Each night, before Farmer John heads in the house for the evening, he walks through all the barns to make sure all our animals are safe and comfortable. That's what is happening in our book, Goodnight Tractor also. Let's see who and what is getting checked on in our story.
After that, Farmer Sara and Farmer John show you how we make ground feed for our cows and calves.
You'll see the feed mill in action. It's like a really, really big mixer like you have in your kitchen, except it makes feed, not cookies!
After an eXtra busy June Dairy Month, Yes, I'm Zapped!
But if there's at least one thing you have learned from my June Dairy Month posts; I feel I have accomplished my goal. As you have followed my A to Z journey, I hope you have come to realize how passionate my family and I are about the farming lifestyle that we live.
We take much pride in everything we do at Bremer Farms, and we thank God for the opportunities He has given us.
Thank you for following along with my news, moos and reviews.
Dairy Farmers are their own boss so they set their own
schedule. Not true. Yes, we are our own boss, but we don’t have total control
of our schedule. Cows are creatures of habit and for their health and
comfort, the ladies need to be milked at regular intervals.
Farmers are uneducated. Definitely not true. Many farmers
are college educated and all are also required to take classes to
renew permits and licenses. Farmers need to be nutritionists,
veterinarians, accountants, mechanics, meteorologists, agronomists, etc.
etc. etc.
Big farms are owned by big companies. Not true. 97% of
all United States farms are family owned. Bigger farms may be owned by two
or three generations, but they are still family owned. No matter the size,
all farms have the same commitment to taking great care of their land and
animals.
Dairy Farmers never get a day off. Our cows do need to
be cared for every day, that’s true, but we do take time off. It may be
just an afternoon excursion on a rainy day, or a family outing before
spring planting begins or after fall harvest is complete, but we do
leave the farm.
Farmers are rich. Ha! Not usually! Farmers have a huge
financial investment in their land, machinery, and animals, that’s true,
but I don’t know any farmer with a Scrooge McDuck money vault.
I grew up on
a chicken and dairy farm with my parents and brother and sister. As a teen I
remember saying, “I’ll never marry a farmer. Farmers work long hours, and
rarely get a day off.” Well, as the saying goes, “never say never.” Farmer John
and I were married 35 years ago. Soon after, John and I were blessed with Sara
and Michael, undoubtedly the best kids ever.
I think it was John’s dedication and
commitment to farming that brought us together. Yes, we do work long hours and
rarely get a day off, but that’s o.k. with us. We love the life we have chosen.I love that we spend much of
our day together, as a family, caring for our cows and growing their food. I love watching John’s excitement grow as
we near spring planting season, and I love
seeing the satisfaction that harvest brings. I love that we frequently get to experience the miraculous birth of a
calf.
Like every
career choice, farming also has it’s hard times too. We have gone through many
summer months when we wonder if the weather will cooperate so we can grow
enough crops to feed our livestock. We get concerned when more and more of the
land we rent cannot be farmed because it is sold to a housing developer. We
shed tears when the cow we just helped through birthing a calf passes away. That’s
when we have family to lean on- to pray with, talk with, and plan our next step
with.
There is
another familiar saying, “If you love your job, you will never work a day of
your life.” I believe this is Farmer John’s motto. He loves what he does each
day, and although he is one of the hardest working men I know, I can bet he
will never call his job work. It’s
this attitude and optimism that makes Farmer John and our family so content to
do what we do, each and every day.
I’m so
thankful my foolish teenage thought of never marrying a farmer was just that…a
foolish thought.
I would like to believe that I have good manners. My mom and dad raised me to say "please" and "thank you." They raised me to appreciate what I have been given and to show respect to everyone.
So today I want to say THANK YOU to all my readers. You are the reason I continue to share about farm life. You are the reason I give a Barnyard View of what happens on good days, and on bad days here on our farm.
But I also have a request. Would you PLEASE go on Facebook and "like" My Barnyard View and also share the post, E is for Enter. Everyone who "likes" and "shares" will be entered in a random drawing for a chance to win one of several June Dairy Month prize packages.
So what's the deal on antibiotics in milk? It is a frequently asked question. I have always been very honest, open and transparent about what we do on our farm, and I will continue to do so with this topic as well.
As consumers, you and I want to serve our family the safest foods available. We farmers have the same concerns as the people who buy our products. Remember, we at Bremer Farms not only produce milk, we buy it too.
