Growing more than crops and calves

Laurie’s grandpa, Bob Peterson, watches over the family farm

For many dairy farmers in Wisconsin and across the country, 2010 couldn’t come soon enough, as the New Year brings hope of better milk prices and balance sheets. A recent article in Dairy Herd Management reflected on the dairy industry’s roller coaster ride in 2009, as well as lessons learned by six dairy farmers nationwide.

The article made me wonder what lessons my parents and brother learned last year managing their 350-acre, 100-head dairy farm in west central Wisconsin. They had a tough year, but are somehow weathering the storm and making it through.

During my trip home for the holidays, my 85-year-old grandfather stopped by for his morning coffee and daily discussion of the farm happenings. He reminded me that it is important to remember the family heritage, hard work and dedication that make our farm what it is today, and, hopefully, what will keep it operating for generations to come.

Persevering through hard times
My dad, like dairy farmers everywhere, forges into each day — snow, sleet, wind or hail — knowing that the farm, the cows and the fields are his legacy, pride and business. He takes with him the lessons learned, experiences had and memories made over the last several decades, and applies them to the financial struggles, sick calves and frozen pipes facing him today.

When he looks at a milk check that barely covers his monthly expenses, he thinks about the time he, together with his father and his son, dumped a full tank of milk in protest of the low milk prices. He also, however, remembers the year that same milk tank overflowed in excess from his record-producing herd. Farming has its ups and downs. But remembering those experiences and applying them to future trials and tribulations makes you a stronger, smarter and better farmer and person.

The lessons learned in dairy farming are simple and applicable to anyone and any industry:

• take pride in what you do,
• be grateful for your fortunes, and
• persevere with your head held high.

At the end of the day, farmers grow more than crops and calves; they build their legacy.

Comments

[Spencer Anderson]

I've enjoyed reading your blog and felt compelled to comment on this one in particular. Growing up on a farm (beef cattle) in Wisconsin myself it was hard to watch all the neighboring dairy farms dry up around us. The road that I used to have to take to school was about 6 miles and had 8 dairy farms and not one exists today. It's nice to see your family still making it work, even when it's not easy to do.

Spencer

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