I read some good news from a dairy economist. He thinks milk prices have bottomed out and, if he’s right, that is good news.

 

Hopefully your confidence hasn’t bottomed out, but if it has, there is no place to go but up.

In a conversation yesterday with a dairyman, I felt a sense of hope. While he was hauling manure, trying to get the rest of his corn planted and making sure his hay crop was put up on time, he was also worried about his milk market.

He had gotten one of those dreaded letters telling him things were changing  his fall and he had better be prepared. As we hashed over the decisions he had waiting on his doorstep, there was something different in his voice. As much upheaval he had in his life, he still remained positive.

He was busy and his future seemed unpredictable, yet he wasn’t in despair. As much turbulence as he was facing, he wasn’t feeling crushed. As many obstacles that were standing in front of him, he never sounded like he felt abandoned or destroyed. In fact, he only made one comment that sounded hopeless: “It’s hard to up in the mornings these days.”

But as difficult as it was to hold on to daily motivation, he still had it. He still talked about his future and plans they had for marketing their genetics.

He mentioned a heifer he was excited about and plans he had for her. He talked about cow families he was developing and his hope for the future of their operation with his son.

Maybe he has millions tucked away in investments, but if I were a gambler, I wouldn’t bet the farm on it. He’s just like the rest of the dairy farmers –trying to make a living doing what he was created to do. His tenacity will keep him from hopelessness and his optimism will strengthen his resolve.

Looking at the days ahead, he will plan and prepare, not letting today’s obstacles get in the way of tomorrow’s achievement.

He will plant the seed, watch it grow and plan to harvest it without allowing despair to paralyze him. He may endure a crushing blow, but he will not be destroyed.

He and so many dairy producers have been through the wringer only to find out that iron sharpens iron and when given an assignment of refinement, he will come out on the other side stronger and more resilient.

Whatever you’re facing today, let it work for you, not against you. If you put your hope in the right place, you will be hard-pressed, but not crushed. You may be perplexed, but not in despair.

You may be ridiculed, but not abandoned. You may be struck down, but not destroyed. Remember: Hope springs eternal and never disappoints.

The views and opinions expressed in this column are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World.