Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

When my cell phone rings early in the morning before

I leave the house, it probably isn't good news.

Monday morning started with not so good news from

a neighbor on his way to work.

It seems that a car had run into the fence that surrounds the

pasture where several of our herd bulls reside.

I am thankful that even though the car was still lodged 

in the  fence row, it was keeping the bulls in place.

As the story unfolded, this wreck had occurred in the middle

of the night but we had not been contacted.

Thankfully no one was hurt from the accident and

the bulls did not get out or try to kick up their heels

and chase anyone!

                                            If you find yourself in a situation like this , I hope

                                you will find the farmer that owns the fence or at least

                                        report it to someone for  everyone's safety.

Our week was also filled with the love and laughter

of our family as we celebrated  Cody's birthday

and were blessed with smiles

of how a real cowboy  steps up to the job

down on the dairy farm. 

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.

                                       
                                               

Lightning Safety Tips

Late Friday afternoon a severe thunderstorm moved through our area bringing cooler temperatures and a half inch of much needed rain. I was shocked and saddened to learn later that six of our Holstein dairy cows that were eating at a feed wagon in the pasture had been struck and killed instantly by lightning. Although there was nothing we could have done to prevent this for our cattle, it is a reminder of unexpected danger and injuries that can occur from Mother Nature's power.

After two major lightning strikes on our farm within the last two weeks,I am reminding myself and sharing these lightning safety measures found at http://www.nfpa.org/education.

For outdoor safety:

• If you can hear thunder, you are within striking distance of lightning. Look for shelter inside a building or a hard-topped vehicle.
• Do not go under tall trees for shelter.
• If caught outside away from a building or car, stay clear of water bodies or tall objects. Find a low spot or depression and crouch down as low as possible, but don't lie on the ground.
• Wait at least 30 minutes after the last thunder before leaving your shelter.
• If you are in or on open water, go to land and seek shelter immediately.

For indoor safety:

• Unplug appliances and other electrical items.
• Stay away from windows and door.
• Stay off corded phones,computers and other electronic equipment that put you in direct contact with electricity or plumbing.
• Avoid washing your hands,bathing,doing laundry or washing dishes.

                                      It's a fact that we can't stop Mother Nature but we can    
                                      follow safety tips to protect ourselves and our families!