I won't lie to you. Things are getting so bad here and on thousands of dairy farms...and farms being put out of business for little fishies...and all kinds of farms...and in homes where jobs are suddenly gone and lots of other sad and frightened places across this great nation, that despair is a daily companion. You talk....every day...about what kind of job you might find. What you will do if you give up.
At your age.
Your level of experience.
You don't sleep much.
I know there are regular readers in the same boat, finding it suddenly, unexpectedly, uncontrollably hard to get by. I won't name them, but I read their daily fear and sadness. There are plenty of people facing a lot worse than us. At least we still own the place and the cows and machinery. At least we have the option of selling them if we have to. Many don't.
I hope they do at least have the incredible good fortune that I do myself.
To be loved.
To know it.
This morning in my in box was an email with the words and chords to Steve Earle's Dixieland. My beautiful brother took the time to figure them out for me, so that should I ever find a minute to get out my guitar and tune it, I can play it. He sent me the song on a CD a few months ago and I fell in love with it. I have the best family anyone could ask for and I love them. Plus I know that they love me.That is grace and as long as that is there I know I have no right to complain.
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On the Rocks!
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19 comments:
I know it doesn't help, but dairy farmers in Australia are in the same boat!
You bet we all love you! Amen!
It's such a shame that the people who feed us have to struggle so hard. Just isn't right. Your blog has given me a new appreciation for the farmers in our country and I will be saying extra prayers for all of you.
We don't have the same issues here, but we do have the fear and saddness of dealing with a disease. And I tell you if we didn't have the wonderful family and friends behind us holding us up, we'd be lost. Love and family is what it's all about. Knowing that when you're down, someone is gonna lend a hand.
In your darkest times, it's always humbling to realize the amount of love that really surrounds you...because before the moments you need it most, we take it for granted...The cycle of life is the same as it has always been, people seem to have more to lose because we have more than we have ever had before, its always the same, people who have stuck to the basics and lived with in their means survive the hard times a little easier than others.
Prayers and blessing upon you!
Our dairy farmers are struggling here also. Big time. Some are trying to do value added, but they then are trapped into buying back thier milk from the association at a higher amount. It's a lose/lose situation.
You are in my daily prayers.
Linda
http://coloradofarmlife.wordpress.com
We are holding on for the moment also.
DH is thinking of signing up for the next buyout as we could probably get more money for our cows but as you say-you continually ask yourself "what then?" Where in the world can we get jobs at our age? WITH insurance! I simply don't understand how such a valuable food source can be so underpriced.
Yesterday I dropped off the latest milkweights at the FSA office. She said there was a computer glitch when she sent our last months in so she doesn't know when we'll get that money. "It'll be a surprise." Swell
news. How do I make the milk check stretch when now is the time to pay for hay, silage hire, etc.
I wish there was some good answer. God, prayer, family and friends. It's the only way to fly. :)
Maybe it's because it's gone on for so long, but I'm either getting used to it or I'm no longer dealing in reality. I long for the weekend... after the mail goes on Saturday I can relax.
Speaking of which... if you'll email me your address... I'll mail out those Cinnamon Vine "taters" for next springs planting.
chickentracksetc@gmail.com
Love got us through five years ago - very powerful stuff. I hope you don't get pushed out but no matter what we can feel the strength of your family through your writing.
After the small dairies are out of business prices will go through the roof. Pushing you guys under one by one benefits no one. We've still got one dairy farm down the road. They're hanging on but you can see just driving by that they are hurting, no money for repairs to the house, barn or equipment.
You are so right to believe in family! They will give you strength to get you through your tough times. I'll say a prayer for your Mom. May God bless you.
Rinkly, thank you for your kind words and for taking time to comment. I know this is a bigger thing than just here at Northview...and I sincerely wish it would turn around for all
Lisa, thanks so much. Sorry about the whine...some days....
SCMomma, thanks so much for that. You are really kind to care. sorry about whining...I know everyone is in a similar boat these days
Dani, I am glad you do have that background support and sorry that you live with so much worry. I really shouldn't whine myself....really I shouldn't. It was still dark and early and the world was looking worse than it does when the sun is up I guess. You take care
WW, you are totally right and I often tell myself that I should have half the guts my grandparents did. They faced the Depression and WWs and more adversity than I can imagine. Thanks
JB, thanks, I am so grateful for my blog friends
LInda, it is an ugly thing...our milk inspector says it is going to get really bad this fall. Lots of folks just pastured off the cropland and when winter comes..
LindaIL, that is appalling! That money isn't much more than a drop in the bucket, but it sure is needed. Pays a couple of bills and buys some groceries or something...I can't believe you have to do without that too and I am sorry to hear it. We just changed grain companies to save a few bucks, but the cows aren't doing as well on the new grain. I think we just have to feed it differently, but we sure were hoping for a different response. I wonder how long people, us included, can hang on, losing money every day and letting things slide, which are going to cost money to put right later....
Thanks for taking time to comment. I don't know about you, but it helps me to hear from other producers. We all blew off the ADADC dinner the other night because we were all so depressed, but I know it would have been better if somebody went...
Sara, thanks for the good thoughts. I do the same thing. I tell them, "Do NOT talk to me about farming on Sunday. Just DON'T." I may have to work, but I do not have to think.
I will do that and thanks for your kindness in sending them. That is so nice!
Apple, the stories we hear! Big dairies, well-run dairies, the kind that are held up to you as an example of how it should be done...losing thousands a day and burning through retirement and equity just to pay the help. If this lasts we will see a different America and I don't think consumers will like it much. You have but to look to places like Russia and Zimbabwe, where farmers were murdered, and their land snatched, followed by staggering famines, to see what can happen....There is such a knowledge base required to work the land, run a business, deal with regulation, be a doctor, a mechanic, an economist, all the while working longer hours than is the norm, fighting the weather. They won't replace the folks they are displacing now very easily...
Faithful, thanks, so is so strong, but she is facing such a hard fight. Wish there was more we could do to help.
I am so sorry...I have been in dire financial straits in the past, but my way of life was never at risk.
Families farming their own land is, to me, the ideal picture of the American countryside.
Dumb it down for me: What can I do to help the cause?
June, thanks...and you said it. It isn't just the money, it comes right down to who you are. How do you remake yourself if you sell out? People do it all the time and our lender told us there is life after farming so I guess it can be done. Maybe in someways it would even be a better life. There are certainly times when dropping the load would look good...but...
As to what you can do, sadly, although I thank you kindly for being willing, I just don't know. Just understanding what is going on behind the scenes is wonderful. Most folks are so far removed from food production that they have no idea. I am grateful for folks who get it! Maybe spreading the word to folks who don't would help as much as anything. Thanks for caring!
FWIW, my contribution to Awareness:
http://aginggratefully.blogspot.com/2009/09/food.html
I wish you wrote childrens books. You have such a beautiful voice and the awareness of life in and around farming. They could learn so much and maybe grow up to be better educated about food production.
Your writing gives me a glimpse into your world, and I feel your sadness. I love you, Aunt Marianne.
You are indeed loved - your words make it easy to love you...even for those who have only met you in a fleeting moment - like me. You are a daily inspiration and I'm blessed to know you.
June, great post!
Dani, thanks, that is a great idea...I like writing...never really thought about kid's books
Kristen, that is so sweet of you...thank you...and I love you too. Hope you and your wonderful family have a great weekend!
Teri, that is so sweet..and thank you so much. We are all of us very fond of you too. The kids love talking to you and I love reading what you write. And even at this moment two of the roosters crowing outside came from your farm. Take care...
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