Test day=cookie dough

Well folks, it has been two months since I've written a post. For all of my followers, (let me pretend I have some) I am very sorry! Life got away from me, as it does with all of us at some point.

While I was away dealing with life, I had the opportunity to work at the Minnesota Farm Bureau building at the State Fair. One of the best experiences of my life. I talked with hundreds of fair goers which also happen to be consumers. Strange huh?

So, thank those folks for this wonderful blog post because all of them were fascinated by the detail and care that goes into producing their milk, even old farmers that don't want to learn anything new because they did it for 60 years and there is nothing they don't know....

The milk truck comes to our house every other day to pick up our milk. Before he puts it in the tank, he takes a sample. This sample tells us and the milk plant: 

Fat % in the milk

Protein % in the milk

White blood cell count in the milk

Freezing temperature of the milk (so they know we are producing milk and not water:)

Other solid levels (the other essential nutrients in milk!)

To ensure no antibiotics are in the milk (If the test comes back positive for antibiotics, the whole truck load is dumped down the drain.)

This sample is taken every other day on our farm, before it even gets on the truck. 

Tests are also taken when it gets to the milk plant before it is unloaded off of the truck, because our milk is combined with many other farm's.

We (dairy farmers) hire someone to come and test our milk every month for each individual cow. Each cow has a lifelong record of, well, anything that happens to them. Kind of like your medical record when you go to the doc. When we look at these tests we can see how productive the cow is, how healthy she is in general and if she has any metabolic issues going on. 

Each cow gets a little sample bottle all to their self :)

These are the meters that tell us how much each cow is producing. 

So much is deposited into the meter for every pound the cow produces..it's math stuff.

They are pretty nifty and accurate! 

And...I hate testing days because it takes longer to switch out each meter for each cow. It also means a triple check on our on the farm record keeping.

On the plus side, the lady that brings the meters and returns the samples for testing brings cookie dough for me :)

Build a Foundation, Plant the Seed, Nurture and Love

Things needed for a relationship with God. 

Life lessons.

and lastly, how to grow vegetables!!

Sorry folks, I know it has been a very long time since my last post. I have 0 excuses except that I just haven't felt like writing. But I'm back in action!

Back in June I took on the responsibility of building the Vacation Bible School (VBS) Community Garden. So, after four weeks of doing no planning and three days before it started I decided how I was going to make it all work!

1.) I wanted to try out my friend's & co-worker's pallet garden. I thought what a great opportunity, small, not a lot of weeding, and if it fails and nothing grows oh well!

2.) My goal-this kids that planted everything will harvest in the fall (Sunday School time) and then give the veggies to our wonderful community elders. 

3.) Now, here is where it got tricky...I had to do something....

The night before Mom and I assembled these soon to be gardens (sorry no pictures, I was too busy working and hurrying to go to bed). We stapled the cloth liner, ya know that stuff that doesn't let weeds through, on 3 sides of the pallet. Mostly though, we just fought with the stapler for 2 hours. 

Anyhow, this was our finished product the next day. Mom (ever so kindly) loaded up dirt and the other supplies and met me @ church. 

Besides only a few kids showing up and starting 15 minutes later than normal and not having any help or knowing what I was doing, it all went good!

Here is what we learned:

Day 1: Fill the pallet with soil: Start with a solid foundation

In order to love and have a relationship with God, we need to be ready and willing. At first the kids were a little hesitant to get dirty, but after a few started in they realized how much fun it really was. Relating it back...sometimes we have to go out of our comfort zone, take a risk, and just watch what beautiful things can grow from that

 

 Day 2: Plant the plants/seeds: Take the first step

Some things start as small as seeds, others are ready to be put in the garden as plants, already nurtured by someone else. We each have our own relationship with God, whether we know it has started or not...someone had to get the seed in the packet didn't they? Take the first step and plant your own piece of God in your heart. Maybe it is attending church, maybe it's talking with a friend about a problem you haven't admitted to. 

