The Farm

Sometimes I think that the reason I am comfortable in a classroom is because it reminds me of my childhood on the farm. There was always a flurry of activity and the work was never done. Tending crops and raising livestock meant good days, bad days and never a dull moment. Plans could be made for the week but it was more likely that a litany of demands would squawk their way to the top of the to-do lists. Flexibility was a requirement, not an option. Life had a visceral edginess to it and it was not for the fainthearted.

The classroom cast of characters is also redolent of life on the homestead. The cocky rooster is always ready and willing to strut around, making his presence known. He demands a little reining in and a reminder of who is in charge of the operation. The cattle are fairly content to graze away on the food put before them. They need guidance toward the barn or the pasture and are usually willing to follow the herd. The pigs like to rout around and get their noses into whatever is or is not their business. They can be adventuresome, but not always in a good way. The chickens are cute when they are little, but take a turn for the worse as they age. They are messy and skittish. They prefer to work alone and need a great deal of structure to be productive. The farm cats have their feet in two worlds, the wild and the domestic. They know that there are perks to schmoozing with the folks in charge, but they are not afraid to take after a rat or two. The farm dogs are the go-to animals. Loyalty is their best asset and they are not afraid of pitching in and getting the job done. They will let out a bark or two when something is awry and are determined to protect their turf.

A thousand decisions need to be made at any given time in the classroom and on the farm. Variables are the pawns in the game. Make a move one way and be prepared for a quick counter move. The crop that had the greatest yield one year is not necessarily the crop that will do well the following year. Weeds are battled every step of the way. A good calving season does not guarantee a strong beef market. Diversification demands fearless optimism and a satchel full of strategies. Thinking on your feet is compulsory and keeps you fit for survival.

Time is a precious commodity for both occupations. There is never enough of it. When equipment fails, the clock continues to tick and the skies continue to darken. Haste is always pushing at sensibility. The needs of livestock and crops are immediate and precarious. Bells ring and cows bellow with insistent urgency. Our clients do not have waiting rooms.

Teachers and farmers can be called crazy. Despite hailstorms, drought, weeds and technological break-downs, we persevere. Crops are planted, baby chicks are ordered and equipment is purchased. Handbooks are read, statistics are analyzed and strategies are implemented.

Let it be said for both of us, spring is always filled with the hope of the fall harvest.