Memorial Day Everyday

We might not be farming today if it were not for the

 brave men and women who sacrificed for our freedom.

As I walk by the old hay barn everyday where Ryan's Mother

 milked cows during World War II, I can only imagine

the pain and suffering of our friends and neighbors who 

endured the loss of their friends  and  family members during 

times of war.

I can never repay them but I will never forget them.

Memorial Day is not just a day...

it is everyday.

Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

                                          An ordinary day down on the dairy farm is full
                                                            of extraordinary activities.
                                        It is the Mother's behavior of licking her calf that gives
                                        the new baby strength and encouragement to stand up
                                      for the first time usually within the first hour after birth.
                                       

I'm thankful for the reminder of how important a little 

encouragement can be to all of us!

Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

What's up Buttercup ?

I don't know the origin of that phrase but if you have noticed there is a lot 

of Buttercup weed in pastures all across Northwest Arkansas.

It's not unusual to see some Buttercup weed in the spring, but

this year's crop is outstanding! 

It is pretty but unfortunately, it is a weed and will require a plan

to get rid of it. Pasture management is  an ongoing

job of every farmer and changes each year with our always 

changing weather conditions.

I'm thankful for the science and research that provide

the ways to manage pastures safely and effectively

and the help farmers receive from our Benton County Extension

 agents in making management decisions that impact our farms.

Happy Mother's Day

I'm looking forward to sitting around the table with my family

in celebration of Mother's Day.

It's our family tradition down on the dairy farm.

As I have been making preparation for our gathering,

it has been a sweet time of reflection of how 

blessed I am to have a sweet Mother who  loves me,

a mother-in-love who  raised the farmer I married,

  and the opportunity to be a mother and a grandmother. 

                                                       Happy Mother's Day!

Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

A new calf doesn't always follow Mama 

but you can usually count on 

Mama to show up if you get a little too close.

I have great respect and appreciation  for this maternal instinct.

I'm thankful that we have the opportunity to enjoy 

the land and animals  that live with us and around us.

                                            We love the land and work to protect our natural
                                                       resources down on the dairy farm.

Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

Don't you just love the month of May?

Spring showers bring the beautiful flowers, budding trees,

green grass and the all too prevalent allergies.

Although my Mother  transplanted the iris from the garden 

last spring to the bottom of the mailbox, we were not

really sure what color iris would bloom.

To our surprise, the blooms are in the shades of purple.

I'm thankful for the daily reminders of how God is in control.

Today's scripture on my kitchen calendar emphasized my thoughts:

"Consider the lilies, how they grow: they neither toil nor spin; and yet I say to you,

even Solomon in all his glory was not arrayed like on of these. 

If then God so clothes the grass, which today is in the field and tomorrow

is thrown into the oven, how much more will He clothe you, 

O you of little faith?"

                   --Luke 12:27-28

                                                 From down on the dairy farm, Happy May!

Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

Even though you don't see any black spots on this new calf, it is a Holstein.

There's nothing prettier than a pure  white calf  on bright spring green grass.

Each calf is unique and has characteristics of its parents.

In fact, every calf's spots or markings are unique to them.

What I love about all of the dairy cows, no matter what kind or color,

they provide us with delicious, nutritious  milk.

I'm thankful for the new spring calf crop

and the milk that is produced for all of us to enjoy.

What kind of world would it be without 

butter and cream cheese to use when baking Easter

 goodies like Coconut Cake with Pineapple Filling?