The Rural Voice, 1987-03, Page 47WHAT THE FARM
MEANS TO ME
by Ann Morton, 13
R. R. 3, Brussels
Honourable Mention, story, 9 to 13
Although I loathe some of the
chores I must do, the farm has a very
special place in my heart.
Having been born and raised in this
way of life has taught me a lot about
a lot of things. Like how it feels to
do a good job and what it's like to go
to bed when you've done a hard day's
work.
For me the farm means many
different things. Rising early comes
with the territory and you don't quit
at 5:30 p.m. or have every weekend
off. Farming is a full-time occupation
and to be a success you must love it.
When farming you're at the mercy
of nature. You learn to respect her
power. Without her rain and heat we
lose in this gambling game.
Farming forces you to deal with
death ... but you also witness the
miracle of birth.
You see the seasons change, the
heat of summer slowly turning into
chilly, colourful fall. A farmer's year
doesn't always go by the weeks on
the calendar but by the planting days,
harvest time, and days to market.
We watch the corn grow from small
specks of green to towering mature
plants. And this can only be seen in
the country.
Each day is filled with everyday
chores and new challenges. Jobs
have to be done and goals accomp-
lished. And no one said it was easy.
But I don't think there is a career more
rewarding or to be more proud of.
Studying for an exam at school is
nothing compared to picking stones
off five hundred acres, or that assign-
ment anything like harvest time. No,
what I've learned living on a farm will
be with me the rest of my life and I'll
appreciate these years forever.
Farming means hard work, dirty
fingernails, and sometimes an aching
back. But it also means family, to-
getherness, and a sense of pride. And
I don't think there is anything I'm
more glad to be part of than farming.°
The RURAL VOICE
would like to thank all the
participants in the competition
— every entry deserves a prize.
r
Chesley Kinsmen Club
presents the
AuriFolir87
Over 100 Exhibits
of Farm Machinery, Supplies
and Information
Chesley Community Centre
Tuesday, April 7
10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Wednesday, April 8
10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
L
i
For more
information:
Bill Embury
363-2626
Bob Johnson
353-5715
J
MARCH 1987 45