By Lauren Schwab

When dad leaves for vacation it’s up to my brother and I to care for the pigs, easier said than done. Dad has two short vacations a year, then the rest of the year he works seven days a week. He needs the rest and relaxation, even though he refuses to sleep in even on vacation. While dad is gone he gives us a list of things to get done every day and always calls to make sure we shut off the water when filling the troughs, they have been over filled on more than one occasion. As for me, its a party with the cats each night, my cat is asleep on my lap as I write this.

This week I will me speaking on a panel of farmers after the new Farm Land movie showing in Cincinnati.

Check out the trailer!

After the movie, the audience will have the opportunity to ask questions about farming to the farmers. I love sharing what I do on the farm. The video camera isn’t there to capture the trials and struggles my family face on a daily basis, but I hope to open my life to everyone to show the passion I have for my piglets and in turn open their eyes to life as a farmer’s daughter. Every morning I step out to my farm land. A land of chirping birds, purring cats and squealing piglets awaiting the arrival of their breakfast. I could not imagine a time where I didn’t have my animals to care for and go to when I need cheering up. They never let me down, so I must never let them down.

I recently had the opportunity to interview a business woman and golfer for an article I am writing. I asked her how she balanced work and play? She replied, “I manage to balance it pretty good. I believe when God gives you something to do He helps you balance the time and you’re not tired. I have truly prayed to God asking Him if He want’s me to give up something and the answer is always no. He finds a way to make it happen for me.” I truly believe this is how you know if you’re doing God’s will for your life. Sometimes I am in awe of how much my Dad works and puts into his farm. He has committed he entire life to raising pigs, but I know it is what God has called him to do. I feel I am called to share our story. Years from now, people may wonder what farming was like in 2014 as a 25 year old farmer’s daughter.

I love writing because I get to hear other people’s stories. I learn from them and they inspire me to look at the world through a different perspective. I know I have been called to tell the story of my farm land, be the voice for my animals. It’s not just oinks and meows, it’s God’s creatures talking to me, saying they need me and will give lives to all who need it.

Oinks and Meows,

Lauren