Friday, February 21, 2014

The Reality of Farming


Living on the farm is not romantic. Don’t believe all they hype. That Martha Stewart barn probably cost more than your house. And she has animal caretakers. Many people don’t. It’s easier to love a donkey if you don’t have to clean up its poop every day. If you enjoy waking up every morning, and walking outside no matter the weather, to only be barked, mooed, oinked, or “bahhed” at for food then you’re a saint. Do it twice a day, again at sunset, and you’re crazy.

Mud, manure, spit, blood; you name it, and you will be covered in it. You’re nose will become desensitized to smells that were once horrific. And you’ll continue to wear the same boots until their odor starts to alienate your animal friends. Days are no longer your own. Water must be provided, with no exception. Fences must be mended. Animals must eat. If a goat or horse escapes, everything stops until they’re caught again. If there’s an injury, the vet must be called. And the bills must get paid. Hay must be obtained, and stockpiled if possible.

It may be your dream to own a farm. But think about it first. It can quickly become the ball and chain around your life. Say good-bye to late nights out with friends, goodbye to vacations, and most importantly, say hello to reality. Those Housewives are living a fantasy. Let’s see them help birth a lamb.

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