Day 3: Water plants: Continue to build and nurture your relationship

It isn't a one time deal. Plants don't grow without care. Yeah, it's okay to miss a day of watering (sshhh..I may have missed a couple :/), but as long as you keep coming back, they will continue to grow. Just like God will always be there no matter how many times you continue to mess up and you keep coming back for your drink of water. 

The kids had a blast, I learned something new and the plants are still growing a month later! :) PS this is the first garden I have ever grown!!!! And yes, I know, it needs to be weeded :(

Lifelong Lessons From...Cows!!

Grandma: "This article made me think of you"

I couldn't have said it better myself, Grandma. I was going to share an article from PR Daily about things to know when you start your career, until Grandma found this in The Land titled "Everything I need to know, I learned from watching cattle." The paragraphs below are ideas and excerpts from the article. I take no credit for them but wanted to share. 

"Come into the world with a bang"

If you've ever helped a calf be born, you know what it is to do that job while the mother is standing up!  Her calf comes plopping to the ground, shakes his/her head, looks around and starts the adventure of life. Step into your world, make yourself known to those around you and leave your mark on the world.

"Stand on your feet as soon as you can, and look around."

It's amazing to see animals born. They come into the world much like we do, and are standing on their own four feet within minutes of their birth, wondering at the new world around them. Stand up in this world as soon as you can, carry your share of the load, and always be aware of what's around you. You never know where that cow path is going to lead you.

"Beller until someone gives you what you need."

You always know when something's up with the cows. Remember that the squeaky wheel gets the grease--while tempering that with the notion that sometimes the squeaky wheel gets removed, also.

"Chew on things awhile first."

Cows have 4 stomaches. They chew and swallow and regurgitate it. We call this chewing their cud. They do this 8 hours a day for about 30,000 chews/day!!

"Use your tail to swat the annoying things away."

We need to learn to rid ourselves of those people and things that bring us down. Swat them away and move on!

"Stay with the herd."

Cows know it--we should too. There is strength in numbers. If you've ever tried to move cows you know that you need to keep them together. When one strays, you lose them all. They stick together no matter what. Not like the move "Mean Girls."

"Adapt to your environment."

As long as your essentials are taken care of, the cows are relaxed and grateful. Even though it takes a lot of work on our part to make sure that happens daily, the cows are happy with water, food and a place to lay down. Take a lesson from their humble attitude. Home is whatever and wherever you make it.

"Keep your backside to the wind."

When the world turns colder, cows know to stand together and against the wind. When your world turns cold, turn your back to it so it doesn't blow out the flame from your spirit; keep on walking, and stick with those whom you know will be there with you always!

Visit The Land to read this and other great articles. This particle article is written by Karen Schwaller, Table Talk. 

Just Another Day in Paradise

Finally! We have all of our crops in...well we still need to cut hay, but corn is in and soybeans are in!

Talk about a huge relief. 

However, it was no easy feat...

You know how you dislike the rain driving into work? Ya, farmers hate this much of it too. 

Saturday was spent cleaning up our field that is at the end of the Cannon River. If you know where the Welch Ski Village is, our field is at the bottom. Needless to say it has flooded 4 times in the last 2 years. So, Saturday I was down helping Dad pick up the last of the junk that floated into our field. Luckily they had already cleared out the full size trees last week..with a log chain! 

On the bright side, the flood brought so much sand in I could go barefoot. On the downside, sand is really bad to grow crops in and I ended up getting something in my foot (I think I might soon have to visit the doc, duck tape didn't fix this one, and I did try!)

While we were picking up tree branches (these are not stick size hunks of wood!)..my cousin was tilling and smoothing out the clean areas. As you can see...it didn't go very well to begin with. He learned pretty quick to stay away from the edges...Luckily after ONLY about 4 attempts of backing up and pulling, shortening the chain and repeating, we got him out! 

We finished picking up branches and sandals and picnic tables...ya floods do a lot of damage..he finished digging, then our other neighbor came and planted soybeans. And ya know what? It rained that night and hasn't quit since! We got it all done just in time. 

