This year marks my sixth harvest with Petersen’s. Now, I know I am not a farm wife. But trust me, I cannot wait for that day. (I have spent many years in training;) also this is not a jab at Hunter, I just idolize farm wives and can’t wait to be one, someday) I would like to think of myself as a seasoned farm girlfriend. When I think back over the last six seasons I’ve spent with Hunter, watching and learning from his mother and aunt and all the ins and outs throughout harvest. If you ask me, the whole farm would be lost without those two. They pretty much run that place in my opinion. Getting to watch and learn from them has been such a blessing and I am always so eager to be around them and help out. They are both such strong, independent, hard-working women who are definitely role models of mine.
I also follow lots of farm wives on Instagram and Facebook who are role models of mine as well. My two absolute favorites are the hosts of Midwest Farm Wives podcast, Whitney and Kylie. They always talk about whatever your role is on the farm, big or small, on or off the farm, your role is so important. Just because so and so is doing more than you or doing this or that, that maybe you are not, does not mean your role on your farm is any less important. Let what you do be enough. Another huge lesson of theirs is you are never alone. Even though the seasonal singlehood makes it seem like it, you are not.
On to the whole reason for this blog in the first place. Six lessons I’ve learned from going through six seasons.
- Space. Give them space. I know it is a hard time for both you and your farmer but they have a lot on their plate right now and space is one thing they need. I’m not saying completely ignore and leave them to fend for themselves. What I mean is be there for them when they need you, don’t take it personal if they don’t notice you.
- Limit your questions. Highly do not recommend asking them question after question because a lot of the time they don’t know the answer either. One question I suggest you NEVER ask is “What time will you be home?” because even if they give you an answer, most likely something will break or needs to be moved and that time will pass by.
- Have a hobby. You will drive yourself crazy if you sit alone at home and feel sorry for yourself because your significant other is out farming. Find something to occupy yourself with.
- YOU ARE NOT ALONE. I cannot stress this enough. You do not have to go through this season alone. Find other farm wives or girlfriends. Go out with friends, go shopping with your mom or sister, video chat with long distance friends, help with making supper or packing lunches for the guys, doesn’t matter what it is, don’t isolate yourself. You don’t need to do this alone.
- Appreciate each moment. Rain days and heat shutdowns will happen. Sometimes we forget Mother Nature is the real one in control. Appreciate all those extra moments you get with your farmer at home with you. Don’t expect them to want to go out somewhere out and about. Be fine with chilling at home and soak up those moments with them, even if it is just sitting on the couch watching tv or making supper for them.
- Have a positive attitude. Like I said before Mother Nature is the real one in charge. That being said sometimes we don’t agree with her but having a crappy attitude won’t make her change it. Sometimes things break down, sometimes the stress gets to you. Keep that positive attitude, because having a crappy one won’t get you very far.
Fall and harvest are by far my favorite time year. It is definitely the longest season but after a long season of putting in the work and praying the crops make it through, it is so rewarding to watch all that hard work pay off. Weather cools down FINALLY (ps I LOVE WINTER) and it is a season. There will be starts and stops but all in all once the ground freezes it’s all over with for as long as Mother Nature decides. Embrace it.
With love,
Victoria
Farming, Fitness, and Food with Victoria 