Reflections: Seek the helpers, be positive

The month of December can be a good time for reflection. I am inclined to think about where I have been and what is ahead as I go about taking care of the livestock and people in my life.
It is appropriate in this month’s column to reflect with readers, because it will be my final one. I have decided it is time to switch my focus to other tasks and demands on my time on our dairy farm and in life. I have loved and will miss this monthly sharing of thoughts and ideas with all of you. I consider you my friends and folks who are like-minded in our enthusiasm for all things dairy.
Writing this column has been a stretch for me in my journalism career. Prior to this, I had only written stories to report on the ideas, achievements, challenges, works and words of others who either dairy farm or who advise those who operate dairies. I know I have also employed that technique in my column by sharing information gleaned from others when it seemed relevant to what was happening on our dairy farm or with the challenges we all face as dairy farmers.
Besides pulling information from other talented and intelligent helpers, I have always tried to sprinkle personal information about our farm, the people who work with the cattle and crops, including my own family members, into my column. I hope that all of you who read my words from time to time have enjoyed learning about Annexstad Dairy Farms. Perhaps reading about some of our specific trials, achievements and everyday tasks has shown that we all encounter many of the same challenges on our dairy farms. As peers in this business, we can all benefit and build on each other’s successes when we are aware of what we face.
It is easy to get mired down in the time and energy it will take to meet the demands of running our dairy farm well into the future. We will personally need to decide many things if the next generation wants to continue with our dairy. This will take multiple conversations with advisors to seek information and the best course. It will require ambition and the drive to move forward. And, it will take paperwork, which is not the favorite task of any farmer I know.
We have started this process, but there is much left to do. In the midst of manure hauling, milking, feeding and all of the other tasks, finding the time to finalize a plan is a challenge. We need to rely on others to help us. It will take intelligence from advisors, helpers and experts to join with us to get a plan nailed down, financed and implemented. Fortunately, our industry has many people who are poised and willing to help.
Seek out the helpers and remain positive.
That will be our mantra as we move forward with our barn renovation, manure system changes and make transitions to technology for milking and cow management. It is likely good advice for all aspects of farming and life.
On a more personal note, our family has much to look forward to. Our three adult kids have each launched careers in agriculture after obtaining their college degrees. After an internship at a large Wisconsin dairy, Matthias has decided to farm with us as he ponders his options for employment or further education. Leif has begun as a genetic and reproductive advisor for Minnesota Select Sires, and Emily is marketing and communications manager for Holstein Association USA. All three are immersed in their careers; it is fun to witness how they use their knowledge and student experiences to help others in the dairy business and to aid us with our plans.
We are excited to gain a new son when Emily marries Anthony Bosch in July 2023. Anthony brings many talents and skills to our family. He is a skilled mechanic (My fixer list is always ready for his visits.) and works as a precision ag specialist at a John Deere dealership.
Their wedding will be fun to plan and implement in the coming year and most certainly a family event to remember.
I look forward to the next column writer’s words of wisdom, knowledge and encouragement. I have been an avid reader all of my life and will continue seeking the help and positive thoughts of others to propel me on my life path.
Thank you, Dairy Star readers, for taking time to read my words. I hope I have given you something to ponder, wonder or maybe smile about with this column.
 All the best to each of you and blessings for the Christmas season as you celebrate and remember the manger where love came to Earth in a humble stable.
    Jean dairy farms with her husband, Rolf, and brother-in-law, Mike, and children Emily, Matthias and Leif. They farm near St. Peter, Minnesota, in Norseland, where she is still trying to fit in with the Norwegians and Swedes. They milk 200 cows and farm 650 acres. She can be reached at [email protected].