Sometimes I wish I would have known more about being a dairy farmer before I agreed to this life. I was ready for the early mornings and long days, the missed family functions and rare vacations. But I was not prepared for the "fine print". I had no idea how little control I would have over my own business. I didn't know that having incredible work ethic and dedication could leave you feeling so defeated and exhausted at the end of the day with almost nothing to show for the work you put in.
I wish someone would have told me that the early mornings and long days don't end. When you cannot afford hired labor or someone is sick the work load is still the same and you stretch yourself thin. That you won't realize how fast 40 hours go by and it's Wednesday. That it doesn't matter that it's Wednesday because your next day off is a rainy day. And rain days don't mean no work just less work.
I wish someone would have told me that I needed to care about the weather. That my schedule would come in second to mother nature. That my hands would callous, I would actually wear out a pair of boots and say good-bye to the baby sitter with manure on my face. My savings account would be in land and buildings not in a bank account. I wish someone would have told me that it's more about heart, taking risk and intuition than following a business plan on paper.
Truth is, if I had the choice again and knew all of this I'd still do it. Just do it differently. I'd be more patient.
Truth is, it's a give and take life. You take the good with the bad, hold on and hope you're stronger than you assume.
Truth is, if being honest sound a lot like whining than I'm a big BIG whiner.
And the truth is this. Those early mornings show you the best part of the day. That you will see more shooting stars than you can wish on (but you better try) and the sunrises you see will stop you in your tracks. That those week long vacations you will be missing out on can't compare to the daily life you share with your family working beside you and you will put more love and attention and effort into tailgate dinners than you would running around a foreign city.
AND like any small business owner you face the risk of losing it all BUT the rewards you get in the end...are all yours.
If you'd like to see more about my family and our farm follow on Facebook or Instagram @michiganfarmgirl
