Networking with Fellow Dairy Producers

Today I had the honor of speaking at the Professional Dairy Producers of Wisconsin's Business Conference, and let me tell you...it's been a blast!  How awesome to see so many producers excited about milking cows, caring for cows, and communicating to consumers!  It's been great to see many producers taking advantage of the great seminars with awesome topics...like how to handling our cows better or how to communicate with consumers more effectively.  Dairy farmers are always striving to do a better job.  We are always looking for new methods to make our cows more comfortable or increase the level of care they receive.  New innovations are also displayed in the "Hall of Ideas", where I am looking forward to searching tomorrow...great new products from dairy companies that help us care for our cows!  The other great thing about this conference, besides the education is the networking with fellow dairy farmers...

Let me tell you, it might not seem like it, but we dairy farmers are VERY social people.  When we do get off of our farms we LOVE to talk with other dairy producers about what's working for them, what's working for us, new ideas with dairy industry representatives, and latest current events. It's great to share with producers from across the country your common frustrations and joys, because those are what bonds us together.  It's been an awesome experience to share with fellow farmers the joys I have writing this blog, posting on Facebook and Twitter, as well as our YouTube channel.  I hope many of those I spoke with today are as inspired as I am to continue sharing our stories...because dairy farmers have such GREAT stories!  Thanks to all dairy farmers for the hard work that you do everyday!  You are greatly appreciated!

What's YOUR dream job?

Last week, while I worked to bed in my little calves, I was listening to our local radio station.  The radio announcer was discussing a survey of the general public, answering the question "what's your dream job?"  Surprisingly, the top answer was to be a movie star/TV star/rock star and the second highest answer was a successful professional athelete.  I pondered that question....what would my dream job be?  I didn't have to think too long, as I knew without a doubt I would want to be a dairy farmer.  Nope, I am not interested in being a celebrity, but instead a noble dairy farmer.

There have been many times in the past 5 years that I have been offered jobs that require less physical labor, less hours, and would pay so much more, but dairy farming offers me so much more than a living wage.  The past 3 years we have barely made a living dairy farming (we hope to make a reasonable salary soon). We started farming well aware that we better not expect to be millionaires while dairying farming.  So if it isn't the money, what could possibly make me say that dairy farming is my dream job???

• I LOVE my cows! Everyday I get to work with awesome animals, which I have great respect for.
• There's nothing more rewarding that a newborn heifer calf!  Every time we have a new calf I am reminded of how so much of our lives is out of our control but how so much of it is also a great blessing!
• Rising to the challenges!  I enjoy challenges, I always have.  As a dairy farmer each day has its own set of unique challenges....and I strive to meet them, it's very rewarding to save a cow, solve a problem, or help the herd be in their best health, etc.
• Nature rocks! I complain a little about the heat and the cold in Minnesota, but at the end of the day I love the seasons, the weather changes, the wildlife, and the natural wonders that surround us...a great blessing!  Who needs an office when you have the great outdoors???
• Feeding the world, one milk drinker at a time!  I am proud to know that we produce a nutritious and wholesome product that can help consumers of all ages maintain good health.  I feed the World and I am proud of it!
• Protecting the environment.  We strive each year to be better stewards of our land, water and resources.  Each year we make changes to help us improve and sustain the environment around us for future generations and that's a great feeling!
• Sharing our story!  I LOVE this blog and my SM activities which allow me to share our story with others who may never see a farm in their lifetimes.  How awesome of privilege it is to share how milk is produced and how families like ours care for our cows each day.....so please feel free to ask questions, I love to answer them!

So...What's your dream job???  Would you consider being a dairy farmer instead of a celebrity?  I would in a heartbeat!!!