I told her if that would happen, it would kill the parents and place them in bankruptcy as well.
The truth is that this week’s Somerset County Fair has been a memorable and glorious time for us as a family. Thankful, yes, that it only comes once a year but also thankful for many good friends and family who support us along the way, even if we only see them once a year. We know they are a part of us and are standing in our corner.
What is often missed behind the scenes of the fair is the farmer. They are the literal backbone of every fair. While we leave our problems behind for the one week of fair, the farmers who come to the fair have the burden all year.
Whether they be hobby farmers, 4-H exhibitors who may have just a few livestock animals or full-time farmers, they can all be found at the barns of the fair. But, for the purpose of this column, I turn my attention to the dairymen and women who showed up strong at this year’s fair despite the biggest economical crisis in dairy of our times. Can any of us realize just how harsh it is for the dairy farmers?
You see, this is what I love about dairy farmers. When everyone else in the world gives up and runs (over just about anything,) dairy farmers stick with it until they can’t go anymore.
Maybe I am prejudice because I grew up on a dairy farm but the dairy farmers I have known in my lifetime are a hardy bunch with plenty of soul. What’s more than that the dairymen I have known (for the most part) aren’t worried about the professionalism and protocol of our age. They are close to the earth and treat people with humility and respect.
This week at the fair, I got to talk to Eileen Hostetter of Casselman, who along with her husband, Calvin, and son, Craig, operate a dairy farm where once all her many children grew and raised animals and showed them at the fair.
In year’s past, I have taken photographs of most of the Hostetter children showing dairy and even though I am a “Gone with the Wind” fan and decided to name my daughter Tarrah (changed the spelling somewhat to be different) in 2010, I also thought that Tara Hostetter was a good role model of the name Tara. No longer a 4-H or FFA kid, Tara Hostetter is about to have her own child.
Eileen and Calvin’s grandchildren show dairy and their son Doyle and his wife, Emily, show a breed called Lineback (not a new breed but a new division at the fair in the past few years). I am planning to do a story on the breed of Lineback for the next Farm, Field and Garden so be sure to watch for it to learn about this fascinating breed. In my opinion, their Lineback cow named “Unika” was the most interesting, beautiful cow in the show.
The best way I can describe Eileen Hostetter is “salt of the earth.” She and her husband have persevered in the most horrific circumstances while the dairy industry collapsed around them. She lost her son Nevin in an accident in December and not only is she dealing with this painful loss, but she is also continuing dairying at a time when there seems to be little hope.
It is beyond commendable that Eileen came to the fair to show dairy with her family. And, it is beyond commendable that the dairy farmers in Somerset County continue their stewardship. Beyond the dairy barn at the fair is a group of people who deserve our wholehearted praise. Thank you!
(Sandra Lepley is a correspondent for the Daily American.)