BROTHERS
By: Carl C. Stafford
Senior Extension Agent
There is nothing like a brother to rely on. In farming, you can share equipment, share labor, share land and support each other with a common view on the natural system of agriculture. In the event of a disaster like our community experienced last week, a brother to the rescue is what it takes to face a tough time. The comfort in knowing he is there to help hold you up and make the impossible, possible. A brother will be there without question.
Neighbors too, men and women share in the rescue of a friend in need, lending a hand, taking in displaced livestock, offering equipment and labor, picking up the broken pieces. A great example for participating children too, something they will never forget, a rescue they will cherish and share stories about, and behavior they will model for others.
After the dust settles and we go on living, this is when the tough work of recovery sets in. There are new jobs now added to an already full schedule. Somehow, the broken is fixed as those who experienced losses last week deal with the aftermath for months ahead. They will solve problems newly created and they will make hard choices forced on them by nature. After all this is their life, to be a farmer and to deal with the uncontrollable risk and rewardit gives.
Tough, determined people are farmers and they would have it no other way even if it means facing heavy winds and its aftermath. This is what they do. The challenge when livestock are involved adds immediacy. They need feed and water, shelter and management needed to help them perform as planned. Sometimes it is as simple as the power coming back on but as is the case from last week, new buildings and roofing repairs will be needed to make the farm function as usual.
So, this will not be the last time farmers face disaster. And when it comes again, you can be sure brothers, sisters and neighbors will rise up and hold up the one in need. This is how a community works and we can be proud of it and know it is the right place to live and to raise children. To do for others, making a difference as the need arises. This it seems is good reason to explain our presence here.