Twice a Day, However You May...

Through the years we have tried many different milking schedules.  Cows, at the very least, need to be milked twice daily.  Some farmers milk their cows three times per day, very few have tried four, and often some seasonal producers will back down to once per day right before dry off.

There is research that has shown that cows need to be milked every 8-12 hours;  no sooner than 8 hours from the last milking, but no longer than 12 hours after the previous milking.

Growing up most of the time we milked twice per day, early morning and afternoon.  For a little while we milked three times per day.  During that time I was in the 8th grade I did the afternoon milking.  Once, for a little while, my parents tried milking five times every two days.  So on day one, there would be two milkings, and on day two there would be three.  That was a scheduling nightmare!

After college, when I worked full time for my parents, I convinced them to try a 10am and 10pm milking schedule.  At the time, I was doing both milkings each day with exception to my weekend off.  One of my selling points was that Mom and Dad would only have eight milkings per month on this schedule (four milkings for two weekends that I was off).  They gave me the go-ahead. For a week.  Then they gave me the "stop".  Mom said Dad was too tired.  Too tired?  He wasn't even milking! Turns out, he was in such a habit of getting up very early, that he still did. Then, he stayed up at night in the house until he seen that I had chores done and had gone home.  I reminded him that I was an adult now, he didn't have to wait up for me....guess some habits are hard to change!

On our farm, we started with the 10 & 10 schedule.  We really liked it.  We got more sleep, sleeping from midnight or so until 8am....or later.  We weren't milking during the hottest part of the day, the cows are grazing at dawn & dusk, and the hay got done, given that we didn't have to stop in the middle of the afternoon to milk.  On Sunday morning we would just start early enough to get to church on time.

It is a bit more difficult to find hired help to milk that schedule, so we eventually went back to a more traditional 5am and 4pm.  As our home school evolved, I also needed the morning for school with the kids.  After baby #3, we went to a 3:30am and 3:30 pm.  This fit the baby's 3 hour feeding schedule at 3am, 6am, 9am, 12pm, 3pm, 6pm, 9pm, and finally midnight.  We had to juggle things around as we didn't have any hired help that year. Or sleep.

No matter how we try to schedule it, there is still only 24 hours in a day.  The key is finding the right one for your life right now. Problems do not arise until we become so stuck in our ways that we are not willing to change or try something else. Farmers tend to get stuck in a rut, with the reasoning of "that's the way we've always done it".

Around here, we do our best to schedule the farm around the family. Why? Because that's the way we've always done it.

I'm attempting to include a short video with some clips from the milking parlor.   If you think of a great song for this clip, let me know!  Summer 2012-

 

 

Hitch Pin Disease

Do you have it? Do you wish that you had it?

Do you even know what it is?

Hitch Pin Disease:
1.  A slow overwhelming desire developed by the farmer to have one tractor for each piece of machinery, creating a pair, hence seldom having to "un-hitch" and "hitch" implements up to tractors to complete tasks.

This is often an inside joke between us farmers; prodding and giving each other a hard time when we see new pieces of equipment arrive on their farms-now when we get something new, we often don't say anything at all, waiting to see how long it takes the other farmers to notice the piece when they drive by on their  "crop-checking" trips.

I didn't think we had a problem with hitch pin disease. For a long time we had just one tractor, an 806 Gas, that was sold to buy an 806 Diesel. Then we added a 60hp New Holland, to scrape, load bales, rake, etc. Then, Rick's uncle called and said he had a little Ford 2000, and we could have it if we got it running. We did. THEN, the owner of our original 806 Gas tractor called and said he was selling it, would we want to buy it back? It was our first tractor. We bought it.

Over the years we have purchased a loader (for the 806 gas) a discbine (on the diesel tractor), a bale wrapper (loaded by the New Holland), and finally this summer, a rake.

I knew we caught the disease when Rick said "I'm gonna marry that rake to the Ford!" Oh-no!

