Yesterday we finally had sunshine in Missouri! It was a warm day and my kids were excited to get outside and spend some time on the farm. We have had more rain than normal for this time of year, which has kept our kids inside more than they prefer.

Our kids started out their afternoon by going with their Grandpa. They worked on cleaning out fence rows and picking up broken limbs and sticks. Next, they helped their dad change the oil in the tractors. Then they helped get the baler ready for the first cutting of hay, which appears to be a long time away according to my six year old. After they finished this job, they took some time off to inspect the deer and turkey tracks that were around the farm. They finished their day in the hog barns with their dad, which also involved playing with their 4-H pigs.

As I tucked my kids into bed last night, they were both very tired but they each commented on how much fun they had on the farm with their dad. Our kids are what keep us going during the hard times, these two kids are why we keep moving forward! It's no secret the hog industry is facing tough times, worse than we did in 1998, but my kids give me the motivation I need to get out of bed each morning and keep providing safe food for this country.