What I’m Grateful for on this Wet Sunday – Resilient Farmers
Updated: Aug 10, 2018
There’s something about a farmer. One thing that you can be sure of, they can always find something to complain about! It’s too wet, too dry, too hot… though I’ve never heard them complain that it’s been too cold. Even though they are out there feeding their livestock in -40 degree weather or even a blizzard.
They always get the job done. It is always up to mother nature on how it will play out. The good years are very good, and the bad years, well they adjust how they need to. I chuckle when someone makes a passing comment of “Oh, you’re one of those rich farmers?!” This year maybe, but I’m guessing that every farmer who has heard this has had their mind wander back to just a few short years back when they endured a 10 year drought. Not many felt rich during those years.
Farmers will work very long hours to ensure the harvest gets in the bin, the livestock are fed and well taken care of. They will put in many hours hauling grain all winter so they can carve out some time in the summer to take their kids camping.
Mother nature will dictate their schedule each and every day. They certainly don’t have regular hours, they can work up to 18 hours a day for 28 days straight or be handed a couple of days or weeks off due to rain. They just bend with what is handed them. And those “days off” will be spent making repairs, and catching up on shop work or livestock needs.
They can often be categorized as being “grumpy old farmers”. And maybe they are, but just be sure that no matter what they appear on the outside, or what kind of a year they may be having …. really good or really bad … the one thing you can count on is that they won’t quit. Next spring when all those baby calves are out in the pasture kicking up their heels, those farmers will be ready and willing to do it all over again.
So next time you sit down to a meal take a moment to look at your plate…. and thank a farmer for not giving up. And as you sip your beverage of choice… let that gratitude resonate on.
And just think, all that gratefulness … it is extremely healthy for your heart and your mind <3
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