We spend much of our day caring for our animals to keep them healthy (and happy). Healthy cows are a priority with farmers. Unfortunately, just like you and me, even healthy creatures get sick. On Bremer Farms, and other farms too, antibiotics are given only when they are needed to treat and cure illness, just like when you or your children aren't feeling well. When we make the decision to use antibiotics they are given for a prescribed period of time to treat a specific illness so our cows don't suffer. They are NOT routinely given as prevention to keep our animals healthy. They are used on an "as-needed" basis.
If a cow is treated with needed antibiotics to deal with a sickness, the milk from that cow goes directly into a separate milking bucket. It never goes into the bulk milk tank or makes it into the food supply. We continue this procedure until all antibiotic residue has left the cows system. After repeated testing right here on our farm, and only after there is no trace of antibiotics in the milk, will this cows milk be allowed to go into the bulk tank to be picked up by our milk hauler.
Milk heading to the processing plant.
Our milk processing plant also helps to keep milk safe. Every single load of milk that leaves our farm (and every farm) is tested for antibiotic residue before it leaves the truck. Rarely is any found but if it is, the entire load of milk is discarded immediately, and the responsible farmer must pay for the entire load of milk...not just the milk from his farm, but the milk from the other farms that were in the truck too. This can amount to thousands of dollars. Besides financial losses, dairy farmers run the risk of reputation damage and the risk of losing their license to sell milk. Everyone involved in milk production takes antibiotic residue very seriously! I can say with confidence and pride that all milk you purchase from your local grocery store is antibiotic free.
I was recently asked to be the keynote speaker at our county Farm Bureau banquet. Why me, I wondered. I thought sure it was because my in-laws were on the planning committee, but when I was being introduced, I was assured that was not the case.
I shared about my six generation farm family. I also shared what I do to promote agriculture via presentations, writings, and farm tours. Next I spoke about my love for spreading the dairy farming message through this blog, sharing my favorite posts. However, my goal was not to call attention to what I do, but to hopefully give examples and therefore encourage others to advocate for agriculture.
I also got an unexpected surprise as I was awarded a Senate Resolution presented by Minnesota State Senator Karla Bigham recognizing my award as America's Farmers Mom of the Year. I appreciate that our government officials acknowledge the importance of agriculture and also its recognition programs in support of farmers.
Minnesota ranks 5th in agriculture production. The Minnesota agriculture industry provides 340,000 jobs, and contributes $75 billion to our states economy annually, and that's no "small potatoes".
State Senator Bigham wanted to see our farm in action, so a recent tour was scheduled.
Daughter Sara, Janet, John, and Karla Bigham
Farmer John discusses concerns affecting farmers, and also township business since he is our Township Planning Commission chairman.
Daughter Sara explains the milking system.
Senator Bigham made another friend.
Thank you Senator Bigham for taking the time to learn more about dairy farming, and also listen to our concerns, and answer our questions.
I encourage all of you to reach out to your elected officials to have a conversation. The conversation needs to begin if we want to see changes and improvements.
What do 700 students and the fans at U.S. Bank Stadium have in common? ...noise and enthusiasm!
Yesterday the noise and enthusiasm of the students of Kaposia Education Center would have rivaled that of the fans at the recent Minnesota Vikings - Green Bay Packers game.
Because of their schools efforts in the Fuel Up To Play 60 program, they received a Hometown Grant and a visit from some special guests of the Minnesota Vikings.
These kids had good reason to cheer. The $10,000 grant will be used to accomplish the students goal of improved health and wellness through several activities and purchases. A farm tour, nutritional information, a smoothie maker, fitness equipment, and even Ninja Warrior stations, are just some of the ways this grant money will be used to assist students in eating well and staying active.
I was invited to be the guest dairy farmer which gave me the opportunity to speak at the program as well as give a presentation about my farm and life as a dairy farmer to the first grade classes. I got to field some great questions too!
Viktor the Viking, Vikings players and staff, and Vikings cheerleaders, came to help in the celebration. The players were interviewed by students from the FUTP60 leaders,
there was a field goal kicking contest, and the FUTP60 leaders also went through some skill drills lead by the Vikings Youth Football Development Manager.
I am so proud of these students and staff for their dedication to a healthy lifestyle through the Fuel Up To Play 60 program and I was thrilled to be a part of their special day. Keep up the great work Kaposia!