Its understandable, though.  Having one tractor means you are constantly hitching and un-hitching the equipment that you need: The discbine, the rake, the loader. The discbine, the rake, the loader. Over and over, and over, again.  Some hitches are simple, some are not:

The rake hitch is simple: 1 pin and a hydraulic hose.

The speed rake on the Ford 2000....for life.

Simple bale wagon hitch with a safety clasp on the pick-up.

This little guy LOVES hauling bales!

A more complicated discbine hitch.  2 hydraulic hoses, a P.T.O shaft and draw bar hitch.  Its much more time consuming to hitch and un-hitch this machine.

In the beginning, we did a lot of hitching and un-hitching.  We were just grateful for the one tractor that we did have.  We also made dry hay, which meant there was more time to switch machines while the hay dried down.  Now, with high-moisture bales, we need to move a little faster.  We can also be more efficient, and having somebody mowing down the next field while someone else rakes in front of the custom baler-all at the same time.

 

The next time you drive by your neighborhood farm, take a glance at their equipment.  Is it hooked up to something? Is it always hooked up to that machine?  Just be careful to not look too long. Pretty soon you'll realize that you need a second vehicle.  And it sure would be handy if you had a truck to pull the boat. And one for the camper.  And an ATV for the lawn cart, because you don't like taking it on and off the lawn mower.  Then you'll need a trailer for all of that. And something to pull it.....



 

4-H: "To Make the Best Better"

We just wrapped up the 2013 Clinton County 4-H & Youth Fair.  I think I can speak for a lot of people when I say it's always bittersweet.  As tired as everyone is,  it's a little sad when it's over...  Just ask my oldest son.

I reminded him that it had been 15 years since I have been actively involved in the fair, and yet here I was again. I told him he can be involved for as long as he wants....his lifetime, possibly.  I think that helped...a little.

Our oldest, now a regular 4-Her, did well at the fair this year.  There were no trophies or rosettes, but he did get all "A" rankings on his model, diorama, fudge, and performing arts.

More importantly than that, we learned (and demonstrated) a huge lesson on not giving up, and finishing the job, no matter what.

Clover, the 4-H calf, created quite the spectacle at the fair.  At home our oldest practiced leading him around, setting up his legs (lining his feet up square or staggered, as if showing in the show ring), and holding his head up high.  He practiced almost every day. 

Clover must have been a bit nervous at the fair.  When it came time for novice showmanship, They entered the ring. The first 30 seconds went great.  Then it all went downhill from there. Clover pranced around and jumped...on our son! More than once, he would practically get his front legs on his shoulders. At 442 lbs., he was no longer a little calf, and it took a lot of arm strength to get him under control. Each time Clover would jump, the crowd would gasp, our son would stagger or stumble, and then regain control and continue to show him, staring down the judge, holding the calf's head high, and giving it all he had.  He never quit. Clover jumped and jumped, many times, and our son continued on.  In fact, he made it into the final round of showmanship.

As he  came out of the ring the first time, we consoled  him. We encouraged him. We gave him pep talks.  We told him he had to go in the ring again. The look on his face...

It got worse, and he continued.  I offered him an out. As he passed by me, I told him he could quit.  He said no, and kept going.  At the end of the show, he placed last in the final round, but what he learned and what we learned from him was just as important as winning. The judge pointed out how he never quit.  He said he knew when he first walked into the ring that he was going to be in the final.  When the animal acted up, he never quit. He kept showing Clover the best that he could, until the show was done. The crowd clapped.  We cried.

If all our son learns from 4-H is to never quit until the job is done, even when it's hard, then its been worth it. 

Pictures from the show:

Before Showmanship

Staring that judge down....

Zach, the show ring helper (black sweatshirt), stays close to help out when needed.

Zach, now making the rounds with our son & Clover....

Our second son with a borrowed calf for Cloverbud showmanship

So proud of our boys!

