From sun up to sun down, no one wears more hats than a mom. From breakfast to school to sports and everywhere in between, you juggle it all. To celebrate Mother’s Day, we are giving you a glimpse into life on the farm from the eyes of farm moms.
We might have more in common than you think.
Morning on the Farm
Farm moms are just like you; while daily chores might have a little different meaning on the farm, we are just as committed to caring for and making the best decisions for our family.
When the morning alarm clock rings and the kids are getting ready for school or daycare, it’s a hussle and bussle. While I work full-time in a career off the farm, mornings are a time to go over where our family will be throughout the day and what we all are working on. Our daycare pickup and drop off routine revolves around what is happening on our farm throughout the year.
It is currently spring planting, so on the days when the weather is nice, my husband is often found in the seat of a tractor planting corn or soybeans. He heads out the door as the sun is rising, which means I am in charge of getting our daughter to daycare.
Days like these, I spring for a quick, easy-to-make-ahead breakfast that we can easily be consumed on-the-go (like Gather Wisconsin’s Cranberry Pumpkin Muffins). We keep a variety of wholesome breakfast and snack options on hand so our whole family can stay nourished and energized throughout the day.
The Afternoon Grind
The role of a farmer extends beyond the boundaries of the farm. Many of us, including myself, juggle farm responsibilities with off-farm work commitments. While balancing these demands, ensuring the safety of our family and those around us is top of mind.
Precision technology plays a pivotal role in our approach to safety, not only for ourselves but for the lives of others and the environment. Precision technology empowers us to operate farm equipment with unparalleled accuracy, reducing our environmental impact and mitigating potential hazards. With GPS-guided tractors and drones, we enhance efficiency while minimizing risks. By embracing these cutting-edge solutions, we prioritize safety without compromising on productivity or sustainability.
Furthermore, my husband operates equipment on public road ways, and he prioritizes getting back safely to us at home while also keeping other motorists safe. Across our farm, we adhere to strict protocols to ensure the visibility of our machinery, including reflective markings, flashing lights and slow-moving vehicle (SMV) signs. We advocate for patience and caution among motorists when encountering farm equipment on the road. Simple gestures such as slowing down, maintaining a safe distance, and exercising patience can go a long way in preventing accidents and ensuring the safety of everyone sharing the road. By fostering mutual respect and awareness, we strive to create a safer environment for all road users.
As you navigate your family’s food choices, remember farmers are prioritizing safe and sustainable practices that benefit us all. You, too, can do your part by practicing sustainability at home and being patient when sharing the road with farm equipment. Together, we can create a safer environment for our families, our communities and our planet.
Our Dinnertime Routine
Just like you, I cherish family dinnertime as an opportunity to connect and reflect upon the day. It is an opportunity to prioritize a moment of togetherness amid a busy schedule. Sometimes that means gathering at the dinner table, but during the busiest time of year, it more often looks like visiting my husband in the field with our daughter for dinner on the go.
On nights like these, we opt for mobile food options that keep nutrition in mind. Using local beef for burgers or pork shoulder for slow-cooked pulled pork sandwiches are just a few of our go-to meals that fit our busy lifestyle while also meeting our values of supporting local and staying healthy.
Being a farm mom comes with its unique set of challenges and triumphs. Navigating the complexities of modern agriculture while balancing work-life demands can be stressful. Yet, amidst the challenges, it doesn’t take long to find moments of pride – whether it’s witnessing a successful harvest or seeing my child grow up with a deep appreciation for the land.
The role of a mom is a delicate balance like no other. Safety, nutrition, sustainability, and a love of family are daily values moms of all walks of life know and understand. This Mother’s Day let’s celebrate the resilience and dedication of moms both on and off the farm, and commit to a future of sustainability and safety for our families, communities and planet.