Life on the Farm

 Old Barn - New Possibilities

 

Isn't she glorious?  Maybe it's hard to see her potential, but this near 100 year old barn has been the cornerstone of David's family's farm for the past 50+ years.  Since joining the family, I have had dreams of restoring the old girl.  At first, David just laughed at my musings and any discussion about it would end up with something like "we should probably just tear it down".

 

Then, for some unknown reason, we finally started discussing what we could or would do, if we had the big space in the top of the old barn.  With six kids, sometimes having all their friends over can be a little tight in our house.  How nice would it be to have a big gathering place for movies, parties, and big family dinners.  As our kids have gotten older, time spent with them has become more precious.  Also, being a dairy farmer makes it very difficult to go other places for fun.  We decided we needed to make a "fun" place right here on the farm. 

 

Last fall, we were asked to host a farm tour and luncheon for farmers from all over the country.  This opportunity gave us the push we needed to kick start our project.  It first started with a new roof,

 

 

  a floor/ceiling stabilizing,

 

 

 a set of stairs, and new flooring.

 

 

Once we had invested so much, we decided it was in our best interest to protect it with new windows and siding.  So excited about what is to come this year, as we look for ways to celebrate life, gather with family and friends, and make memories.

 

Isn't she grand?  He's not too shabby either.

 

 

 





 

 

 

Sad Realities

One of the best and worst things about living on a farm is that you grow so close to the animals that you work with.  They bring you so much joy, that when you loose one, the hole that is left can feel like the Grand Canyon.

About a year ago, Herman, our 11 year old, wanted a dog.  His dad made him a deal that if he could prove his responsibility through various jobs, he could then get a dog.  Lucky for us, about the time he'd done what was required, my sister's dog had pups.  It seemed like destiny to Herman that he was meant, not just have a dog, but this dog.

His cousins had called her Maybelline, because she looked like she had makeup on.  Herman liked it, but had to make it his own by shortening it to Maybelle.  He was so excited about earning and having a dog all his own.   For the most part, Herman was a good dog owner.  Like any other puppy, Maybelle drug shoes around the yard and other various items.  Sometimes I would cuss her, but that didn't mean that I didn't love her.  We all cussed her and loved her.  How could you not love her with that face?

Lately, Maybelle, had started barking a lot at night.  To remedy this, we would lock her up in the garage.  Last night was no different.  As David and Hannah took off for Salt Lake this morning at six, Maybelle ran out barking to herald her release.  As I lay in bed for the next half hour, I could her bark periodically.  As I sent the kids out the door to catch the bus, I knew what had happened the minute Herman came back in, eyes full of tears.

As we've sat together, remembering all the fun times with Maybelle, I can't help but be happy that we live on a farm that affords the kids the opportunity to grow close to animals, appreciate the love they give, even though there is the risk of heartache when they are gone.

This is the most recent photo.  I snapped it late last fall, just before the real cold temperatures and snow hit.  She looks wet and grumpy...which is odd, because she was always so hyper and full of life.  She will be missed by all of us, but the hole left in my son's heart will never be filled.  It is said best in the last scene of one of my favorite movies.  Although the situation is different, Herman's love for Maybelle is no less than that of Willie's for Skip.

Maybelle will rest well in Herman's heart.

What is That?

Is that Sunshine I see out my window???

Yes.  I believe it is....and it's brought along it's pal, Blue Sky!  I am so happy to see the two of you.  I sure hope you will stick around awhile and warm us up a bit!  Hopefully Spring is not too far behind you.  I keep thinking he's on his way....

What is Real?

I, like 90% of Americans, spent yesterday afternoon sitting in front of a big screen watching the Superbowl.  Well, I might have done more sitting than watching.  I think if the truth be told, we all watch with more anticipation for the commercials than we do the game.  There were some really cute ones, some sexy ones, and there were some that were sentimental.  Maybe because of personal experience, I loved Paul Harvey's rendition of So God Made a Farmer.  I wasn't alone in my assessment of the commercials, as I saw my facebook feed stream a bunch of shares of the Dodge spot.

