities in the ordinary day

to appreciate my  farm family,

to see the joy in the small but mighty grand-girl's 

face when learning and helping to feed the calves,

                                                 and the wonder of just sitting on a bench!

Dairymom Job Security

When I get the call, "Are you home?", I know that my plans have changed.

 It's how things operate down on the dairy farm. 

It wasn't a difficult task to follow the farmer and tractor to the field  but

 in the scheme of everyday farming life, it was one of the many

 measures of time efficiency and safety.

As our population has grown, so have the number of vehicles traveling our roads.

Not every one understands or cares  that a tractor and an implement 

like the culti-packer don't move at lightening speed and even dirt roads 

are not always easy to maneuver when you meet oncoming traffic.

For our safety and in trying to be considerate of  our neighbors

 traveling the same roads,

 we use  the least traveled roads and if possible, choose the time

 of day for less traffic.

Traveling behind the tractor in a vehicle with flashing lights is

 the least I can do to try protecting my family.

It's my job.

                                       
                                               

Faith of a Farmer

I never cease to be amazed by the faith of a farmer as I watch the planter 

moving back and forth across every field.  

Other than an unexpected downpour, nothing stops the planting process. If the machinery breaks, you fix it. If you miss lunch, your wife brings it to you in the field.  If employees don't show up for work, the planting is delayed until all our cows are fed and cared for, but the planting is going to continue as planned.

It may even continue into the darkness if needed. Thank goodness for tractors with lights!

Although the look of the family farm and the technologies have changed, the same values of caring for the land and animals still exist. In fact, 97 percent of U.S. dairy farms are family owned and operated, often by multiple generations of the family.

It's the dreams and determination of a farmer in combination with faith  that provides

 the food on our table and milk in the refrigerator.