The Non-Glamorous Side of Farming

Ok, let's be real. Farming is not a glamorous occupation on any day. That's not to cast negative aspersions upon my chosen profession. I, and most farmers (I assume), am very happy with the lifestyle. Actually, it's the lifestyle we live and the diversity of day-to-day activities that keep us coming back for more. Every now and then, however, I have to spend a day doing something that makes me question my choices for a minute. I am completely ready to go to the field and start planting our cool-season annual grasses. This year, it looks like we will be able to expand the acreage if all goes well. Soon, I am hoping to plant around 12s acres of ryegrass. It has been so dry lately, though, that I am delaying putting seed in the ground. I can't delay too much, but I do want to wait until there is a hint of rain in the forecast so that we can give the seeds a good opportunity for success. So, as I waited for a better planting window, I decided to spread all of the composted chicken and pig manure we had collected over the past year or so. File this under my job title's "less than glamorous" category. Don't get me wrong, this stuff is amazing. You have never seen grass as green as what will be produced behind this machine. Obviously, though, it's not all sunshine and rainbows. The aroma fills the air for a day or two, and you just can't help but get a little on ya. Oh Yeah, and don't think about wearing those boots in the house. Thankfully, I was able to start early in the morning and knock out all 15 loads in one day. This isn't a project that you want to stretch out over several days. With that project done, It's time to get busy planting. Now, I am praying for rain in the forecast and green grass.