May 15:

Our morning began with some delicious home made granola followed by our drive to Ellsworth Community College where we met Kevin Butt, a man full of knowledge and experience. Listening to him speak was fascinating not only because he was so interested in the topic himself, but because he had his own stories to tell that added a personal twist to the day. I learned a lot about how dangerous farming can be and it was really an eye opener into the life of being a farmer. Not only will I be extra cautious while here on the farm, but it did make me realize how careless I can be driving which is something I will change when I go back home. I am notorious for texting and driving or driving with my knee. It is somewhat impressive, but after seeing all the accidents that happen from just being too comfortable with a machine will make me head towards stopping those habits. Also, all the information about the hogs was fascinating. It never crossed my mind that people have to give them vaccinations or move them, but I am glad that they are doing so by trying to cause the least amount of stress possible to the animals. That makes me feel a little better about the treatment, but I do wish that they would incorporate outside time for the animals. I am curious as to how my outlook on food will change by the end of this trip. I really haven’t thought about where it came from or how it was handled but now I am intrigued.

This brings me to farmers markets which we discussed some over dinner. I do not go on a regular basis to ours, but I actually want to go now. I think I will eat more local foods after this and I may try to eat more free range animals. I cannot say for sure though because Chick-Fil-A is probably the world’s greatest thing to me, and I couldn’t give up on that, but I think I will incorporate more local and free range foods when possible. I am glad that we did discuss this because I have never really had the opportunity to discuss it or think about it and I am loving the different view points and discussions from the other students here. Also, random, but I totally want a drone that zaps weeds!

Kevin Butt teaches us about tractor safety

First animal visit!