![\"Fletcher](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/fletcher-2.jpg\")
<\/a>Fletcher Family<\/p><\/div>\n
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Nicole’s Story in her own words:<\/strong><\/h4>\nI always loved the cows. By about age 13 I knew that was what I wanted to do with my life. I\u2019m not much of an \u201cindoor girl\u201d and I like doing my own thing, so dairy farming and I click very well. I can be my own boss and work with the lovely ladies of the herd every day. I think if it\u2019s in your blood you can\u2019t really deny it.<\/p>\n
What has been the most rewarding part of farming for you? <\/strong> <\/h4>\nThe most rewarding part of farming for me is being able to see the fruits of my labor each day. I enjoy the daily challenges and that each day has something different to offer as far as projects and things that need to be completed. It is always the biggest reward to see hard work pay off, whether it is growing a nice group of heifers into good young cows, or fixing that old fence that has needed fixing for years. There\u2019s always room for improvement on and around the farm.<\/p>\n
What has been the most challenging part of farming? <\/strong><\/h4>\nThe most challenging part of farming for me is when these daily challenges become something that is bigger than me. For example, losing a calf after a rough calving, or having a sick cow that you just can\u2019t seem to bring back to health. They are challenges that happen and are part of farming, but they never seem to get easier to deal with.<\/p>\n
Who is your favorite cow?<\/strong> <\/h4>\nMy favorite cow is a cow named Fletch Emma Kate Washington. Emma was my very first 4-H project calf, and lived for 13 great years on my farm. She taught me so much about caring for animals. Not the technical stuff like how much grain she should be fed, but the stuff that will always stick with me. She taught me to be patient, to slow down and pay attention. She taught me to keep trying and work hard. And after her passing in 2012, I learned what a real loss felt like. That cow will always hold the most special place in my heart. I think of her often, and cherish the memories I have of her. She had a great personality and knew she was the queen of the barn.<\/p>\n
![\"Fletcher](\"https:\/\/mackinsondairy.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/10\/fletcher-1.jpg?w=225\")
<\/a>The most rewarding part of farming for me is being able to see the fruits of my labor each day says Nicole Fletcher.<\/p><\/div>\n
What\u2019s one question you always receive about what you do?<\/strong> <\/h4>\nOne question that I get asked frequently (weekly) is about my hutch calves. I have 20 hutches that are visible from the busy road at my farm, and it seems that the majority of people believe that they are veal crates and what I am doing is cruel. I always explain to them that each hutch is like a crib for a baby. They live in their own crib while they are small so that they are safe and protected. I explain that baby calves, just like small children, love to share germs. So by keeping them in their own little house, they can each keep their germs to themselves. I explain that hutches are great because they are warm in winter and cool in summer, and they are easy to clean in between calves. I point out how much room they actually have, and that they have the option to be inside or outside as they wish.<\/p>\n
What advice would you give to anyone interested in getting into farming? <\/strong><\/h4>\nMy advice would be to go for it! Sure, you may not have a farm in the family or much farming background, but this industry needs enthusiastic young people to carry it into the future. There are so many opportunities in agriculture and dairy farming. Every farm has a support staff, so just because you don\u2019t come from a farm doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t be part of one as a veterinarian, a nutritionist, a salesperson, milk tester, AI technician or the many other jobs that are directly related to dairying. There are many great programs across the country that can get you the education and hands-on experience to get started.<\/p>\n
