~ We are proud to be part of today's agriculture ~
Today is National Ag Day. In fact, this whole week is National Agriculture Week! Back in 1973, the Agriculture Council of America and National Ag Day was started. Things have changed over the years with technology and research, but the concept of celebrating this day is still the same...
"National Ag Day is a day to recognize and celebrate the
abundance provided by agriculture."
quote from the Ag Day website
My Man and I produce only a tiny amount of alfalfa hay in the large scheme of the agriculture industry, but every little bit, added together with other little bits, makes a whole bunch!
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| Alfalfa in Bloom |
Small operations don't work any less than the big outfits...they may even work harder because they don't have the capital to make improvements on equipment...if they're like us, they just get by with what they have. There are thousands of small operations like ours across the US producing hundreds of products: livestock, produce and fiber.
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| Water ~ The Key Ingredient |
Is it hard? Yes! It seems that nothing is ever easy!
Do we do it for the money? Yes, to help pay some of the bills, but it takes a lot of money to get a little bit of money! Hence the reason My Man works full time in town and I have multiple part-time jobs!
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| Beginning the Harvest |
What is the main reason for doing what we do? Because we love the lifestyle. My Man and I were both raised on farms; My Man in Missouri and myself in Oregon. Back in those days, I NEVER wanted to be a farmer or rancher, and neither did he! But as we aged, I think we got smarter. We wanted to get back to the roots where we came from. Away from progress (I hate progress...in case you've never heard me say that before). We wouldn't be able to live here on the land without working the land...and taking care of it as best as we know how.
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| Mother Nature Calls the Shots |
There are obstacles that make things challenging...equipment breakdowns and Mother Nature are the biggest. My Man is always saying that he couldn't sleep because of all the things running through his head about "how are we going to get this done?" Well, whatever it was was still there the next day...we dealt with it then...and with help from Above, we always make it through.
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| The End User |
The feeling of knowing that you've put out a good product is awesome to say the least. Most of our hay is sold to dairy farms that of course provide us with milk, cheese, butter, and more. Good quality hay brings higher milk production.
In today's environment, more has to be produced with fewer acres and fewer animals (such as in milk). Technology has allowed that to happen.
Celebrate this great day with me!!! Here are some links that you can explore...
Thank a Farmer on Facebook
Thank a Farmer website
National Ag Day website
National Farm Bureau website
Have a GREAT day...and hug a farmer!!
beautiful images...
ReplyDeleteBlog Hug!
ReplyDeleteBeautiful post today. And lovely pictures too - I love the one of the alfalfa in bloom!
ReplyDeleteI think something like this is important, its amazing when you go into cities and the kids have no idea where thier food comes from, pretty sad. I do my part to educate my nephews and they tell all thier friends (probly cause its something they know and thier friends dont, but whatever)
ReplyDeleteGot to support ya! I know I am a sheep man, but we all got to eat!Lol.
ReplyDeleteSeriously though, we should have an Ag day here. We have kids over here who have no idea where eggs come from? Let alone meat!
I own a share in a sheep enterprise, I couldnt be without the land, just to stand on Gods green earth, and feel the wind and sun...........:) :)!
Hugs from this farm girl !!!
ReplyDeleteEven though I've moved to the city I've never forgotten my farm roots. Someday maybe I'll get back to them.
I wish more people respected what farmers do and how their job isn't just playing in the dirt.
No farms, no food!
It's really scary how family farms decrease in number every year -- it's such a difficult job, but a rewarding one. Big hug and thank you to you and your hubby for all that you do. :)
ReplyDeleteMy paternal grandfather was a farmer, but no one in the family still farms - sadly. I, for one, salute you and all the small farmers who work so hard to preserve a way of life that is rapidly disappearing. I am sending you hugs today...and many thanks for what you do, have done, and will continue to do as long as God give you breath. You inspire me!
ReplyDeleteThank you farmers of America!!! =)
ReplyDeleteGreat post! Great pictures! Great article!
ReplyDeleteSo glad to hear you speak of the 'small' farmers too! You're right, the work is equally hard, you do with what you have and it's certainly not a large money-making prospect. But, it's a great job anyway!
Wonderful post! Thank you to you and your husband for all your hard work as farmers!! :)
ReplyDeleteI love the picture of the storm brewing behind the baled hay!
Beautiful shots! That scenery is just gorgeous!
ReplyDeleteWorking farms & those who work them are THE BEST! I'm heading to our local "Ag" Market tomorrow!...:)JP
ReplyDeleteGod bless all farmers, they are the salt of the earth. Lovely photos.
ReplyDeleteGreetings from a neighbor to the NE....sorry I missed commenting on National Ag Day. I grew up on a ranch/farm where registered Herefords were raised. I raised and showed sheep for the 10 years I was in 4=H (before girls could be in FFA...my dad was the advisor, too.).... I'm so appreciative of the small ranchers and farmers.
ReplyDeleteCan I thank YOU?!
ReplyDelete