Recently, I have been asked a number of times why I farm. I had never really given any thought about why I am a farmer. As I consider the question, I began to realize that the reasons I am a farmer are varied. I started working on the family farm full time just over three years ago. Prior to that, I worked in food safety, both on the production side and regulatory side.
Why am I a farmer? Well there are a number of reasons. Most importantly for me is the family aspect of farming. Watching my oldest daughter as she rides her bicycle around the parlor while we milk the cows. Seeing the joy on my daughter’s face as she looks at a new litter of kittens. The fascination on my youngest daughter’s face when she watches the cows. Working side by side with my husband.
Family aside, one of my favorite things about my job is working with the cows. Each cow has her own quirks about her that make her unique. On a stressful day, being around the cows can be a kind of therapy. We pride ourselves in giving our cows the best care we can. I enjoy the challenge of producing wholesome, nutritious food.
Another part of farming that I enjoy is the challenge. Learning to run the equipment on the farm. Figuring out solutions to the problems that we encounter. Every day is a different day from the last.
For me, there is also satisfaction in seeing the end results of your work. Observing a newborn calf, knowing that I had selected the bull she was sired by nine months prior. Watching the calves that I feed everyday grow into cows that we milk. It’s gratifying to see the fruits of my labor.
The reasons I have for being a farmer are probably not the same for all farmers, however, I think all farmers would give a similar answer. I farm because it’s not just a job, it’s a way of life.