You know me, I'm quite a Vikings fan. I couldn't leave without a photo...
L-R Stephen Weatherly (#91- defensive end), me, Chad Beebe (#12- wide receiver), Vikings Legend Greg Coleman, and Jeff Robinson (youth football development manager).
I love to write. Throughout grade school and middle school, when writing a story was our assignment, I was the kid that smiled from ear to ear. High school and college writing assignments sent up a silent cheer inside me. When Progressive Dairyman Magazine asked me to submit articles for their magazine, there was no holding me back. I have been writing for their publications for nearly four years now. Today I thought I would share the two most recent submissions.
My articles appear in the Progressive Dairyman magazine as well as on their website. Click on the title below to read the article.
Even if my Minnesota Vikings are not playing in the Big Game, I will be watching. I will be watching because I like football. I will be watching because I like Justin Timberlake. I will be watching because Minnesota is this year's host. I will be watching because I like the commercials.
I have posted this commercial each year since 2013 when this commercial was first broadcast during the Super Bowl. It brings tears to my eyes each time I view it. It makes me cry knowing I am a sixth generation farmer, and I think back to the hardships my ancestors have endured as farmers.
But this year it makes me especially sad knowing so many of my fellow farmers have had to leave farming because the struggles of farming are too great. Low prices for our goods have caused many farmers to leave the career they love. Many farm families have taken jobs off the farm to supplement their income, hoping to hang on to their farms. Some farmers are discouraging their sons and daughters from farming, knowing that it is a tough way to support a family.
I am not writing this to complain. I don't want sympathy. I am writing this to make you aware of the situation farmers are facing. It is real. It is serious. It affects all of us. Yes, you too, the consumer.
Thank you are purchasing milk. Thanks for stocking your refrigerator with yogurt and cheese. Thanks for buying that ice cream you love. Thanks for your support of the farming community.
So God made a farmer. Thank God he made us resilient.
It's not just the students (and Alice) that are excited for summer break. Our daughter Sara is ready for a little time off too.
Sara taking a selfie as she is speaking at 8th grade graduation.
Sara is an 8th grade language arts teacher who loves teaching, but even a great teacher needs a break...but not for long, as in just one week, she will be back to teach summer school.
But Sara is more than a teacher-
Sara is a passionate, hard-working farmers daughter too.
Each night you will find her in the barn milking cows, along side Farmer John.
Sara also helps Grandma Karen with the calves, and names and pampers all our cats and kittens.
When she is not at school or in the barn, you may find her hosting her cooking show, "Aprons Optional" on our local television station. Here is a sample- her Mother's Day episode when I got to make a guest appearance.
Teacher, farmer, local TV celebrity- what more can she do? She can make decorations and adorn our farm for the holidays like you wouldn't believe! Take a look-
Farmer John and I are so proud of Sara and her commitment to school, community, and farming.
One of a farmers favorite vacation destinations is other farms. I know, it sounds rather silly to see how others work while taking a break from your own, but that's what we farmers do. Yesterday I met up with Haley Hinrichs, Princess Kay of the Milky Way, to take a "mini" vacation. We traveled 20 minutes from Bremer Farms to tour Square Deal Dairy, this years recipient of the Minnesota Producer of the Year Award.
Chicky was our gracious tour guide, showing Haley and I where the calves were born. We next saw where they lived in individual hutches until they grew bigger and were moved to larger pens.
We then visited the free stall barn where the milk cows live. These barns provide fresh air, room to move freely about, and a fresh supply of water and feed at all times. These free stall barns provide soft, clean bedding made from recycled manure. Yes, you read that right! Sustainability is important on a dairy farm, so the moisture is removed from the cow manure in order to make bedding which will later be used as fertilizer on their crops. Pretty smart!
The Otte's have a well orchestrated plan of moving their animals to appropriate facilities as the cattle's size and needs change. But every step of the way they are clean, comfortable and well cared for.
Princess Kay 2016 Haley Hinrichs with Chicky and Blake Otte and sons.
Our last stop was the milking parlor (barn). The Otte family milks 450 cows, three times a day with the help of 12 employees. I loved how quiet and content the cows were while being milked.
