Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

                                                 Due to the social distancing of COVID-19,
                                            we have been postponing our family celebrations.
                                        Even so, that doesn't stop me from being thankful for
                                      these 32 years that we have watched our oldest son grow
                                                 and mature into a fantastic human being!
                                             

I'm thankful  for all of our special memories

down on the dairy farm,  

for the opportunity to see the next generation 

explore life on the  family farm,

                                                    and for the time we are looking forward
                                       to celebrating with the 32nd chocolate birthday cake!

Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

                                           Resting is part of the job for these dairy cows that 

                                      are patiently waiting to give birth in just a few short days.

                                     Each of these cows were moved from the milking herd to 

                                               the "dry" herd for a two month rest before calving.

                                            They are fed a special diet, provided plenty of water 

                                       and checked frequently  for any changes in behavior that

                                                             might indicate time for calving.

                                      

Even though we started the day with no sunshine after yesterday's rain,

I'm thankful for the picture of rest that brings a calmness

to the chaos around us and that what we do every day matters

to you and your family as we work to produce 

high-quality,nutritious milk down on the dairy farm.

Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

With mud puddles in abundance and the crop fields too wet for

planting, it's easy to forget how fortunate we are for the

 clean water our cows drink everyday. 

Water is an important nutrient in the cow's diet and without

the availability of at least a bathtub full of water everyday, 

a milking cow will produce less milk.

 Even though these cows at the water tank are

 actually at rest in the pasture waiting to have a baby,

 water is important as they prepare for delivery.

I'm thankful for these daily reminders of how blessed we

are with the basics of everyday life down on the dairy farm

and

                                                           
                                              for our opportunity to share our blessings with
                                                                  the next generation!

Evergreen Easter

                                        Although  COVID-19 has disrupted our normal way
                                                   of living down on the Arkansas dairy farm,
                                      what hasn't changed is our Hope in the Lord Jesus Christ.
                                                         

He Lives

He lives, He lives!

Christ Jesus lives today!

He walks with me and talks with me

along life's narrow way.

He lives, He lives, 

salvation to impart!

You ask me how I know He lives?

He lives within my heart.

--Alfred H. Ackley

From down on the dairy farm,

Happy Easter!

Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

Yesterday we provided a dairy farm tour for a kindergarten teacher

wanting  to share an adventure with her students   via phone video. 

Our social distancing was maintained as we fed baby calves, 

observed milking and feeding of the cows.

The farm tour provided fun for both visitor and  farmer

as we shared our passion for everyday life on the farm that 

brings  nutritious milk to everyone's table. 

                                   
                                         I'm thankful for the joy in sharing  our love of dairy
                                          with others and for dedicated teachers  seeking
                                         creative  ways to keep our children  involved in the
                                          education  process during the challenges provided
                                                                     by COVID-19.

Dairy Farmer's Thankful Thursday

More than 10 years ago , my Mother-in-Love Bonnah Lyn  presented me

with this blooming crab apple tree. Even though it's a bit crooked 

from a couple of bad storms causing a twist and loss of a  few branches,

you can't help but enjoy its beauty during the period of blooming 

and the sweet memories of my tree loving mother-in-law. 

There's a lot of assurance and hope in the unfolding of spring

 and  the routine  of daily life down on the dairy farm.

The impact of COVID-19 has removed alot of our normal in everyday

life but it can not remove our joy and hope!

I'm thankful that we are able to continue milking the cows, 

feeding the cows and calves  and producing high-quality milk

that feeds families in our community.

"Now may the Lord of peace Himself continually

grant you peace in every circumstance."

                   --II Thessalonians 3:16