10 Ways Marrying a Farmer Will Change Your Life…

10 Ways Marrying a Farmer Will Change Your Life…

When I fell in love with my (NOW) husband, I never imagined what our life would look like on a day to day basis. I had an idea it would be hard, I’d be spending a lot of time alone, and that it was bound to be unpredictable. Being married is a feat in and of itself, being married to a farmer adds a whole other layer. 

There is no denying the fact that our relationship is an adventure. Just like farming, no two days are ever the same. It’s constantly changing, I’m constantly learning. I am finding out things about myself I didn’t know…. Like I CAN learn patience and I had no idea how strong I could be until I needed to be. There is NO denying that marrying a farmer changed my life in so many ways… Here’s 10 ways marrying a farmer WILL change your life..

10. You will become very good at directions, landmarks, and where people live… Because when your husband tells you he’s in the southwest corner of the field to the south of the “such and such farm” and needs you to bring him something, you will need to be able to find him. Ladies, ask for a plat book if your county does that kind of thing.. It makes your life MUCH more simple.

9. A majority of the conversations during your meal time will be about farming. Farm talk will become table talk during supper. You will get to hear all about crops, equipment, weather, prices… No farm topic is off limits.

8. Date nights during planting and harvest = time in the tractor or combine with your husband. Dates during any other time of the year besides winter = checking crops. If you want to see them or spend time with him, this is where you will be.

7. You WILL find random things in your laundry. I am sure people who still raise livestock have this one the worst. It’s a common thing during certain times of the year that I find soybean seeds rolling around in my dryer.

6. Don’t plan on eating at a certain time every night or day with your husband. Farm life is so unpredictable. You may be eating supper at 7 pm one night and 10 pm the next night.

5. You can never RSVP “yes” to events during planting, spraying, or harvest because you never really know IF you will be available. Events like weddings, banquets, dinners, etc. during this time of the year are usually last minute things… You know, like if it’s raining…

4. Your trips out of town usually involve some sort of farm business… Whether you are going by the hardware store or to stop and look at “insert piece of equipment here”, you never just go to town without doing some sort of farm business… Am I right?

3. You become very good at just going with the flow… Like I said earlier, farm life is unpredictable. You never know when your husband will suddenly decide that “insert farm task here” is IMPERATIVE to get done and he’s off in a flash when you had plans to spend the day together… Or go on a date… Or just cooked a fantastic Sunday meal.. Whatever the situation may be, just let it go. Go with the flow. It’s not worth the energy to get your panties in a bunch over trivial things.

2. You will become a glass half full person in a hurry. It rains when you don’t want it to, crops burn up or get disease…. For those of you with livestock, calves die… Bad things happen. And if you focus on the negative in the situation, well, your life will be pretty miserable. It’s best to find the silver lining in the farm life.

1. You appreciate Mother Nature in ways you’d never thought possible. You will get to experience farming on such an intimate level. You will learn so much about how it all works. Every single day, you are bound to learn something new in the farm world. It’s amazing. After my second year of experiencing planting and harvesting crops, I still marvel at how Mother Nature works together in order to make things grow.

Yes, my life may have drastically changed the moment I fell in love with a farmer. And these changes are forever. I am in it for the long haul with him and there’s no turning back now… But you know, I wouldn’t change it for the world. The good times will be good, the tough times will just make us stronger. We will continue to learn and grow.

Truth is… I love my farmer like I never thought possible. He’s my rock, he sets my soul on fire, he may make me pull my hair out from time to time… But, I love that man. Like I’ve never loved anybody else. I look forward to the adventures that lay ahead of us. And here’s to that new chapter!

210 Comments

  1. October 7, 2013 / 12:20 pm

    I got called out of the field to remove a dead mouse from the kitchen once.

    • October 8, 2013 / 2:54 pm

      I haven’t done anything quite that extreme. Granted, we live in town and our farm is 20 miles from home. BUT I did call him home from work to fix the dishwasher one time. I was having a meltdown! It happens!

    • Jody Dvorak
      October 9, 2013 / 9:16 pm

      Are we not supposed to do that Paul? I called my farmer out of BED to retrieve the mouse from behind the toilet amd me from the sink.

  2. October 7, 2013 / 3:16 pm

    Sharing your life with a dedicated other certainly does help us to explore aspects of our self that we didn’t know were there ~ an unexpected gift from the one we love.

  3. Melissa Hansen
    October 7, 2013 / 5:10 pm

    Well said Jenny. When my farmer found out I was going to Chico for Saturday Farmers Market, I was asked to bring home his log splitter from Honda repair shop. You can’t plan well at all. It just adds to the fun.

    • October 8, 2013 / 2:53 pm

      HA! This made me laugh Melissa! Oh those men, you never know what to expect from them!

  4. October 8, 2013 / 9:06 am

    These are awesome!!! I always like the directions to a field that include something like “turn at the big rock and then just before the ditch turn right” I just hope nobody EVER moves that rock 🙂

    Life is unpredictable and living/working on a farm adds a whole new level to that unpredictability. But I know would not change it for the world

    • October 8, 2013 / 2:53 pm

      Thank you!! I am with you, I wouldn’t change it for anything! I love my husband and our life even if it is crazy!

  5. Mary Rohrich
    October 8, 2013 / 9:54 am

    Very well put Jenny. Life will have many ups and downs and we pray more up. You are doing a great job at adjusting!!

  6. Shannon Volavka
    October 8, 2013 / 12:59 pm

    Beautifully depicted!

  7. Laura C
    October 8, 2013 / 2:50 pm

    #5: Just this morning I put a wedding RSVP (for an Oct 20th wedding) in the mail that said, “the plan is to be there to celebrate with you, but forgive us if the harvest schedule doesn’t allow.” I hate doing that to my urban dwelling friends but I pray they understand.

    • October 8, 2013 / 2:51 pm

      YEP! Got to love it! I am such a planner that this one was probably one of the hardest for me to adjust to!

  8. October 8, 2013 / 3:07 pm

    Jennifer…..What a great story and testimonial about being a farm wife in North Dakota. I traveled with a group of Southern farmers in the summer of 2012, and we visited your state as part of an exchange program. I have an even greater appreciation for farmers in North Dakota. We know the weather is pretty rough in the winter, but there is something very admirable about North Dakota farmers. They have a “can do” spirit and seemed to enjoy having Southerners visit their state. I am the editor of Cotton Farming magazine and live in Memphis, Tenn., but have a newfound appreciation for North Dakota’s farmers. Thanks for sharing your story. Behind every good farmer is a devoted wife. And that’s what you are. Keep up the good work and best of luck in the future.

    Tommy Horton
    Editor
    Cotton Farming magazine

    • October 8, 2013 / 3:12 pm

      Tommy,

      Thank you so much for stopping by!! I will agree with you that there is something unique about the people here. North Dakota is a very interesting but also awesome place to live! Having come from California where it’s such a melting pot of people, there’s something very awesome about how much North Dakota holds onto its traditions and culture. I love it here and I love our life as farmers. So glad to hear you had such a great experience here! It is my wish that everyone walks away from their visits to North Dakota with the same attitude. 🙂 Again, thanks so much for the kind words and if you ever need anything for the magazine from a North Dakota farm wife, please don’t hesitate to get in contact with me!

      Jennifer
      jenlynndewey@gmail.com

  9. Amanda Blodgett
    October 8, 2013 / 4:10 pm

    I love this. So true. I’m a dairy farmer and I get up at 3am, my boyfriend said I’ll have to start showing him how to do things, *milking, grain making, ect.* The fact that he plans to not just stick around but help me instead of sleep while I’m at work makes me love him so much more. Plus he likes the fact that his girl ain’t afraid to get dirty or lift things 😉

  10. Sarah D
    October 8, 2013 / 4:58 pm

    Great article! So true about planning anything. One of my favorites is when I show up to the field and I get “we need to move to the other side of the field, I will drive (insert equip) and you drive (whatever is left) combine, tractor, semi, the semi was the hardest. lol. And my husband says Oh its easy. You’ll be fine.

    • October 8, 2013 / 8:11 pm

      Haha! I was so overwhelmed when I first moved. I never thought I’d learn how to get around. Slowly but surely I am getting there! Thank you for the comment and reading!

