From the Farm Field to the Softball Field

From the Farm Field to the Softball Field, it's the time of year that takes a lot of patience, innovation and heart as both a farmer and a coach.

What it means to be a Farm Mom

Last month I was honored to receive a phone call from the America's Farmers program to say that I had been nominated and selected as one of this year's National Farm Moms of the Year and today I can finally share it with all of you!

So what does it mean to be a Farm Mom?  I think a Farm Mom is a woman who is not only caring for her family, but also for the land, her livestock and her community.

I'm an #ActualLivingFarmer

Each morning while I'm waiting for the school bus to arrive, I usually do some scrolling through Twitter on my phone.  This morning was no different, except that a hashtag caught my eye - #ActualLivingFarmer.  I thought, well this is cool!  A couple fellow farmers that I follow were using it and I thought, sure, I'll introduce myself to the world of Twitter as an actual living farmer too:

I'm #actuallivingfarmer who raises corn, soybeans, pigs & 4 kids on my 5th gen farm in #NorthIowa, home to some of most fertile ground in 🌎 pic.twitter.com/vDcFP82njS

— Val Plagge (@PlaggeVal) February 10, 2017

I immediately started getting great feedback from the post, so I decided to dig deeper into the hashtag.  Last weekend the hashtag #ActualLivingScientist became trending after a couple scientist decided to introduce themselves, after feeling under scrutiny and under appreciated due to some reports in the news and government changes.  They realized that most people today wouldn't be able to name a living scientist, so the hashtag began and caught on fast.

Then on Wednesday of this week, a plant scientist spawned a new hashtag - #ActualLivingFarmer:

Statistically, Americans are far more likely to know an #actuallivingscientist (4.8% of US population) than an #actuallivingfarmer (<2%).

— Andrew Kniss (@WyoWeeds) February 9, 2017

If you are a farmer, get involved, and share your story as an #ActualLivingFarmer.

If you aren't a farmer, follow the hashtag and check out all the neat and different types of farmers that are willing and interested in sharing their story.  For me personally, I love sharing about my life on the farm because it is not only what I do for a living, it is also my passion.

Here are some posts about me and my farm that will give you a better idea what it is like to be raising corn, soybeans, pigs and kids on a North Iowa farm.

Harvest of Thanks to our Farm Family
We are a FAMILY Farm
What it means to be a FarmHer
When I Grow Up I Want To Be a Farmer
Planting a Seed
Here Piggy, Piggy, Piggy

If you have any questions about my farm or being a farmer, comment below.  Remember to Comment for a Cause!

Bloom Where You Are Planted

It doesn't seem possible that it is Friday after the New Year already.  I normally do a New Year Goals post at the beginning of each year but I got to thinking as the New Year rolled around that I really didn't have any new goals.  I concentrated on eating healthier and being more active after Miss R arrived this summer, and I plan to continue doing that.  I wanted to continue to focus on mine and my family's routine this year.  And I wanted to continue to simply build a happy home.  At first, I didn't know if this was a good thing, or a bad thing.  But then I read my morning devotion, which I started as a goal this past fall, on January 1st and the first line said, "Lord, guide my choices today so they will bloom blessings for the generation tomorrow."

Fun Fact! Those are soybean flowers

I thought WOW!  How perfect!  I love and live by the saying, "Bloom where you are planted."  And then to read, and remind myself, how my choices will impact me and future generations, just seem to work completely.

Another Fun Fact! This a row of corn
sprouting out of one of our fields

As a Wife and Mom, I work hard to provide opportunities for my family.  I want to see my husband and all four of my kids succeed both now and in the future.  How can I do this?  Share God with them.  Show my love to them.  Spend time with them.  Can it really be that simple?  I think so.  And I think it is one of the most important things I can do right now.

As a Farmer, I'm working hard to make the right choices and decisions for our farm, so our land and animals are the best and healthiest they can be.  I also want to do this so my kids can be the sixth generation of farmers in our family.

So how are you blooming blessings?  Remember to Comment for a Cause!  And I hope you all are having a great start to your New Year!

What it means to be a FarmHer

While grocery shopping this week, the girls and I were stocking up on bottled pop that was on sale, as this is a staple during fall harvest.

Miss A started asking questions as the six packs stacked up in the cart, "Are these for you, and Daddy, and Grandpa?"

I replied, "Yes. These are for harvest.  We should be in the field soon so Mom is stocking up now while I have a chance and they're on sale."

