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!