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I head to the calf barn in the morning dressed in pants, a sweatshirt and a stocking hat. My attire for afternoon feeding includes a T-shirt and shorts. This can only mean one thing: Fall has arrived.

Energy is generally in high demand and short supply during a challenging season, and 2020 continues throwing one crisis and challenge after another at us. On top of everyday stressors, there is an extra layer of stress due to natural disasters, pandemic-related regulations affecting farms and the overall turmoil occurring in cities across America. It is a lot to handle and can take a toll.

As dairy farmers, one of the things we all have in common are state milk inspections. If you’re reading this and have no idea what I’m talking about, the USDA inspects dairy farms to make sure everything is up to standards for producing milk for people to consume.

Editor’s note: The following is the opinion of the author and not to be construed as that of the magazine. To read a contrasting opinion, see Just dropping by... Election 2020: Donald Trump.

Editor’s note: The following is the opinion of the author and not to be construed as that of the magazine. To read a contrasting opinion, see The Milk House: Trump and rural America: An exercise in facts over feelings.

My story began at 6 years old when a little calf started my love of cows. And it continued on for many years when I showed dairy cattle in 4-H. Every friendship that ever lasted was created at a county fair, showing cows. My first job was at 7 years old, feeding calves.