Becoming a Farmers Wife

I always wanted to be part of the farming/agriculture world. I think it was always a desire I held close to my heart. I grew up in the country, surrounded by farms, and nothing beats the smell of fresh cut grass and freshly plowed fields. I can’t say I enjoyed the manure smell, but you get used to it after a while! All 4 of my brothers, at one point or another, worked for those neighboring farms. I got used to running lunches out to tractors and silage trucks, or just hopping in and riding along for some company. It wasn't shocking when my second date with Chris was bringing him dinner and hanging out in the tractor! We were married within a year and I became a farmer’s wife.

First thought in my head, "I totally got this." 

First thought in my head, "I totally got this. I’ve lived around farms my entire life, this will be easy!" Well let me tell ya, there is a big difference in living next to a farm, and living on a farm! It took a little bit to adapt! The things I learned the fastest: I will probably never be on time to anything ever again. Keep a pair of boots on hand in case the cows get out on date night (or Sunday!), so you don't ruin your heels chasing them back in! Farm smell follows you everywhere, it's on you, your coat, your shoes, even my dog smells like a farm now! But hey, free cheese and milk for life! It was however, a little hard to adapt to farm life and the fact this is a 24/7 job. It’s long days, late hours, and random dinner times. However, if you have a conversation with my husband about cows, machinery, or fieldwork, you can tell how much he loves his job.

I think it's particularly amazing we get to do this at a young age.

When we had a chance to buy into the farm, we decided to do it. I don't think I fully understood at the time the big step we were taking. It’s been incredible to slowly become involved, understanding how a farm works, and how it's run in it's entirety. I think it’s particularly amazing we get to do this at a young age, become part of the farm, yet still have plenty of time to grow and learn from our parents.

Seeing their full trust in God, to provide, but also being able to be humble and believing in His strength in good times and bad. Knowing that money is not the root of happiness, and farming will be filled with ups and downs, but the love of the job God has given to you and complete trust in Him trumps all. We are learning respect of the elements, the animals, the wisdom of other farmers, and the power of prayer. I feel like I have learned an incredible amount already! We are keeping a family tradition alive, by participating in something both Chris and I love and have a heart for.

We are choosing the farm for our family. 

Farming, like so many people have told me is a lifestyle. We are choosing the farm for our family. I am excited for our kids to someday grow up on the farm. Hopefully learning the many things farming has to teach, like a strong work ethic, responsibility, problem solving, communication and the love and respect of animals. I am proud and incredibly grateful for the chance to be a part of this legacy. This farm now spans 3 generations, and someday if they so choose, maybe our children will be the 4th.