Life on a farm begins before the sun rises, with the first light signaling the start of another busy day. The air is crisp, and the morning mist still clings to the fields as farmers rise to tend to their daily tasks. Farming is not always fun—it’s filled with challenges, hard decisions, and moments of heartbreak, but also deep fulfillment and connection to the land and animals.
Feeding the Animals: A Morning Wake-Up Call Before the sun has fully risen, the farm springs to life. The animals are up and hungry, and it’s feeding time! Chickens cluck eagerly, goats bleat, and pigs snort in anticipation of their breakfast. There’s something deeply satisfying about tossing feed to a flock of peacocks or filling water troughs for the livestock. We love collecting warm, freshly laid eggs—nature’s little treasure hunt!
Cleaning and Health Checks: Then comes the never-ending task of cleaning the barn. The moisture from this winter lingers, making sanitation more critical than ever. After the brutal drought last summer that drained our hay and grain supplies, this excess moisture presents a different set of problems—damp bedding, mold, and the increased risk of illness among livestock. Every morning, we monitor the animals closely, checking for any signs of distress or sickness. Some days, we find a sick animal and do everything in our power to save it. Other days, we lose one unexpectedly, leaving us questioning every decision. Farming is full of hard days, and those losses weigh heavily on our hearts.
Hay Stacking: Stacking hay is more than just lifting bales—it’s a full-body workout, a strategic puzzle, and a team effort all rolled into one. The barn must be stacked just right to store enough feed for the coming months. And let’s not forget, in the sweltering heat of summer, you’ll want to be covered head-to-toe to avoid the inevitable itchy aftermath. You never know what’s hidden in those bales—over the years, we’ve found everything from deer antlers to snakes.
Fence Building and Repairs: With the animals fed and the barns tended, there’s no time to slow down. The work shifts to fence repairs, ensuring the boundaries are secure. If there's a weak spot in a fence, the goats will be the first to find it—and within minutes, they’ll be feasting on flowers and plants we just put in the ground. Fence work is equal parts problem-solving and craftsmanship, and it’s one of those rare tasks where you see instant results.
Farm Equipment Maintenance: Equipment maintenance is another crucial chore. Tractors, plows, and other machinery are the backbone of farm work, and keeping them running smoothly is a job of its own. My husband can tackle just about anything on the farm, but when it comes to engines, they seem to have a personal vendetta against him. Despite the frustrations, the work must get done—because a broken-down tractor can throw off an entire day’s labor.
Amidst the chaos, it’s important to carve out moments to simply be with the animals. Sitting quietly with the cows, watching lambs play in the field, or scratching a pig behind the ears—these small moments remind us why we do this. The connection with the animals is real, and it keeps us grounded through the hardest times.
For those with a green thumb, the greenhouse is a sanctuary. Unfortunately, my plants seem to sense my presence and wither before I even touch them. Gardening is my worst nightmare, but we recently purchased a greenhouse to extend our growing season. While I may struggle with plants, I have to admit—there’s something peaceful about the warm, earthy scent inside a greenhouse on a chilly day.
Then there are the bees. Beekeeping started as my idea, but once I realized I wasn’t too keen on being surrounded by thousands of buzzing insects, my husband and daughter took over. I do, however, love the honey. It’s amazing how different the flavors can be depending on the season, with each batch carrying the essence of the flowers the bees visited.
As the sun sets, the animals receive their evening feed, tools are put away, and we finally take a deep breath. But farming never truly stops—even after the work is done, our minds keep racing. What could we have done differently? How can we prevent future losses? The weight of responsibility never fades. Despite the exhaustion, there’s an undeniable sense of fulfillment in this life. The hardships make the victories sweeter. The unpredictability of nature keeps us humble. Farming is not always fun, but it is always worth it. Each sunrise brings new challenges, new lessons, and new rewards.
Loving the night time vibes
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