Thanks to all the volunteers this past week.  Your efforts help kids like our boys learn life-long skills and lessons in character, work ethic, integrity, and responsibility, just to name a few.  You make a difference!

-Terri

Like a Fly on Fly-Tape

 

A child growing up on a farm is like a fly on fly tape.  No matter how hard you try to separate yourself and get off the farm; a part of you is always stuck….

We’ve all read many stories about kids returning to farm; they run off after high school to college, test their footing in the real world, get a degree, start a career, yet something is missing. Then, they return home to Mom and Dad, or a Grandparent, go into a partnership and the rest is history.

My story is a bit different.  I grew up on farm, like many kids, with all the activities and opportunities that it has to offer them. My chores started with feeding calves; then I moved up to milking and feeding cows, and other tougher responsibilities.

I realized in high school that I wanted to farm.  When my parents switched from conventional dairying to rotational grazing I realized that I just might have a chance. In fact, I wasn’t planning on going to college at all. It was my Dad who thought I should go “so I’d have something to fall back on”.  It was fun; educational; and it did give me some good internship opportunities with huge learning experiences.

As soon as I was done with college I worked full time for my parents, got married, bought a farm, and started a dairy.  Our dream came true and we live it everyday.  Our kids have 120 acres to explore; they are home schooled and raised by their parents.  We raise most all of our own grass fed meat (beef, pork & poultry), drink our own cows’ milk, and have a modest garden.  We work hard in return for all of this; but hard work is good for us.  It’s good for our kids to know what hard work is.

If you feel like you still have a wing or a foot stuck in the agricultural way of life I encourage you to stop struggling to get off the fly tape. Embrace it.  Even if you are unable to farm on your own for a full time living, you can probably grow a garden, join a community supported agriculture group, enroll the kids in 4-H, or put up a backyard chicken coop.  Make an appointment to take the kids to visit your local farmer and show them that food doesn’t magically appear on the grocery store shelves.  Don’t run from your roots; cherish everything that farming has taught you, then teach it to your kids.

Come out this week for the Clinton County 4-H & Youth Fair.  Next to the city park in St. Johns, there are many things to do and see. Nightly entertainment, youth animal shows, projects on display, and great food.  This fair has a reputation for cleanliness, friendliness, and fun.  Come visit with your neighbors and friends at the fair! July 29th-August 1st, 2013.

Being Content

The great thing about Bragbook Facebook is that you get to see what everyone else is doing.  The worst thing about Facebook is that you get to see what everyone else is doing.

During the summer our Facebook page is covered with vacation pictures from trips that our "friends" took.  Sometimes, you get the minute-by-minute update on that cooler-then-ever event that they're at right now. 

Its hard to not let our minds go into jealously mode, thinking about how much we'd like to go away, or do what so-and-so is doing, or have that new gadget. Sometimes we have to work extra hard to just be grateful for what we have right here and now.

I have been on some pretty good vacations in my lifetime.  The only vacation I remember going on with my oldest sister was to California, when my dad was president of the Clinton County Farm Bureau.  Being in 1st grade the plane ride alone would have been good enough, but we also got to stay in a top-notch conference center and went to Newport Beach and Disneyland.  I don't remember doing anything with my oldest sister, but I know she was there.  Fast forward 25 years and I got to go on an over-nighter with my sister. We rode in her Mustang, all by ourselves, down to Ohio.  We listened to songs that were not played on family life radio.  We had a little sleepover with my sister from Florida and her daughter in a large bedroom at my brother's house.  If you just forget the why for the trip it would top out as #1 in memories of trips with both my sisters.  But the funeral visitation for little Marcie the next day was horrible.

Growing up mom and dad took the rest of us on a trip to New Mexico, and me and friend twice to Nashville, Tennessee.  There were awesome 4-H trips that filled in the gaps, including white-water rafting in Pennsylvania, a trip to Gettysburg, and a trip to Washington, D.C.

