I come from a long line of farmers but I was a town girl and, as such, had very little knowledge or interest in farming while growing up. Although both the town kids and the farm kids lived harmoniously together we didn’t socialize much. Although, I do remember befriending a classmate we called “Popeye.” Are you still out there James Angerhofer? As I remember it, the farm kids were more introverted and less social, probably because there was always work to be done at home and there was always the challenge of how to get to town and back home again. I was also recently reminded by fellow classmate, Joan Van Sambeek-Frerichs, that the farm kids needed prearranged overnight accommodations should a snow storm prevent the school bus from taking them home from school. She remembers it always being a great adventure to stay in town overnight.
Over the years I have come to appreciate the heartland and in “coming home”, I want to learn more about agriculture and the life of those who work in the farming sector. Last fall, I joined a farmer friend on his combine during the corn harvest and, this spring, I did the same with another farmer during soybean planting. I asked a lot of questions and am astounded by how high tech and sophisticated farming has become. The level of education and knowledge necessary along with the magnitude of resource investment and risk the average farmer takes is unimaginable to most people. I can’t think of another profession with so many uncontrollable variables that must be mitigated from one year to the next. Faith helps and there are good years but farming is not for the faint of heart. I know there is bad weather but with the climate controlled environments much of the field work is done in, what a great way to spend your day communing with nature and enjoying the land, if all goes well that is. It sounds like equipment breakdowns are routine and it helps if one has mechanical skills and/or a partner willing and able to run to town for parts on a regular basis. Although there is lots of opportunity for today’s farm wife to contribute to the farming efforts, it seems they often work outside the home to make ends meet and probably still do their fair share at home. It also seems like the current generation continues to foster the next generation in continuing family farming if/when there is interest and the time is right. I was surprised by the number of technical experts or consultants used by today’s farmer. I enjoyed hearing about the role of agronomists to increase yields and the use of grain marketing specialists to time selling to maximize prices with the increase of on farm storage. What occurred to me is the diverse array of employment opportunities in the agricultural service sector which probably remain unknown to many young people. Finally, I appreciate the numerous partnerships with extended family and/or neighbor’s farmers have negotiated to lighten the load.
Anyway, as I listen to the mooing cows late at night in the field across from my lake home, I have started contemplating the animal husbandry part of the farming equation. I spent lots of time in the Miracle of Life Building at the Minnesota State Fair last year and, thanks to my cousin, know not to ask a farmer how many cows he has, so stay tuned for my livestock adventures. Anyone out there that wants to show me around their cattle ranch or dairy operation, I’m game. Not sure I am ready for the swine barn yet! 2018