August 30, 2026

By Arthur H.Gunther III

thecolumnrule.com

Something stirs when a farm is seen – crops in the field, rolled hay, weathered barn and, of course, the farmhouse with its well-worn because well-used because long-standing porch. Much butter-churning there, a woman rocking while knitting, farmer sitting on steps after the long-day chores.

Perhaps it is the sustenance that the land offers, if hard work and luck against weather and expense wins out. Maybe it’s the great independence of being your own boss though all farms run by the cooperation of family and help.

Morning sunrise, seen after the in-dark milking, is the greeter, with thanks given for another day. Sunset is nature’s nod for being on the job the day long.

Farm animals, from cows to horses to pigs to chickens to other critters are both children and adult, requiring daily attending-to but also offering emotional support. A horse knows you.

There is no end to a farm’s care. It is tough work, that of survival but also of achievement. You build life, family.

Most of us just whiz by a farm on the ride. So much human theater is playing as we do.

The writer is a retired newspaperman.

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