By Ava Smith, 10 years old
Note: School is back in session in rural areas across the country. Ava Smith, age 10, daughter of Elisha Smith, former Center for Rural Affairs staff member, spent a day in our office this summer and, inspired by our work, wanted to share her summer vacation experience.
Every morning I get up at sunrise and I get my paint horse (whose name is “Paint”) saddled up and go out in my pasture and check on cows and calves.
I check on the health of the calves and cows. The calves were born in late spring, but we’ve had a few late calvers. So sometimes I discover a new baby calf that has just been born! I make sure those newborn calves are up and sucking. I then report back to my dad and he will treat anything that needs attention.
I also help dad with cattle in the feed yard. I enjoy riding Paint through the pens of cattle and checking on their health and well-being.
After I’m done helping dad with chores I’ll scoop stalls out in the horse barn (horses poop a lot!). It’s messy and kinda stinky, but I like the barn to be clean.
There is always something to do on the farm and it’s a lot of hard work, but I love spending time with my horse and dad and would not want to live or spend summer vacation anywhere else.