  11. October 8, 2013 / 5:01 pm

    Great post. So very true. I’ve been a farm wife for 30 years. It isn’t easy but it’s very rewarding. Our son is a farmer and our daughter married a farmer. We are stuck like glue to this wonderful life that God chose to give us. I just wrote a bit in my own blog about being a farmers wife. It’s not much but I had fun writing it. 🙂 http://bonniekayeschulz-bonnieville.blogspot.com/2013/10/back-in-game-real-farm-wife-life-of.html I hope you’ll give it chance.

    • October 8, 2013 / 8:11 pm

      Thank you so much for your comment!!! I will absolutely check it out!! I always love to make new friends, it’s like a support group I love it!

      • October 8, 2013 / 8:27 pm

        I’m in Nebraska. My roots are in North Dakota where my Dad was born 85 years ago in a stone house on the prairie. I’ve been there and North Dakota holds a special place in my heart. 🙂

  12. jo
    October 8, 2013 / 5:41 pm

    Always wanted to marry a farmer and have 10 kids ,knew that was my destiny but I only dream now….Awesome story , awesome depiction !!

    • October 8, 2013 / 8:12 pm

      Oh my goodness! 10 kids!? Haha! I never thought I’d ever end up with a farmer! But I did! 🙂 sometimes it’s hard, but I love it.

  13. October 8, 2013 / 5:50 pm

    Hello from one farm wife to another! We farm in Culbertson, Montana, about 10 miles west of the ND border. My absolute FAVORITE thing on this list is knowing where the landmarks are, because you’ll have to deliver something out to the field. It’s SO true! We got our county maps, drew them all together on one large sheet, labeled every field and landmark that they use to give directions, and that’s what I used in the beginning to get around. Can’t wait to read more of your farm adventure! Oh, and we raise livestock too-no big surprises in the wash, but I use about half a bottle of Spray n’ Wash each load of laundry!

    • October 8, 2013 / 8:15 pm

      You aren’t too entirely far!! Always love meeting people who are close! I love that idea of putting landmarks on a map! That’s exactly what I do with my plot book!! Thank you so much for commenting and reading! Welcome to the support group! 🙂

  14. Peter MacLeod
    October 8, 2013 / 7:29 pm

    My soon to be wife says she relates well to this. We been together 8 years now, 4 now back on my family farm. She been great comedic relief, “why do you need a bull? The milking type cows grow up and start milking don’t they””feet (hooves), that’s not right, she needs help, the head should come first. So yes as she says “she can relate” Oh, and the dryer well we won’t go there.

  15. Valerie
    October 8, 2013 / 8:03 pm

    Spot on my friend! I would only add:
    1. You will know how to make a meal in minutes, or keep it warm for hours.
    2. When you have children, you will become a single mother, until mother nature decides you need a break, or until you are needed in the tractor.
    3. You will learn to drive a tractor, hual loads of grain home, or to town,or do whatever it takes to bring the crop in.
    4. You will become a jugler…kids, work outside of home, chef, bookeeper, hired man.
    5. You will work your tail off, not because you have to, but because you love to. You will expirence a feeling of fulfillment that you can find nowhere else .

    I hope you will find joy in a newborn calf, desire to make your farm more efficient and a true love for your hard working man.

    • October 8, 2013 / 8:16 pm

      Thank you!!! I know this will all change when we have kids! Maybe part 2!? 😉 thank you so much for the kind words and for stopping by!!

  16. Ruth
    October 8, 2013 / 8:03 pm

    Marry a man who runs a grain elevator and you have the same problems as marrying a farmer!!

    • October 8, 2013 / 8:17 pm

      Lol! Ruth, I have the double trouble. I married a farmer who also owns an agronomy business. We sell seed and chemical. But I am so proud of the successes and to see how far we’ve come from literally nothing!

  17. Sera
    October 8, 2013 / 8:06 pm

    lol, you’re so dramatic. It’s not like you married a military man.

    • October 8, 2013 / 8:20 pm

      Sera,
      Thanks for your comment! This post was really meant to be light hearted and fun. Not dramatic. There is no denying that many other people out there have it tough being married to a variety of men. I’m just sharing my own personal experiences and story and I’d invite you to do the same if you don’t already! Through my blog I’ve met all kinds of women who have been in my shoes, it’s nice to have an online support group I can go to when harvest is in full swing!

  18. Brian
    October 8, 2013 / 8:20 pm

    LOL. Quite and accurate list. Don’t try to make plans with me from say mid March-July 4th or late or September through Thanksgiving. You’ll either hear no or some vague answer.

    Congratulations to you two, Jenny. I saw the whole relationship happen online! And thanks to all the farm wives out there, especially mine.

  19. October 8, 2013 / 8:36 pm

    That is so true 😀 And I am “just” the girlfriend and not around to much (yet)!
    But I think that the table talk always begins with complaining about the weather 😉
    And don’t forget how many new things you do and learn: driving tractors, pulling heavy wagons, being able to recognize the different grains 😉 And cooking with fresh food, being aware of organic and what companies are screwed up… etc! Long list, life changing: definitely!

  20. Lee
    October 8, 2013 / 8:37 pm

    Yup, been doing this for 35 years and wouldn’t trade it for anything.

  21. Samdy
    October 8, 2013 / 8:50 pm

    Yep! Even tho I grew up in a small “town” in the middle of Nowhere, USA, I may as well have been a city girl when I married my farmer. And the first few years were tough, but after 36 years of marriage, I have learned more about myself and like who I am and who my farmer is -MOST of the time…. God made a farmer, but he also made the farm wife “beside” the farmer…

  22. WW
    October 8, 2013 / 8:59 pm

    Sooooo women can be farmers too. And not all of us are incompetent and clueless from the beginning of the relationship. So please don’t presume to speak for all of us.

    • October 8, 2013 / 9:03 pm

      WW- Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting. By no means am I saying that women can’t be farmers! If you read some of the comments below the role reversal is apparent! Some women are happy to have found men who can adapt to the farming lifestyle. Please don’t mistake me sharing my own story for speaking for all of farmers out there. I am simply sharing my experiences and what I’ve learned through them, not trying to speak for all women out there. This post was meant to be funny and light hearted, not dramatic or overly serious. Everyone’s live is different even in Agriculture. But from the response I’ve received it’s apparent to me many women have been in my shoes. I wouldn’t go so far as to say I am incompetent. There’s no need to use such adjectives on my own personal blog. Thanks for stopping by and I invite you to share your own experiences and stories as I have! Through it, I’ve found a whole support group of women who have been in my shoes!

      • Jody Dvorak
        October 9, 2013 / 9:24 pm

        Thanks for the smiles and the confirmation! My sister (a city girl just like I was) was tickled by how this described my life. I did NOT know what I was getting in to. I thought farming was easy going and relaxing…no boss or time clock…How naive!! 26 years and 2 brilliant farm kids later, I’m a farm wife. But I was not prepared for the challenge. Keep writing sister!!

    • Kacie Davis
      October 9, 2013 / 5:16 pm

      You’re obviously just looking at this with “get offended” goggles. This is HER blog. She is writing from her own, personal point of view. Obviously there are women who are farmers and don’t come into it clueless. But from her standpoint, she did! In no way did she ever presume to speak for everyone. Get over it.

  23. October 8, 2013 / 9:19 pm

    A wonderful post! Thank you for sharing your insight and experiences! Congratulations on your marriage too. Here’s to many, many years of Happiness!

  24. Karen
    October 8, 2013 / 9:33 pm

    Yep, yep, done all that AND pulled him and what ever piece of equipment he was in out of several mud holes in Western KY!

  25. Mary Kautz
    October 8, 2013 / 9:40 pm

    Jenny, as a “retired” South Dakota farm wife, I love your post. It’s awesome and oh so very true. Each and every point is so well put. I have to agree wholeheartedly with # 1. I’ve never felt closer to God than when I was on the farm, out enjoying all of creation. It’s all so awesome. BTW, say hi to that lovely mother-in-law. And may your marriage be very blessed. Your attitude will help you so very much as you go through the coming years. “In it for the long haul” is exactly what you need, I know you will make it.

