When we moved to the farm we didn’t really actually believe we would become “farmers”. I thought, we would have a “hobby farm”, something that looked a lot like the movie Babe. All the animals chatting among themselves, clear skies, and distant fields glowing outside our window.
But, 3 years in, we are now starting to cross the line from “hobby farmer” to, full on “hand me a shovel baby” farmers.
Hubby is finding his farmer soul, as am I, and the kids are eager to join the fun, but need to learn a few things first.
Like, how to work the property.
Farm maintenance is NEVER complete. There are always fences to build or fix, animal housing to amend and gardens to plant and tend. Getting the kids involved (even with a kid sized plastic shovel) is the FIRST step in having them understand what it takes to be a farmer.
In the fall, it is all about the harvest, and when the veggies are bigger than you, things can get a little bit out of hand. But a good farmer isn’t scared off my an oversized pumpkin, in fact, he embraces it… as much as he can!
Of course, there ARE perks to farming, like riding the tractor. Or, helping Dad work the tractor. Even though we have a small property, the tractor is an irreplaceable machine on our farm. Whether it is hauling 6 heavy bags of chicken feed down to the coop, or dragging old brush out of the forest to burn, or mowing down the meadow, it is one of our MOST used tools.
And of course, to become a farmer, sometimes you need to eat, breathe and LIVE farming. It means eating the food you grow yourself, spending your days tending your farm, and sometimes. . . even bringing your farm into bed with you.
Well, not INTO bed, but definitely into your bedtime routine.
Our little “farmer in training” LOVES the “Casey and Friends” books that offer a glimpse into farm life and the machines of modern agriculture.
Young tractor fans (ages 4-8) love the use of real photos that show iconic red CASE IH tractors and other farm equipment in action. A cast of cartoon characters explain how they work. Parents appreciate all the added learning possibilities found in the sidebars, picture glossaries and fun farming facts.
Four unique books are being released in 2015, and are available for purchase for your little farmers.
- *A Year on the Farm with Casey & Friends* (January)
- *Big Tractors with Casey & Friends* (April)
- *Combines* *with Casey & Friends* (June)
- *Planters & Cultivators with Casey & Friends* (September)
And to help get YOUR little farmer excited about them, you can enter to WIN a copy of Big Tractors with Casey & Friends, PLUS a CASE IH toy tractor (which my little dude LOVES)
Enter below, and help your farmer get a little more educated on farming and agriculture. Who knows, perhaps you will inspire them!
**Please note this giveaway is only open to residence of the United States.