Why I Farm

As Mike was scanning FB posts he noticed an unusual request. A professional competition fisherman from Alabama was at a bass fishing tournament in La Crosse, Wisconsin. His boat didn't qualify for the event and he had posted, asking if anyone had a Gator Trax boat he could use. He was sponsored by Gator Trax.

Mike messaged the gentleman saying he was four hours away in Iowa, but that he was welcome to borrow his fishing boat. Fast-forward... Keith borrowed Mike's boat. He stayed overnight in our home since the cabin and bunkhouse were busy. They became friends. Keith asked Mike why in the world would he let a total stranger borrow his boat. Mike told him here on the farm he was taught to share.

Farming is more than a job. It's a way of life. It has a tendency to instill values. One of the first things that needs done when cleaning shop is scooping out the wash bay pit. Ezra, Jackson, and Elijah accomplished that.

Farming teaches responsibility. Ezra, a 10th grader, and Elijah, a 9th grader are up high fixing a cross auger.

Farming helped build our nation. Families worked together instilling a work ethic in children. Those children grew up and became assets in society, no matter what vocation they chose. Jackson, a 4th grader, is cleaning up volunteer corn around an unloading auger with an old fashion corn knife.

Farming allows multi-generations to work together. Helper Dean is working with John and Ethan, working on Ethan's father's (Mark) JD 9770 combine.

Thursday was another sweetcorn morning. After the guys helped pick, the gals froze another 75 quart of corn. Our family serves around 50 quart of sweetcorn for our upcoming appreciation supper.

BJ and his son John worked together yesterday cleaning up a farm building site west of Lacey. What's nice about family is they were using Mark's dozer and Kurt's skidloader. Another example of working together by sharing.

I stopped at brother Doug's yesterday. He and his son Ben were overhauling their soybean planter, getting it ready for next year.

We have farms that have gotten adequate rain. We also have farms that are powder dry. The soybeans on the lighter soil types on this field are wilting for lack of water. However as I'm posting on an early Sunday morning we are getting a soft shower of rain. Farming helps show me that I am totally dependent on our Heavenly Father for provision.

I borrowed the title for this visit this morning from a series of stories Becks Seed has done on a few of their customers. I realize not everyone has the opportunity or desire to farm. As in any business success boils down to relationships, with landlords, crop input suppliers, bankers, and community. Also, with our operation being diversified in a number of custom work businesses, we have the privilege of  relationships with customers and friends.

I had a radio personality tell me one time that bad news and dirt are more listened to than good news. Not everyone likes us. We are an imperfect operation. We fail. We miss opportunities. And there are folks that like to give us a kick by twisting or fabricating stories. I asked a very successful business person once how one handles that. She told me just to continue to reach out. Continue to do good. And continue to care about those who try and hurt you.

This coming Wednesday evening is our families annual appreciation supper. It's when we invite customers and friends to come and enjoy good food and fellowship.  You're welcome.

Finally, we had the privilege of watching three grandchildren Amelia, Rachel, and John, profess their faith in our Lord and join church. As Mark said before his noon devotions last Sunday, this is a big deal, deciding to serve the Lord. And as BJ said before his prayer, our earthly walk is a joint venture, between these kids and their families including their church family. When children grow up and become assets at home, they become assets in their communities, and they become assets in God's kingdom. Blessings.