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14 Ag Families-Fall OTHER SIDE CONTINUED... dynamic between my son and husband that not many mothers are fortunate enough to experience. Ive raised two beautiful children on a farm and never had to worry about what theyd be exposed to hear or see. Theyve learned the meaning of hard work earning their way and getting dirty. I truly think it has helped to mold them into the adults theyve become today. Sandy No matter how bad it looks this year there is always a beautiful hope for next year. There is an unparalleled optimism on the farm that you simply wont find it anywhere else. There is also a generational connection here. My husband was actually born in the master bedroom of our home. Our children were raised here without a care in the world. One summer my son was literally stained from the knees down from spending so much time in the pond. I can remember a time when tragedy hit our family and other local farmers just showed up in our fields. They brought their combines without being asked and got our crop in. There is a distinct thread of unselfish nobility flowing through a community of farmers. They know at the end of the day this is not just some big business. Bailey Farming really is beautiful. Watching the land produce and seeing creation never gets old even for someone not raised with this apprecia- tion. I know my children will learn so much on the farm. They will see true work ethic dedication and responsibility hands-on. I dont know many people who truly love what they do. I cant imagine my husband doing anything else. The relation- ship he has with his father is remarkable. They are so much more than just coworkers. What should readers know about farmers and their families Donna This is hard work and it doesnt ever end. But we have a lot of fun and we know we are very fortunate to do what we love. Farmers are very smart and they dont just grow things. One minute they are re- quired to be a mechanic the next a vet and the next a chemical engineer. Dont ever learn to drive a combine. Once youre on it youll never get off Bailey I hope people have learned to have a better appreciation for farmers and have gained a new view on our struggles as a family. There is good and bad to farming. Its hard to see some of the smaller farmers struggle. Sometimes it can become such a game of politics and that is really unfortunate. On the other hand I have learned over the past few years that the farming community can really have your back. We had a fire a few years ago and within minutes we had a field full of Amish and sur- rounding farmers working to put out the fire. That has always stuck with me. Its quite a profound relationship we all have. Ashley Our familys business is just that family. My father-in-law moved here from Tennessee 25 years ago and farmed side by side with LeeJay until he died eight years ago. Now during harvest season my husbands family from Tennessee comes out for a week or so to help out. Our girls love to spend time with LeeJay doing whatever it is hes doing on the farm. Its very common for them to be in the shop with him or ride in the combine. The guys who work for us are quite used to two little girls tagging along. I hope my girls grow up to have wonderful memories of growing up on a farm. There arent many professions where your kids can be such a big part of what you do on a daily basis. I feel very blessed to be married to a farmer and I am so glad we are able to give our girls this way of life. Sandy Farmers are not hay-seed rednecks. They are actually very intelligent and adapt to new and developing technology each day. We have been tasked with taking care of the land and preserving a legacy that has been passed down through generations. Also please be patient on the road. If you see us please slow down. I promise were moving as fast as we can and well do our best to be out of your way as soon as possible. I consider myself to be very fortunate to have spent time learning from each of these ladies. Im grateful for the time they took to share personal stories laughter frustrations and even some heartache as they allowed me to enter their world for a moment. Whether they are helping in the field running meals out to their husband or making sure the house stays standing at home these women are valuable assets to their family operations. The age-old saying stands true Behind every great man there stands a great woman. Sometimes shes right behind him driving a combine.