I have wanted to compile a list of my favorite books for some time now. About a two years ago I promised myself to get back into reading, however with my on-the-go farm life and mom life I found it nearly impossible to sit long enough and finish a chapter. I found Audible and the whole game changed! Audible is an app that allows you to download books on audio and listen to them, this is great for me because when I am working in the tractor or milking by myself I can dive deep into the fictional world of…
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Let’s be real here — while my cows ARE adorable AND super affectionate, not ALL of them are amazing. There are a few assholes in the group and tis the season to blast them and put their numbers on the naughty list! Maybe “assholes” is a bit strong but….. nope! It’s accurate. This list came together in less than 5 minutes and includes a few newbies, have you seen my 2018 or 2017 list of naughty cows? The following NINE jerk cows, in my opinion, need a lump of coal in their stall: #179 isn’t necessarily naughty but I’m disappointed…
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The guy behind the counter didn’t know me, basically he knew that a man had sent down his wife with an electric motor to be repaired and it was for farm use. This was my second time speaking to the shop owner in less than 90 minutes, the motor was finished and my bill was due, while we waited through the awkward silence of the transaction to process he made small talk. He took his cue from the business name on my debit card and asked, ‘How many do you milk?” This is how we define ourselves as a dairy…
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I can not breath right now. My entire body is incredibly tense and even the simple act of exchanging air has me worked up. My feelings fester and build until my body, quite literally, feels like it is shutting down. I don’t want to be friendly right now, I am angry, I am distracted, I don’t feel like myself. I have to do something I absolutely do not want to do and it is paralyzing me. I am going on a school field trip today with my 9 year old daughter. Crazy, right!?? How is it that attending something so…
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Once we flipped the calendar to July summer became a blur, it’s like that every year though and I’m sure I’m not alone in saying a feel a bit lost in these last few weeks of summer vacation. On the farm It took most of the summer but we’ve got all our fields planted, and looking ahead to next spring we should be sitting good for cow feed – we just gotta make it through winter. We’ve said this before, almost every year for the last few because our plans and goals keep changing. We’ve talked a lot this summer,…
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Farmers, you have to share your story because if YOU don’t someone else will. Right? I follow countless farmers who share myth busting blog posts, they introduce facts about GMO’s and glyphosate and the nutritional values of real milk over nut juices. These farmers take the extra step, they put in the extra time, they WANT to bridge the gap and to connect with consumers. These agricultural advocates open themselves up, as professionals in their industry, they make the choice to share their farm life on social media because that is the world we live in now, people don’t just…
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While I will openly admitt I don’t get tangled up in labels and do my grocery shopping based on availability and cost, I understand that many people have questions and hesitations about our food. Where does it come from and is it safe? Raising children, and daughters specifically, I’ve heard the comments regarding hormones in milk. Are there hormones in milk? Do I need to be on the lookout for a label stating “no hormones”? As a dairy mom, here are my thoughts… Milk is one of the top sources of much needed nutrients and providing dairy for my children…
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In 2004 I knew very, VERY, little about agriculture and as if it were possible I knew even less about being a dairy farmer. However I AM a deep well of motivation for other people and so that did not matter. When the guy I had fallen in love with said he wanted to start his own dairy farm I jumped in with both feet, determined to make this life ours. Things I didn’t do: talk to other farmers, read any agriculture magazines, or Google anything involving cattle. My answer to every stage of our business plan was “yes, we…
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My favorite holiday is July 4th! Something about the parade in my home town, the family time, fireworks, and taking advantage of time to relax [in between chores], year after year this celebration in July brings me peace. What does your family do to celebrate Independence Day? On the farm The last 2 week’s we have been working on catching up from the wet spring. First crop of hay is done, packed, and covered. We mowed our first round of dry hay down a few days ago and will bale that tomorrow. Our corn is coming up, but we found…
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Women ask other women all the time… How do you balance everything? How do you balance being a wife, mother, and farmer? Before I blush and say modestly that I don’t do anything special I’m going to be very honest with myself and you. Balance looks different to each of us and I know my version of a balanced work and family life looks A LOT different now than it did 3 years ago. Three years ago I had a 6 year old, 4 year old, and 1 year old. I was elbow deep in dirty diapers and always getting…
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