Life cycle of a farm truck

What does a farmer drive?  A truck.  The truck isn’t just a mode of transportation – it’s also a tool.  And like every useful tool, it shows some wear and tear. 

But it doesn't happen immediately ... welcome to the life cycle of a farm truck.

Larva

This is my dad’s truck.  My dad is technically retired, but he still helps on the farm.  When he helps, he of course drives his truck. 

Though still presentable, it's not his preferred vehicle to take anywhere nice.  Why?  Because you have to wear barn clothes when you’re on the farm, and barn clothes = actual dirt and manure.

Let’s look at some features:

Clean.

Shiny.

You can’t smell anything over the internet.

He has the toolbox in the back, and he has a telltale whisk broom in the side pocket.  Still fighting the battle to keep it clean.  It's a farm truck, all right, but it's still in the early stages.

Pupa

I give you ... Kris' truck.  This truck has been in the ditch, run into other vehicles, and carried many calves.

Yes, you see that on the back?  It's so when we pick up calves from the pasture, we can transport them safely to the barn.  It also ensures that your truck will never be a car thief's first choice.  

There is also a toolbox on the back of the truck that has every tool you need for living on a farm, except for the one you want at the the moment.  Then it's invisible.

Since Kris drives this all day long, every day, through pastures and to barns ... it takes a beating.  There's straw on the floor, and getting in and out repeatedly made a small tear in the seat.  Did I say small?  I meant barely noticeable.

The bumper was threatening to come off, so it's held on with not only duct tape, but also a bungee cord.  It is clear this truck is made for WORK, and the driver knows it!  And doesn't care because he's planning to buy another truck soon.  Which will eventually look like this one, anyway.

Butterfly

And the unveiling of ... Josh's truck.  

Josh pointed out that his truck can only be fully appreciated if you can hear the engine.  It rattles the windows in our house when he drives by, and I'm not exaggerating.  It takes a certain finesse to even be able to operate it.  

He uses it only for work ... he has a much nicer truck he uses to go other places.

And on the inside - the ubiquitous pine air freshener!  It's like Christmas every day. 

The truck definitely gets him where he needs to go, even though the body is rusting a bit.  But what I love most about Josh's truck is ... 

It sustains life.

Yes!  Above the wheel well, you can see a tiny blade of grass growing.  

Now THAT'S a farm truck.  Not only is it a tool, but it's growing cattle feed right on the truck body.  

Want to know more about the farm?  Like the page on Facebook, on Twitter@carlashelley, or sign up to get the blog by email - the form is on the right side of the page.