This proclamation was issued by President Abraham Lincoln during the U.S. Civil War. His reminder to thank God for the many blessings we enjoy - in the midst of great strife - is something we all should remember this holiday season. We live in the most prosperous time in history. Our lives may not be … Continue reading President Lincoln Thanksgiving Proclamation
Author: Katie Stockstill-Sawyer
I am a city girl that is learning about life on the farm. I met and married a fourth-generation farmer, Derek. I am now a farmer's wife and country girl. The move has required a few changes and a lot of learning. But I wouldn't change my new life and all of the little lessons and surprises it provides.
How Do Farmers Get Paid?
Every month I receive a paycheck, each one the same as the month prior. It's guaranteed as long as I'm employed. But my farmer husband isn't as fortunate. There are no guaranteed paydays and there's no guessing what the pay will be when it arrives in his bank account. That's what makes farming risky but … Continue reading How Do Farmers Get Paid?
The Value of Animals
I didn't grow up with pets. For a few years we had a goldfish that I'm pretty sure was actually a dozen different fish my parents rotated through after one died off or we starved it to death. We finally adopted a dog when I was in middle school and I remember being frustrated by … Continue reading The Value of Animals
Thoughts from a Farm Mom
Sunday is Mother's Day and will mark just over 6 years of my time as a mother. I have two boys - Evan, age 6, and Owen, age 3 - and being their mother is both the most difficult and rewarding job I have. I've learned a lot while raising two boys and I've slowly … Continue reading Thoughts from a Farm Mom
The Business of Farming
It's #SmallBusinessWeek and while we all stop to lift up the downtown shop or local manufacturing company, farms often are not part of the business landscape we celebrate because those outside of farming don't see what we do as a business. But for many communities and states - like Kansas - farming and agriculture is … Continue reading The Business of Farming
Using Our Resources
My husband has spent the better part of the last 10 days behind the wheel of his yellow 18-wheeler. We had cows at our farm this winter and now it’s time to send them east to enjoy a summer grazing in the Kansas Flint Hills. The state of Kansas has more cows than people – … Continue reading Using Our Resources
Making Babies (Calves, of course)
For our first date, Derek and I met at a sandwich shop in downtown McPherson. I had walked over from work and Derek had just pulled into town after being on the road all morning. When I asked him what he had been doing he responded that he had been delivering bulls to the cows … Continue reading Making Babies (Calves, of course)
The Dish on Dinner Time
During the winter months we have a lot of mouths to feed on the farm. More than 500 to be exact. That makes dinner a big deal and important part of the farmer hub's day. We put a lot of time and attention into the feed for our cattle because, just as in humans, proper … Continue reading The Dish on Dinner Time
Who’s Your Daddy? (Farm Style)
Calving season at Sawyer Land & Cattle is often a lesson in genetics. While most of our new babies are black or black with white on its face, we occasionally get a surprise, or a calf that makes you question who the dad is. Like humans, cattle have dominate and recessive traits that determine hide … Continue reading Who’s Your Daddy? (Farm Style)
What Does the Farmer Wear?
So if you haven't been following along, please allow me to summarize our winter thus far: cold, mud, snow, repeat. Not kidding. It's been one of the coldest, wettest - and therefore muddiest - winters we've had and because we raise cattle, the farmer hubs is outside everyday checking our mother and baby cows. He … Continue reading What Does the Farmer Wear?
