NOTE: This post contains slideshows and if you are reading it on your phone, it is best viewed direct from the SITE, rather than in the READER.
All photos taken July 31, 2021 on a rural bicycle ride.
On this bike ride, we were cognizant that many areas of our province have had to declare states of agricultural disaster, due to prolonged hot weather and meager rainfall. It is not going to be a great crop year.
Many of you may not know that I spent at least half of my childhood living on farms, as my Dad struggled to make a go of it. Late spring, early winter, drought, hail, snow, floods, heavy winds all conspired to reduce the meager profits he was able to eke out from the land. Not to mention wading through thigh deep snow to rescue newborn calves and their Moms from the fields, chasing chickens, chasing sheep, chasing pigs, chasing cows. Nonetheless, he always remained hopeful and I recall his constant refrain of “Maybe Next Year”. Next year never came and my Dad died way too early at age 66, still trying to make a go of it. This one’s for you, Dad.
A Farmer’s Life ©
A farmer’s life is a hard, hard life,
one borne by his children and his wife.
Too much moisture or way too little,
blazing sun turning grain stalks brittle.
Early snowfall or hard killing frost,
swathed crop left in fields, but at what cost.
Spring calving season hit by May snow,
dropping profits, where’s the money go?
Bills unpaid, how much fun can that be?
A farmer’s hope is “next year” country.
Fat and sassy cows and calves
The crops look good, but these shots do not tell the whole story
First hay crop off and baled, hoping for a 2nd one
Close ups tell a tale of possible low crop quality
Picture This 
Yes, the heat and lack of rainfall really hit a lot of places pretty hard. I like the tribute to your dad.
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I’d like to say this is a strange year, but we have seen this highlight reel before. Glad Dad no longer has to worry about Next Year. Thanks for reading. Allan
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It’s a tough life on a farm and a lot of the young people are leaving the business. There are a few who still love it, but it can be hard.
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Absolutely. If you are not made of sterner stuff, you should not even try it. We are watching the Biggest Little Farm on Netflix right now and it is showing all the pitfalls the uninitiated can get into. Can’t wait to see how it all turns out. Cheers Herb. Thanks for reading. Allan
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Thank you for sharing your story. That’s sad about your Dad. Hugs!
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Thanks. That is all so very long ago now. Dad died in 1985 and I am now older than he was when he passed. The best thing he ever did for me was to push me away from the farm, telling me i could do better than him. I think of him often as I pass farms both successful and unsuccessful. Thanks for reading and the hugs. Allan
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Well that was wonderful of him to do that for you. My Mum spent her summers on her aunt and uncle’s farm when she was a kid and she talks a lot about what can determine whether it’s successful or not. Take care!
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So sad about losing your father so young but heartwarming to read your back story.
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Thanks Marion. I do not regret my upbringing. My Dad’s determination is what made me successful. We can all learn something from our parents. Thanks for reading. Have a great weekend. Allan
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I’m sorry to hear you had to loose your dad at such a young age, Allan 🥺 sounds like he was extremely motivated and unlikely to quit farming despite the ongoing challenges. Watching your dad hard at work you most likely learned things he didn’t mean to teach you because as we all know, children notice every little thing. Thanks for sharing your story and have a lovely day ☺️
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Thanks Aiva. I lost my Mom at an even younger age in 1974. He was doing what he knew and loved. He knew he would never get rich at it. Yes, I am a handy man thanks to always helping Dad out. I can fix most things thanks to him and the University of Google. Thanks for reading and your warm thoughts. Have a great weekend. Allan
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It’s been a hot and dry summer here in Southern Ontario as well. Our lawn is pretty much crispy brown at this point. Farming is tough work and there are no days off. My dad actually used to be a dairy farmer. Sorry to hear that your father passed away far too early.
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Farmers have already done straight combining here and it is only mid August. We never used to see straight combining here and if we did, it was not until mid September. At least they will get this poor harvest off quickly. Thanks for reading. Have a great Saturday. Allan
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The poem was a moving tribute to your father. What a hard life, sorry you lost both your parents young. It was a good choice to leave that life behind for you.
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Some have a romantic notion about farming and then realize there are hardships as well. Thanks for your kind words and for reading Ruth. Hope your weekend is going well. Allan
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