A woman also checking out the pop special overhead our conversation (Because really, who couldn't with how loud Miss A asks her questions...  Plus, we kind of stick out in the grocery store at 10 in the morning on a Tuesday with three girls ages three and under as my shopping companions.) and casually said to me, "Oh, you must be a farmer's wife."

Without even thinking about it I responded, "No, I'm a farmer."

She gave me a puzzled look and said again, "No, a farmer's wife."

Driving the tractor
and grain cart during harvest

And I again reinstated, "No, I'm a farmer.  I might not be in the shop right now with my husband working on the combine, but I do take care of the financials for our farm, drive a tractor all fall and spring, and help with daily chores.  So, I think that makes me a farmer."

I kind of stunned the woman and even myself with my quick reply.  So I smiled at her and she smiled back at me and said, "Well, yes, I guess you are a farmer."

I don't know if it was the Millennial in me or what, but it was easy for me to say and confirm that I was indeed a farmer.  But have women farmers always been that confident, or have they even thought of themselves as something more than a farmer's wife?

I got to thinking about this more and more as I tagged along through social media at FarmHer's Grow event for young women yesterday.  FarmHer works to "shine a light on women in agriculture", and for the second year has led Grow events targeted at females ages 15-23 to explore and get inspired about the possibilities in agriculture.  I would have loved an event like this when I was in high school and college!  The thing is, women have always been a part of agriculture, and I believe as time goes on, are becoming a bigger segment of the agriculture workforce, whether it be as a scientist, researcher, veterinarian, farmer, etc.

My Farmer and I working together
this past spring during planting

My husband and I are partners in our farming operation.  We each have our own role and we work together to build our farm.  We talk through marketing decisions together.  We both do our own market research so we can make the best choice for selling our commodities.  We work together in the field.  As harvest approaches, you'll see me driving a tractor and grain cart while you'll see My Farmer driving the combine or semi-truck.  After harvest, it'll be time to be thinking about next year's crop.  We'll talk through our corn and soybean rotations, but My Farmer makes the exact decision on seeds/varieties we will plant.  My Farmer takes care of our pigs at our pig barns on the other side of the section from where we live.  Where along with our son Mr. K, I take care of the goat and pig chores at the home place.  I manage all of our financials for our farm, taking care of bills and deposits, while my husband is the one negotiating rates and rents.  My Farmer does all of the equipment repair, where I'll assist by running to get the parts needed.  We work together.  We are a team.

I am empowered that there are events and programs like FarmHer to confirm with women of all ages that you can be in agriculture.  As a mother of three girls, I never want any of them to think that because they are females they can't be in agriculture.  Maybe Miss A will use her animal handling skills to have her own herd of goats...

Miss A has no fear when it comes to
getting dirty and getting the job done

Or Miss L will drive a tractor and raise corn and soybeans...

Miss L last fall helping me in the tractor
I can't believe how much she's grown!

And I guess we'll have to wait to see what four month old Miss R will decide, but I want to make sure all of them feel like they can.  There are a lot of occupations that I think have gender biases but I believe the world of agriculture is starting to embrace and recognize women.  For that I am thankful and excited, for me and my girls.

My girls and I at the Farm Progress Show
at the end of August

Have you heard of the FarmHer program?  Are you a farmer?  Remember to Comment for a Cause!

When I Grow Up I Want To Be A Farmer

Our oldest son, LP, just turned five years old and he is asked quite often "What do you want to be when you grow up?".  He always proudly answers, "A Farmer".  So in honor of National Ag Day, I sat down and interviewed him and asked him "Why?".  His answers made me smile and I hope they do for you too.

Because my Dad and Mom are farmers.

Already at the age of five LP thinks the legacy of our family's farm is a pretty "cool" thing.  LP is the sixth generation on our farm, and My Farmer and I are doing all that we can to make sure that our farm is sustainable for him, or any of his siblings, to take over when they are grown up.

LP this past fall with Flat Aggie

Because I like tractors.

He's a five year old boy, are you really surprised this is one of his reasons why he wants to be a farmer?  Heck, this is one of the reasons I enjoy farming.  Big wheels, big machines, and lots of power - yep, sounds like a pretty good reason on why being a farmer is awesome!

Because you get to plant.

I thought this was an unbelievable answer to come from a five year old.  LP has already discovered to love of getting a little dirty, planting seeds, and seeing the miracle of having a crop bloom and get harvested at the end of the year.  Raising corn and soybeans on our farm is one of my favorite aspects because we get a fresh start every year.  We learn from past years to better our farms for each new year.  We are constantly learning on the farm, and that is something unique about our job of farming.