There are two things that I find interesting.  First, the contrast between the Dodge/farmer commercial and the one for Budweiser Black Crown.  The Dodge spot was sentimental, beautiful, and REAL.  It acknowledged the hardships of being a farmer - no days off, dusk 'til dawn, and varied responsibilities.  The Budweiser Crown commercial was the complete opposite.  It showed a crowd of gorgeous, beautifully dressed people partying and having a great time.  Instead of being real, it played on each of our desires to do better financially, be more beautiful, and run with the"in" crowd.  It's a great example of the classic reality vs. fantasy comparison. 

 

 I also find it interesting how we react to these initially compared to how it plays out in real life.  I truly believe that when we hear truth, it resonates, just like the farmer ad, but over time, our desires can override our observation of truth.  Farming is not a lucrative business and just like any other business, has taken a hit with the economy.  What I find curios is how often I hear people complain about the cost of their food.  Statistics show that over the last 100 years, the percentage of household annual income spent on food has dropped from over 40% to less than 10%.  So overall, our cost for food has dropped while it's availability and abundance has risen.  While we are all consumers of food and the notion that our food costs are dropping is a reason for rejoicing, what is the real cost?

When David and I were first married twenty years ago, there were around 17 dairies in our small community.  Today, there are only 8 of those dairies still in business and one under new ownership.  Sad really, that over half of our community couldn't make a living working hard and providing something we all need.  Seems like somehow our system is broken.  We have been one of the lucky ones - being able to survive.

So I have to ask myself, is the system broken or are our priorities out of line?  Consumers vote with their dollars.  We all do.  We voice our support when we lay down our hard earned cash for anything we buy.  So I am left here wondering, do farmers really matter to you or do you just want to be part of the in crowd?  Is paying 50 cents more for a gallon of milk really something to complain about while your child is sporting name brand jeans and carrying an Iphone?  Maybe I am being a little harsh, but it is really difficult to watch a fifty year old man who has worked hard all his life building something up, only to lose it, now trying to find new employment.  That is truly harsh.

 My hope is that when any of us sit down to dinner with our family, we take a moment to be grateful for all of the hard work behind every bite and that we will choose to put our money where our mouth is - literally!  So, buy local, know your farmer, and vote for what is real.

*I know that this is written from a farmer perspective, but I truly believe that supporting any kind of local business is best.  So you might pay a little more for goods and services in our small town, but in choosing local you will not only be saving gas money, but maybe someone's livelihood.

Carry on!

Sledding Farmer Style

A lucky farmer has flat ground to work.  This doesn't work so well when you are trying to sled.  No whizzing down a hill, snow flying, and wondering where you will end up when you hit the bottom. So we improvise.

It's as simple as tying the sleds, with baling twine of course, behind the gator and driving in circles.  So what if we go round and round instead of up and down (Peppermint Twist anyone?).  At least there isn't the trek back to the top of the hill.

With friends along, who cares what kind of sledding it is?  It's just fun to get out and feel the exhilaration of the cold and the wind blowing in your face.....the laughing is great too.  Of course it's always fun when our Palm Deseret, California girls come along who have never done this before.

*Carhart is the appropriate attire for farm style sledding, obviously!

Standard farm sledding also includes at least one attempt at making a rider run half way around the circle to catch their sled after falling off.  This is usually accomplished by suddenly driving ahead just before the rider reaches her sled.  Good times.

Frozen Farm

We've had some pretty mild winters (for us) the past few years.  This year has resorted back to what is the norm and I am freezing.  In years previous, when I would vocalize my desire for snow, it was met with grumbling words from David.  Much to his delight, we haven't had any heavy snows in awhile.  Once the snow falls and the temperature drops, it gets really cold.

We've spent the past few weeks with temperatures below zero.  This causes a lot of problems on the farm.  Water troughs freeze, cow health can be compromised, and it's just miserable to work out in the cold.  Usually I spend most of the winter inside not being familiar with the hardships of the cold.  This year, I've had to get up most mornings at 5:30 to take the girls to basketball practice.  Driving in a freezing cold car first thing in the morning is enough to make me anxious for this cold to pass.  I can't even imagine trying to work and problem solve in such harsh elements.  So thankful for all farmers that brave the elements to bring us good food and especially for the one that I live with and his care and concern for not only taking care of his farm, but his family.

