You can always tell when summertime officially hits farm country. The gravel roads get dusty, the tractors start multiplying like rabbits, and every farmer suddenly develops a degree in weather forecasting. One little cloud rolls in and there’s already three guys standing outside saying, “looks like rain coming.”
Summer on the farm is a different kind of beautiful. The fields turn bright green almost overnight, fresh grass starts growing faster than anyone can keep up with, and the countryside finally wakes up after another long Minnesota winter. There’s something about hearing thunder roll through the hills while rain taps on the shed roof that makes everything feel alive again.
The livestock knows it, too. They spend their days belly-deep in fresh grass at what can only be described as an all-you-can-eat gourmet buffet. Honestly, some of them look so relaxed you’d think they booked a spa weekend.
Then there are babies. Calves, foals, kids, lambs—whatever kind of critter you raise—summer is when they discover speed. One minute they’re peacefully standing next to mom, and the next they’re sprinting laps around the pasture.
This is also the season of everyone’s favorite insect, yup the fly. The livestock stand in the middle of the field acting majestic until a fly lands on them and suddenly, they’re performing karate moves.
As the days go on, the farmers are out there sweating through three shirts a day; sweat dripping into places no sweat should ever be. Everyone smells faint of sunscreen and diesel fuel.
Summer evenings make it all worth it though. Sitting outside after chores are done with a cold drink in hand, listening to the frogs sing from the ditch while the sun drops behind the fields. Friends stop by unannounced; lawn chairs magically appear from garages, and conversations last longer.
There’s peace in those moments. Just a sweet summertime and the simple kind of happiness you can only find out in the country.
