Okay, this week’s article is going to be a little different. Honestly, I just want to complain for a few minutes. No, I need to complain for a few minutes because farming is hard. Life is hard. And let’s be honest, most of the time, I don’t need anyone to fix my problems; I just need for them to be heard. So, here are all the things bugging me right now.
I hate the month of July. Know why? In July, all my worst mastitis cases happen. You know the ones — where Mandy gave 37 pounds of milk Saturday night then was literally down with horrible mastitis in both left quarters Sunday morning. It only ever seems to happen in July.
Now let’s complain about farm help. First, let me say that we do have a fantastic team on our farm. But a large part of that team is my dad, my brother, and I, and we’re giving up pretty much anything outside of the farm to get it all done. I know what you’re thinking . . . why not hire someone else? Do you know how many people claim to need a job so badly they’ll work any hours doing any work, only to show up for two days then completely ghost you? Or they show up for a week, ghost you for a week, then message you on Facebook with a super sad story about why they never showed up and are wondering if they still have a job. Yeah buddy, we’re super excited to welcome you back.
One more and I swear I’m done. I get genuinely angry when I see people judging something that makes someone else happy. If reading trashy tabloid magazines is your thing, buy them all! If you want to wake up an hour early to do your hair and makeup before you go milk cows, fabulous! If you want to see the Barbie movie because it looks kind of funny, buy the large popcorn and make it a party! Since COVID, sometimes it feels like this world is doing everything it can to hold us down. If something you think is silly or dumb makes someone else smile or forget the hard parts of their life for a few minutes, why is it your problem? If it’s not hurting you, it’s not your business. Tom Holland recently shared a quote by Christian Bale that went something like this: “If you have a problem with me, text me. If you don’t have my number, you don’t know me well enough to have a problem with me.” Think about that, then live it.
I won’t pretend I couldn’t go on, but honestly, I feel a little lighter already. It may sound dumb and superficial, but if you’re brave enough, leave your complaints in the comments. Sometimes, just putting it out into the universe can lift a little bit of the load.
The author dairies in partnership with her parents and brother at Spruce Row Farm in Pennsylvania. Jessica is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University, and since 2015, she has been active in promoting dairy in her local community. You can find her and her 250 Jersey cows on Facebook at Spruce Row Dairy or on Instagram at @seejessfarm.
