Wrapping up 2018

End of the year!  Let's reflect on what's happened with a list of firsts ...

1 - We added a new bulk tank.  First time in the history of the farm we've had TWO bulk tanks.  Now we have more milk in more tanks.  This means we're milking more cows, and they're giving more milk, and we have storage if the milk trucks ever aren't able to come. 

2 - First time we've been farming where the milk prices are this low for this long.  We're optimistic for 2019!  Really and truly!

3 - Hosted a podcast interviewing farmers.  Podcasts - remember when you didn't even know this term?  Me neither.

4 - We put in an awesome sprinkler system to keep the cattle cool while they're waiting to get milked.  We were rewarded with a super hot summer, which is usually the opposite of what happens when you do a project like this!

5 - Our boys drove various vehicles around the farm, including the wheel loader, tractor, go-kart, and who knows what else.  They will be so ready for drivers ed in four years. 

That's it for memorable firsts.  We're thankful for another year on the farm with my parents, our fantastic team members, and our wonderful herd. 

Just today I had a text from a friend who lives out of state.  She sent, "I have a milk question and I knew you were the best person to ask."  That warmed my heart, because I'm happy to answer anything, which is part of the reason I started this blog way back in December of 2010.  Thank you for reading, thanks for your questions, and here's to another year of happy firsts!     

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Fill 'er up

Bulk tank #2 is finished!  Wall is built, window is done, door is in, and mostly important, it works.  We're using it already, and it makes us all happy to have enough storage for all the milk these wonderful cows are producing.

It's fall here, which means it's beautiful.  The leaves are gorgeous, the temperature has been one that the cattle like better, and our harvest is done.  We feel for the farmers that are still trying to do their corn and soybeans, because it's been really wet and they haven't been able to get into their fields.  

I have a friend that pays no attention to the weather, because - she really doesn't have to!  If your kid wears a jacket or doesn't, it's not a big deal.  But to farmers, there is nothing like checking your weather app and discussing the weather with other farmers.  Thinking about it, planning your life and business around it, discussing it - it's going to happen!  You can go years without talking about your bulk tank, but rain?!  Never.

It's homecoming in our town so I'm off for the parade and the game - so fun, and NO rain in the forecast!  

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.

Fitting in

Today was the big day to switch bulk tanks.

It had to be done really quickly and well.  The old one had to be taken out after the morning milking and the new one had to be installed before the afternoon milking.  (Because the milk has to be stored somewhere so the milk truck can pick it up.  And so we can get a check.)

Unfortunately, there was some miscommunication and ... the foundation of the bulk tank wasn't the right size.  So they had to build a temporary foundation to install the tank just so the afternoon milking could be done.

Stressful.  Kris was home to pick up his lunch and as I talked to him he got a phone call about 1) buying a new piece of machinery to replace one that just broke and 2) getting new tires for the chopper.  He also had to get a new quad this week because our old quad broke.

Ah, such is the farm business, right?  I read a farming friend's post tonight and one of their alfalfa fields didn't come up, so they have to start all over and replant.  On a much smaller scale, today in my garden I accidentally weeded my spinach.  (Wow, does spinach look like a weed.) 

Maybe today was off on all farms and tomorrow all the pieces will fit.