My favorite part of the whole day (besides walking around barefoot like I was 5) neighbors kept stopping by to ask for favors and see how it was coming. They would help us pick up a few things and then be on their way after a short visit. That's what I love about growing up in this lifestyle. We were on a mission that day to get all of it done. Working as fast and hard as we could. Efficiency was our middle name. But, that didn't stop us from enjoying the time spent together and catching up on our neighbor's lives, asking how their elderly parents are or whatever else it may be. Just another reminder to enjoy every moment in life, and you will never work a day in your life. 

Boy Oh Boy!

Yesterday was my only day off all week from work, and by that I mean the work that requires showering and putting on clean clothes to go into town.

Lucky me, we had a nice little surprise during morning chores, but not without a little scare!

When my uncle came up in the morning around 6a.m. he said Lace-it (a cow) was calving. Now, when I find out a cow is calving I get both really excited, but I also realize how much more work that means, and it wasn't exactly nice weather outside. After I finished milking, around 7a.m, I went out to the pasture to check on Lace-it. She was standing by herself in the far corner, looking a little uncomfortable. Then again, I guess if I had a 100lb calf coming out of my body I wouldn't be in the best mood either. 

Anyhow....

Usually we can tell a cow is starting to give birth because she is off laying by herself. Remember how I said this cow was standing? Not a great sign. We want them to lay down when they calve. Even though I wasn't within 20 yards of her I left to see if she would get comfortable and lay down because I could see the feet of the calf. I came back after about 10 min and she still wasn't laying down and the feet were still hanging out. 

Yes, I got nervous. Who knows how long the feet were already out right? What if the calf was backwards I kept thinking? Lace-it looked like she might be having trouble calving (something you pick up on after you've done this once or twice.) So, I walked her up towards the barn thinking we were maybe going to have to help her give birth. I got her up there and my uncle decided to wait it out a bit longer....Needless to say I was chomping at the bit to get this calf out of her! 

I waited....

and waited...

She laid down. Got up. Laid down. Got up. Laid down. Got up. 

Finally I came back at about 8:30 and I found this little guy

They Grow Up So Fast!

Sorry for the delay in posts, and specifically this one!

Last week we moved calves on the farm. This usually occurs a couple times a year, Spring and Fall, and depending on weather, in the Winter also. 

So, here is what happens:

The babies get weaned off of bottles at about 6-8 weeks old (you think your kids grow up fast, my baby calves grow up even faster!) Until that point, and usually a few weeks after (we don't want to make too many changes at once to keep stress levels low), they'll stay in these huts:

They are incredibly warm in the winter and during the summer we take extra precautions to keep the calves cool. All that straw is only from half of the winter!

Last week, before we could move the calves in, I had to fence and get the water and feeder ready. Fencing means to go around the pasture fence and make sure nothing fell on it or knocked it down over the winter. Then I set up the water. This required me to make sure the little babies would be able to reach it. That is why it is on a slant.

I think pictures can describe the story of the two hour process better, oh and a super cool video narrated by yours truly!

My brother, Zach. 

Everyone is having a good time with the calves!

We lead them to water so that they know where it is.

Hmmm...where to go first?!

They all learned where the water is! Must be thirsty after running around!

This one is for the farmers!

Yes, this weather just plain sucks! I'm sure your thinking the same thing, but for a different reason.

I love spring, hearing the birds chirp, watching green grass grow and working outside (in sunshine and decent temperatures!) Oh, I also love the long days :)  

I always think its funny when the urban population complains about the nasty weather and 17" of snow in May. Okay, I know it sucks for you too, and you'd much rather be outside enjoying nice sunshine and green grass. I'm sure your drive to work is also no fun, probably not real safe either. That is one thing I am grateful I do not have to do every day!

However, for farmers, this snow makes a ton of extra work! So please, if you the worst thing you have to endure during this icky Spring is one or two lousy commutes, don't complain. Actually I shouldn't say that. The snow in general is not so bad. Neither is pushing it. We are pretty lucky we have tractors to push it around! But...that still doesn't eliminate shoveling away from all the doors (and there are many places the tractor can't get to), the melting snow that turns to mud, the extra bedding needed to keep the animals dry and the soaking wet clothes that won't even dry over night. 

