Tag Archive for: Farming

Homemade Ice Cream

June is National Dairy Month in the United States. During this time, America’s dairy farmers and processors are honored for providing safe, nutritious food products.

For more than forty years, my father has worked in a cheese factory. As a result, grown up, we have often enjoyed homemade ice cream that was made from rich cream during the summer months.

Memories were made of get-togethers with several family members cranking multiple ice cream freezers. Even today, it’s not uncommon to make ice cream for at least one or two family gatherings.

In honor of National Dairy month, here is the ice cream mixture recipe that my Mom has used for many years.

COUNTRY STYLE VANILLA

4 Eggs. Approximately 5 Cups of Milk. 2 Tablespoons of Vanilla. 2-1/2 Cups of Sugar. 4 Cups of Whipping Cream. 1/4 Teaspoon of Salt.

In a large mixing bowl, beat eggs until foamy. Gradually add sugar; beat until thickened. Add cream, vanilla and salt and mix thoroughly. Pour into can. Add milk to fill line on can and stir well. Freeze as directed. Makes 4 quarts.

Enjoy and have a great day!😀

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

/by

The Equipment Shed

An important building on any farm is the equipment shed. It’s the structure where machinery is stored out of the weather and often worked on.

While not as impressive as many barns or farmhouses, these sheds are still a vital part of the farm. They help to protect the family’s investment in equipment. These buildings are also a place where important conversations are held – often around tractor hoods and tires.

As I think about these buildings, I remember going with my father to a neighbor’s farm as a child. While it was fascinating to watch the hogs and cattle, I thought that it was more exciting if we went to the shed. It was always fun to climb on one of the tractors – especially if Dad was going to use it.

Looking at this picture, I wonder how many memories were made at that shed. One may imagine a child watching as his or her father worked on a piece of equipment. Or, think about the cold meals that were served and hastily eaten there as something was being repaired.

You may have a building like this on your farm – or, where you were raised. Perhaps, this picture will bring back enjoyable memories of conversations and tractor rides for you as well.

Have a great day! 🙂

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

/by

The Old Grain Drill

Growing up in a rural, farming community, I’ve always loved watching farmers work in their fields.  This is one of the reasons why I have always looked forward to spring and fall.  After all, what young boy wouldn’t be enthralled with large powerful trucks, tractors, combines and the host of other equipment used during planting and harvest?

Living in an area with a large Amish population, I also enjoyed watching as farmers used teams of draft horses to work their fields.  While I loved the sights and sounds of more modern farm equipment, there was also a sense of enjoyment watching a four or six-horse hitch of Belgians or Percherons working in a field.

With my love of farm equipment, it’s no wonder that I was fascinated by this old, horse-drawn grain drill.  It has covered many acres during its years of usefulness.  Even in retirement, it still serves as a planter – of a different type.

Seeing this drill is a great reminder that we plant into others’ lives.  Our words and actions often affect one another – even though we may not notice it at the time.

Looking at this picture, I’m reminded of all of those who enjoy watching farm equipment working cropland every spring.  In the same way, I hope that kindness, joy and grace will be crops that my life sows into the lives of others.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

/by

A Time to Plow

I recently photographed this team of draft horses on a farm that I was making a delivery to. They were taking a break from plowing while the farmer stepped away briefly to attend to something else.

Now that we’re in spring, sights like this are common around here. It’s not unusual to watch neighboring farmers plant their crops – one using modern equipment, while another uses horsepower from another era. Both forms of farming are fascinating to watch.

In the book of Ecclesiastes, we’re reminded of the various seasons of life – including times to plant and reap.

This picture is an interesting reminder of a once common sight across America. It also helps us to remember the importance of the various seasons – and to keep our eyes on the One who plans out our lives.

Have a great day! 🙂

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

/by

Getting Ready for Spring

I had to stop for this tractor and liquid manure spreader recently. It may have cost a minute or two of my time, but the other guy’s safety was well worth it.

What you don’t see is the operator behind his equipment. He was using a push broom to sweep mud off the road that his equipment had brought there. The man was being a good neighbor to those who lived around there.

With spring just around the corner, many farmers have started getting their fields ready for planting. This picture is a great reminder that we need to be careful with the increased activity on many rural roadways.

Perhaps, it may also serve to help us remember to slow down through life in general.

Have a great day!

(This was first published at theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

/by

A Wagon, Corn Cribs and Nostalgia

There’s something about old farm scenes that often capture our attention.  Take this box wagon parked in a shed between two corn cribs.  We can visualize the sweat, toil and long hours that were involved in filling those bins with ear corn. 

Yet, there’s something about this photograph that also gives a sense of peace, quiet and solitude.  It brings backs a sense of nostalgia.  In fact, this picture reminds me of a Currier & Ives painting or a scene from a Hallmark movie.

This picture is a contrast to what most of us know today.  We’re used to the hustle and bustle of modern life, as opposed to being forced to travel at the pace of a team of horses – like the ones that would have been used to pull this wagon.  The picture also reminds us of the time and labor once involved in filling those cribs – especially when we consider how modern equipment handles much larger harvests in the same period of time. 

When I see this photograph, it also reminds me of the effort of many hands, often involving the whole family to harvest a crop.  There’s a sense of unity when we think about the relationships that were built as parents and children worked together. 

Seeing this picture is a reminder that we often need to slow down.  Great relationships and good work ethics are both realized when we take our time and invest in them. 

I’m also reminded of the simplicity and beauty of faith.  It’s in these simple illustrations when I sometimes see some of God’s greatest gifts in a new light.   

Let me encourage you to go for a drive in the country.  You never know what you may find. 

Have a great day!  🙂

(This post was first published at: theroadreport.wordpress.com.)

/by