Farm in the Fog

I couldn't help but snap a few pictures the other morning.  I love fog.  It makes everything seem mystical and magical.  It's like seeing the familiar through a new lens.  Things that seem mundane take on a new beauty.

Even the cows seem like mystical creatures.

I love how the haystack stands tall and menacing in the fog, like a castle on the moors.

I did find this creature lurking around in the fog - pretty scary!!

Man of Stature

My father-in-law, Ellis, is an amazing man and farmer.  Year after year, farms in our area end up going out of business or selling out.  Our farm has survived hard times under his leadership.  He has always been open to change and re-evaluating things on a regular basis.  He had the courage to step outside of the box twenty years ago when he decided to adopt the New Zealand style of dairying.  I am sure that there where many questions when he plowed up some of the best ground in Fairview to plant pasture grass.  This move from the traditional has been our life line during the lean times.  He has never been complacent and always open to change.

Six years ago, when David and I were convinced that going organic was our best move, Ellis agreed.  He wasn't held back by the familiar.  He asked a lot of questions, was ready to learn, and had to change some of his practices, so that we could certify.  It was his move to grass farming 20 years previous that made our transition to organic possible and his openness to change that made it happen. With retirement on Ellis' horizon, he could have easily put us off, but instead, he took on the challenge.  He put the farm and our future ahead of what would be easiest for him.  For this, we are truly grateful.

This last month was the end of an era.  Since marrying David twenty years ago, Ellis has always served on his dairy co-op's board.  He served when we were WDCI and then with DFA.  Over the last ten years or so, Ellis has not only represented our area, but was also elected to DFA's Corporate Board.  Even after going organic, he stayed on to ensure a voice for the small family farmer.  In an industry where big industrial farms are taking out the little guy, he was honored to support those that might otherwise be lost.  At the end of this year, there will be a new local and Mountain Area Council representative.  Ellis decided that the time was right for a new voice to be heard.  I truly believe that the farmers that he has represented over the years will miss him and his perspective.

I fear that it is the start of a new era in our family and on our farm.  As Ellis slowly steps away from the farm and it's demands, he will leave some pretty big shoes to fill.  I know that he will never be completely done with farming, it's in his DNA.  How grateful we are for that.  This farm is Ellis - his hard work, direction, example, and diligence.  His legacy.

From Kittens to Cats

Early in the summer, our cat, Cobra, had six kittens.  How nice of her to have one for each of my children to name and love.  As the summer has come and gone, so has our little baby kittens.  They are now well on their way to becoming full fledged farm cats.  As the weather has cooled down, I have seen all of them catch mice.  This does my heart good, knowing that those little varmints are going to try getting in my warm, cozy house before long.  It also takes the sting out of having to buy those huge bags of cat food that only last a week or so.  I thought I would just post some cute pics of each of the cats, just so you can get acquainted!

Maren's cat, Delilah

Herm's cat, Avery

Lottie's cat, Gimpy

Hannah's cat, Doormat

Steven's cat, Jerry

and Emilee's cat, Rosemary.

Okay, so cute cats, strange names.  I guess the kids get points for creativity!!

Farm Girls in the Making

We moved Emilee down to college the last week of August.  It was bitter sweet, but with her only 30 minutes away, we didn't get too misty over her leaving.  Plus, it wasn't long before her and five of her new roommates made their way out to the farm.  With all of them being city girls, they were curious about what life on the farm was like.  We did our best to show them around and get them a little dirty!  Here are some of the highlights.....

Ready to work - off to move some pipe!

Climbing the harvestore

Finally at the top

Em showing off her tractor driving skills

After a day of work, it's time to cool off farm girl style - fluming!!

got milk?

I think they all had a pretty good time.  It does a mother's heart good knowing that her daughter has such cute roomies as these.  They are welcome here anytime!!

