Monday Motivation: Why I Farm Roadtrip Week 23

They say time flies when you're having fun. I've never believed it more. It doesn't seem possible that today is the start of week 23 on the road. Every week brings new opportunities, experiences and friends into my life. It all keeps me inspired and hungry for more stories. Here are a few stories that are top of my mind today.

New Hampshire farmers: Chuck & Diane Souther

“Chuck and I started farming in high school. We fell in love with the lifestyle of farming, worked for other farmers, and then in the late 70s were able to purchase this piece of land. We liked the fact that we could work together, experience the seasons, and be outside. We graduated school in ’74, got married in ’76, and bought the farm in ’78. So it was boom, boom, boom. It wasn’t a farm, it was just raw land. There were no buildings, no driveways, no nothing. Everything here we created and have slowly grown through the years. Now, we do farmers markets, a pick-your-own, and have a farm stand.” - Diane and Chuck Souther of Apple Hill Farm in Concord, New Hampshire

West Virginia farmer: Morgan Higginbotham

“My grandpa is now 86. He started farming with his father when he was 13. In 1947, when he was 17, he bought his first farm and started this business. My dad grew up there and I have grown up there, so I am carrying on the family tradition. Some of my fondest memories are going and selling wholesale produce with my grandpa. We used to load up the truck and go to grocery stores all around in this area. I’m a people person so I enjoy getting to see my customers. I love to see my regulars. It’s awesome for me. The thing that gets me out of bed is seeing the joy my grandpa gets. He is a great inspiration.” – Morgan Higginbotham of John Crihfield Farms & Greenhouses in Harmony, West Virginia

Massachusetts farmers: Phillip & Elissa Miller

“Farming has been great for me because it makes me move. You can’t have animals and sit and do nothing. I have chronic fatigue and fibromyalgia. If you see me on a really bad day, you’ll see that I don’t walk well, and I’m not even 50. I need to keep going. Yeah, some days I want to throw in the towel, but I think about what it’s going to be like if I don’t have something to keep me going. No kids at home. Nobody in the area. No matter how hot or how cold it is, I have to go out and see the animals. I do it for my health, literally. I have to be able to move. I will sit and do nothing if I don’t have the animals to go see. So that’s why I farm.” – Elissa Miller of Walnut Kitchen Homestead in Orange, Massachusetts

Click on each photo to read the farmers' full stories. I hope they inspire you to create your dreams, honor family traditions, and persevere through challenges. Have a great week! Thanks for reading!

Foodie Friday: Why I Farm Roadtrip, July

It's been a while since I've shared a Foodie Friday post, but don't you worry - I've been eating just fine! Maybe I can even blame my lack of blog posts on food coma. Anyway, here's a look at the tastes of July.

I love BBQ. After driving all over West Virginia trying to avoid flooded out areas, I was tired and hungry. I was so excited when I found this Dickey's Barbecue Pit. This loaded potato with pulled pork, cheese, green onions, butter, sour cream, and onion rings hit the spot. After a big meal and a Big Yellow Cup of caffeine I was ready to hit the road again. 

Right before I checked in for the holiday weekend with Hope Reigns, I stopped at Maloney's for a quick bite. The burger was pretty good and the server was very nice. It was definitely one of those places I stuck out like a sore thumb because I wasn't local, but by now I'm used to it. 

A lot of times, my budget limits my dinner choices to fast food. But, I've learned that eating at McDonald's doesn't mean you have to order a greasy burger and fries every time. Their Chicken Bacon Ranch salad isn't bad. Plus, since it's salad I can set up my computer for #AgChat, use their free wifi, and eat slowly without worrying about my food getting cold.

But, sometimes you need desert. If you time it right, you can get hot chocolate chip cookies at McDonald's too. They're the perfect way to wrap up a fun night of #AgChat.

Unfortunately, there are some companies that spend lots of time and money creating fear about food and agriculture. I don't need to point fingers or name names, but rather I like to shine a light on companies that are vocal about their support of farmers. I'm thankful Culver's supports the industry that is near and dear to my heart. I'm also thankful for their hot, delicious cheese curds that never disappoint.

After meeting the Haydens and Kiah from Kentucky Beef at the Owensboro Farmers' Market, we went out to lunch at Old Hickory Bar-B-Q. We had lots of laughs and I decided to try a couple of dishes I'd never heard of before. First was burgoo. It's a soup that's kind of like chili, kind of like stew. It's hard to describe, but it was yummy. I also ordered a chopped mutton sandwich. Maybe it was because of the sauce, but it wasn't as different as I'd expected.

