I am not a morning person, but I approached the opportunity to chronicle a day in the life of a dairy farmer with little hesitation. When Otego dairy farmer Tony Ellis and his wife, Marie, generously agreed to "open up their barn" for me and photographer Brit Worgan, I didn't hesitate for a moment when he said his day began at about 4:45 a.m. There have been "sleepless" nights when I got to bed around that time, so I figured I could plow through it _ and it worked.
I have been reporting on the dairy industry for The Daily Star for a number of years, and I relished the opportunity to get some first-hand insight.
When my editor asked me if I thought I would get to milk a cow, I said that I was hopeful that Tony and Marie would give me that opportunity. I had spoken with them a few times in the several years they have been in farming. They have always been patient and generous with their time, and they proved that again by agreeing to be shadowed during the day.
But I was really hoping that they would give me the chance to drive a tractor. I didn't want to push my luck and ask about that on the phone in setting up the June date.
But true to his nature, Tony generously offered to let Brit and me have a turn behind the wheel after I expressed an interest.
It was great, though I must admit to being a little nervous having my driving skills put to the test in a nearby field. It took a lot of work to drive so the mower cut properly, which was aided by Tony's guidance. I also took a lot more pleasure than I should admit to sitting on the tractor on the open road while Tony drove it home.
Oh yeah, milking a cow is quite an experience _ for those that don't have to do it every day. With the help of both farmers, I got the job done. Although by the afternoon milking, I admit I was so tired, I needed a little help.
I have written many stories about the plight of the dairy farmer over the years, as he or she deals with low milk prices and increasing costs. But by the end of the day, I had a lot more respect for their resiliency.
I was amazed that two people could work such hours and then get up the next day and do it all over again _ while being concerned about the economic profitability of their venture.
"It's not an occupation for the weak-bodied or weak-minded," Tony said. "You have to keep going."
There are days when he questions things, but "I want to make a future for my family," Tony said. "How tough are we? Time will tell. So far we are doing all right."
Thank you, Tony and Marie, for taking the time to provide the experience and explain some of the things farmers are facing as they work to maintain a way of life. While hard work and good management aren't enough over the long term to ensure the future for dairy farmers, it was clear the couple were doing all they could to succeed.
As ambassadors for the dairy industry, thank you for helping me and The Daily Star readers better understand what you do.
Mark Boshnack can be reached at 432-1000 or (800) 721-1000, ext. 218, or at mboshnack@thedailystar.com.
Local News
Reporter's Notebook: Dairy farmers shed light on occupation
- Local News
-
-
Ramsaran freed on $300,000 bail
Accused killer Ganesh "Remy" Ramsaran was freed from Chenango County Jail this afternoon after he and relatives posted $300,000 worth of real estate to meet bail conditions set by County Judge Frank Revoir Jr.
-
Area school budgets get voters' OK
With schools in the area proposing budgets at or below the state tax cap, all districts reporting by 10 p.m. said voters approved their spending plans.
-
School budget voting results
-
Tree-killing insect found near Unadilla
A tiny pest with a big appetite for ash trees has arrived in Delaware and Otsego counties, according to the state Department of Environmental Conservation.
-
Roxbury artist's portrait exhibit is a record-breaker
ROXBURY -- Greg Frederick is an artist who has likely broken more records than anyone reading this story today. By records, we mean that relic of the musical recording industry -- vinyl long-playing albums (the ones with the small hole in the center) and 45 revs per minute single records (the ones with the considerably larger hole in the center).
-
Bruni to step down after 30 years
Children's programs, a computerized card catalog and online access to a world of information are among changes ushered in at the Huntington Memorial Library in Oneonta by Marie Bruni since she became library director 30 years ago. "It's been great,'' Bruni, who plans to retire, told the Oneonta Common Council during a meeting in City Hall on Tuesday night.
- Tuesday, May 21, 2013
-
State investigation seeks missing Bassett Rx pads
The state is investigating the possible theft of blank prescription pads from Bassett Medical Center, a spokeswoman for the hospital confirmed Monday.
-
Classes resume after threats at schools
School was opened on schedule at two area schools where Internet threats caused lockdowns Friday afternoon, two superintendents said Monday as the investigations continued.
-
Survey: Town residents cool to merger
More than half of Oneonta town residents responding to a survey oppose the idea of a merger with the city of Oneonta, the study summary said.
But a majority said "yes" to a partnership with the city to protect the reservoir and quality of drinking water. Two-thirds oppose drilling for natural gas, according to responses, the survey reported, and a majority supports commercial and industrial development in the town.
-
Lawmakers: Farm bill has 'devastating' mandates
-
Correction
-
Copes Corner Park gets new lease on life
The job description for town supervisor doesn't normally include mowing grass, but that's what Charlie Eckelmann found himself doing the other day over at Copes Corner Park in the hamlet of Gilbertsville.
-
School budget votes held today statewide|
Voters across the state go to the polls today to decide the fate of their local school budgets. In many cases, the selection of board of education candidates and propositions are on the ballot.
-
Blodgett plan review to continue at meeting
The Oneonta Planning Commission on Wednesday will continue its review of environmental impact documents submitted as part of a site plan application for a proposed student apartment complex on Blodgett Drive.
-
Area life coach wins state recognition
Heidi Friedman, a local life coach, has been awarded a statewide honor by The Arc, a 60-year-old national organization, and ANCOR, an associated organization.
- Monday, May 20, 2013
-
Fill each day, SUCO grads told
Two speakers at the State University College at Oneonta asked audiences to push the ``pause button'' on their lives Saturday.
-
Community comes together to build playground
The quote "If you build it, he will come" from the 1989 film "Field of Dreams" is often slightly altered to "If you build it, they will come."
-
Police to patrol schools after threats
Police will be present at public schools in Delhi and Walton today as a precaution in the aftermath of last week's online threats, school officials said Sunday.
-
Ramsaran remains in jail
Ganesh Ramsaran, accused of murdering his wife, remained in Chenango County jail Sunday on bail, authorities said.
-
Library, airport on council agenda
The Oneonta Common Council will consider the future of the Huntington Memorial Library and of the municipal airport, among other business, during a meeting Tuesday night.
-
Ramsaran freed on $300,000 bail