    • October 8, 2013 / 9:42 pm

      Oh my goodness! Thank you so very much for the kind words!! I appreciate it so much! I can only hope to boast 30, 40, and who knows maybe even 50 years with my farmer! 🙂 I am lucky to have someone who keeps a great attitude and it rubs off on me!

  26. brownacresdotcom
    October 8, 2013 / 9:41 pm

    Great post, Jen! Made me laugh. Love Valerie’s additions too!

    • October 8, 2013 / 9:53 pm

      Thank you so much for reading and sharing a comment! There have been so many great additions and comments made! It’s like we have our own support system!

  27. October 8, 2013 / 9:43 pm

    Good for you! I’ve lived on a farm for about 40 of my 60+ years; I’d say you’re doing well with all the adjustments. Don’t forget that sometimes you can go to those weddings, etc by yourself! Oh, and it’s a ‘plat’ book that you’ll want to ask for. 🙂

    • October 8, 2013 / 9:53 pm

      Thank you so much! I hope to live a long, successful life here with my farmer! 🙂

  28. Erin Planson
    October 8, 2013 / 9:48 pm

    You check the radar multiple times a day. And our fields are all named after people who lived there 30 years ago and have long since passed.

    • October 8, 2013 / 9:54 pm

      YES!! It gets rather confusing because the “Jones” live on the “Smith’s” land!! HA! Great point!

      • brownacresdotcom
        October 8, 2013 / 10:12 pm

        I always thought that was funny too. Sometimes it even depends who they are talking to. If talking to someone the same age as said farmer it could be called something different than the older generation would call it.

    • Jenni Snider
      October 10, 2013 / 9:28 am

      Haha!! Yes!!! Our house is on the “Wildey” farm yet all the Wildey’ s are dead and have been for YEARS!!

      • October 10, 2013 / 11:58 am

        YEP! Our land is the same way!! It’s funny how those things continue on for generations even when that generation it is named after is long gone. What I find to be amazing is that we have quite a few old, abandoned houses on our land and there are still living relatives that grew up in the home! They can tell you all about it in its prime and what it was like growing up there. It’s so awesome! I will miss when those people are gone!

  29. janie
    October 8, 2013 / 10:08 pm

    OMG! No 4 was the best! I am sitting here reading these to my husband (a farmer) and we are cracking up!!!

    • October 8, 2013 / 10:12 pm

      Thank you!! That is exactly what this post is meant to do! Be fun and enjoyable! I find that laughing and having fun makes light of otherwise situations that could be overwhelming in the farming world! 🙂

  30. Dee
    October 8, 2013 / 10:28 pm

    I’m a farm kid. This is what my childhood was like! I didn’t know this wasn’t the “norm”. If Dad needed help on the farm, we did it. But there were other great things about dad being a farmer. He always came home for noon meal (or you brought it to him and ate as a family). You could go with him to work! If you got up before your siblings, you could ride on the tractor with him while he did chores. I always felt bad for the kids at school whose dads went to “jobs” that didn’t allow kids to come along. I enjoyed reading your post! My mom and dad had a “date” whenever he needed a ride to the field to pick up a piece of equipment and needed her to drop him off. Have you had any dates like that?

    • October 8, 2013 / 11:23 pm

      Yep! I’ve had quite a few “dates” like what you’ve mentioned. I take any time I get to spend with my husband now as a luxury, even if it is just to check crops or ride in the combine during harvest. I know when we have kids, things will change for a while so I relish the time while I can. The “norm” on a farm is definitely different than most but you learn so many great qualities from that life!

  31. Sara
    October 8, 2013 / 10:34 pm

    My farmer and I loved these too! You’re right on with these. It sounds like you didn’t grow up on a farm (I didn’t either), and it’s a HUGE adjustment. I wouldn’t change it for the world though.

    • October 8, 2013 / 11:24 pm

      Thank you so much for your comment and stopping by!! I didn’t grow up on a farm but agriculture has always been near and dear to my heart. I actually grew up a butcher’s daughter so my version of “normal” growing up was much different than your average person! HAHA!

  32. Becki Petersen
    October 9, 2013 / 1:13 am

    Lucky hubby for having such an understanding wife! I too am married to a farmer and love every minute of it – good and bad. I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Not everyone can be a farmer.

  33. Esor's short stories
    October 9, 2013 / 1:58 am

    Loved the candor, and positiveness! Have a good life you two!

  34. October 9, 2013 / 6:03 am

    You have learned a lot in a short amount of time! Been married to a farmer for 42 years….(you will probably be adding more to this list)
    It sounds like you have the right attitude to make this work. Congratulations!

  35. Rhonda
    October 9, 2013 / 7:26 am

    It’s funny sitting here reading this as I am yelling (jokingly) at my farmer for having to sweep the floor for the third time because of the debris he brings in to the house. I am 43 and in my second year of this farm thing and I absolutely love it. Being used to the city it is definitely a new experience. The long hours, the smell, the flies (cattle), tractor dates (which I love) and the I don’t know if we can make it, etc is worth the love from a farmer. I wouldn’t change a thing!

    • October 9, 2013 / 8:13 am

      Congrats on finding your farmer! They are a special breed but in my mind I wouldn’t change it for the world. I love mine and all that he represents and stands for. 🙂 There is quite a bit to get used to and it definitely ain’t all rainbows and sunshine but at the end of the day, it’s worth it to watch him do what he loves to do. And slowly but surely his passion has started rubbing off on me! I am always learning!

  36. October 9, 2013 / 7:31 am

    Wonderful blog post. It has been 21 years for us. We spent our first anniversary hauling wheat, spent our 20th so exhausted it was frozen Schwan’s chicken patties for dinner! Farming/Ranching = a spontaneous life. Add a couple kids in there and look out. I wouldn’t trade it for the world and I am positive that is what has made our relationship strong. IF you can work cattle together without killing each other, you are in it for the long haul.

    • October 9, 2013 / 8:09 am

      Congrats on your 21 years!! I can only imagine the stories we will have about our anniversaries to come!! We do work together at his Ag supply business.. Everyone asks how we do it. We try hard not to bring personal stuff to work and work stuff home. It’s hard but so far it has worked!

  37. Sarah [NurseLovesFarmer.com]
    October 9, 2013 / 7:35 am

    Heard this post was making quite the buzz. Very accurate and congrats from one farm wife to another! I didn’t grow up on a farm either, not even in agriculture, and it was an adjustment but one that I wouldn’t change for a minute! Just wait until/if you add kids to the mix…then it’s a whole new set of “when the father of your children is a farmer”! I absolutely loved the directions/landmarks one. I also have wheat kernels in my dryer trap all the time. Also the mounds of baseball hats he receives from chem/ag companies…that’s a big one on my list!

    • October 9, 2013 / 8:08 am

      Thank you!! I am sure I will have to do part 2 of this list once we have kids!! It will be an experience for sure! And YES!! The baseball hats, coats, shirts…. SIGH!

  38. Ashlee
    October 9, 2013 / 8:15 am

    I love this! My husband and I work on a Goat Dairy and this is so fitting! Just this week dinner time was at 6pm, 7pm, and 9:30pm! There are many times I’ll be mid conversion with him and then he’s gone. Off to tend to a kid or a freshening doe! This time of year I’m constantly finding the odds and ends of AI’ing stuff in his coveralls! Our son loves every moment of it though. Daddy/son bonding is usually done in the tractor or during feedings!

  39. Tami
    October 9, 2013 / 9:01 am

    I love this! I am a farmer’s wife and totally relate to all of these. We started dating in October and since it didn’t rain, our first date was hauling soybeans in the semi. My husband also proposed to me in a soybean field during harvest. He’s such a romantic!

  40. kissedafarmer
    October 9, 2013 / 9:22 am

    Down load the song “She thinks my tractor’s sexy” to be your ring tone. It will make you laugh and smile every time your farmer calls! Even if it is a call for you to find your way to the back of such and such farm in the middle of the night so you can bring him a big wrench! Just speaking from experience~!

