Marilyn HersheyI was horribly naïve when I was 30 years old. For starters, I was sure that 60-year-old farmers were way too old to run a dairy farm. Now that I am of that age, I see that my opinion was silly, unrealistic, and unbalanced.
There are a lot of farmers in this industry who are in our position, and if you look at the national age of farmers, we are not alone. I know now that just because someone is over 50 years old does not mean they are unable to continue their lifelong career.
However, I also readily admit that farmwork is not as easy as it used to be, and I know that I cannot accomplish everything that I used to on the farm. The day-to-day pounding of physical labor causes wear and tear to our bodies.
A few years ago, farming got the best of my rotator cuff and I had shoulder surgery. This was a clear reminder that there is a line of reality that I need to pay attention to. There are times that my head says that I can do something, while my body says differently.
For many years, I completed chores on the farm without aches and pains, or moans and groans. Recently I have found that younger assistance is helpful when the task looks mountainous. There are some jobs that are geared toward a younger and more agile body.
I know that millennials and the younger generations are worth more than just their physical abilities on the farm. We need young farmer voices telling our story with their energy and enthusiasm, now more than ever.
There is a lot to be said about a farm that has seasoned and knowledgeable mindsets blended with that of the younger and more forward thinkers.
I fully understand that it is not always possible to have both younger and older generations balancing each other out on a dairy farm. There are times that life just does not allow that to happen. But when it does, it feels like life is more in sync.
A strong herd has both young milkers and older lactation cows. Our farm needs these cows that have paid for themselves and are in their prime production years. But we also need the “millennial” heifers that are just starting to produce and contribute to the milk tank. A barn full of one type or the other would not be healthy. A balanced approach brings efficiency, longevity, and depth for our future herd and bottom line.
Looking across our industry, that same balance is important among various generations of farmers. We need the experienced and seasoned dairy persons to teach, encourage, and stabilize the business. There is a lot of value in that wisdom. Duane and I have been through many seasons of planting and harvesting. There have been lessons learned during each season. That experience brings strength to the business.
On the flip side, it is equally as important to have a new perspective that brings contemporary ideas and a fresh set of eyes to the dairy. Yes, they will have a different approach on things, but we did too we when we first started farming. We were fortunate that Duane’s parents respected our opinions and gave us solid feedback to help us make realistic decisions.
Many years ago, I was involved in the Junior Holstein Club. We always had a blast when we took the club to the annual state conventions. I always came home from the weekend hopeful for the future of the dairy industry. I was exhausted, but hopeful nonetheless. The pace was always faster than the adult convention that was held a few weeks later, but both had value and importance in our dairy careers.
I am excited for all the opportunities that will be presented to the next generation of farmers in this era. Their options are deeper and wider than they were for us, and it is nice to see activities that enhance agriculture and the mindset that collaborates across sectors.
Duane and I currently have a nice variety of ages on the farm, but the majority of employees belong to the younger generation. I am encouraged by the energy they bring.
I am also inspired that we recently added another millennial to the employee list. Our daughter decided to change careers and come back to the farm. Aside from working on the dairy farm, she will also make ice cream and manage our new venture, Our Joy Creamery.
Adding Kacie to the employee list has been a delight. She brings a lot of ambition and motivation to the farm, and it is nice to have her influence weaving into our days. She also has the strength to keep things moving at a pace that is important for success.
