A refrain I’ve heard often from temperate climate dwellers is that they wish they lived in a place with seasons. I suppose we often yearn for what we don’t have, as I also dream of the continual warmth of mild days in San Diego.

At the intersection of tradition and innovation lies the future of dairy farming, which is increasingly intertwined with artificial intelligence (AI) capabilities. AI has emerged as a transformative force as the industry responds to marketplace pressures and technological advancements. While integrating AI in dairy practices presents challenges, it also offers significant opportunities.

Working hard works, well, until it doesn’t. And it doesn’t always work when my girls enter the show ring for the market judging class during the county fair.

Amid a decade-long labor shortage, dairy farmers recognize the importance of training their employees, both informally and formally. And they are leaning on their veterinarians, county extension agents, nutritionists and other consultants to support and carry out these trainings.

“Sis, the horses are saddled. Get your boots on and meet me outside.” They are going to check the cows.

We are in the market for a new horse – a new horse for a just-turned-8-year-old girl. An outsider, one somewhat unfamiliar with our world, might believe that this horse is her first horse, her beginner horse, you might say. If one believes that, one would be wrong.

I went for a walk today. When I dropped my kids off for the bus, it was 32ºF. By noon, when I emerged from the cocoon of my office, it was 58ºF, and the sun was shining. There was enough of a breeze to remind me that a jacket was the correct choice. 

Every year, my husband is as anxious as a new father – monitoring his baby girls, fussing over them and ready to assist if they show signs of distress.