We were so ready to be through with 2020, and then 2021 was even worse. Now we are ready to take some hand sanitizer and completely clean our hands of these past couple of years. Things seem to be looking up, though, as the milk price has risen and the tension of “what’s next” has eased.
The new year at Hillcrest will be exciting with more tours. Using our advocate voice to teach about the farm and what we produce is so important. The average person is at least three generations away from a farm. Consumers believe all the labels and hearsay about what they consume – why not let them in and see what it’s all about for themselves? One of the most important things in life is what you feed your body. For us to not represent the nutritious facts about what we produce is careless.
Another awesome thing from the tours is meeting all kinds of people from around the world. After growing up in an extremely small town, it is neat when people from other countries stop in to learn what’s going on around the farm and to see how the operation works. We also meet so many other people from all types of agricultural entities that ask really good questions and also give input on certain things around the farm. Information and an open mind keep us moving forward and doing things in a more efficient way.
Grab a friend, make a cheese plate, tell them to invite their friends, and show them where cheese, yogurt, and milk comes from. Maybe you could host an event for your town, or just share some info on social media. Make it a goal to speak up for agriculture this year.
Mark and Caitlin Rodgers are dairy farmers in Dearing, Georgia. The Rodgers have a 400-cow dairy that averages 32,000 pounds of milk. Follow their family farm on Facebook at Hillcrest Farms Inc.