Cows and Canaries?

Last week, before the rain started, we had some visitors to the farm.  Summer brings a lot of company - family, friends, and now, canaries!  I spotted this little yellow guy while I was out mowing the lawn.  I remember them passing through as a child.  My mom would point them out to us.  She loves birds and we weren't used to seeing such brightly colored ones in our area.  It was quite the novelty.

So, I got pretty excited to see my long lost friends, the canaries and had to snap a few photos.  They wouldn't let me get close enough to get a real great shot, but at least you can see one......or maybe two.  His mate is also in the picture above.  She is to the right of him and down a little bit.  She wasn't as bright and they seemed to stay together, so I figured it must be his mate.  Don't you love it how, in nature, the guy gets to be the bright, showy one?  

They really loved hanging out in my honeylocust tree.  He kept bending down and nibbling on the ends of the new leaf growth.  I don't care.  I'll give up a few leaves for a glimpse of such a beautiful bird.  Since the rains came, I haven't seen anymore of them.  So my summer company has left and it's back to work.  I'll look forward to our reunion next year!

Are those raindrops I see?

Yesterday I was amazed to see raindrops actually hitting the sidewalk and NOT quickly evaporating.  We have had one hot, dry summer so far.  I was so happy that I had to grab my camera to capture the proof.

This morning the sky was filled with storm clouds and the ground was wet with rain.  I instantly felt like today was going to be a good day.  Funny how refreshing a summer rain can be......for the dry plants, from the sweltering heat, and for my attitude.  I just hope that it sticks around for a day or two!

Good Morning Sunshine!!

This is what I woke up to in my basement this morning!  My two boys had a sleepover with our hired man, Rigo's, two boys and from the looks of it, they wore each other out!

Rigo has worked for us for the past 13 + years - before he was married, before he had kids.  He is as close to family as anyone could be.  Up until the last couple of months, they have lived a couple of miles away, next door to my in-laws.  The boys would all get together anytime we went to visit Grandma and Grandpa.  Recently, we bought some property across the street from us.  It included a house.  Since Rigo works mostly over at our place, we moved his family up by us.  Honestly, I was a little nervous that there would be problems with the boys living so close together, but so far, it has been great!

Eric, the oldest, is Herman's age.  He is pretty quiet and shy.  He is very respectful of other's and their property.  He has very good manners and always wants to do what's expected of him.  I know that he does well in school and plays the violin.  He is talented and has the most gorgeous big, brown eyes!!  I wasn't surprised that when it was time for his picture to be taken, he held up the dog.  He has no need to be the center of attention.  He's a great kid!

Then there is Charlie.  I think the picture says it all!  He is much different than his brother - full of life and doesn't mind being in the middle of whatever is going on.  His laugh is contagious and he has a fun sense of humor!  He's just so much fun!

  

I feel so lucky to have this family be a part of our operation!

They are good, hardworking people and such great friends!

Like Father Like Son

While I was out  moving my sprinklers this morning, I couldn't help but snap a photo of David and Steve getting ready to head out to work.  David wasn't too fond of the idea, but resisted the urge to run.  I just couldn't help but smile at my two boys in their goofy hats and boots headed out.  I love that they get to spend time together.  Farming isn't the most lucrative career, but it does offer a wealth of experience and the opportunity for family to work and learn together.

Maybelle

Herman has been asking for a dog for about six months now and what good is it growing up on a farm if you're not allowed to have a dog?  We gave him a few jobs to prove that he could be responsible, responsible enough to take care of another living thing.  He was so diligent that there was no way we could say no.  Plus, my sister's Australian Shepard had puppies, and when we saw this little lady, how could we resist.

She is definitely a puppy - chewing on everything, dragging shoes around the yard, and constantly getting underfoot.  But all is forgiven with one look at that cute fluffy face with those sky blue eyes. She's a keeper!!

Boys Need Not Apply
This is what summer looks like at our house - a lot of boots, muddy boots!!  Although it makes for a mess, it means the kids are busy working and learning responsibility.  That is something I can enjoy!