Something else I loved about our "vacation" was the obvious care and concern the Otte's showed for their sons desires to farm. Many years before the boys were old enough to make career choices, Blake and Chicky made it clear to their sons that they would all be expected to get an education as well as work two years away from their family farm. "It's a big commitment to become a farmer, and we wanted to make sure they didn't regret their decision by not exploring other options," said Chicky. Obviously this was a great recommendation, as all three of their sons have returned to farm, each taking on a specific role.
Thanks for the tour Chicky and family, and congratulations to Square Deal Dairy for being named Minnesota Producer of the Year!
I have included a video, complements of Midwest Dairy, featuring the Otte family and Square Deal Dairy. (It's almost as good as being there...on a "mini" vacation!
This Christmas Eve, as I am "celebrating" at home with a terrible cold, eating my soup while bundled up under a warm blanket, I'm thinking back to all the wonderful memories of Christmas Eve when I was a child. I'm sharing this previous post with you, and wishing you a
MERRYCHRISTMAS!
Christmas Eve day began
as usual, except for the fact that my mom was probably putting the
finishing touches on the matching dresses she had sewn for my sister and
I to wear that night. My dad started farm chores early on Christmas Eve
afternoon. Calf feeding and milking began about an hour earlier than
usual so that we could get to the annual Sunday School Christmas Eve
program on time. My sister, brother, and I each got to open one gift
before church. It was often a new pair of socks or something else that
we needed to complete our holiday attire. Mom rushed us kids off to
church, while dad stayed home to finish the milking, only to slip into
the back pew just in time for the program to begin.
My dad's family is close,
and I mean close. Besides getting along very well, my aunts, uncles,
cousins, and grandparents all lived within five miles of our farm. Each
of my uncles were dairy farmers too. We all went to the same church too,
so all our Christmas Eve schedules were quite similar. After church, we
all invaded Grandma and Grandpa's home. The 16 grandchildren couldn't
wait to dig into the Christmas gifts, but we had to wait until after
digging into the feast that the mom's had prepared. Due to our dairy
farmer schedules, Christmas Eve dinner was after church. While the moms
cleaned up the dishes, the kids separated the gifts into piles for each
person. We each got a gift from the family member who was lucky enough
to draw our name from the hat on Thanksgiving Day, when we were all
together to celebrate "turkey day." Of course there was always a gift
from Grandma and Grandpa too. Often times we each received a pad of
rainbow colored paper, and we always patiently waited for Grandma to
hand each of us an envelope with $2.00 tucked inside!
As midnight quickly
approached, it was time for some of the mom's to return to church to sing in the
church choir for the Midnight Carol Service. Grandpa was comfortable in
his tan leather rocker, smoking his pipe, while the dad's each found a
spot on the couches to take a little nap. The cousins, however, were
exploring the newly received gifts and sharing their hopes for what
Santa would deliver the next morning.
I'm the one in the burgundy jumper with the cool glasses.
Faith, family, and farming, it was a perfect way for our family to celebrate Christmas Eve. What childhood memories do you have?
After an eXtra busy June Dairy Month, Yes, I'm Zapped!
Janet
But if
there's at least one thing you have learned from my June Dairy Month posts; I feel I have accomplished my goal. As you have followed my A
to Z journey, I hope you have come to realize how passionate
my family and I are about the farming lifestyle that we live.
Farmer John
We take
much pride in everything we do at Bremer Farms, and we thank God for the
opportunities He has given us.
Sara
I LOVE DAIRY FARMING BECAUSE...
it allows me to continue my family tradition as a proud sixth generation dairy farmer.
my husband, Farmer John never complains about going to work.
we have raised our children on our dairy farm, and never heard, "I'm bored!"
we spend many hours working side-by-side with family, and there's nothing better than spending time with family.
it reinforces that hard work truly does pay off.
living and working on our dairy farm teaches us to care for and appreciate God's creation.
it gives me the opportunity to answer questions and meet new people as I share our dairy farming story.
we help feed the world safe, nutritious dairy foods.
my family and I are "leaving this world a little better than when we found it" through our sustainability efforts on our dairy farm.
we are the first step to making milk, cheese, yogurt, and ice cream! Yum...dairy deliciousness!
Michael
Thank
you for visiting during June Dairy Month. I hope you'll come back
often, and perhaps invite a friend or two to join us. I am truly grateful for each of you!
Shoot me a
comment or email if you have a topic idea or a question to answer.
