My Farmer and I farm in North Central Iowa (where the land is flat and the dirt is black) where we raise, as my blog title shares - corn, (soy)beans, pigs and kids. We primarily rent fields from landlords that we rotate corn and soybeans on from year to year and we own two hog barns that we raise pigs in for my Father-in-law. Speaking of my Father-in-law, he is an important part to our family farm. We share equipment and labor with him when it comes to our cropland and pigs. Our partnership really has helped My Farmer and I get started and establish ourselves in farming.
.JPG) |
| My Father-in-law, LP and My Farmer counting a new group of pigs as they enter the barn |
The truth is our family is not the only ones who have made farming a family tradition. In the United States 98% of all farms are family-owned. So why do families make farming their heritage? Farmers pride themselves on putting food on the table and preserving the land. Through these goals, generations have learned a powerful work ethic and respect. Because of this, the next generation feels a purpose to engage in farming and continue their family’s farming legacy. Both my husband and I have always wanted to farm since we were little kids. We are both so proud of farming today and feel fortunate to be doing so. I can already see this sense of purpose to farm with our 3 year old son LP and 16 month old daughter MP. They love helping on the farm!
 |
| MP, My Farmer, LP and me - continuing our family's farming legacy |
(This post is a part of a 31 Days from a Tractor Seat series. The best way to keep up with this series is to follow via email on the right sidebar of this post and by liking the Corn, Beans, Pigs and Kids Facebook page.)
I can't believe LP isn't wearing his red boots in the hog photo!
ReplyDeleteHe loves to wear those boots!
He does love his red boots!
DeleteGreat post and I have 29 more to enjoy!! Can't wait till this weekend and is it bad of me to wish that it is too wet in the fields so I can see you??
ReplyDeleteYes it is, but it keeps looking more and more that your wish will be coming true.
DeleteHi Val, I grew up on a farm in central Iowa, and I know what you mean. I now write for an ag/science group in Ames, but I've had a chance to get blogs and articles in magazines about the joys of farm life--and I compiled them into a book called Farmlines--Living in the Days of Dumb Phones and Analog Apps. It contains images and anecdotes about the pre-digital era on farms. Anyway, enjoy your "Days from a Tractor Seat"--all 31 and beyond. dan gogerty
DeleteThanks Dan. Even though technology has changed, the joys of farm life are still alive and well!
DeleteWhen is the best time for your family to vacation? Maybe the winter since the fields are "resting"?
ReplyDeleteThe best time to get away is usually late summer before harvest starts and winter when we are making decisions for our cropland. But because of our hogs, no matter when we leave we have to find someone to take care and be on call for our hogs. That is another nice thing about partnering with my Father-in-law. We coordinate our getaways so both of us are never gone at the same time so someone is always able to do chores!
DeleteThank you, late summer, I never would have guessed, but it makes sense now. I see people working in the fields all autumn, I get it now how late summer would work :)
DeleteWhat a refreshing post! It seems like just about everything I read about farms these days is depressing because corporations are making it so hard on farmers. But, seeing you and your family making it with those engaging smiles on your faces was a breath of fresh air!
ReplyDeleteSome people still work hard to put bread on the table!
Heidi Sutton @ Ag Source Magazine
good post
ReplyDeleteThanks!
Delete