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\nStay connected with Nicole on Twitter<\/a> and Fletcher Farms on Facebook<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\nThank you Nicole for taking time to participate in our “30 Days of Dairy” series. If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our blog (no spam, just an email when we post a new blog) so you don’t miss any posts<\/p>\n
Earlier “30 Days of Dairy” features this month include:<\/em><\/h4>\nIntroduction<\/a><\/p>\nSarah & Andy Birch – Derby, VT<\/a> – the dairy farmers that were my inspiration for the 30 Days of Dairy!<\/p>\nMelissa Collman – Boring, O<\/a>R – an organic dairy farmer from the West Coast!<\/p>\nMacy Sarbacker – Belleville, WI<\/a> – a blogger, editor and dairy farmer from American’s Dairyland!<\/p>\nKaren Bohnert – East Moline, IL<\/a> – a very talented writer, Mom and Jersey lover from my state!<\/p>\nLisa Myers – Hamstead, MD<\/a> – one of my best friends that moved back home to run their dairy!<\/p>\nRebecca Schlehlein – Platteville, WI<\/a> – a dedicated farm employee that loves her Brown Swiss!<\/p>\nHeather Moore – Maquoketa, IA<\/a> – Special Events Coordinator turned Dairy Farmer!<\/p>\nKatie Dotterer-Pyle – Union Bridge, MD<\/a> – Spanish teacher and dairy farmer that makes sure her cows enjoy their stay!<\/p>\nBrent Pollard – Rockford, IL – an innovative dairy farmer who loves to tinker with things.<\/a><\/p>\nKrista Stauffer – Washington – a 1st generation dairy farmer and very talented AGvogate for the dairy industry!<\/a><\/p>\nDiane Loew – Byron, MI – <\/a>her family milks 725 head of registered Holsteins.<\/a><\/p>\n
The most rewarding part of farming for me is being able to see the fruits of my labor each day. I enjoy the daily challenges and that each day has something different to offer as far as projects and things that need to be completed. It is always the biggest reward to see hard work pay off, whether it is growing a nice group of heifers into good young cows, or fixing that old fence that has needed fixing for years. There\u2019s always room for improvement on and around the farm.<\/p>\n
What has been the most challenging part of farming? <\/strong><\/h4>\nThe most challenging part of farming for me is when these daily challenges become something that is bigger than me. For example, losing a calf after a rough calving, or having a sick cow that you just can\u2019t seem to bring back to health. They are challenges that happen and are part of farming, but they never seem to get easier to deal with.<\/p>\n
Who is your favorite cow?<\/strong> <\/h4>\nMy favorite cow is a cow named Fletch Emma Kate Washington. Emma was my very first 4-H project calf, and lived for 13 great years on my farm. She taught me so much about caring for animals. Not the technical stuff like how much grain she should be fed, but the stuff that will always stick with me. She taught me to be patient, to slow down and pay attention. She taught me to keep trying and work hard. And after her passing in 2012, I learned what a real loss felt like. That cow will always hold the most special place in my heart. I think of her often, and cherish the memories I have of her. She had a great personality and knew she was the queen of the barn.<\/p>\n
<\/a>The most rewarding part of farming for me is being able to see the fruits of my labor each day says Nicole Fletcher.<\/p><\/div>\n
What\u2019s one question you always receive about what you do?<\/strong> <\/h4>\nOne question that I get asked frequently (weekly) is about my hutch calves. I have 20 hutches that are visible from the busy road at my farm, and it seems that the majority of people believe that they are veal crates and what I am doing is cruel. I always explain to them that each hutch is like a crib for a baby. They live in their own crib while they are small so that they are safe and protected. I explain that baby calves, just like small children, love to share germs. So by keeping them in their own little house, they can each keep their germs to themselves. I explain that hutches are great because they are warm in winter and cool in summer, and they are easy to clean in between calves. I point out how much room they actually have, and that they have the option to be inside or outside as they wish.<\/p>\n
