Guest Blog

Did you know that if you go to YouTube and search the word “dairy,” the first video that comes up is one titled, “Dairy is Scary”? And if you click, you can watch a video telling you why you shouldn’t drink milk.

As much as we may not want to admit it, we rely on our smartphones for almost everything – depositing checks, getting alerts when someone enters our home and much more. There are many benefits to having a smartphone, especially as a farmer or someone involved in agriculture today.

A while back the light bulb burned out in our master closet. It is one of those big fluorescent fixtures that puts out an obnoxious amount of light for its size. Like most dairy farmers, we were too busy (or tired) to make the time to go to the store to buy a bulb.

Leaves are falling, combines are rolling and pumpkin patches, corn mazes and orchards are attracting urban and rural visitors for some farm fun. An increasing number of farms are opting to add an agritourism component to their operation. One of the reasons a farm may choose to diversify with agritourism is the opportunity to bring another family member into the farming business without adding more cows or more acreage.

Following a trip to World Dairy Expo to view new ideas and to get recharged for the year ahead, I have been reflecting on the supply struggles that the industry is facing. The last two years have seen continued growth of production holding prices down. At first glance, this seems to be a simple supply and demand issue, but as I have done some closer looking, I am wondering if there are also some issues with product/market fit.

At the end of the school year, my city-dwelling cousin contacted me and asked if I would be willing to let her 12-year-old come spend a week on our farm during the summer. She wanted him to experience farm life and learn how to work. With some hesitation, we agreed to let him come.