Article

As I sit down to write this article, the sun is shining and the temperature is perfect. What a beautiful late spring day it is.

In my travels recently, I have seen a lot of farmers already in the fields prepping ground, and starting to plant. At the dairy I work for, we are starting the planting process as well.

This time of year is always busy, yet exciting. All of that still holds true, and especially June of this year as I will be getting married.

Late spring and early summer are always a chaotic time on the farm, as the weather breaks and we start to get into the fields to prep the ground for planting, as well as actually planting itself, and starting the first crop of hay. Days can be long, as normal farm chores such as feeding and milking still need done in addition to the field work. Throw in the weather forecast and it sure can be a busy, yet productive time.

As farmers are in their prime of the busy season, please be courteous when traveling the roads this time of year. So often we are preoccupied with our own to-do list, and figuring out where we need to be next. But, when traveling and coming across farm equipment, please just be patient and proceed with caution. These farmers are working long days, often on little rest to try to get their crops in while the weather cooperates all to help yield a product that in one way or another goes into our food supply and helps to feed the world.

In addition to their safety, another topic that I feel strongly about during extra busy seasons on the farm is fueling our farmers. Farmers work hard, day in and day out, to help supply consumers with a safe and plentiful food supply.

During their busy seasons, I try to provide for the farmers in my life with nutritious, yet easy to eat on the go snacks and meals.

I feel these types of snacks and meals can be beneficial to anyone, whether it be in the field planting, or on the field at a ball game. As a dairy farmer, an easy way for me to support our industry is a high protein milk, such as Fairlife, or any brand of your choice paired with a snack such as a granola bar, beef stick or piece of fruit.

Something as simple as this can provide a nourishing snack, while still being healthy.

No matter where you may find yourself in this busy season of life, I hope you enjoy each of your days, and remember to thank a farmer for all that they do so that you can have a safe, reliable food source.

Submitted by Julie Holler, a member of the Trumbull County Farm Bureau board of trustees.

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