Because you get to wear a cool costume.  Now after this answer I had to ask him what a farmer costume was and he said:  It's the farmer suit.  You get to wear cool shirts, Carhartt bibs in the winter and cool boots.

I had never thought about the "farmer suit" til LP talked about it.  Our "cool shirts" are usually from different seed or chemical companies, agricultural associations, etc.  They do have some pretty fun designs and wording on them so I can see why he is looking forward to wearing his own some day.  Carhartt bib overalls are must in the winter time in order to stay warm while working outside.  These aren't just cool as LP sees them, they are practical and needed.  And the "cool boots".  Both My Farmer and I have farm boots - aka old pull on leather boots, and rubber chore boots.  According to LP both are cool and he thinks it is great that you get to wear them everyday when you're a farmer.

And lastly: Because you get to take care of pigs everyday.

LP loves helping his Dad check the pigs to make sure they are healthy and comfortable.  He loves that we have animals on our farm and he has plans on adding to the kinds of livestock that we raise.  If you ask LP, he wants to add a cow, chickens and horses.  I hate to tell him, but he might have to wait til he has his own farm to have some of those.  But I'm willing to invest in probably some chickens and maybe a bucket bottle calf as a 4-H project someday.

So from our family, to yours, we hope you have a great National Ag Day!  Thanks to LP for letting me interview him.  I hope you enjoyed his answers on why he wants to be a farmer when he grows up as much as My Farmer and I both did.  The future of agriculture is growing strong!  Remember to Comment for a Cause!

An Ag Day Poem: A Day in the Life of My Farmer

My Farmer starting his morning this Ag Day

As I got to thinking about National Ag Day I thought about my family, especially my husband, who I affectionately call My Farmer.  My Farmer works hard all day, every day of the year.  Many people wonder what a farmer even does in the winter – well, here is a look at a typical winter day lately for My Farmer:  

He’s starting up his pick-up, often before the morning sun is due.

The coffee pot is brewing, to help him make it through his list to do.

First thing on the list is to check the hogs – good thing he has his snow plow ready so he can get there,

See, he’s the first one on the gravel roads, neighbors depend on him to clear the way as much as the hogs care.

After the hog chores are done and the neighborhood roads and driveways are clear,

Its 9 o’clock and time to meet with the banker – I get a call that asks to set out some clean clothes to wear.

Following the morning meeting it is back to the list, he consults his memory to figure out what is next,

Check the grain bins and work on the semi – we’ll be hauling to town next week and they could use a check.

It’s the end of March and planning has started for spring,

But it’s hard to be thinking corn and soybeans when wondering what the next snow storm will bring.

Better run the plow one more time around – it’s getting late and the sun is going down.

Can’t wait to eat supper with the family and play one round of tickle monster before a church meeting in town,

At home at last, ready to call it a night,

Check the overnight trades and go through the bills under the office light.

Kisses good night from everyone, prayers for strength to get up in the morning and go,

This isn’t a life of a super hero or the wealthiest person around – it’s a day in the life of My Farmer, a man I love and cherish more than you’ll ever know.

Happy National Ag Day everyone!  If you want to check out other Ag Day posts from people across the United States check out today's Agriculture Proud blog.  What will you do to celebrate?

So God Made A Farmer

As you all should know, last night was the Super Bowl.  I figure you watch the Super Bowl for one of four reasons:  the game; the commercials; the half-time show; or you don't care, you just like getting together with friends and eating good food.  Well I fall under the commercial category and I always find the Super Bowl as a good excuse to get together with friends and eat good food!

My favorite commercial this year was from Ram Trucks.  It included the transcript from Paul Harvey's speech, "So God Made a Farmer," that he deliver at the 1978 National FFA Convention.  The hidden greatness of this commercial is two things:

• First, Ram has declared 2013 as the Year of the Farmer.  Throughout the year, Ram will be celebrating the American Farmer.  I'm excited to see what else Ram does during this year of dedication to the "people, food and lifestyle that keep America growing".
• Second, every time you watch the Ram Trucks Super Bowl Commercial, the National FFA receives $1, up to $1 Million.

So do your part.  Spread the message.  And Support FFA.  

Do you want to learn about my family's "rest of the story"?  Check out my Farming - A Family Tradition blog post.

