Friday on the Farm

snow sets on the back of #29

On a winter morning, I walk through the cow herd. Snow sets on the backs of the cows as they peacefully rest. 

 

During morning and evening cattle herd checks, we make sure cows are healthy, and have access to fresh water and shelter from wind. The winter wind and temperatures have been harsh this year. With these winter conditions, it is even more important we properly care for our cattle. Feeding cows quality hay provides energy to keep them warm.

 

 

[more photos at monicastevens.photoshelter.com]

2014 Knox County Farm Bureau Annual Meeting

 

 

This morning, I attended the Knox County Farm Bureau annual meeting. Since I have been involved with Knox County Young Farmers, I have attended. I enjoy talking with farmers in my county. This year, I was elected to the Knox County Farm Bureau Board of Directors. I am so excited to be involved and for the opportunities it brings! It is an honor to serve and represent my county. And, I would like to think my grandparents would be proud.

 

 

Friday on the Farm

a winter afternoon

 

It was a blustery, cold winter day. But, it was pretty. The late afternoon sun was gorgeous. I loved the yellow and blue sky reflecting on the snow covered hay field. It is a simple pleasure of a winter day in January.

31 things...

January is my birth month, so I thought it would be fun to share 31 things about myself...

 

1. I was raised on a corn, soybean, hay, and Shorthorn farm in Knox County
2. My family has been raising Shorthorn cattle since 1943...we celebrated 70 years in 2013!

3. I graduated from Western Illinois University with a Bachelor of Science in Animal Science
4. I was a member of an agricultural sorority, Sigma Alpha at Western Illinois University

5. For 10 years, I was a member of the Walnut Grove Progressors 4-H Club...beef cattle, photography, and conservation were my projects

6. In 4-H, I had a fond memory showing cattle. I loved seeing my grandpa and grandma sitting in the bleachers proudly watching every year.
7. I absolutely love to exercise and am an avid runner!

8. My goal is to run a half marathon
9. My favorite number is 8... even most of my heifers have been tagged with a number 8 :)
10. Photography has been a passion of mine since I was 8 years old
11. I love showing my love of agriculture through my photography...I want others to see what I love
12. My earliest memory was at the age of two...I remember watching through the back window of the car as my dad drove home a new loader tractor

13. The best memories I have growing up on the farm are riding in my dad's truck checking cows
14. My favorite colors are yellow and purple...not the reason I attended WIU :)
15. I'm a dreamer...always dream big and shoot for the stars!
16. I am a fan of the Chicago Cubs...GO CUBBIES!
17. Jason Aldean and Miranda Lambert are my favorite country musicians!
18. When I was in second grade, I wanted to be a veterinarian or Dallas Cowboy cheerleader...I loved their boots :)
19. I LOVE Mountain Dew...seriously, I should have an endorsement deal
20. I have always wanted to learn how to box!
21. I love cars...my dream cars are a black Chevrolet Chevelle, and Chevrolet Camaro SS
22. Since I was 5, I have been a NASCAR fan...I loved Richard Petty and Dale Earnhardt
23. I am a farm girl...love Carhartt, Craftsman, Chevrolet, 4wheeling, working hard, and getting my hands dirty
24. And, I am a girly girl...love wine, pedicures, clothes, shoes, and jewelry :)
25. I have ink...two tattoos. They remind me to BELIEVE!
26. I'd love to jump in my car and travel across the United States taking photographs...I think it would be amazing!
27. I am inspired by lyrics from the Eli Young Band...'keep on dreaming even if it breaks your heart'. Reach for the stars!
28. I am blessed with amazing experiences and opportunities in my life...Knox County Farm Bureau Young Farmers Chair, Illinois Beef Association Checkoff Director, Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee District 8 Representative, photo published in The Progressive Farmer magazine, 2012 Illinois Farm Bureau Young Leader Committee Chair, Illinois Livestock Development Group advertisement, journal in Farm & Ranch Living magazine, Illinois Cattlewomen President
29. I am very thankful for my family, especially my parents..they have supported and believed in me  
30. I am an advocate for agriculture...I want non-farm friends to understand what I so truly love
31. Every day, I do what I love and love what I do...photography and raise cattle :)
 

Friday on the Farm

frost on barbed wire

It was a gorgeous and cold winter morning. After morning chores, I walked through the cow herd. They were so peaceful. Frost covered the farm. It was so amazing. I loved how the morning sun softly shined on the frost.