When people ask me what I do and I tell them I’m a farmer, I inevitably get the response about having a “hobby farm.” If exhausting, backbreaking, and sometimes heartbreaking work was a hobby of mine I might be more agreeable to that term. I’ve never felt so small in the world and so not in control as I have when working a farm. Control? Pffft – get a herd of goats and tell me if you feel in control of the situation. Or wait for hay season to stock up to feed all your animals only to have a wet summer and very little hay to come by.
So, what I have I learned sofar from this journey?
First, I’ve been reminded more than I care to admit that Mother Nature is in control-always. We are all just along for the ride. Being in Wisconsin we sometimes have the coldest or snowiest of winters with full on blizzards tossed in for spice. Wading to the animals after a deep and heavy snow armed with a shovel to dig them all out is backbreaking work. I also have learned the importance of dressing for the weather – especially in winter! Good insulated and waterproof boots are a must, along with a Carhart jacket, thick hat, and gloves. Interesting tip I received was to layer the cheapy stretch gloves under heavier flip down mittens is the way to go. Also, interestingly I’ve heard that wearing neoprene gloves under winter gloves help to keep the heat in. I haven’t tried that one yet!
On the flip side is the hot and humid summers. Those can also be very hard on the animals…and humans! We have learned to design our animal shelters to give a good amount of shade, and have electric running to them to allow for large fans to run in summer.
I’ve also learned the real value of community. We rely on our local feed mill for more than just feed. They offer advice, ideas, and connection to other farms. Our neighbors have watched out for us as well. More than once I’ve had a neighbor bring home a stray turkey, and once even a goat. We also rely on our llama community to learn as much as possible to care for our animals.
I have a stronger awareness of and attentiveness to the seasons. For example, spring has truly sprung in our corner of the world when I hear the sandhill cranes making their noise, and the redwing blackbirds coming back to the area. I’ve also learned to watch the animals for an indication of what the winter is going to be like. A dramatic increase in eating in late fall, combined with extra thick winter coats tell me they are prepping for a bad winter.
I have a stronger sense of self. I know when to ask for help and what I can and can’t do.
I have an appreciation for my family who work as hard on our farm as I do.
Finally, I have a strong appreciation of vacation time. Time away is hard to come by, and when it happens we cherish it!