The worst part though? 

1.) Many farmer's hay fields are dead. This is a huge problem because hay is a large portion of the cows diet. Meaning, many farmers won't have enough feed their cows. (More questions about this? Message me.) 

2.) They are out of bedding. We baled extra straw and cornstalks last year and we are still almost out! We can't very well just let the calves get wet and dirty, especially if the temperature drops. But when we are out of bedding what are we supposed to do? This is why farmers are the most creative people I've ever met. 

On the bright side:

1.) We aren't as bad off as many farmers. Especially ones that encountered the drought last year and are already short on many supplies (hay/straw.)

2.) The snow is better than rain. Hopefully it will soak into the ground and not just create mud like rain would do instantly. 

3.) During the Depression they had to cut trees down for the cattle to eat. It isn't this bad yet! :)

Thank you farmers for being creative and finding solutions even when it continues to poor! The animals depend on you and so does everyone that eats!!!

That One Person

My Grandma

She is not only the best grandma around, but also an amazing person.

Her name is Pauline. I was lucky enough to be given it as my middle name. She will be 91 in August. I live about 20 steps from her front door.

My grandma gives everyday her biggest smile and whole heart.

She goes to bed early and rises when the sun does, like a true farmer's wife I suppose.

Breakfast is on the table when my dad, uncle and I come in after chores, all made from scratch; pancakes, eggs, bacon, oatmeal, blueberry muffins. Cooking has always been her joy in life, luckily eating has always been mine! :) Her chocolate cake is my favorite. I didn't even know pancakes and cakes were made out of a box until I was 12! She doesn't make lunch much anymore, but she's 90, we tell her she can do whatever she wants.

My grandma never says anything bad about anyone and always turns to God for advice.

My grandma tells me it can always be worse, no matter how bad it gets. She is a constant reminder of great of a life I have. 

My grandma is my entire life. Her silly laugh and smart a** comments can make a smile break out onto my face in one giggle. 

My grandma sends cards nearly everyday, usually with words of wisdom, never just a generic signature. 

My grandma never forgets a birthday or to ask how you are doing. The only time you'll see her look sad is if you don't eat any of her cookies, cake, or pancakes.

If I can grow up to have her heart, faith, wrinkles and positive attitude my life will be complete. She raised 5 kids and many grandchildren all while keeping house and helping on the farm. 

I hope those are the reasons wrinkles begin to form and my hair turns grey. 

Me: Grandma I don't need another cake (after I finished a whole cake in less than 24 hours and she offered to make another). Three cups of sugar is not good for my health.

Grandma: Oh Amanda! It's only two cups of sugar!

Grandma: Well I figured I better make a chocolate cake incase the power goes out. We are gonna need something inside the house to make us smile with all this weather!

Follow your heart

For the Love of _______

Cows. Farming. Challenges. Family. 

This week has been...to put it lightly....terrible. Our entire barn of cows has been sick. 

They have dropped in milk, some stopped eating, most have diarrhea. Let me tell you, it is not fun to milk cows that aren't milking and don't feel good. I would rather be sick and still care for them rather than have them sick.

Because of that, I figured something out this week. I absolutely love this "game" (pick your own word, but I feel like farming is a game, just when you think your getting ahead, you lose a turn!) I get paid for working on my farm, but its not based off of performance of the animals, or hourly. I just get a stipend. 

What does this have to do with anything?

I still want the cows to get better, I have stayed late in the barn every morning and night this week taking care of the sick cows. Doubling checking there aren't cows that have gone unnoticed. 

I don't get paid extra for staying outside. 

I don't get a bonus when they begin to get better. 

I simply get the satisfaction of caring for healthy cows. 

I get to enjoy milking cows. 

