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We reflect on our county fair memories while preparing for this year's Lee County Fair in Iowa, where our son will show a heifer he's raised from birth. Fair traditions have evolved over time, but the values of hard work, responsibility, and personal growth remain central to the 4-H and FFA experience.

• The show industry has changed drastically since our childhood, becoming more specialized and separate from production agriculture
• Camping at the fair creates special memories and traditions for farm families
• Responsibility for livestock teaches kids that animals eat before they do - instilling important work ethic
• Learning to lose gracefully is one of the most valuable skills developed in the show ring
• Our son Henry has developed his own passion for cattle, taking full responsibility for his show heifer
• Young people develop public speaking skills, confidence, and resilience through 4-H and fair participation
• Showing livestock provides early experiences with constructive criticism and being judged
• The emotional connection kids form with show animals can be challenging but teaches important lessons

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Summer on the farm brings a whirlwind of activity as we balance baling, spraying, fair preparation, and finding moments to connect as a family amid the busy season. The weight of sustaining our agricultural legacy weighs heavily as we navigate the challenges of modern farming and explore ways to diversify and strengthen our operation.

• Feeling the rush of summer farm activities while trying to make time for family connection
• Recent health scare triggering memories of past farm accident and trauma
• Exploring adding wheat to our crop rotation with plans to follow with soybeans
• Learning to manage soybean acres with the same intensity as corn to maximize returns
• Discussing the importance of agricultural community support rather than competition
• Supporting local farmers markets and small producers as part of building agricultural resilience
• Reimagining the future of family farming by fostering positive relationships and mindsets

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In this hot and humid Iowa summer, we share updates on our hay making, crop conditions, and innovative approaches to foliar feeding crops with precise nutrient mixtures. We discuss how we're transitioning to drone technology for better application of nutrients while reducing compaction and crop damage.

• Corn is looking good at V10 stage and standing over 6½ feet tall
• Moving to drone technology for foliar feeding and fungicide application
• Using targeted nutrition based on tissue samples rather than blanket applications
• Copper serves as a natural fungicide while sugar acts as a natural insecticide
• Dr. Leah visited an integrative medicine clinic in Wisconsin to connect with other healers
• Discussing parallels between physician burnout and farmer stress
• Building community connections to combat isolation in both professions
• Home garden providing abundant produce with potential for a small farm stand

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