This spring, we purchased some additional acreage.  This means more crops, more water, more pipe.  Our older two daughters have been our main "hydro-aluminum-transport-engineers" for the past few summers, but this year, with the new ground, Lottie and Maren have had to take on more responsibility.



With most Jr. High girls spending their summers at the lake, shopping, laying out, or doing glitter toes, I expected some complaining from these two...........a lot of complaining.  Not that they aren't good kids, but well, kids at their age seem to have the herd mentality - they only want to do what the others are doing.  I was pleasantly surprised and proud!  They have been more than willing to step up and do their part - even without complaint.......not yet, anyway!

They've had to work every night and morning on their days off of school and for the next two weeks, every night when they get off the bus.  They are proving themselves to be quite tough.  Whoever thinks girls are just prissy and fragile haven't met my girls!  They are as tough as any boy, so.........boys need not apply.............this job is taken care of by two amazing, young, and slightly crazy girls!!!













Feline Fine!!

Last year, a cute, gray and black striped kitten showed up at our house.  The kids went nuts loving and petting her.  Herman named her, Cobra.  I'm not quite sure why or where that came from, but the name seemed to stick and so did she.....around our house!  She's been a sweet little cat.  She is tiny in stature and I never thought of her as being mature enough to have kittens of her own.  About a month ago, I noticed that she was getting quite round.  As time went on, she appeared to get bigger and bigger and bigger.  I knew then that we had kittens on the way.


I've been anticipating their arrival for quite some time.  Their timing couldn't have been better.  They came on a morning filled with mundane to-dos and lack-luster chores.  I was pretty grumpy about the day's outlook. As I walked into the garage to find a sprinkler, I heard that unmistakable mew that only comes from baby kittens.  There lay six baby kittens!  All healthy and adorable!  Cobra is a good momma cat and is very devoted and nurturing.

Needless to say, it turned my whole day around.  There's nothing like the miracle of life to set the world right.  I am sure I was slightly less productive that day - due to my random meanderings to the garage - but I was definitely more pleasant!

*Bonus - with six kids, six kittens is perfect.  They each get to have and name their own!!









It's Good to Play Fair!

During the first few weeks of August, our family is consumed with the planning and preparation for our county fair's dairy show.  Much debate takes place, discussing which of our fine heifers and/or cows will make their fair debut.  Once the animals are chosen, the real work begins.  

Teaching the animals to lead takes a lot of time and patience.  The kids spend hours every day working with their heifers to build a relationship of trust.  This is very time consuming, but necessary if they want their animal to behave while in the show ring.

Then just days before the fair, all of the animals need to be clipped and washed.  Giving any animal a haircut can be grueling, but giving a 1500 lb. cow a hair cut can be a dirty and daunting task.   Each one of the kids is encouraged to clip his/her own heifer, while Emilee and Hannah help David clip the bigger cows.  Emilee, with her fine skills, has mastered the art of clipping the cows head while keeping her at ease.  She has now been dubbed the cow whisperer. 

Once the cows are up at the fair, the stalls are decorated and the animals are kept clean.  While most kids are running around having fun, my kids are hard at work.  They do divide the time into shifts, so they all have a little free time.  This goes on for a couple of days, up until show time.

The morning of the show is crazy!!  All of the animals get a final wash and a fine tune trimming.  The kids get in their show clothes - all white.  Not the best color for dealing with animals, but easily cleaned with a little Clorox.  Grandma Jo always shows up with a delicious breakfast and the cousins come in from Salt Lake hoping for a chance to relive the history of their parents.  

With all of the work that's involved, sometimes we wonder why we do it.  Once the fatigue passes, we know exactly why.  We do it for many reasons.  We do it because we always have - it's our heritage.  We do it so our kids have the opportunity to work hard and work together.  We do it because it gives us a chance to appreciate the magnificence of what fine animals we have and are privileged to work with.  We do it because it makes us better, if only for a moment.  We do it because we love it!

Business or Pleasure?


