I wasn’t sure what to expect spending a summer shadowing Dad. But, by the end I’m going to miss spending time with my Dad on The Farm.
by Carston Steiner
My summer working on the farm with my dad was awesome. I learned so much and got to be involved in so many things. But best of all, I got to spend time with Dad. Dad taught me so much while we were working. From waking up early to spraying for squash bug, I am so excited to share some of the highlights of my summer with you.
My first week following my dad around, doing stuff with him, was really eye opening. Before shadowing Dad, I knew he worked on the farm while I was at school, and besides doing chores with him I didn’t know exactly what he did to keep the farm running. And when I found out it was really cool and fun. I got to meet a lot of new people and even when we were working hard, I still felt like I was having fun.
When I started working with Dad, there was one thing I definitely didn’t like at first: getting up early. But the more I did it, the more I realized that working in the cool morning hours is much more preferable to working in the heat of the day. And this is why it’s a crucial part of a farmer’s life. I found I can get a lot more done outside when it’s not ninety degrees. And you even get to see a beautiful sunrise over the hills. So even though it sucked at first, it was definitely worth it.
During my summer with my dad, we spent a lot of time in the vineyard with Marya, our assistant vigneron. And there were two main things we did: spread pelletized chicken manure on replanted vines and check to make sure grape irrigation emitters were working properly. The chicken manure is great fertilizer for the grapes, and we spread it around the base of the vines that need a little extra help. We saw this really helped the smaller vines catch up their growth to the bigger vines. In the vineyard we also worked on the drip emitters to help make sure every vine was getting enough water. To do this, Dad, Marya, and I made tools out of some wire to remove gunk from the drip emitters. This experience in the vineyard has shown me a lot about what the vines need to grow and thrive.
One of the bigger highlights of working with Dad was when I got to go fix a forklift wheel with our friend and bee mentor, Craig. I helped reassemble and attach the wheel to the forklift. It was really interesting to see how intricate the wheel was and how it all fits together.
Another place my dad and I spent a lot of time at was the pumpkin patch getting rid of the squash beetle population and fertilizing. I’m sure some of you are familiar with the notorious squash beetle, the stink bug like creature that wreaks havoc on plants in the cucurbit family like squash, cucumbers, and, you guessed it, pumpkins. The bugs suck the sap out of the leaves with their special mouth parts, leaving yellow spots that eventually turn brown and kill pumpkins. To deal with this, we used an organic insecticide called OrganiShield to contain the squash bug population. To use the spray, we filled backpack sprayers full of the insecticide and sprayed it onto highly populated areas of squash bug. Within seconds, the beetles were dead where they stand. This takes me to another big part of working in the pumpkins, fertilizing. We fertilize once a week to make sure the pumpkins get as much nutrition as possible. To get the fertilizer into the plants, we hook the fertilizer tank up to the irrigation water for the pumpkins and watch and wait as the fertilizer is sucked out into the field. Fertilizing is crucial to getting big, healthy pumpkin vines.
Ultimately what I enjoyed most about the summer was time with Dad, learning, talking, and being together. I also loved getting to meet new people and see all the different parts of what happens on the farm. It’s made me sad to think about going back to school and not being on the farm. I really look forward to working with Dad next summer.
Sincerely,
Carston Steiner
Carston’s notes brought tears to my eyes. It is so articulate and his love for his dada and what his dad does for a living is every parents dream. Thank you so much for sharing. You two must be so proud.
What a nice note Karen. Thank you so much for taking the time to send it. We are so fortunate to have had a great summer together!
Great job Carston. Loved reading about your summer experience.
Thanks for the nice note Grandma and Grandpa!!
Great job Carston, thanks for sharing with us. I’m sure that your dad enjoyed doing farm duties with you more than you realize.
Surprising how much we both enjoyed it for sure!!! Can’t wait for next summer.
What a treat to read about Carstons experience on the farm, what he learned, and the time with dad. He’s quite a young man, I remember meeting him on the farm when our family visited a year ago. Passing down the craft of farming to your son is wonderful and so educational!
Hi Julie. Thanks so much for the nice note. We were so proud of what he wrote… it took some courage. But it was totally his writing. Thank you for the support and visiting The Farm!
Way to go Carsten! Not only are you a hard working farmer, but a very articulate writer! You and dad made a farm thrive this year for so many people to enjoy. That’s amazing!
Thanks so much Karisa!!! It worked out better than we expected.
This is very impressive, Carston! You should feel very proud of all you learned and accomplished this Summer! Congratulations! And kudos to your mom and dad too!
Julie – thank you so much for the nice comment!!!! Means a lot coming from you.
Good job Carston! What perfect learning opportunities for you and time together on the Farm. Just think of the things you will learn next summer! Have a wonderful school year and work hard.
Thanks so much Anne! We’re really excited for next summer!!!
Experience working with a parent and learning the trade is priceless👍🙏. Carston, you write beautifully, descriptive, and make your blog sound so fun. Congrats on getting up early and finding out how much you enjoyed the cooler hours These awesome memories will be treasured by both of you forever💖. Have a great year at school and thank you for this informative article🤗🤗
Hi Carol. Thank you so much for the nice comment! We had such a great summer together – agreed “priceless”.
Carston, thank you for the wonderful essay on your summer job! It was very interesting to read all about what you did. I wish I had that kind of experience. Maybe if we visit again, you can take me (and Teddy and Joe) through a work day.
Ken – we sure miss you guys!!! Carston would loooovvve that!!!!
Hi Carston, last year I was surprised to see so many healthy pumpkins and wondered how that happened on such a large scale. Your blog educated me about both pest control and fertilizer that produces these beauties. Kudos on learning the mechanics of fixing the forklift wheel! Most of all, your time learning with your Dad is priceless and you’ll always remember this working summer…the first of many. Thanks for sharing.
Thank you so much Arlene!! And can’t wait for you to see the pumpkins!!!
What an awesome way to spend your summer and great description of all the fun things you learned. Nothing like being there to really know what goes on “behind the scenes”. Time spent that you will always cherish, but in different ways as you grown older. Great job you two.
Thanks Aunt Jill. It was kind of emotional getting ready for the first day of school last night.
What a memorable summer you’ve had! Thanks for sharing your experiences and memories, it has deepened my appreciation for all the hard work involved on your family farm. I’m a wimp when it comes to working in the heat, so getting up early definitely has it’s perks! Great job!!
Thanks so much Aishi. We loved the summer together. Definitely sad for school to start today.
We love seeing you go through your “Path/Journey” Carsten in your Elementary years. A foundation that will build your Path, Direction for your upcoming years. Life Experiences that help you decide on choices as you grow and become an adult. Take these lessons with gratitude and the rest will be “Easy – Peezy. Lemon Squeezy.” You are Blessed with good vibes all around you. LOL – Julia/TIm
Hi Julia. Thanks so much for the nice note. Love to see you guys. Hope you’re doing well!!!!
Carston
Vigneron Extraordinaire in training – love you!
Thanks Don!!! He’ll love to know you read it!