 I've decided to kick off my farm boots, wash my very beat up hands, and join the world of blogging. With the renewed interest in farming, farm to table, self sustained way of living, etc...I thought it would be of interest to write about what I do, as a farmer,now and again. Whether you are just interested in what this farmer's daily routine/life is, or are interested in getting into farming, it might be useful, but hopefully fun reading. Having been born into a dairy family in 1958, I learned at my father's knee, everything I know about dairy farming and farming in general, but still continue to learn every day. Our family sadly got out of the dairy business, for good, in the year 2000. I still reside on the same family farm, and look back with fond memories of our dairy days, and my good fortune to have grown up on a farm. I hope you enjoy my posts!
Our 220 acre farm sat pretty much still from year 2000 to 2008. We did lease some of our fields to a organic potato farmer for some years during that time. We now lease about 160 acres to a neighboring farm. They grow silage and corn silage to put up for the winter. We keep the other acreage for our use. We rotate our calves around different fields on our property, where eventually they live out the duration of their lives in the 10 acre field in front of our main house. In 2008, my partner Barbara and I decided to start "bringing back the farm" so to speak. My heart was and always will be in farming. All of the existing barns (two massive Gothic style barns), and various animal shelters, pens, loafing sheds, still remained, although in need of some repair, in some instances. We decided, over dinner one night, to start raising a few cows. Oddly enough, where Barbara and I were, when she proposed the idea to me, was at a local restaurant. The owner's brother is affectionately known as "the cow mechanic"at our house....and now at his office, as when I call and need something, this is who I ask for...much to their amusement. I never realized what this one conversation would turn into! In addition to being the President of the School Board, in the very district I attended school from K-12 and graduated from, I also sit on the board of the food bank, and I'm the current board President as well. I enjoy contributing to my community. I can't believe it's already been 19 years, serving on the school board. I consider these two volunteer positions "my other jobs". I hope you find a glimpse into my daily routine,chores,and sometimes shenanigans, to be useful,helpful and sometimes entertaining. Shown here...someone opened one of our gates on our 20 acre parcel behind our house, and the calves got out, all six. Unfortunately, they were out all night, and after I got a phone call, early Wednesday morning, I am rounding them up, as they were roaming around the neighborhood that is directly behind our property on our hill side! They were all fine, if not a little wore out. |
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