August 5th- Dairy and Tobacco farm visits

Today was a very full day. I visited 2 dairy farms , 1 large tobacco farm, and then another small farm in the Randleman area. This was my first time during this elective on a dairy farm. I was able to plan my visits in between milkings, so it worked out well with their work schedule. At one dairy, a worker had to leave my talk to go help deliver a dairy calf. When he returned he told me about the delivery while I checked his blood pressure and blood sugar. It was so neat to listen to him talk, you could tell he loved the work that he was doing.

The thing that amazes me most on these farms is the laughter. The farm owners pick at the workers and the workers pick right back. Everyone seems to have a good time even though the work is hard and the heat intense. There were times today that I thought that I may seriously melt. It is just that hot. But how can I complain after one hour of being outside (usually in the shade)? These guys work in this everyday sunup to sundown! So I just keep working, silently sweat, and laugh along with them.

Total number served today:
Farmworkers:27

Farmowners/family: 6
# of farms visited: 4