Guest Blog

As 2020 drew to a close, there was a confluence of things on the farm and in my life, combined with my off-the-farm work experience, that got me to thinking about some things I would have considered pretty radical only a few short years ago. But, time, perspective and the fallout of COVID-19 have caused me to look at some things differently.

If you’re anything like me, sometimes farming can consume you. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing, but farming has a tendency to throw us challenges, long hours and a long list of to dos. It seems as if there is always something else that can be done.

I grew up on a dairy farm and have been around cows my whole life. I learned at an early age how to properly care for and handle cows. Now, as a manager, I am constantly advocating for the humane treatment of our animals and even making sure every new employee understands this and signs an animal care agreement.

2021 has started the way I expected but hoped it wouldn’t: the same as 2020. As an example, I’m already late getting this column in to my understanding and totally professional editor, Emily Gwin.

Whatever happened to open discussion?

The 2020 election marked an astounding point in history with the president of the U.S. censored for his political speech, but few people realize that tech companies have been actively censoring speech in a variety of other forums – including animal agriculture.

My grandfather, George A. Elbert, was born in 1888 on a small farm in Wisconsin. Growing up and then even as an adult, he farmed most of his life using horses.