What comes to mind when you think about springtime and farming? In our home, I often refer to spring as the “muddy” season because of the melting snow and rain. But spring on a farm is much more than that. It is a time of hope and optimism as farmers plan and prepare for a new crop. 

As the season changes and the temperature warms up, it means it’s time to pull equipment out of storage and make sure that it is ready for a busy season. Spring is shown in the excitement of all the new baby animals that are born on the farm. One could argue that spring is as busy or more than that of the fall harvest. The sights, smells, and sounds of a farm in spring are so exciting. 

I have a five-mile drive home every day from my other full-time job and as I drive home I see farmers out burning ditches clear of weeds, calves being born, and baby lambs in pastures. I see farmers making repairs on equipment and getting ready for planting. The sweet smell of manure and freshly turned over soil in the air. There is something about springtime that reenergizes us, even as you go into to local co-op store and hear the sound of chirping baby chicks and ducks. Flowers and trees are in bloom everywhere, providing the most beautiful sights. Bees are buzzing through the air as they continue to bring life to the plants. 

Not only is there so much excitement and work happening, this time also brings much faith and many prayers. We have faith that if we plant it, it will grow. We pray for enough water to carry us through. We have faith and prayers that the weather and temperatures will be just right for the plants, trees, and animals to grow and thrive.  Spring time on the farm brings fresh air, new additions, and endless possibilities. What a wonderful time of year! 

Andrea Schoenfeld and her husband Duane run a hog farm in Uintah County, where she is also a public school teacher.