I get to spend time with my family not stressing about what we did wrong or how to fix it. (By the way, this wasn't anything we could have prevented; simply a virus that spreads, similar to the stomach flu. And I guess I should be honest, there will always be something I want to fix and improve :)

So, for anyone who thinks farmers are in it for the money or don't care for their animals, stop thinking, it's obviously not something your good at. If we were, our cows would have been gone on Tuesday. We care for them 24/7 (especially in silly weather like this!!) I'm more likely to call our vet than I am to go to the doctor myself. 

If you ever have questions about why something is done on a farm, something you've heard, or something you've seen, please ask! If I don't know the answer I'll find it for you, just don't assume. 

Here's to hoping the girls feel better next week! Have a good weekend folks :)

Me and Pa giving my calf a bath on a hot summer day. Yes, I am in a dress. Dedication at its finest!

Livin' the Life

Alright....I've decided I am going to write my "about me" post. For the simple fact that I don't know what this blog is going to be about or what my next post should be for that matter!

First things first: I started this blog because I need to write, I'm an average writer, I want to get better, practice makes perfect, and I'm not a diary girl. 

I don't want to share every time I do laundry. If you care that much about my life I guess you could ask...? So, my other option is to write something I'm passionate about. If you haven't already figured that out, it's agriculture. Specifically my cows  :)

Next conflict: Agriculture is my life. I live and breathe it everyday. To keep my personal life out of this blog and only write about agriculture is impossible.

I am a 21 year old UW-River Falls graduate as of December. I majored in Agricultural Marketing Communications with a minor in Dairy Science. However, my degree makes no indication of this. Pretty disappointing if you ask me! But I digress....I have been incredibly fortunate to have a family farm where I have been promoted from volunteer to (something close to) herdsman/manager....It only took 21 years....I am NOT girl that can sit around and do nothing. I would be more insane than I already am! Maybe a post dedicated to my farm is in order?...hmm...

I am job searching at the moment. I want to find something where I don't have to "go to work" everyday. I know what I like to do, what I don't. I just haven't found the right combination yet. 

So here is what I do to stay busy....

I was elected to church council

I substitute teach

I'm involved with the Farm Bureau Farming Today program

I work on the farm (responsibilities will be in a different post!)

at a restaurant (Wiederholts)

and have an internship with Group Leaf. 

Again, I don't like being bored :)

I'll share some pictures, I hear they are worth a thousand words, and I don't think you want to read that much. 

I'd appreciate any comments or suggestions to make this blog fantastic! I'll leave you with three quotes I have started to live by:

Everything in moderation

Strive for excellence not perfection

Stop talking and start doing

Days Like This

I don't really feel like doing a "get to know you blog"...just yet anyway. 

I think you can pick up enough of who am I am with through my experiences.

So...

Wednesday I left a training session where I gave a 15 min presentation about my life on the dairy farm (okay you should at the very least know I live on a dairy farm, it's kinda a big deal!) I was dressed in my business clothes when I left. 2 hours later and I was in my muddy boots. 

My assignment for the weekend: take pictures of my life. I knew I was starting this blog and I wanted to start sharing my life around the farm.... without a smart phone...we'll see how this goes...

Anyway, I began my adventure with loading up some manure. Quickly changed gears and fed our heifers and gave them some fresh bedding. After that was finished, it was time to start "chores." 

Dad, being the expert driver....

(Maybe if this blog continues long enough you'll see one of him getting stuck, not that it ever happens...)

Yes, this is the pile that needs to be hauled out on the field so it can begin to fertilize this year's crop!

Side note: As my first blog post I better describe what "chores" is for me. It isn't making supper and making sure the house is picked up. It begins with a two hour milking routine (for another blog post), Then I feed the cows their supper and dessert (hay). Clean up and materials they may have left behind after eating. Finally, lay out some straw for the cows that don't have stalls in the barn and help feed and water pigs if needed. At night this is usually a 3 hour routine....if nothing goes wrong. 

Luckily nothing went wrong, I got in the house about 8:30 ate my supper and headed to bed because the sun rises early...but my alarm goes off even earlier.