  41. Jackie O.
    October 9, 2013 / 9:28 am

    Oh man can I relate! Such a fun article. What I don’t get is that in the middle of farm country where everyone has experience/past with dairy farms, why do people still expect my husband to be able to show up at something at 5:00pm in the evening? I sometimes wonder if it’d be easier to tell people I’m not married than to expect my husband to be able to commit to coming to a gathering of any sorts at any time of day. 🙂

  42. Ribz
    October 9, 2013 / 9:40 am

    Heartwarming story however you forgot that it still for the most part ends like any other marriage. In divorce and misery.

    • October 9, 2013 / 6:00 pm

      Only if you allow it to.

  43. Bethany Kriegel
    October 9, 2013 / 10:08 am

    If I didn’t know better I would have thought you were doing a documentary on ME! I moved with my two kids 1100 miles to be with the Farmer I fell for! I have never been around the farming life (EVER). I am terrible at directions and am being forced to learn North, South, East and West. Now as a family of 5 we have to make time for family supper ever now and then. During planting, spraying and harvest this does mean that we are all crammed into the cab of the machine he is operating!
    I have never seen a soybean until this season and I have found them all over the house. I didn’t know there were ‘prices for beans and corn’ but I wake up each morning with an update on them. I get let down easily, so I am still working on the “go with the flow” and I do know we argue less when I do!
    So… in short, I loved this blog and thank you! I shared it on my Facebook page and my husband commented (from the field) and said: “Couldn’t have said it better myself. I think I’ve told you most of these things. Love you! Thanks for sticking around and being an amazing mother when I’m out working. Our kids couldn’t ask for a better mom and step-mom. And I couldn’t ask for a better wife to put up with what I do”! —- LOVE THAT MAN!

    Thanks again!

    • October 9, 2013 / 10:13 am

      AWWW!!! That is SO wonderful!!! 🙂 I am so glad my story can re-connect husbands and wives!! That makes me so happy! What a sweet comment!! Thank you!!!!

  44. October 9, 2013 / 10:09 am

    My favorite is when the landmarks to find the fields aren’t even there anymore. Like, “where the old house place was,” “beside the old store that burnt”, “where so and so used to have a hog farm”. Not very helpful when I’ve only lived here 7 years, haha.

    • October 9, 2013 / 10:14 am

      YES! You are right on!! Haha, it makes me giggle to know no matter where we are, it’s still much of the same!

    • Rhonda
      October 10, 2013 / 8:01 am

      I have learned to use nicknames for certain areas. Example: one place I nicknamed “The Cookie Farm” because cookies were left in his truck one day after we were in the field. He owns property but also rents so it gets confusing on how many areas there are.

      • October 10, 2013 / 11:54 am

        LOL! Yes! This is so true!

  45. October 9, 2013 / 10:14 am

    Jennifer – I’m so sorry some folks found it necessary to make negative comments about your post. I commend you for the gracious way you responded to them. I am married to a banker/farmer. I tease him he only works at the bank, so he CAN farm! We’ve been married a year and a half and he didn’t want to make wedding plans until I’d been through a full farming season with him! He was very concerned about how the gal from the suburbs would handle it! LOL His passion is farming, it is in his blood and he’s loved it since he was a kid. How on earth could I resent something that brings him such joy (well, you know as much joy as a farmer can feel given weather, grain costs, fluctuating market, etc 🙂 I laughingly call the farm his ‘mistress’ and fully understand ‘she’ was here first. We live on a farm that has been in his family over 150 years. I am very proud to share that heritage with him, even tho my actual contributions are minimal. I am SO lousy at directions, that plat book would look like Chinese to me! Keep sharing, as you found, you hit a note that many can relate to – male & female. Best to you!

    • October 9, 2013 / 10:17 am

      Thank you so much!!! I appreciate it! With the Huffington Post picking it up, I am hoping the majority will remain positive! My blog is something that is so personal to me as is this post! It’s literally MY LIFE! 🙂 I am glad to hear you’ve found your farmer! I had to laugh out loud about him being a banker to farm… Ain’t that the truth! Everyone thinks farmers make all this money, I was blown away by how much it cost to farm!! Thank you for sharing your story with me! I have loved making all sorts of new friends over this blog literally going viral!

      • Sara
        October 9, 2013 / 11:29 am

        My farmer and I laugh because a bill for $5000 is not considered a ‘small bill’ (compared to fertilizer/chemical bills, etc.) Before we were farming that amount of money would have thrown both of us into a full-blown panic attack. It’s all a matter of perspective, I guess.

  46. October 9, 2013 / 10:57 am

    Wow did I write this in my sleep?? You have hit the nail on the head on all points! Thank you for the perspective and I can’t wait to share this with a few people in my own life that don’t really understand. Have great day and hope harvest goes great! We just finished up our potato harvest in Colorado and that feels amazing!

  47. Sara
    October 9, 2013 / 11:30 am

    Oops, a $5000 bill is NOW a small bill, not NOT a small bill.

  48. October 9, 2013 / 11:42 am

    This is lovely! I’m engaged to a farmer turned investment banker and we live in New York City. I know exactly where he gets his work ethic and unpredictable lifestyle. He cares far less about the weather nowadays but we constantly get pictures from the farm in all it’s beauty. They just finished two new hog barns for the 5000 swine they will be housing and I just couldn’t imagine living there. But you put it beautifully and it makes me proud to be marrying into their family.

    • October 9, 2013 / 12:43 pm

      Oh wow! Such an undertaking! How exciting!!! Congrats on your engagement and thank you for stopping by to check out my post and my blog!! I love how this viral post has got me connecting with women across the country!! I have never been to NYC, luckily both my farmer and I LOVE to travel! It is one place I’d love to go and experience once in my life! If you get the chance, come visit North Dakota sometime! It will blow your mind!! Hope to keep in touch!! And good luck with your marriage and your fiance’s family’s investments!!

      • October 9, 2013 / 1:41 pm

        It is fun when that happens and I hope everyone connecting is learning so much. I would love to visit ND some day! My dear friend is from Saskatchewan so we are dying to road trip up there. That would put ND in its entirety on the trip. Please come visit NYC – it gets a “busy” wrap but really we’re just a bunch of farmers working hard in a different way.

        • October 9, 2013 / 2:31 pm

          Awesome! If you can, plan when the sunflowers are in bloom! It’s a sight to see!

  49. October 9, 2013 / 11:58 am

    Farmer “wives” come in all shapes, sizes, and backgrounds. Some of them can even be men.
    Some grew up actively participating in farming on their parents our grandparents farms. They come in knowing “the ropes”. They come in knowing why ‘Denver in January’, ‘Louisville in February’, or ‘Madison in October’ are excellent ideas for a vacation.
    Some grew up ‘around’ farming, but they didn’t actively participate in
    the day to day farming operations. They understand farming.
    Some always thought farming was ‘cool’ but are surprised to find out that farmers DO have a boss, and that Mother Nature can suddenly turn their plans totally upside down.
    Some didn’t marry a farmer, they married a person. A person who happens to be a farmer. They learn what they need to and listen to the stories. But as far as the day-to-day operations, really couldn’t care less.
    All types can make good spouses. And a farm marriage is a lot like any other marriage. Both partners have to be committed to each other. And be understanding of their partners other commitments.

  50. Evelyn Jones
    October 9, 2013 / 12:00 pm

    Hello from a framer’s wife form southeat Georgia. Loved your blog!!! So true in all ways! I was a framers daughter but it is not the same as being the wife. Yes we might have alittle more know how but add love and marriage to the pie and it come out tasting alot different..in a better more exciting adventure. I agree there are many ups and downs, but you are his strength from home base. The place at the end of the day where the boots come off and the smell of food warms his heart. Your heart is in this and he is blessed to have you..yes l know what you are thinking “and I’m blessed to have him.” Yes you are indeed! Farmers are the kind of poeple that love hard and need the same. I know you will take care of him…he will need it in small and big ways!
    I’ve been blessed for 12 sweet years now!
    Our down time came 2 days before this passed Christmas when he had a brain injury from hitting his head on the cotton picker..month in the hospital. But thanks to God he was back on the farm by spring! Can’t keep a good man down:) Take care dear friend of your framer and yourself! Happy Harvast from the land of cotton!

    • October 9, 2013 / 12:44 pm

      Thank you!! Thank you so much for the wonderful well wishes and kind words!