Ah, yes. July was the month I discovered Starbucks had the most consistently reliable internet. I may becoming desensitized to caffeine in the process, but at least I'm getting more work done.

When I was home in Ames for a quick repacking session Ryan and I went out to Panera for soup. He got french onion like usual, but I forget what kind I got. I do remember, it was the perfect way to warm up on a chilly, drizzly day.

Coconut cream pie from the church ladies at the county fair in McCook, Nebraska. Yum. I don't really need to say anything else, do I?

You can't go to Nebraska and not order a Runza (or three). Be careful, they're always super hot, but it was a welcomed change in my fast food diet.

Since I started spending a lot more time at Starbucks, of course I had to figure out how to get the most bang for my buck. My regular order became a Trenta Pink Drink (Strawberry Acai Refresher with coconut milk), light ice. For about five bucks I had a nice cool drink to sip and fast internet for as long as I could stand to sit still.

As I shared in this blog post, my budget relies on buying things like fruit roll ups and granola bars in bulk from the grocery store. It's so much cheaper to buy a package than each snack one by one at the check out or Starbucks. This particular box came from Ryan, so they always made me smile.

When I was traveling through Nebraska, a surprise message pinged into my Instagram inbox. It was Jesse Harding, a Farm Broadcaster in Kearney, Nebraska. Although we'd never met before, we quickly bonded over our love for agriculture and telling stories. After we visited Deb Gangwish for a Why I Farm interview, Jesse, a couple friends and I went out to Angus Burgers & Shakes. You just can't beat a juicy burger, piping hot fries and a local beer. 

Just down the street from Angus is a wine bar. After Jesse interviewed me for her radio segment, we talked more about ag, travel and life over a nice white wine. 

At the end of July, I flew out to Boston to join my Iowa State Ag Business Club teammates for a couple days of Ag Econ Quiz Bowl. While we were all together we decided to splurge on breakfast in the city. I don't know that I've ever had salad for breakfast before, but I really liked the dressing and I needed it to balance out the hearty slice of quiche.

I'm pretty sure the last meal I had in July was a whole container of ice cream. All in the name of supporting my dairy farmer friends of course.

That's a wrap for July's Foodie Friday. Stay tuned for more photos from August's delicious adventures.

Wordless Wednesday: Why I Farm Roadtrip in New Hampshire

Several weeks ago, I had a great visit to New Hampshire as part of the Why I Farm Roadtrip. I met some wonderful people, celebrated new agritourism legislation at a famers' market, and got my picture taken with a giant carrot! Check out these photos for a glimpse of my time in The Granite State.

The people I met in New Hampshire were so welcoming and inspiring. I had a great time listening to their stories and exploring their communities. To read farmer highlights from New Hampshire, head over to the Why I Farm blog. Thanks for reading!

Motivation Monday: Why I Farm Roadtrip Week 22

Hello again, Monday! I can't believe I've got another week of the Why I Farm Roadtrip is under my belt. I'm starting week 22 traveling the Midwest today. Here are a few stories that have been especially meaningful to me this week.

Ohio farmer: Rachael Vonderhaar

“I think what’s unique about the agricultural community as a whole is when we do have, what you would call free time, we choose to use it for improving our communities. Your farmers are the ones who are participating in a lot of your non-profit organizations because we care about the ground so much. We care about the community we live in. It’s just who agriculture is. We’re caretakers. We’re looking to raise food for the people around us, and we care for the people we’re raising the food for. I think sometimes that’s the part that gets missed is how much agriculture’s not only investing into the food system, but the community in which they live. Agriculture is willing to step up because we love our community, this is where our roots are. We want to make sure it develops into a community we want to be a part of and proud of. That makes you willing to give your time, your hands, and your heart.” – Rachael Vonderhaar of Vonderhaar Farms in Camden, OH

Ohio farmers: Keith & Beverly Schmidt

“Farming is all I’ve ever wanted to do. I worked construction when I didn’t have enough to farm to make a living, but farming was always my goal. We had some good neighbors who helped us get started. And I couldn’t have done it without my wife. There were times we couldn’t buy a gallon of milk, but we made it. Had it not been for her encouragement and us working together, we would never have made it. I think we’d do it all over again. Even with the struggles. It gets in your blood and you do anything to survive, just so you can keep farming.” – Keith and Beverly Schmidt of Eaton, OH

Maryland farmer: Robert Black

“My dad got the farm in 1961. In the beginning, my father had worked for the owner, Mr. Kelbaugh. Mr. Kelbaugh had no children and my father got more interested in it, so they worked out the deal that if my father did a good job of managing it, he would help share in the profits. That’s how my father got this farm. It’s kind of unique. Today, the farm is divided into 80 percent orchard, and 20 percent vegetables and other produce. My sister and I are here seven days a week basically. We’re crazy, but that’s just what we do. It’s neat to see folks say, ‘Man that’s the best cantaloupe I have ever eaten!’ If the fruit doesn’t taste good, then we don’t sell it. That’s kind of our motto. It has to taste good.” – Robert Black of Catoctin Mountain Orchard, Thurmont, Maryland.