We have struggled lately with having time off.  As a family, we had a three day weekend last October before the baby was born, the day the baby was born, and a one week vacation while the cows were dry in March.  Individually, Rick's had off to go on the boy's 4-H trips, and the Red Power Show in Ohio.  Rick has worked our last two weekends "off" so I could sleep in, and I went to the AFGC conference in January, and Cousin Camp-out.  Its not the same, though. Being married, God sees us as one.  Even if I'm off, its hard to get that project in the house done, or take the 5 kids anywhere, by myself.  And it certainly isn't nearly as much fun.

The problem was/is somewhat situational; somewhat choice.  The good news is we've spent the last four weeks finding our additional team member!  With his permission, I look forward to introducing him soon.  He will be a good addition to our current team member, Ashley, who has been with us for almost 3 years.

I won't however, let myself go into trip planning mode just yet.  We're not necessarily free and clear every other weekend.  Sometimes, my mind will wander into a campground or state park, but I quickly shut it down until we see how things work out.  One time, 4 years ago, we hired a girl, and trained her for two weeks.  One morning I called and made non-refundable reservations at a state park in Kentucky. That afternoon she called and quit.

For the time being we will concentrate on being grateful for what we have gotten to do and what we have right here at home.  Just living in this house, having freedom to go outside, checking Facebook, worshiping on Sunday morning, having more than 1 child, and owning our own farm are all things to be grateful for, and all things that somebody else is longing for.

The Bible reminds us:

Hebrews 13:5
Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, “I will never leave you nor forsake you.”

1 Timothy 6:6-8
Now there is great gain in godliness with contentment, for we brought nothing into the world, and we cannot take anything out of the world. But if we have food and clothing, with these we will be content.

Philippians 4: 11-13
Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content. I know how to be brought low, and I know how to abound. In any and every circumstance, I have learned the secret of facing plenty and hunger, abundance and need. I can do all things through him who strengthens me.

Home-school Helpers

The most common question we get asked about our home school is "are you worried about their socialization?"

They're always taken aback when I say "yes, we are...that's why we're homeschooling."

As we all know, things are not the way they used to be.  When I went to elementary school, one neighbor kid's mom was the recess aide, another was the lunch lady, and one of my best childhood friend's mom was the 5th grade teacher.  There was a lot of "moms" looking after you, and they had a bit more freedom in correcting any behavior that went astray. And they did.

There are many, many wonderful teachers and families out there who are utilizing the public school system.  I actually have many christian friends who teach at public schools, which I am grateful for.  They are needed there!  There are also many, many negative influences in the system now.  Teachers have less and less freedom to discipline and teach kids moral & ethical values.  Some kids have way too much freedom with social media, television, computers and music, and bring to school things that my children do not need to learn about.  We want our kids to have a christian education, so we home-school.

Our kids have an abundance of social interaction opportunities.  They interact with people of all different ages at home, from adults to babies.  With our supervision, they get to visit with people we do business with, the milkman, our team members, the fuel delivery driver....the list goes on and on.

They are not at home all the time. To round out our home school curriculum, we have lots of activities. For example, we participate in our local science center's home school science days.  Two weeks ago, the 3 oldest went to Bible School. The week following that the two oldest went to Sports Camp, a week-long day camp at the community college that teaches the kids how to play many different sports.  This week we had our annual cousin camp out (21 cousins present, with first aid and CPR training), took the 1st batch of meat birds to the butcher, and the hoof trimmer came.  Coming up this summer is two weeks of swimming lessons and the 4-H fair!  I would almost say we are on the edge of being one of those "hyper-scheduled" families.  Did I mention the music lessons???... whoops!

The key for us is to know what we (Rick and I) are good at including in the curriculum and what we are not.  Those things that we are not as good at can be done elsewhere, like at Sports Camp.  It might not be the same as year 'round physical education, but it meets our needs.