  51. Evelyn Jones
    October 9, 2013 / 12:39 pm

    It looks like i would know by now how to spell farmer :0

  52. Jackie Hopkins Siatunuu
    October 9, 2013 / 12:54 pm

    Thank you so much for some insight into my sister’s life! We grew up on a small farm, but I was very young and her farm is on a much bigger scale, waaaaaaay bigger! I still get surprised at pictures on her Facebook. I’ve heard her reference things like this, but this helps me “get it” a little better. Now I just have to find out when planting, spraying, and harvesting is happening so I can call at better times! lol. I live in Hawaii and the faming here is year around. Fruit faming is big business, especially pineapple and bananas. Thanks again!

  53. October 9, 2013 / 1:33 pm

    This is great!! And I’m going to come back and reread again and again! I became a farmers wife three seasons ago and am still learning that Winter is really the only time I should try and schedule anything…even if that means a headache…thank you for writing…it helps just knowing that there are others out there like me! 🙂

    • October 9, 2013 / 2:29 pm

      THANK YOU for stopping by and commenting! You aren’t alone my friend!! Just look at all the ladies here who know exactly how it feels to be in those shoes!! Welcome to the club! 🙂

  54. Caitlin Jackson
    October 9, 2013 / 1:46 pm

    Love this! I love being married to a farmer! Im lucky enough to also work in the industry as an Extension Agent. There is no better life than that on the farm. We are 5th generation cotton farmers. I am so thankful that my kids will grow up living the farm life!

    • October 9, 2013 / 2:32 pm

      So awesome! I love the legacy our family will build here! I have to agree, there is so much that is wonderful about the farm! I love it!

  55. October 9, 2013 / 2:55 pm

    A farmer in North Dakota?? Good for money! Farmers are so rich over there!

  56. April
    October 9, 2013 / 3:55 pm

    It is very interesting to read your blog. I came from a non-farming family and when I started to date my now husband things started to change for me then. Got married five years later and I cannot tell you how much of an adjustment it was. After five years of marriage I would say I have a very good handle on things. I just know when harvest and planting season comes along I am a single wife and mom. For the kids to see their father, supper is at the field every night. Also, I appreciate Sundays. I am one lucky wife, when I know he will be home every Sunday. Some do not get the luxury. This is a great blog!

    • October 9, 2013 / 5:10 pm

      Thank you so much for reading and commenting!! I know things will ABSOLUTELY change once we have kids! Maybe then I will have to do Part 2 huh? 🙂

    • October 9, 2013 / 5:55 pm

      I could have written your post. 😉 I LIVE for December to get here so all my kids and my husband get to spend some much needed time together!

  57. debr
    October 9, 2013 / 3:57 pm

    I wish I could marry a farmer, most of them are awesome an hardworking. I like that. Good luck on your marriage.

    • October 9, 2013 / 5:09 pm

      I met my farmer via social media!! You never know, yours could be out there!! Thank you so much for stopping by and commenting!!

    • Ed
      October 10, 2013 / 2:37 pm

      Debr.If you want to honestly meet a armer or rancher,there is a web site. http://www.farmers only.com.You can meet someone,who maybe,with Gods help,that will be the person for you.May you have good luck.

  58. Terry
    October 9, 2013 / 4:11 pm

    Well said! And so so true! 🙂

  59. October 9, 2013 / 4:20 pm

    I married a North Dakota farmer 18 years ago. It’s been a ride…in every kind of green machine. I have come to love winter, even with the bitter wind and cold. We don’t have cattle, so this is the time of year when things slow down and we have some time to catch up. That is, when we are not running to the kids’ school events.

    • October 9, 2013 / 5:08 pm

      First of all, YAY for NoDak! I am loving it here even if it does drop to temperatures I’ve never experienced before in my entire life! There is something very different about here and I love the small town feeling, it reminds me of the town I grew up in Northern California (which was small town CA). Thank you for stopping by and commenting!!

  60. Connie
    October 9, 2013 / 4:24 pm

    Loved this post! I didn’t marry a farmer, but now at age 58, I find myself married to a farmer — my CPA husband made a career move! We are on year 7 now. Wow. Life will certainly never be the same 🙂 I, too, am beginning to write about my adventure. Thanks for sharing your blog.

    • October 9, 2013 / 5:07 pm

      Better late than never, huh!? 😉 Congrats! And thank you for stopping by!!

  61. October 9, 2013 / 4:55 pm

    I love this! I have been married to my farmer for 20 years next week. We have just suffered the loss of our 17 year old son and my farmer was just diagnosed with cancer. Yet he is still my rock. And I love him more today than ever before. . .

    • October 9, 2013 / 5:06 pm

      Oh my goodness! Congrats on your anniversary! I am so sorry to hear about your losses and the cancer diagnosis! Your husband sounds like a fighter and I wish you both all the best in his battle!! Glad to know your love is still as strong as ever! It gives me such hope to hear about so many happy, healthy marriages through this post!

      • October 9, 2013 / 6:39 pm

        I think you summarized the farming connection so well. We need to support our men. It’s an honor and a joy. . .

        • October 9, 2013 / 9:13 pm

          Amen! I agree with that! I truly believe that if you treat him right, he will treat you right! So far I’ve been correct! 🙂

  62. Michelle Nepil
    October 9, 2013 / 5:19 pm

    Thank-You, was a great recap, I have many fond memories farming for 20 years. love the directions – the SW corner – yeah, okay is that R or L. It’s SW…Do you want these parts or not? too funny! and the weather, Rain, I was thrilled, thanking then Lord. Only to be told, it caused washes in the field. Once I asked, “Are you ever happy?” all & all it was a good life and I’m thankful for the experience. I can take a meal to the harvest field and keep the lemon-aid cold and the pot roast hot. and serve of out of the trunk of my car. Memories ♥

  63. October 9, 2013 / 5:20 pm

    My husband and I farm in the MS Delta. It’s so much more than a job…it’s a lifestyle! Everything about it! I was raised in a larger city, and this has been quite a “transplant” for me. We’ve now been married and farming together for about 6 years, and I feel like this is the first year that I’ve really, fully grasped all of it and what it entails. We have 3 small children, and I would definitely say my hardest part is parenting them “alone” most of the time. I wouldn’t change any of it, though. It has definitely changed my life and made me more aware of my own capabilities. I used to be an in-control type person, but over the years, I’ve learned that we have to fly by the seats of our pants for this to work! Ha! And since I’ve changed my attitude about it, my life has improved so much. Instead of pushing farming away, I’ve embraced it, and I love it!

    • October 9, 2013 / 5:24 pm

      THank you so much for your comments and stopping by!! I know my life will drastically change once we have kids. I have a good support system both here and in town so hopefully that will help!! As you can see, I am learning to let go and not be such a planner. But as women I think we all have those cranky moments when we want a plan or a schedule and it doesn’t work out! I have friends that have said the exact same thing you said. They got married, they had kids early on, and they really didn’t embrace the farming lifestyle for several years, they fought it! It’s tough and I know there are a few people on here making comments towards the fact that I “romanticize” the farm lifestyle but really I just choose to focus on the good, not the bad. Because lord knows there is plenty of it! PS Your blog is ADORABLE!!

      • October 9, 2013 / 5:51 pm

        You’re doing the right thing. Just embrace it from the beginning! You’ll be much happier in the longrun. 🙂 You’re not romanticizing the farming lifestyle – it is what it is! Just a few days ago, I got a babysitter so I could go see my husband. I rode on the combine with him for 2 hours and it was the closest thing we’ve had to a date in months! Ha! It comes with its own unique set of challenges, but it’s so rewarding. My husband ADORES what he does. We actually live out in the middle of nowhere on the farm (about 30miles from town) so I’m *really* having to embrace it now! Ha! 😉 And thank you! Apparently we all have a little “farmer’s wife pride” deep down! 😉

  64. xosamson
    October 9, 2013 / 5:53 pm

    I am just dating a dairy farmer (I have worked on a dairy farm for 5 years and involved a lot with horses) and I can say I know exactly what you mean. Dates are milking cows together, trips are not taken because don’t forget cows need milking at 4, dinner will be eaten at 10 because big mamma’s calving and needs assistance and time spent together is watching my significant other sleep because of a long day in the field, in the barn than back in the field. Its not easy but if you’re truly in love, it’ll get you through. Congrats on your marriage and I love reading this blog!