Click on the photos to read each farmer's original post. I hope their stories inspire you to think about your community, care for your neighbors, and work hard this week. Happy Monday! Thanks for reading!

9 Things You Won't Take For Granted After Traveling

I've said a million times, I'm so thankful for all I'm learning on the Why I Farm Roadtrip. But it's worth saying one more time. As I near the four month mark, I can already see how I've grown personally and professionally. This experience has taught me to be a more grateful person. Here are a few things I won't be taking for granted anymore.

1. Opening the refrigerator and finding food.
Any time I want to eat, I have to go somewhere. Craving milk? Off to the store. Time for supper? McDonalds or Wendy's? Take your pick. The reality is, even that is way easier than most people in this world have it. The fact that I can't mindlessly walk to the fridge has made me stop and be thankful each time I fill my belly.

2. Standing in front of your closet trying to decide what to wear.
Every girl has stood in their underwear staring at their overflowing closet complaining, "I don't have anything to wear." In a way, it's fun to try on a million outfits and leave the rejects littered all over your bedroom floor. But when you live out of a suitcase for months at a time, you realize that's a luxury. These days my hardest choices getting dressed are rubber boots or leather? And do these jeans still smell clean?

3. Spending rainy days lounging inside.
I miss rainy, lazy Saturdays. On the road trip, it's not an option to cuddle up with tea and watch movies on dreary days. I'm living my dream, so I'm not complaining, but there is no time for laziness with this gig. There hasn't been a single day since May 15th I haven't made phone calls, sent emails, visited farmers, been interviewed, sorted photos, scheduled social media, blogged, or transcribed audio. Even if I could just sit around doing nothing, I'd still have to go out to get food, drive to my next interview, or get gas. Road tripping is rain or shine.

4. Knowing what you're doing tomorrow.
Most days I have a decent idea of what I'm doing the next day, but there are so many extra variables living on the road. Everything can change in an instant. I've learned to be flexible. It's a lesson I really needed to learn, but I miss knowing I'm going to class at 8 AM, work at noon, and have meetings at 5 PM and 7 PM. A typical day depends on at least five other people's schedules working flawlessly, zero traffic, no wrong turns, and perfect weather. You can imagine, that works out about 2% of the time.

5. Clean public restrooms.
Nasty restrooms are the biggest bummer of road tripping. There's nothing worse than pulling off your route, running into the bathroom to find pee on the seat, TP on the floor, and a hairball in the sink. On the flip side, I want to give every where with sparkling bathrooms a five star review. When this adventure is over, I'm excited to get back to my bathroom and do my business in clean, private, peace.

6. A hot shower.
I've learned you can get clean, hot showers at truck stops, but that's not always convenient. There's something about coming in the house, kicking off your boots, stripping off your sweaty clothes and hoping in the shower when ever you want (in your own bathroom, then standing in front of your closet debating what to wear). Most of the time, I'm smelling myself as I drive 30 minutes plus for a shower. Freshening up between visits means caking on more deodorant, soaking myself in Febreeze, and changing to dry socks if I'm lucky.

7. Your own bed.
I'm in a different city every single day. It's so fun to see so much of the country, but nothing is consistent. I feel like Goldilocks sometimes. One night my bed is a little soft, sometimes the pillow is too flat, the sheets are scratchy, it's chilly. Getting comfortable, and getting much needed rest is a process every night. When I get back to my bed with two pillows, fluffy blankets and a fan, I'm going to sleep like a rock for a week.

8. Running into people you know.
Growing up in a small town, sometimes I thought it was annoying I couldn't go anywhere without running into someone I knew. You couldn't go to the bank or post office "real quick" because somebody would stop to chat. Now, there are days I would give anything to run into a friendly face. I still catch myself waving at familiar cars or scanning crowds for somebody to say hello.

9. Going places without directions or a GPS.
Thank goodness for technology. Without it, I'd never find my next interview, places to shower, or eat. That being said, there are some days I would like to go get gas without my phone and that bossy voice reminding me to take a left in 500 feet. Before traveling, I never thought about now nice it is to know how to get where you're going.

I have so much to be thankful for. I'm so glad traveling has opened my eyes to the littlest blessing I used to take for granted. Hopefully this post challenges you to consider what you take for granted. Thanks for reading!