What advice would you give to anyone interested in getting into farming? <\/strong><\/h4>\nMy advice would be to go for it! Sure, you may not have a farm in the family or much farming background, but this industry needs enthusiastic young people to carry it into the future. There are so many opportunities in agriculture and dairy farming. Every farm has a support staff, so just because you don\u2019t come from a farm doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t be part of one as a veterinarian, a nutritionist, a salesperson, milk tester, AI technician or the many other jobs that are directly related to dairying. There are many great programs across the country that can get you the education and hands-on experience to get started.<\/p>\n
\n
\nStay connected with Nicole on Twitter<\/a> and Fletcher Farms on Facebook<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\nThank you Nicole for taking time to participate in our “30 Days of Dairy” series. If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our blog (no spam, just an email when we post a new blog) so you don’t miss any posts<\/p>\n
Earlier “30 Days of Dairy” features this month include:<\/em><\/h4>\nIntroduction<\/a><\/p>\nSarah & Andy Birch – Derby, VT<\/a> – the dairy farmers that were my inspiration for the 30 Days of Dairy!<\/p>\nMelissa Collman – Boring, O<\/a>R – an organic dairy farmer from the West Coast!<\/p>\nMacy Sarbacker – Belleville, WI<\/a> – a blogger, editor and dairy farmer from American’s Dairyland!<\/p>\nKaren Bohnert – East Moline, IL<\/a> – a very talented writer, Mom and Jersey lover from my state!<\/p>\nLisa Myers – Hamstead, MD<\/a> – one of my best friends that moved back home to run their dairy!<\/p>\nRebecca Schlehlein – Platteville, WI<\/a> – a dedicated farm employee that loves her Brown Swiss!<\/p>\nHeather Moore – Maquoketa, IA<\/a> – Special Events Coordinator turned Dairy Farmer!<\/p>\nKatie Dotterer-Pyle – Union Bridge, MD<\/a> – Spanish teacher and dairy farmer that makes sure her cows enjoy their stay!<\/p>\nBrent Pollard – Rockford, IL – an innovative dairy farmer who loves to tinker with things.<\/a><\/p>\nKrista Stauffer – Washington – a 1st generation dairy farmer and very talented AGvogate for the dairy industry!<\/a><\/p>\nDiane Loew – Byron, MI – <\/a>her family milks 725 head of registered Holsteins.<\/a><\/p>\n
My favorite cow is a cow named Fletch Emma Kate Washington. Emma was my very first 4-H project calf, and lived for 13 great years on my farm. She taught me so much about caring for animals. Not the technical stuff like how much grain she should be fed, but the stuff that will always stick with me. She taught me to be patient, to slow down and pay attention. She taught me to keep trying and work hard. And after her passing in 2012, I learned what a real loss felt like. That cow will always hold the most special place in my heart. I think of her often, and cherish the memories I have of her. She had a great personality and knew she was the queen of the barn.<\/p>\n
<\/a>The most rewarding part of farming for me is being able to see the fruits of my labor each day says Nicole Fletcher.<\/p><\/div>\n
What\u2019s one question you always receive about what you do?<\/strong> <\/h4>\nOne question that I get asked frequently (weekly) is about my hutch calves. I have 20 hutches that are visible from the busy road at my farm, and it seems that the majority of people believe that they are veal crates and what I am doing is cruel. I always explain to them that each hutch is like a crib for a baby. They live in their own crib while they are small so that they are safe and protected. I explain that baby calves, just like small children, love to share germs. So by keeping them in their own little house, they can each keep their germs to themselves. I explain that hutches are great because they are warm in winter and cool in summer, and they are easy to clean in between calves. I point out how much room they actually have, and that they have the option to be inside or outside as they wish.<\/p>\n
