Me waiting today during the tech calls.
Monica Weiand – Far Eastern Colorado
Hello! I recently asked on the HarvestHER Facebook page for some advice and experience for cab time with littles; like little, little because I’m expecting my first child in September! The response was fantastic and gave me so much encouragement that I could keep my farming job and enjoy being a new mom. Thank you all for that, so, so much
Some about me; I’m the 5th generation to be raised on my family farm. I grew up around it and when given the choice to continue to farm or get a job in town, I didn’t hesitate to farm! My dad grew (and still grows) wheat, corn, alfalfa and alfalfa/grass hay, Sudan feed, and picks up custom jobs when he can. I’m on the true Eastern Plains of Colorado; meaning I can see the Kansas border from my town. Haha.
I loved farming, but when it came time for college, we were in the middle of a very severe drought and farming was bleak, at best. So, I left to pursue a degree in building designs…another interest of mine that was more financially stable. It treated me well for seven years, but it just didn’t satisfy my soul like the farming did.
In that time of a town office job, I met my wonderful husband who farms for two older gentlemen who are brothers; one is fully retired, one is planning on it soon. They don’t travel, but they have about 5,000 acres between the two of them. They raise wheat, corn, and soybeans. The other hired hand quit and the door was opened for me to get back to farming (my dad continues, my brother has since joined that operation, but they’re not big enough for more)!
I’m starting my third summer with them now and it’s truly been a blessing. I had an extra blessing when I married Buddy…his daughter B. She is with us half the time and is almost nine. She joins us in the field sometimes. School, horses (we rodeo) and “funner” times with my mom also consume her time. She does understand how this farming thing works, though, more and more all the time and I’m so thankful we can take her along; perhaps spark a career interest, but at the very least, she’ll understand. We co-parent with her bio-mom and stepdad well; he also farms so the understanding of last-minute changes or harvest delays is there. Since I was 15, I was told not to expect to have kids (not without doctor’s help) and I love having the opportunity to help raise her.
This past January, I couldn’t shake this nauseous feeling but chalked it up to stress. At the end of February, I finally said, “I’ll just rule it out…” to actually discover I was pregnant (my body isn’t normal to give the regular signs). I’m due September 20th and we’re all very excited! I’m turning 32 shortly. Now I also have the chance to share this journey with you all! While I can’t make timely promises, I will try to give something monthly.
At the moment, I’m feeling pretty good – still nauseous half the time, but it’s not terrible. I’m planning to work as long as I can and hope to help at least some with corn harvest after the baby is here before we settle into the shop for the winter. I do realize that is best case scenario and we’ll adjust, if need be.
We’re currently strip-tilling ahead of planting corn. Well, we’re trying. We’re trying to implement prescription application of liquid fertilizer and anhydrous ammonia, but are having technical difficulties. So I’m sitting in the pickup while Buddy is making calls to tech support; thankful I have cell service and brought lunch! Of course I brought lunch! “I just need your help for a quick minute” is one of those farmer-famous-last-word sayings I learned early on. Hehe. And…I just got the “HURRAY!” signal that things are ready to roll. Back to work!
1. Be ready to go at the drop of a hat...sometimes without a lunchbox.
2. Has removed the word impossible from her vocabulary!
3. Can hold a baby, take care of a toddler and drive a tractor or combine all at the same time.
4. Must be able to cook for a crew - large or small.
5. Must be able to read minds.
6. Must be able to banter with a parts man until he realizes you DO know what you're talking about.
7. Must be the entertainment director for those rainy days.
8. Be a wife, mom, friend, helper, cook, problem solver, taxi driver or extra crew hand at all times.
9. Can handle the call that makes you react, "You need what? When?" Dropping everything you're doing to make it happen.
10. At the end of the day say, "I really do love this life".