Foodie Friday: Why I Farm Roadtrip, June

I'm still enjoying eating my way through the Why I Farm Roadtrip. I love getting a taste of each place I visit, and there are several places I want to go back for seconds. Here's a look at the tastes of June.

I was so lucky to be able to meet up with Elizabeth Burns-Thompson while I was in Washington D.C. for American Agri-Women Fly In. We were both pretty busy with events on The Hill, but we snuck away for a quick lunch from the food trucks on The Mall one day! After lots of debating, we both ended up getting phillys. So delicious!

While I was in D.C. I had the chance to meet amazing women in agriculture from several states. One of the ladies from North Carolina, Amy Harris Robinette, shared this beef jerky from her own farm with me. It was the perfect travel snack!

I have cheat days more often than I would like to admit. When I was in Maryland visiting Robert Black of Catochin Orchard, I couldn't resist this Mint Chocolate Chip fudge. Perfect, melt in your mouth deliciousness!

When I visited my cousin, Neva, I tried all kinds of new foods. The first night I spent with her, I tried a crab roll. It was so good, but very rich and filling. Quite a treat!

This crab covered pretzel is another sea food treat I enjoyed while visiting my cousin Neva in Pennsylvania. She says it's a big hit with her kids too. 

Neva and her husband, Keith, spoiled me. I cracked crabs for the first time in my life with them one afternoon in Baltimore. It was such a unique experience! I had no idea this is how crab is normally served. They bring out a big tray, you select how many of what size you want, and they come back with this! No plates, just a paper covered table, a little hammer, and a bucket for all the pieces you're done with. I don't think I've ever worked this hard for my food before, but it was totally worth it. 

I couldn't drive through Hershey, Pennsylvania without a stop at the Hershey factory. The free little tour was great, even by myself, and there were so many souvenirs to choose from. I'm on a really tight budget, so I didn't buy any knickknacks or t-shirts, but I did get this free mini chocolate bar after the tour. I'm always up for a sweet treat!

One particularly lonely and frustrating day in Pennsylvania, I decided to treat myself to a BLT from Soda Jerk Diner & Dairy Bar in Hummelstown. The sandwich and corn nuggets were exactly what I needed to turn my day around. (That and a phone call that led to visit Haldeman Farms.)

I rarely pass up an opportunity to have ice cream, so I got a scoop while I was at the diner in Pennsylvania. I think it was black raspberry or something. It was good, but not great and by the time it came, I was excited to hit the road for my next Why I Farm interview.

On hot summer days, it's really hard for me to pass a Sonic without ordering a Cherry Limeade. They're just so delicious! Pro tip: Order light ice to get more bang for your buck.

Like I said last month, when I started this adventure I decided I needed to sample a Strawberry Shake in each state. This one was from my visit with Tad Kuntz at Masonic Villages Farm Market in Pennsylvania. One of the more expensive milkshakes I've had, but so delicious!

A few weeks before the Why I Farm Roadtrip began, I learned about dehydrated fruit. Unlike dried fruit, which I'd had before, these fruit slices are crispy. It's a great snack, and helps me eat a little healthier while on the go. Since I'm in a different place every night, it's hard to buy and keep fresh produce. So far I've had pears, peaches, strawberries and apples. I've liked them all!

When I was in Delaware McCafe Frappes were on sale for a dollar. Since it was cheaper than my usual order, I figured I'd give it a try. Too sweet for my liking. I'll stick to my vanilla iced coffee.

If you follow me on Snapchat or Twitter, you probably saw I stopped at Dogfish Head in Milton, Delaware while I was out east. I had a great tour of the brewery and it was inspiring to hear Sam's entrepreneurial story. Of course, after I learned all about their beer, a taste test was necessary! Festina Peshe was my favorite. 

After some fantastic beer samples and a great walking tour, it was lunch time at Dogfish Head. I opted for this pulled pork from the food truck on site. Pretty yummy!

Also in Delaware, I visited the Georgetown Farmers Market. I was able to visit with two vendors (Little Wagon Produce and Smiths) about why they farm and enjoyed a black cherry soda from one of the food trucks. It was a great little stop.

The Georgetown Farmers Market is held in a green space right next to 16 Mile Brewery. I was feeling adventurous so I stopped in to taste a beer. When I saw a watermelon beer on the menu, I had to give it a try. I was surprised how much it actually smelled and tasted like watermelon!

My Virginia strawberry milkshake came from Richlands Dairy Farm. After a hot, but wonderful farm tour and Why I Farm interview this was just what I needed! 

That's it for June's Foodie Friday! Check back next week to see some of the yummy things I had in July. Thanks for reading!