  65. Whitt
    October 9, 2013 / 6:21 pm

    Thank you so much for your article, my family is constantly upset about how me and my farmer can never make plans and i shared this on facebook so they could have a small peak at what we go through!! This article was beautifully written, I felt the words were coming straight from my mouth about harvest and riding the combines as date night. The only extra part is my farmer is a cattle man as well, so when all the other farmers go home my farmer goes to check on the heifers!. I’ve gotten real good at bottle feeding calves though! wouldnt trade a minute of it!!

    • October 9, 2013 / 9:02 pm

      You are so welcome! I am just sharing my story and my experiences! I love that it just so happens to be very common “farmer” things! 🙂 Thank you for stopping by, reading, and commenting!! I love how many farm wives and fellow farmers I’ve been able to connect with through all of this!

  66. Brenna
    October 9, 2013 / 6:29 pm

    Wow! It’s as if I wrote this myself!! I absolutely LOVE our farm life (and occasionally hate it at the same time)! We are going on 8 years of marriage and it’s flown by in a instant, season by season. Thanks for your post. It made my heart smile.

    • October 9, 2013 / 9:03 pm

      So glad my post could bring a smile to you!! Congrats on your 8 years of marriage! That’s no simple task with a farmer! 😉 I totally understand the love/hate relationship!! Thank you so much for reading and commenting!!

  67. Molly
    October 9, 2013 / 7:07 pm

    I like to say our relationship depends on the weatherman ;)!

    • October 9, 2013 / 9:14 pm

      LOL! Ain’t that the truth!?

  68. October 9, 2013 / 8:40 pm

    I am engaged to the farmer of my dreams, and every single one of these is true. He is dedicated to his job, and as his wife, you have to be dedicated to it too. I am lucky to have a sister who is also married to a farmer, which means that I always have a back up date when it doesn’t rain (I got lucky there.) Being a farmer’s wife is not for the weak, but it’s the only way I want to live. . Thank you so much for posting this!

    • October 9, 2013 / 9:15 pm

      Thank YOU so much for reading and commenting!! CONGRATS on your engagement!! How exciting!! I loved planning our wedding and making it as personal as we could!! I am fortunate that in my marriage I gained two sisters and another AMAZING mother! I call her my North Dakota mom since my mom still lives in California! It is a tough adjustment, I know you will do stunning though! You’ve got the right idea already 😉

  69. Theleca
    October 9, 2013 / 8:53 pm

    My daughter just married a farmer/rancher and I had to share this with her.

    • October 9, 2013 / 9:16 pm

      Thank you SO much for sharing!! I appreciate it! Congrats to your daughter on her new marriage and please let her know if she needs anything, feel free to contact me!

  70. Tami
    October 9, 2013 / 8:59 pm

    I grew up as a farmers daughter and now date a farmer… It is hard never being able to make definite plans during those certain times. When I was younger it always seemed that something would happen when we were on family vacations and we would have to cut them a day or week short. But in the end I know that they farm because they love their families and want to provide a good life for them, and that they do what they truly love. I couldn’t imagine any of the farmers in my life doing anything but. God Bless farmers.

    • October 9, 2013 / 9:20 pm

      Amen! Thank you so much for reading and commenting!

  71. Heidi
    October 9, 2013 / 9:12 pm

    That about sums it up! I would never trade my life for anything…farm, farmer and all…but it would be nice to be able to plan a day where we could just hang out with our kids without having to get back for some chore, vet visit, etc. And although dating a farmer gives you a tiny glimpse into what life will be like, you never really understand until you marry them and live it day in and day out. It has definitely made me more independent and self-sufficient since he’s not always available to be there when I “need” him. I guess what I’m saying is, being married to a farmer has helped me evolve from the damsel in distress to a strong, independent woman.

    • October 9, 2013 / 9:21 pm

      Hooray for that!! Thank you so much for reading and commenting!!

  72. Nicole
    October 9, 2013 / 9:39 pm

    I enjoyed your top ten. Having grown up on a farm/ranch, I didn’t really have tremendous amount of surprises. However, I enjoy listening to how I share the same lifestyle as others. I wouldn’t change it for the world. Our children have so many opportunities to learn resilience, patience, faith, and work ethic.

  73. Elizabeth
    October 9, 2013 / 9:40 pm

    Love this! I’m a farmers wife and they are all so ridiculously true. My favorite is when we go somewhere (date night, grocery shopping, anything) we ALWAYS have to stop for a farm errand. Always.

    • October 9, 2013 / 9:43 pm

      LOL! Yep, there is ALWAYS a surprise! Thank you for stopping by and commenting!!

  74. October 9, 2013 / 9:42 pm

    I’m marrying my farmer after 3 years on Saturday! (October 12). I didn’t grow up even in an area of row crop farming so the past several years have been an adjustment but I wouldn’t change a thing! When I read your post I felt like you were reading my mind! Loved this & my farmer!

    • October 9, 2013 / 9:42 pm

      CONGRATS!! Enjoy your wedding day!! Mine went by WAY too fast but it was like a dream come true!! And welcome to the family of fellow farm wives! 🙂

  75. Elizabeth
    October 9, 2013 / 9:42 pm

    Um also, I’m from ND! You don’t find many ND bloggers. I moved to NE for college and that is where I met my farmer. Crazy how things work out!

    • October 9, 2013 / 10:53 pm

      Awesome!!! I always love making connections with fellow ND bloggers!!!

    • October 9, 2013 / 10:55 pm

      ps you’ve got an adorable blog!

      • Elizabeth
        October 14, 2013 / 3:13 pm

        Thank you! I’m definitely following yours now! I look forward to reading more about you.

  76. October 9, 2013 / 9:52 pm

    Love this. I, too, married a farmer and can so relate to these. I’m a harvest widow right now, but that’ll soon be over. I thought you might know this, too: ‘dark thirty’. It’s an ever-changing time, but that’s when I can count on him arriving at home most nights. (30 minutes after dark). There is no prettier or more peaceful sight than a combine or picker at sunset.

    Stacy from Arkansas Delta

  77. Millissia Tomlinson
    October 9, 2013 / 11:15 pm

    I love this! My farmer and I aren’t married yet, but it still applies. Farmers are truly an amazing very special breed of man. He truly has changed my life forever and for the better. Everything is so true in this post; I don’t even know where to begin. I find weird stuff in my apartment when he comes over, seeds mostly, our nightly convos are either about farming or nursing, ( I have a degree in Ag and working on one in nursing) and I love it, plans truly to revolve around harvest and I don’t mind anymore. Last but not least he drew maps for hunting and they were very much like you described the directions. “This is the waste land btwn my house and so-and-so’s with milo north of it. We’ll go sit there in the hay bails”
    Truly amazing, and I couldn’t have said it better.
    He is truly a blessing in my life.

    • October 10, 2013 / 11:53 am

      Congrats to you on finding your farmer!!! I wish you both a lifetime of a success and happiness! Thank you so much for reading and commenting!

  78. Ingrid DeSutter
    October 10, 2013 / 8:19 am

    😀 I can honestly say I have seen “almost” all of this to be true…except for #6. My mom and dad grew up next door (farm) and married at 16. They are now both 73 and still farming. They own both the farms they each grew up on and a few more. One thing in our home that was a constant though was dinner and supper time. Dinner is ALWAYS at 12 noon….so they can listen to the market prices at noon and supper is ALWAYS at 6 whether its sit down at the table or soup and sannies out in the field. <3 my mom and dad …they are a team

    • October 10, 2013 / 11:54 am

      That would be so wonderful! I know once we have kids, I will probably enforce a dinner and supper time! But for now, it’s just the two of us!

  79. Lisa Nye
    October 10, 2013 / 8:50 am

    I’ve been married and in love with a farmer (my husband) for over 22 years now and this is SO TRUE! Thanks for sharing! (=

    • October 10, 2013 / 11:55 am

      Congrats on 22 years!! That is so awesome!! Thank you so much for commenting and reading! I appreciate it!

