As the countdown begins for my high school senior Cassie to graduate, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. While she is excited to start a new chapter in her life, heading off to college next fall, I know that her absence will be deeply felt, especially by her father. Cassie has always been the go-to girl on our family farm in East Moline, Illinois, willing to roll up her sleeves and pitch in wherever needed. From driving tractors to conducting genomic reports, she is an integral part of our farm operations.
## Farm Kids Stand Out
Cassie’s senior year schedule is a testament to her dedication and love for farm life. She is taking dual credit AP classes like Spanish 4 and Statistics while also enrolled in a Coop class that allows her to earn credits for working on the dairy farm. This unique class structure enables her to leave school early and head home to help with farm chores, a perfect blend of education and practical experience.
On the first day of the Coop class, Cassie’s strong work ethic and manners caught the attention of her teacher. Her ability to give a firm handshake and her dedication to completing tasks efficiently stood out among her peers. After just one month, Cassie had already completed the required hours for the entire quarter, showcasing the hard work and determination instilled in farm kids.
## Realize All They Do, After They Are Gone
The departure of a farm kid like Cassie brings a realization of the multitude of tasks they handle daily. Small but impactful responsibilities like updating records, managing calvings, and feeding calves often go unnoticed until they are no longer there to handle them. Cassie’s contributions, from mundane tasks like updating PCDart to physically demanding jobs like moving round bales, play a crucial role in the smooth functioning of the farm.
Farm kids like Cassie embody the spirit of hard work and dedication, juggling school responsibilities with farm chores effortlessly. Their absence serves as a reminder of the significant contributions they make behind the scenes, often taken for granted until they are no longer around.
## Slow Down Time
As a parent, my advice to fellow farmers is to cherish the moments spent with their children on the farm and to appreciate the invaluable support they provide. Time flies by quickly, especially as children grow up and transition to new phases in their lives. With graduation approaching, it’s essential to acknowledge and thank farm kids for their relentless efforts and consider succession planning to ensure continuity on the farm.
While it may be challenging to slow down amidst the demands of farm life, taking the time to express gratitude and plan for the future can help ease the transition when farm kids move on to pursue their own paths. Embracing change and acknowledging the vital role farm kids play in agricultural operations can foster a sense of appreciation and preparedness for the next generation to step in.
As Cassie prepares to embark on her college journey, I am filled with pride and gratitude for the years she has dedicated to our family farm. Her unwavering commitment and hard work have been invaluable, shaping her into a resilient and capable individual ready to tackle new challenges. While her absence will be felt deeply, the lessons and experiences gained from growing up on a farm will continue to guide her wherever she goes.
The legacy of farm kids like Cassie lives on in the lessons they impart and the values they embody, shaping the future of agriculture and inspiring generations to come. Cherishing the memories and contributions of farm kids is essential in preserving the rich heritage and enduring spirit of farming communities across Australia.
