An Unexplainable Feeling
An Unexplainable Feeling
The following post was written by Ursina Studhalter; a student at the University of Guelph studying Agricultural Business. It was first published on the http://farmersmatter.ca/blog/ website and is reprinted here with permission.
She and her family have a diverse farm, raising pigs and milking dairy goats.
Everything comes second to the farm. Without it, I’d feel lost. I know the instant I’ve crossed into my home territory. The road opens up, large barns begin to appear and fields span the horizon. That’s when I know I’m at home. It does not have to be Huron County, I could be driving along Rue 116 in Quebec. I’m at home at any kitchen table where the talk revolves around this coming spring’s planting and the new tractor the neighbour just bought. I’m at home standing between rows of content cows, the fresh smell of hay in the air.
I was born into the farming community and that’s where I plan on dying. The community holds my family and my friends, all honest, hardworking people that stand tall no matter what comes their way. I don’t know how to hold a conversation that does not eventually wander over to the farm. My radio is always tuned to a country station. I own more jeans than dresses and more work boots than high heels. I’m better at doing toplines than doing my own hair. I don’t know how to work a 9 to 5 job. It is strange to say I miss waking up early in the morning to milk.
Now I wonder why I still get asked what career I want once I graduate. I don’t want a career. I want to go back to the life I was born into, raised up in and love. I realize I could go farther, probably make more money and see more if I turn my back on my heritage. But I can’t do that, I would never be truly happy. All I want to do is go home, live with what I have and watch the sun sink below the horizon behind the barn.
Money does not buy happiness. It just makes living easier. I’m proud of who I am and where I come from.
It’s not a career if you love what you do. It’s your lifestyle.
Posted by OFAC on February 11th, 2011 :: Filed under Farm life,Sustainability of the family farm
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