What advice would you give to anyone interested in getting into farming? <\/strong><\/h4>\nMy advice would be to go for it! Sure, you may not have a farm in the family or much farming background, but this industry needs enthusiastic young people to carry it into the future. There are so many opportunities in agriculture and dairy farming. Every farm has a support staff, so just because you don\u2019t come from a farm doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t be part of one as a veterinarian, a nutritionist, a salesperson, milk tester, AI technician or the many other jobs that are directly related to dairying. There are many great programs across the country that can get you the education and hands-on experience to get started.<\/p>\n
\n
\nStay connected with Nicole on Twitter<\/a> and Fletcher Farms on Facebook<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\nThank you Nicole for taking time to participate in our “30 Days of Dairy” series. If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our blog (no spam, just an email when we post a new blog) so you don’t miss any posts<\/p>\n
Earlier “30 Days of Dairy” features this month include:<\/em><\/h4>\nIntroduction<\/a><\/p>\nSarah & Andy Birch – Derby, VT<\/a> – the dairy farmers that were my inspiration for the 30 Days of Dairy!<\/p>\nMelissa Collman – Boring, O<\/a>R – an organic dairy farmer from the West Coast!<\/p>\nMacy Sarbacker – Belleville, WI<\/a> – a blogger, editor and dairy farmer from American’s Dairyland!<\/p>\nKaren Bohnert – East Moline, IL<\/a> – a very talented writer, Mom and Jersey lover from my state!<\/p>\nLisa Myers – Hamstead, MD<\/a> – one of my best friends that moved back home to run their dairy!<\/p>\nRebecca Schlehlein – Platteville, WI<\/a> – a dedicated farm employee that loves her Brown Swiss!<\/p>\nHeather Moore – Maquoketa, IA<\/a> – Special Events Coordinator turned Dairy Farmer!<\/p>\nKatie Dotterer-Pyle – Union Bridge, MD<\/a> – Spanish teacher and dairy farmer that makes sure her cows enjoy their stay!<\/p>\nBrent Pollard – Rockford, IL – an innovative dairy farmer who loves to tinker with things.<\/a><\/p>\nKrista Stauffer – Washington – a 1st generation dairy farmer and very talented AGvogate for the dairy industry!<\/a><\/p>\nDiane Loew – Byron, MI – <\/a>her family milks 725 head of registered Holsteins.<\/a><\/p>\n
My advice would be to go for it! Sure, you may not have a farm in the family or much farming background, but this industry needs enthusiastic young people to carry it into the future. There are so many opportunities in agriculture and dairy farming. Every farm has a support staff, so just because you don\u2019t come from a farm doesn\u2019t mean you can\u2019t be part of one as a veterinarian, a nutritionist, a salesperson, milk tester, AI technician or the many other jobs that are directly related to dairying. There are many great programs across the country that can get you the education and hands-on experience to get started.<\/p>\n
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Stay connected with Nicole on Twitter<\/a> and Fletcher Farms on Facebook<\/a>.<\/strong><\/p>\n Thank you Nicole for taking time to participate in our “30 Days of Dairy” series. If you enjoyed this post, make sure you subscribe to our blog (no spam, just an email when we post a new blog) so you don’t miss any posts<\/p>\n Introduction<\/a><\/p>\n Sarah & Andy Birch – Derby, VT<\/a> – the dairy farmers that were my inspiration for the 30 Days of Dairy!<\/p>\n Melissa Collman – Boring, O<\/a>R – an organic dairy farmer from the West Coast!<\/p>\n Macy Sarbacker – Belleville, WI<\/a> – a blogger, editor and dairy farmer from American’s Dairyland!<\/p>\n Karen Bohnert – East Moline, IL<\/a> – a very talented writer, Mom and Jersey lover from my state!<\/p>\n Lisa Myers – Hamstead, MD<\/a> – one of my best friends that moved back home to run their dairy!<\/p>\n Rebecca Schlehlein – Platteville, WI<\/a> – a dedicated farm employee that loves her Brown Swiss!<\/p>\n Heather Moore – Maquoketa, IA<\/a> – Special Events Coordinator turned Dairy Farmer!<\/p>\n Katie Dotterer-Pyle – Union Bridge, MD<\/a> – Spanish teacher and dairy farmer that makes sure her cows enjoy their stay!<\/p>\n Brent Pollard – Rockford, IL – an innovative dairy farmer who loves to tinker with things.<\/a><\/p>\n Krista Stauffer – Washington – a 1st generation dairy farmer and very talented AGvogate for the dairy industry!<\/a><\/p>\n Diane Loew – Byron, MI – <\/a>her family milks 725 head of registered Holsteins.<\/a><\/p>\nEarlier “30 Days of Dairy” features this month include:<\/em><\/h4>\n