Break Out the Brushes, It's Show Time!

This week, I scooted out west to Kansas in the DFA van, Lucille, as I like to call her, to see how they dairy in The Sunflower State. On the first farm I visited, I was quick to note there were a couple calves with halters on. It wasn't long until it hit me- it's fair season! 


At the farm, fair season is one of the most exciting times of the year. There's something about showing off your livestock that gets a farm kid giddy. I've shown cows for the farm I work for, as well as horses and beef heifers. It really is a good time, and I have a lot of friends who have been passionate about it all their lives. 

Miss Peony

But, back to what I was saying. These calves were in     halters. I get out of the car, and 4 youngsters come out of nowhere, gabbin' about who was going to win the fair this year. They were just chattering away about who was the better showman, who had the prettiest heifer and blah blah blah, all while catching their calves and leading them around. 




This caused me to reflect for a moment on a few things:




First off, these four siblings were getting along, which is a rarity in and of itself. Can you say Kodak moment?! When do you ever see four siblings, together for hours on end, and happy about it?


They were also learning patience. A calf can be incredibly stubborn when it wants to. You want to go forward, therefore she does not. They will lean backward and stretch their necks and just be downright difficult. (I had one just sit down one time).  These kids were learning to be patient with their calves, and not get frustrated when there is no instant gratification. 


Persistance! They had to keep trying to achieve their goals. They learned that sometimes, getting what you want doesn't come easy. It takes hard work to accomplish goals. 


Oh my gosh. The teamwork. It was the neatest thing to watch 4 kids working together and helping each other. Not only were they trying to do their best, but they were helping others to be their best too. 






Work ethic, responsibility, animal care etc. -The father explained to me that at the beginning of the summer, each kid picks a calf, and its their responsibility from then on. They were out feeding and watering their calves, leading them around, keeping them clean, etc. They worked on these chores for hours, and I did not once hear one kid grumble about having to go water his/her calf. 

Me showing BiBi

Maybe you had to be there, I don't know, but those 2 hours I spent at that dairy, talking to the farmer and watching his kids work for what they wanted was one of the coolest experiences I've had so far this summer. They didn't even realize it, but they were getting a hands-on learning experience, acquiring skills that will make them successful in the real world someday.


So I guess the moral of the story here is that not only are farms a place where good, quality food is raised, but also good, quality people.