  80. October 10, 2013 / 9:00 am

    This is a wonderful article! So true! I have been married to my farmer for 32 years and have experienced everything from beans in the dryer to newborn pigs by the wood stove in my dining room. I grew up in a small town surrounded by farms, but had no idea what it was like to be a farmers wife. So here’s my short story of life on the farm: We had only been married for a short time, maybe 6 months and I was learning how drive tractors and help where I could. Well, one day we had to be somewhere at 8 that night, he was running late and still had a lot to do. So I asked what I could do to help and he asked me if I wanted to haul manure out to the field. Now I had driven the tractor but had never been out in the field without him, but I thought ,”Ok I’ll give it a try!” He took the tractor out to the field, I drove the pick up out and he pulled into the field and went one round with me to show me what to do. Then he got in the pick up and went back to the farmsite. I’m was driving along on my merry way, feeling so proud of myself, when I heard a very weird thumping noise, I had no idea what it was and I was on the back side of the field. I thought I was just hitting some clumps of dirt or something so I kept going. I couldn’t see out the back window of the tractor, because a large chuck of manure had flown back and splattered all over it. I got to the front of the field by the field road and decided I better stop the spreader and drive home. I pulled into the yard and my brand new husband came running out of the barn. When I stopped the tractor by the barn, my wonderful farmer/new husband/the love of life said the following : ” ###@@@# Don’t you know how to ##@@@!! drive! ” The chain had gotten caught under the boards on the manure spreader and the floor boards were standing straight up in the air! Well, being his new wife, he had never swore at me before, so I got down off the tractor, walked into the house and burst into tears! About 10 minutes later, he came in all apologetic and very sorry! Needless to say, I have never hauled manure since. This has become the best story of our lives. Every time he needed help after that I would do what I could, but he had to haul the manure! I wouldn’t trade my life on the farm or with my farmer for anything in the world! It’s been a grand ride!

    • October 10, 2013 / 11:56 am

      LOL! Great story! Makes for great memories! Congrats on your 32 years!! That is really something to be proud of!! Thank you so much for your wonderful comment!!

  81. Jenni Snider
    October 10, 2013 / 9:35 am

    I am reading this as I sit at the desk going through farm bills, where I have been sitting since 6:15 this morning. I started on the bookwork only AFTER I made his lunch, got dinner for the farm crew into the crock pot and fed the chickens. During Harvest I wear many hats. I call myself the “Farm Bitch”. I’m Secretary, delivery person, food service, chauffer and nurse. I pay the bills, do payroll, run for parts, check dryers, bring dinner, lunch, water, etc., drive our crew back to their trucks at the end of the day and yes I have evening dates with my husband in the combine while he eats his supper
    I LOVE MY LIFE!!!!!

    • October 10, 2013 / 11:58 am

      🙂 Yep, you explained it! It’s always something! Thank you so much for stopping by!

  82. October 10, 2013 / 9:46 am

    Oh my goodness! This blogpost was spot on! We had to plan our wedding and honeymoon around cow birthing and then spring planting! I knew a spring/summer wedding was out of luck for us! And then, people always want us to go somewhere in the summer. I’m like…ummm…we will be busy! I love this so much! I love my farmer husband and I could not imagine life without him and our farm now!

    • October 10, 2013 / 12:01 pm

      HAHA! Yes! My farmer picked the date of our wedding and we were so lucky that it worked out perfectly! We are fortunate to be able to travel in the winter, but anytime else. No dice. Luckily, we live in a farming community so most of the people understand when we literally can’t do things due to farming!

  83. Laura in Mississippi
    October 10, 2013 / 11:13 am

    Jenny a friend sent me this article and it led me to your blog…I love it! Only another farmer’s wife can truly undestand how wonderful/crazy/unpredictable/fun/frustrating it is to be married to the farm life! Love your blog, and your sweet outlook on life with your farmer. Keep up the good work!

    • October 10, 2013 / 12:02 pm

      Thank you so much! I am so glad this is reaching so many farm wives across the nation! It’s like we have one big huge support group, it’s awesome!

  84. Martha
    October 10, 2013 / 11:55 am

    I have been married to a farmer for 13 years!! I am a girl who grew up in a neighborhood with a dislike for dirt. Funny – I married a dairy farmer. Dirt is everywhere and I know enough to be dangerous in most farming topics. Everything you wrote is so very true. I wouldn’t change a thing. It is hard, it is fun, it is unpredictable, it is predictable ( I can promise that I will pick something up on my way home from work) , It is late night dinners and early mornings, It is a lot of alone time and many pets to keep me company but best of all, it is a great place to raise my kids!!!! Great post!!!!!

  85. Teresa
    October 10, 2013 / 12:26 pm

    what an awesome story. My “farmer” died 10 yrs ago this February and I miss him everyday. I was born and raised in the “city” – Memphis TN. I can tell you it was an experience and one I wouldn’t have traded for the world. I still reside in our “little piece of country” in Strayhorn MS. There is nothing like “farm” life – it will make you humble if you weren’t already. thanks again

  86. Jillian
    October 10, 2013 / 1:06 pm

    I enjoyed reading this, but it’s roles reversed in my family! My husband is a engineer, and I a horse trainer. I’m constantly working on the farm and others-my husband doesn’t know what to expect! Just yesterday I came home to tell him I got kicked in the stomach by a horse, but thank goodness it wasn’t full impact. Oh, life on the farm.

  87. Kate MacLennan
    October 10, 2013 / 5:09 pm

    This is the greatest list I have ever seen! They all apply to my farmer and I and 15 years in I wouldn’t change anything at all. There is no greater life than to raise your family in wide open spaces and growing food for the world.

    • October 10, 2013 / 5:42 pm

      Thank you so much!! I agree!!

      • Mike
        October 11, 2013 / 3:33 pm

        Very funny stories….I am not a farmer, but grew up in the suburbs, surrounded by farms. I’m curious, didn’t the sitcom Green Acres prepare you for farm life???

        • October 12, 2013 / 6:57 pm

          I never watched Green Acres! I will have to watch some of it! It was well before my time 😉

  88. Kelly
    October 10, 2013 / 8:52 pm

    I am so glad I found your blog! I started dating my farmer over a year ago! The farming life is all new to me and never expected my life to go this way, but now I can’t imagine it any differently! Everyday is an adventure! I can certainly relate to many of the same things, like moving, small town living, crops…but I just love the way you tell your story!

    • October 12, 2013 / 7:05 pm

      Thank you SO much!! What a great comment!! I appreciate you reading and commenting! It always feels good to know there are people out there who feel the same way I do about farm life! 🙂 Wish you all the best in your relationship with your farmer!!!

  89. October 10, 2013 / 10:37 pm

    Excellent post full of truth and LOVE. Blessings to all farmers and their (patient) families! =)

  90. Russ Wagner
    October 10, 2013 / 11:30 pm

    My wife read me this a few days ago before I knew who wrote it. Cool story

    • October 12, 2013 / 7:03 pm

      Thank you Russ!! It’s pretty crazy it’s been all over huh? Then you’re like WAIT A MINUTE! I know those people!

  91. October 11, 2013 / 6:15 am

    Reblogged this on Be Fit With Me and commented:
    I grew up on a farm and yes so many people don’t realize how when you are farming you cannot plan ahead of time because things come up. It can be a huge adjustment for someone who never experienced this before and thought this was a great article to share from the point of view from someone that never grew up on a farm but now lives on one with her husband.

  92. October 11, 2013 / 9:13 pm

    I’m a (retired) farmer’s daughter and 20-some years ago was in married to a farmer. I can so relate to all this!! And yes, the farming life can be great … stressful, yes, but all of life is, no matter what you do!! And to the lady who writes this, I love that necklace!! Would love to have one like it!

    • October 12, 2013 / 6:53 pm

      Thank you so much!! Which necklace? The turquoise one? I can forward you a link to it… it’s actually a cheapie!

      My wedding necklace in the photo below in this post was custom made.

  93. October 12, 2013 / 6:56 am

    I found your post through Rowdy Kittens and forwarded this to my daughter…it is so appropriate for her since she will be marrying a commercial grain farmer in 3 weeks!

