Guest Blog

Just like everyone else last year on New Year’s Eve, I was setting my resolution. At midnight, I brought up my internet browser and signed myself up for the Detroit International Half Marathon.

When I returned to my family farm a couple years ago, my mother gladly gave up her role of managing employees. Since I had the opportunity to work off the farm for several years, I thought I knew what to do.

Too often in life, we divide ourselves into two sides on an issue. A quick browse on my Facebook newsfeed, and this definitely seems to be the case.

When was the last time you or your spouse left the farm? Running into town for parts, drugs or groceries doesn’t count. When was the last time you physically removed yourself from the place and went somewhere with a purpose other than what I just mentioned?

When my husband and I decided to come back to his family’s farm, we sure didn’t come back for the money or the cushy hours. We chose farming as an occupation because we knew we wanted to raise our family on a farm. It’s simply the best way to raise kids … at least that’s what our 21-year-old selves thought.

Here’s the deal: It ain’t 1940 and most people aren’t getting their milk from their own cows or even their neighbour’s cows. These days, consumers are buying their food from the grocery store and are wondering where in the heck the product originated. Not everyone lives in a rural area and has the opportunity to meet a local farmer or visit a dairy farm.