Slow it Down: On the Farm

Slow it Down

The warm weather always brings a sense of unity for farmers across the nation. Crops that have laid dormant all winter, start to sprout, proliferate, and mature. From small grains that have held the soil firmly in place during the winter to nutritious alfalfa, crops have served a key role in maintaining the nutrients in the soil throughout the cold, harsh, temperatures. Now, with the break in the cold, these crops face the sun, and smile as they grow and thrive. As these crops mature, farmers across the country carefully prepare and service equipment. Once these crops have shown their true colors, farmers will begin to harvest them to store nutrients for livestock to enjoy. Yes, across the nation, a great phenomenon is occurring, this phenomenon is called hay season.

Hay season can be the most chaotic time of the year. Unlike corn season, hay season last for several weeks to months and can result in several fields being harvested more than once. Multiple pieces of equipment must be hauled to the fields in order to properly cure the hay once it is cut. In the curing process, we are able to lock in the nutrients to ensure the livestock receive them with every bite. Most fields are not located on the farm. Most are located a few miles down the road. In order to transport the equipment safely from the farm to the field or from one field to another, tractors must travel on main roads.

Farmers despise transporting equipment on the main roads or in heavy traffic areas. From personal experience, I am constantly on edge when transporting equipment. I am constantly look behind me to make sure my piece of equipment is still secured and to check on my “parade” of traffic behind me. I always feel bad about making people follow behind me, but my tractor can only go a maximum of 15-20 miles per hour on a good day and pulling off to allow people to pass is illegal. There is nothing more frightening than when I am passed in a blind curve or on a double yellow line. To see two cars almost collide head on is the most frightening feeling in the world.

My tractor cannot go as fast as your car or semi-truck.  I am going as fast as I can to get out of your way. I am just trying to provide my animals with quality food so they can provide a quality product to feed the world. I am sorry for delaying your travel. Please, be smart about passing me, or, better yet, sit back, relax, and enjoy the scenery. Too often, we are caught up in what is happening right this very second. We tend to neglect the beauty around us. So, sit back, take a deep breath, and enjoy the country life. Remember why you live where you do and take in the amazing scene. Life does not need to happen right this very second. Slow it down and enjoy the simple things around you.

–Courtney Henderson, Special to the Botetourt Bee