    • October 12, 2013 / 6:52 pm

      Oh Congrats on your daughter’s engagement and soon to be wedding!!! Please refer her to me if she needs someone to talk to! 🙂 I have been in her shoes and know what it is like to not know what to expect!

  94. Amy K
    October 12, 2013 / 8:29 am

    This is beautifully written. I can relate, as being a dairy farmer’s wife for almost 15 years now. Thank you so much for posting, and helping me keep everything in perspective!

    • October 12, 2013 / 6:50 pm

      Thank YOU for the kind words! I appreciate it so much! Sometimes all it takes is a little perspective!

  95. lynn
    October 12, 2013 / 2:38 pm

    Congratulations on your new way of life. I have been married to a Minnesota farmer for 37 years and everything you say is true. I only add that my farmers has shown me that you can find time for romance on the seat of a tractor, fixing fence, looking for lost cows or calves, or taking him lunch. Some of our best monents have been stolen monents in secrets places that still make me smile 37 years later. I’d do it all over again with my farmer.

    • October 12, 2013 / 6:45 pm

      Beautiful comment!! Thank you so much for reading, stopping by, and sharing in our story! Congrats on 37 years! That is something to be so proud of! I love the “farm dates” with my husband. One of my FAVORITE things to do is go check crops. It’s so relaxing, quiet, and a learning experience all wrapped up into one!

  96. October 12, 2013 / 6:37 pm

    Reblogged this on Real Life Farm Wife and commented:
    I’ve barely seen Farmer D today and was on the verge of turning into a big, pouty baby….until I read this.

    Thank you, Jenny, for reminding me that I’m not alone. (And reminding me it’s time for that “soybeans in the dryer” thing.)

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  100. Sandy
    October 15, 2013 / 6:50 am

    Hello fellow farm wife! Your blog has struck such a cord with me and I thank you for sharing! I met my knit in shinning shit covered boots riding in on his ford f250 super duty in April of 2007, married in October 2010, our first child arrived in September of 2011 and number 2 will be here February 2014. I would never change this unpredictable, beautiful, gut wrenching, yet awe inspiring life we have created! We live in central New York and have run and are currently rebuilding my families 9th generation farm which has been a tenant farm since 1975. Doug grew up on a dairy farm in northern NY and being a ” non farming” farm girl – I have learned so much from him and appreciate all of his hard work and knowledge. Thank you so much for so eloquently putting the relationship of a farm marriage into words and out into social media! Not many people in my life truly understand what a relationship is when a farm is involved. You are a kindred spirit and wouldn’t mind keeping in contact! Your blog is just what I have been writing about for years in my own paper and pen journals. Like I said again, thank you thank you for writing this!

    • October 15, 2013 / 1:10 pm

      Thank YOU for the kind words!! I appreciate it so much!! Feel free to contact, email, or just simply chat with me at ANY time! I love your story, it is beautiful! If you ever feel like sharing your own story, I started a new site called Housewives of Rural America at ruralhousewives.com. If you want to contribute, please let me know! Again, thank you for following and commenting!

  101. Patricia Pederson
    October 21, 2013 / 1:37 pm

    My sweet daughter-in-law shared your blog on facebook and now I have to comment. We have been married 40 years, but married to the land and the lifestyle since birth. I was born on the farm where my father and grandfather were born. Our sons are in the business with us now, and their children are the sixth generation on this homestead, and our daughter is a scientist doing research for Ag. You are an inspired and gifted woman who can appreciate the beauty of working together, worrying together, getting through the tough times together. Because there have been many of those since we started out with little except duct tape and parts robbed off of something even older. We had livestock, grain, and also owned a electrical business. Yes, it has been hard work and long days – my favorite query from the ‘town ladies’ was “Do you work?” I loved raising our children, teaching them to appreciate God’s handiwork(and now our grandkids); watching those tiny little seeds covered up with soil emerging into giant sunflowers, corn and golden fields of wheat. You said it so right, and so beautifully; our North Dakota prairies inspire a peaceful outlook whether it is the gorgeous sunsets or brilliant starry night skies – or three feet of glistening, pristine snowdrifts! I have referred to a quote from George Washington often “Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful and most noble employment of Man”. So, from an old farm lady, I thank you sincerely for sharing, and wish you patience as you grow to love the land and your man more than you ever thought possible 🙂

    • October 22, 2013 / 11:03 am

      Such an amazing comment! Thank you SO much for that! And congrats on your many years of marriage that is a TRUE feat these days!

  102. October 22, 2013 / 6:25 am

    This is a very accurate post, Jenny! I needed you 8 years ago when I married my farmer – so that you could tell me I was more normal than I thought I was! LOL Enjoyed your writing. Love your photography.

    • October 22, 2013 / 11:02 am

      Thank you so much!! CONGRATS on your new blog!! You have a beautiful start!! And yes, isn’t it amazing how similar the lives of people so far away can be just bc they share the same interest..? I am here now! And it was so awesome to connect with you! Thank you for the comment and kind words!

      • October 23, 2013 / 9:10 am

        Thanks! I love your yellow and gray. I used to photograph weddings, and my business site was yellow and gray…so, so lovely! If only photographing weddings was less stressful!!

        Yes, it’s amazing to find one’s twin interest in North Dakota! I like a smaller farm wife world of blogging – feels cozier! Will be in touch. 🙂

  103. Kelly
    October 30, 2013 / 6:32 am

    I’m a farm kid, living on the family farm but married a non-farming “townie”. My husband, after 25 years, still wishes he was a farmer and has no regret moving to a rural home and having an hour commute to work each way. Nothing can compare with the scenery and our friends for life. Just a little advice…If you have another farm wife for a bff it makes things so much easier. My bff and I are each others dates for weddings and banquets regularly, not to mention we’ve co-parented our children. When our husbands are available, no problem…but this way you and future babies don’t miss out during busy season! Enjoy!!!

    • October 30, 2013 / 2:17 pm

      Thank you!! And yes, I agree! Having girlfriends who are IN the industry helps! Plus we can all get together when our husbands are busy!

  104. Brooke
    November 2, 2013 / 5:56 pm

    I absolutely love this post! It is so true and tells it exactly how it is being a farmer’s wife. I never thought I would be a farmer’s wife and living on the farm but I wouldn’t change it for anything in the world. I look forward to our date nights in the tractor during harvest on the weekends. Nothing beats spending time with the one you love while they are doing what they love to do in life. Nothing makes me happier!

  105. Marlen Villa
    November 13, 2013 / 11:55 am

    I am a city girl, former special ed teacher, followed a schedule to the T. I moved to the farm area in April of this year and let me tell you IT HAS BEEN HARD!! Just last week I was telling the guys my fiance included, that I was tired of farm talk during the dinner table. OUCH!!! that was an insult. My father in law handed me your article and all I can say to you is THANK YOU!!! I put it on the refigerator door so I won’t forget that I am not the only one.

    • November 13, 2013 / 12:07 pm

      Oh my gosh!! Thank YOU!! I feel so honored to have a spot on your fridge door!! 🙂 I am just blown away at the amount of people this has reached! Thank you so much for the comment and for reading! Feel free to stop by or contact me ANYTIME! 🙂

  106. Amity Moore
    April 18, 2014 / 1:33 pm

    Jenny, you are a force. Your energy, authenticity and verve for life are admirable. Thank you for sharing your insights and stories at the writers conference. You are as wide open and ready for adventure as the great state to which you’ve found love and relocated. And your pictures are gorgeous!! That new camera was worth every penny!

    • Jenny
      Author
      April 21, 2014 / 6:58 pm

      Amity- THANK YOU! Honestly this comment MADE my day when I saw it! Your comment totally spoke to my heart… This blog is a labor of love more than anything so to get such awesome feedback makes it worth all the time I put into it and more. Even more so, the friendships I’ve made and formed through simply blogging are irreplaceable! Anyway, it was so wonderful to meet you and share the panel with you at the Conference. I am so glad I attended and that Briana talked me into speaking on the panel! I will be honest, when I saw both of you & Jessie’s bios I was intimidated! It was awesome to hear your perspective coming from the industry and I enjoyed that quite a bit as I don’t think of myself as a “writer”. I look forward to hopefully bumping into you again in the future!

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