I recently attended a major gathering of dairy farmers, and boy, the conversation wasn’t all that great. Milk dumping because of a lack of a market, lowering milk prices at the farm gate and rising costs of milk in stores, labour shortages, too wet for crops, too dry for crops, and that doesn’t even begin to touch on wildfire smoke and the heat of summer amping up. There were those ongoing conversations about whether or not to get bigger or more efficient by adding technology and stalls. There were ideas shared about succession on particular farms and the future of dairy in general. It was thought-provoking and scary all at the same time.
On the other hand, aren’t we lucky there were more than 300 enthusiastic youth at the event – learning, competing and meeting new friends. And adults who were excited for potential changes in the industry and looking forward to helping make it happen. Awards were given to those who had served the group in various roles, including recognition for a first-generation dairy farmer. International guests were warmly welcomed, and their insights on the dairy business in their countries were appreciated.
Aren’t we lucky as we begin August, we can already look back on a third crop harvest of hay and look forward to a fourth and fifth cutting. We can see our corn ripening on a tall stalk that will produce bunkers full of corn silage. Wheat and straw are harvested and in the barn.
Aren’t we lucky we live in a time when technology can bring relief to our long days through monitors and robots and GPS on tractors. Aren’t we lucky that through new barn designs and well-thought-out plans, cows are more comfortable, producing more milk, more efficiently.
Aren’t we lucky county shows are beginning – an opportunity to attend and showcase your best cattle. Even more importantly, a chance to teach the public about your dairy operation and what it means to the community. County shows are the best days for catching up with old friends and greeting new faces.
Aren’t we lucky youth shows in eastern Canada have been in full swing for four weeks and will continue through the fall with many in attendance hoping for that trip to The Royal. The Western Canadian Classic (WCC) will take place this month, showcasing not only showmanship and type classes but also judging, practical skill events and more; a perfect end-of-summer event. In the article Kozak Holsteins Ltd. makes a name for itself across North America, a WCC alumni is featured in an article about the tremendous direction she has taken with her family’s herd of cattle.
Aren’t we lucky we are part of an industry that showcases and celebrates youth and the future of our livelihood.
Aren’t we really lucky we get to spend our days with our families in tractors and in barns caring for animals we love in a livelihood that is also a way of life. We get to spend our days enjoying fresh air, the sun, the rain and watching crops grow. We get to experience real life over and over with new calves and the passing of old cows that have been good to us.
I know I am lucky as I celebrate one year as an editor for Progressive Dairy in a country that I have loved being a part of since I was young. I’ve met so many great people, caught up with old friends and seen new parts of the country. As we move into fall, I’m looking forward to meeting more of you at farm shows and county shows, at exhibitions and at your farm gate.
We really are so fortunate we get to be part of a way of life that provides us with all that we have and all that we love.
