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As dairy farmers, every day we have the same tasks that need to be done: milking the cows, feeding the cows, feeding the calves, bedding, and watering. With that, there are always extras that could be done that would be beneficial, but some days it’s just the bare minimum that gets done. This is because life happens, and no matter how hard we try, sometimes things just don’t go as planned. With that, as we enter into the new year, I encourage you to set one, or maybe even a couple goal “words” that you intend to strive toward this year.

As each new year rolls around, it seems as if we often find ourselves coming up with a list of big goals, or challenges, that we want to accomplish in the new year. Although the intentions are good, life tends to get busy and can often be unpredictable and therefore we may not always attain these high aspirations that we set for ourselves, often leaving us feeling discouraged. My challenge to you in this new year is to instead go after a word, or phrase, or two that you would like to implement in 2024. More often than not these are general, and often very achievable even with a busy lifestyle.

I think that this challenge will not only be easier to accomplish while still being purposeful, but I think at the end of the year when reflecting back on the past 365 days, you will be prouder of yourself for the things that you have done, rather than those big goals that you did not meet. For me this year, my two main words/phrases to go by are “to be more present” and “try new things.” In just a couple weeks I will be heading out to Utah for the American Farm Bureau Convention. At this convention, a small group of fellow Trumbull County Farm Bureau board members and I will be presenting our Ag Literacy project. Right, there is a wonderful chance for me to be present and to soak in all that convention has to offer and to learn and absorb as much information as possible to not only bring back to the home farm, but to share with other Farm Bureau members as well.

Looking into my year ahead, there are several big events and travel sessions that are on my radar. What better way to try new things. For me, this phrase is one that I am looking forward to experiencing several times as the year goes on. As a farmer, although there are the same tasks that need done daily, each day is unique as new calves are born, and things such as the weather play a major role into how the day is going to unfold. As a result, these phrases not only fit great into my personal life and outlook for the new year, but they also set me up for another successful year in my career as a farmer as well. Take just a few minutes out of your day, and decide what words, or phrases that YOU want to work toward this year!

Submitted by Mandy Orahood, the organization director at Ohio Farm Bureau Federation for Ashtabula, Geauga, Lake and Trumbull counties.

OFBF Mission: Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.