Today, David and I took a walk.  The sun was shining and the grass is slowly turning lush and green.  Taking a walk together is a real treat.  Very seldom do we both find a quiet moment to spend together without the noise of the kids or t.v..  Lucky for us, the stars aligned and the moment was right on a glorious day like today!  Our walk did have a purpose - aside from quiet time together - our purpose was to talk about our vision for our farm's future.

Sometimes I think the fact that a farm is a business, is overlooked.  It seems more like a way of life - because it truly is, but it still IS a business.  And, just like any other business, it's easy to get caught up in the daily grind and forget that the future is just around the corner.  Because the future is sneaking up on us, every so often we have a real conversation about how we envision our farm in the next ten years, what goals we want to set and accomplish, and options that are in front of us.  We also brainstorm about what options might not be so obvious, but possibly will sustain us.  It is business.  It is exhausting.  It is fun!!

One of the most rewarding things about farming is that it is a family business.  It takes all of us, working together to make a go of it - Ellis & Mary Jo (my in-laws), David and I, and our kids.  This is where farming is different than so many business.  It encompasses all of us and we live and breathe it every day.  It is a way of life.  So when it comes to discussing the future of the farm, it includes what the future might hold for our family as well.  It's definitely not one dimensional - I like to think of it in 3-D.   We DARE to think outside the box, we DEVELOP a plan to reach our goals, and we DO it!!   It takes all three elements for us to succeed.  If we only work hard, not knowing where we are going, we won't end up where we want to be.  If we only talk about what the future could hold, it's only a dream.  If our goals have no focused purpose, we work in vain.  There are so many options, so much to think about, and so much to figure out.  So is all this farming stuff business or pleasure?  I truly believe it's both and that's what makes it so rewarding!






Meet Bomba


We've added a new member to our farm family!!  Meet Bomba!!  He's a cat that the kids picked out at the local animal shelter.  This was one of their requests for a spring break activity.  I feel lucky this is one wish that I could grant.  It probably pales in comparison to what a lot of families do for spring break - grand trips, activities, and the like.  Spring is not a good time for a farmer to take off.  So, I'm counting my blessings that the kids have simple requests and can find pleasure in simple things - at least for now!!  So when they asked, of course I agreed.  Plus, I'm afraid that the mouse population that didn't drown in the annual flooding of Fairview, will end up at my house.  So, I make them happy while I take out a little mouse prevention insurance.  Everyone's happy and everyone wins - and hopefully Bomba will love being a part of our family and a dairy farm cat!!

P.S.  Hope they find pleasure in the simple joy of raking the yard!!  For some reason, I figure I'm not that lucky!!








Spring on the Farm

Life on the farm in April consists of, well, inconsistency.......sun, thaw, rain, snow, and more sun, and then, more rain.  Even through the meteorologic ups and downs, spring is in the air.  We can all feel it!  The kids get restless to be outside, David gets anxious for the planting season, and even the cows can smell the promise of green pastures wafting through the air.

Spring is also the time when a lot of our calves are born.  I am always amazed at how each new birth is special and even though we've been through it hundreds of times, the anticipation of a new life joining our farm family is astonishing!  One of David's true gifts is the reverence he has for each new life on the farm and for his stewardship of that blessing.  He has missed countless hours of sleep in the care-taking of new "mammas-to-be", making sure that each of their deliveries are as comfortable and trouble-free as possible.  And, when all goes well, we all breathe a collective sigh of relief.  It can be a very stressful time, but also a time full of hope and gratitude.  We find ourselves so grateful for the little miracles that we are privileged to witness on a regular basis and hopeful for what each new miracle will bring during the coming season.

Springtime is the season of hope.  We plant seeds in the hope of a fruitful harvest.  We watch the miracle of birth with the hope that if all goes well, that the new life before us will be a benefit to all here on the farm.  We look for the pigeons to return to the hay shed, the seagulls in the fields, and the smallest hint of green coming over the pastures.  The earth is in her process of re-birth.  The evidence of that transformation is all around us.  It gives one pause to think - of all that we are and, if through our own re-birth, all that we could be.  With a renewed focus of betterment, we do our best to do those tasks that are before us, in a more respectful, responsible way.