Often times I am asked what is the secret to our success. I really think that most everyone expected our dairy farm to fail in the first year.
My answers are very simple:
- God: Yes, I said it. God is the main reason for our success.Β We are far from perfect, we fail every day to meet God’s expectations. We sin just as everyone else. Every day we strive to be betterΒ and strive to live according to God’s word. Most importantly when talking about the farm, we gave it to God. We had hit a wall where we were not certain we could take anymoreΒ and we gave it to him. We said let it be what you want it to be. If you want us to farm, please help us to continue to farm. If you want us somewhere else, please put us somewhere else. BUT please walk by us as we do it because we CANNOT do it on our own. We strive to be better, strive to live the way we should, strive to let go of the reinsΒ and let Him have complete control. And when we get a little off course, He is quick to remind us we cannot do it on our own.
- Farmer: He is hands down the hardest worker I have ever known in my life.Β He hasΒ no “quit” in him. He pushes forward when most would walk away. Not only does he put in the physical work but he is so incredibly business smart. He knows all his girls, he knows all their daughters, he know who is producing what, he knows who isΒ pregnant and how far along.Β Β I guarantee he knows who was sold, who has passedΒ and how they went or why. He knows this farmΒ and the girls like the back of his hand. He takes his business relationships very seriously and works hard to honor his word or make things right when needed. I could go on but I think you get the point that I think my farmer is so beyond amazing.
- Other Farmers: I think this is something most people overlook when talking about success of a farm or farmer. We have AMAZING people that we buy feed from. They are so willing to work with us. The allow us to pay as we feed as we operate on a cash flow only basis. They make their feed prices reasonableΒ and their payments easy for us to afford. They are there when we need them. So many times one farmer in particular has provided us with tractors when ours were down. Most of the farmers we do business with are either dairymen or former dairymen. They understand dairy farmingΒ and know how hard we work. I hope they know how much we appreciate them. We are very grateful for the other farmers, some we think of as familyΒ and many would be there if we needed them. We would be there if they need us. Farmers need other farmers or at least we do!
So that sums it up as to why we are successful. But what exactly is success?! To some it is determined by what you drive, what we wear or where you live. Some it is what your paycheck says or the amount in your bank account. Some it is a fancy title. To us, it is that we go out every dayΒ and chase the “American Dream”.Β We are successful because we are trying, we are working hard, we have goals, dreamsΒ and aspirationsΒ in life. We are working every day to make those dreams reality.
Thank you to all the farmers that have helped make us “successful”.
Krista Stauffer
Latest posts by Krista Stauffer (see all)
- Ensuring Quality and Safety: The Rigorous Inspection and Testing of Washington State Dairy Farms - May 6, 2024
- Understanding the National Dairy FARM Program: Ensuring Excellence in Dairy Farming - April 29, 2024
- The Importance of Nutrient Management Plans for Washington State Dairy Farms - April 17, 2024
- Homeschooling on the Farm: Cultivating Learning in a Rich Environment - April 11, 2024
[…] supported us along the way & give God full credit for the life we have been given. Here is a blog I wrote on the secret to our success as dairy […]