On Being a
Farm Wife
(and other
hazards)
Joyce Bupp
Yes, sirree, it’s that time of
year again.
Tax paperwork time. And
Farm Show.
Years past, that combination
posed an interesting dilemma,
as we wrapped up year-end
accounting amidst piles of stuff
being gathered for a week as
Farm Show dairy competitors.
So, you can understand why it’s
pleasurable now to abandon the
demands of year-end paperwork
for a day to just relax as a Farm
Show spectator.
But, over the years, I’ve
learned a lot from the Farm
Show, both from a participant
and spectator viewpoint.
For instance, I’ve learned
that the legendary, brutal “Farm
Show weather” only actually
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Well see yon at PA Farm Show, booths 508-509, 518-519
*
occurs intermittently. But when
it does
I’ve learned that, despite
repeated signs and warnings,
folks have an irresistible urge to
poke their fingers into cages of
chickens, turkeys, and ducks.
I’ve learned that some par
ents have absolutely no clue
what a cow or horse foot just
this-far-away from their child in
the stroller has the potential to
do.
I’ve learned to wonder what
those black winter radishes
sometimes included in the
Grange harvest displays taste
like.
I’ve learned that boys—of all
ages—never tire of climbing into
the cushy cabs of shiny new
tractors and daydreaming.
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I’ve learned that no matter
how many pieces of farm equip
ment are already parked in the
shop at home, the “boys” can
always find something at the
Farm Show that “we could real
ly use.”
I’ve learned that tears „will
flow during the annual livestock
auctioning events. Some from
the kids at the halters of their
animals. Some from mothers sit
ting in the arena.
I’ve learned that, without
fail, some youngster’s balky ani
mal will flop down to the saw
dust during the show event,
mightily embarrassing the
exhibitor.
I’ve learned that, without
fail, some youngster’s balky ani
mal will escape and take off in a
distant direction during a show
ing event, likewise embarrass
ing the exhibitor.
I’ve learned that, given a
chilly environment, sharp tools
and a very large chunk of fresh
butter, a talented artist can cre
ate a sculpture of amazing detail
and impressiveness.
I’ve learned that few folks are
shy about answering dairy trivia
for the chance to win a few sec
onds inside a small booth filled
with real money swirling around
to snatch for prizes.
I’ve learned that deep-fried
DELVAL
mushrooms are a scrumptious
food.
I’ve learned that, sleeping in
the livestock barns at the Farm
Show is a sure-fire way to catch
the common cold.
I’ve learned it is impossible to
keep anything on display at the
Farm Show dust-free for more
than 10 minutes.
I’ve learned that few things
have more fascination for the
non-farm public than a newborn
baby calf... or lamb... or pig... or
other baby animal.
I’ve learned that it is impossi
ble to hose down animals in the
wash rooms and remain dry
yourself.
I’ve learned that there are
lots of interesting exhibits
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Lancaster Farming, Friday, January 8, 1999-B3
tucked away in random nooks
and crannies of the massive
Farm Show complex, if you have
time to seek them out.
I’ve learned that you can
make some great bargain buys
on leftover plants on the last
afternoon of the show.
I’ve learned that the clothing
returning home from a stay in
the livestock barns contain
enough straw, hay, etc. to bed up
a calf pen.
I’ve learned that I would
make an absolute fool of myself
if I tried to do the complicated
routines performed by the
square dance groups.
I’ve learned that, even after
all these years, I always learn
something new at the
Pennsylvania Farm Show.