And if you are interested, here are the words to Paul Harvey's "So God Made A Farmer" speech:

And on the 8th day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, "I need a caretaker." So God made a farmer.

God said, "I need somebody willing to get up before dawn, milk cows, work all day in the fields, milk cows again, eat supper and then go to town and stay past midnight at a meeting of the school board." So God made a farmer.

"I need somebody with arms strong enough to rustle a calf and yet gentle enough to deliver his own grandchild. Somebody to call hogs, tame cantankerous machinery, come home hungry, have to wait lunch until his wife's done feeding visiting ladies and tell the ladies to be sure and come back real soon -- and mean it." So God made a farmer.

God said, "I need somebody willing to sit up all night with a newborn colt. And watch it die. Then dry his eyes and say, 'Maybe next year.' I need somebody who can shape an ax handle from a persimmon sprout, shoe a horse with a hunk of car tire, who can make harness out of haywire, feed sacks and shoe scraps. And who, planting time and harvest season, will finish his forty-hour week by Tuesday noon, then, pain'n from 'tractor back,' put in another seventy-two hours." So God made a farmer.

God had to have somebody willing to ride the ruts at double speed to get the hay in ahead of the rain clouds and yet stop in mid-field and race to help when he sees the first smoke from a neighbor's place. So God made a farmer.

God said, "I need somebody strong enough to clear trees and heave bails, yet gentle enough to tame lambs and wean pigs and tend the pink-combed pullets, who will stop his mower for an hour to splint the broken leg of a meadow lark. It had to be somebody who'd plow deep and straight and not cut corners. Somebody to seed, weed, feed, breed and rake and disc and plow and plant and tie the fleece and strain the milk and replenish the self-feeder and finish a hard week's work with a five-mile drive to church.

"Somebody who'd bale a family together with the soft strong bonds of sharing, who would laugh and then sigh, and then reply, with smiling eyes, when his son says he wants to spend his life 'doing what dad does.'" So God made a farmer.

Step Up and Be a Leader

Have you been thinking lately that you should get more involved in your community, your state, and/or the agriculture industry?  If you answered yes to any of these, you should apply for the ASA/Dupont Young Leader Program!

The ASA/DuPont Young Leader Program is a great opportunity for soybean growers and their spouses who are interested in developing their leadership skills and knowledge of the soybean industry.  The knowledge gained from the program is beneficial both on the farm and off.  This program is open to soybean farmers in the twenty-six soybean growing states and Canada.  One couple or individual per state will be chosen to participate.  There are two phases of the training:

• Part I is held at Dupont Pioneer's headquarter in Johnston, Iowa November 27-30, 2012
• Part II is held in conjunction with Commodity Classic in Kissimmee, Florida February 26-March 2, 2013

The program is managed and coordinated by Dupont Pioneer and the American Soybean Association.

My Farmer and I during Phase II
of the ASA/Dupont Young Leader Program
at the 2012 Commodity Classic in Nashville

My Farmer and I were the 2012 ASA/Dupont Young Leaders for Iowa this past year and had a great time! We both have been involved in leadership programs in the past and weren't sure if we would really gain any new information.  But after the first class session we both felt motivated to do more and tell our story of agriculture, and that is the main reason I actually started this blog.  Besides gaining leadership skills, social media insights, and soybean industry updates, we also gained a lot of great friends.  The networking that we both gained from this program will last us a lifetime.  It is unbelievable how well we got to know the other members of the class and the insight we gained about agriculture from across the United States and Canada.

So if you raise soybeans, are interested in getting more involved, would like to increase your leadership skills and gain new friends, you should apply today for the 2013 ASA/Dupont Young Leaders program!  Applications are now being accepted through October 1.

If you have any questions about the ASA/Dupont Young Leaders program be sure to ask me!

Wordless Wednesday - Iowa State Fair

I love fair season and was happy to travel to the Iowa State Fair this past weekend.  Here are a couple photos from our time at the fair!

New Fair Food - Fried Pickle Dawg (pickle, covered with cream cheese and rolled up in ham, fried)

Good ol' Favorite Fair Food - Cookies in a Cup

LP at Little Hands on the Farm

LP as a Turkey Farmer at the Animal Learning Center
This is our friend Bart's photo that was turned into a photo board at this year's fair

We love volunteering at the Iowa Pork Tent every year
Here My Farmer and our friend's Brian and Mike get some Iowa chops ready to grill

We had a great time at the Iowa State Fair - it wore us all out!