Although we don't have bookwork during the summer, here are some pictures from the learning opportunities the past couple of weeks: 

The boys at Sports Camp with camp director Nicki.  They played normal sports such as soccer, volleyball, basketball, and dodge ball, as well as variations with water balloons.  Now, one of our local community colleges will seem much more familiar when the time for higher education comes.

 

Day two of cousin camp-out.  The theme this year was "A Carnival of Cousins". We had inflatables, face painting, a juggler, cotton candy, a hot dog stand to serve food from, and adult games such as volleyball and Frisbee.  My parents and siblings and us all make an effort to create these themed camp-outs for the cousins.  Cousins are special people, and make great friends!

 The first group of meat birds off to the butcher!

 The hoof trimmer arrived much earlier then expected. Rick was not home, so I called for the boys. I told them to round up the already-sorted cows out of the paddock by the barn, and put them in the holding area between the brown gate and the red gate. They ran out and did that, told the hoof trimmer where to park (it was the nephew of our regular trimmer), got the gates set up, and had three of the five cows done before Rick got home. When I checked on them, Josh said "These boys know more about what's going on here than I do!' They did a great job!

We finally got a second bathroom!!! LOL! The port-a-jon arrived today for the barn project.  There's going to be a lot of people here this next month, so we thought this would help.  Now, when we're out doing chores, we won't have pay attention to who's "behind the barn" before we walk out there! :)   The driver said he had 90 more to deliver....I think I 'll keep my farm job!








Have a great weekend!

-Terri

Signing on the Dotted Line....Part 2

This is the second part in a series on farm & family finances.  We are so excited about (and thankful for) our new project!

The farm still has debt.  When it comes to the business we look at it a little differently. Although we would like to be free and clear,  for us some debt is necessary to keep the farm in a profitable position.  We are very cautious when it comes to borrowing money.  We ask ourselves if:

1.   It is a profit-generating project
2.   If not doing the project will have a negative impact on the farm
3.   Can we make the payment even if the market tanks?
4.   Have we paid other debts off? ( or are we just be stacking another one on?)
5.   Is it really needed? (or are we just being wishful in our tiredness?)

We also pay attention to things such as our net worth, asset: liability ratio, cash flow and other financial indicators.

Proverbs 27:23 "Be diligent to know the state of your flocks and herds."

From the beginning we have wanted to build a barn to house the cows in.  It was our goal to save up enough money to do so.  We still could, but we really need the barn now.  In muddy/inclement weather situations we are using the same amount of space for 118 cows that we used for 60.  Now that we own some equipment, we need to be able to put it inside for the winter to extend its usable life.  So the plan is to use the old housing for storage for equipment & feed, and build new housing for the cows.  The cows haven't complained about being out-wintered, but now the lanes will take less of a beating, the cows will be cleaner on the muddy days, and feed (read $$$$) will be saved now that it's under cover. It may also be a little bit easier to find or retain team members with a better facility.  If not, at least we will enjoy it!

Signing on the loan for the new barn.  I signed too, but someone has to take the picture!  Look how happy the farmer is! He has worked so hard-now he can go at least another 34 years!

Proverbs 22:7 The rich rule over the poor, and the borrower is slave to the lender. 

We do not feel like we're a slave to our lenders.  We feel more like we're on a team, working together to win the game of dairy farming.  Truth is though, if we become irresponsible and make bad financial choices, we will have to do what they say, because they have a stake in our business.  Until the last payment is made, it is our obligation to prove that we are worthy of their trust and investment.  We honor God as best as we can by not taking on more debt than we can repay.  We also sleep better.  We encourage you to take a good hard look at your personal and business finances.  The first step is often the hardest one to take, but it may be as simple as picking up a book, or making a list of debts you're going to focus on paying. What matters is that you take that step, or keep walking (for some of you) to reach your goals.

-Terri