Having just taken my first vacation in ages, I know how necessary they are.
But have you ever wondered whether farmers get vacations?
I can see heading to greener pastures or sandy beaches after harvest. But when there are animals to tend, someone’s got to feed and water them. And since there aren’t boarding houses for cows, there is apparently such a person as a “relief milker.”
At least that’s how Brian Herr makes his living. According to the Columbia Tribune, Herr and folks like him are filling a role once occupied by neighbors and farm-savvy kids. Relief milkers run from 11 bucks an hour to premium levels for a pro like Herr, who commands $17-$19 an hour.
Virtual Farmgirl 
I am all for the role of neighbors and farm savvy kids. I personally milk my neighbors goats. I milk on my day(s) and buy some grain for their care. I would like to buy a cow, but it will be a similar situation. I will only buy the cow with my other neighbors because we will share in the cost and care for the animal. But that is how we all go on vacation. Is it really a vacation, because the way we americans take time off is so stressful.
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Amen Thea. I’m starting to doubt that real vacations exist. My best “vacation” was a business trip during which I got to sleep through the entire night.
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I am all for the role of neighbors and farm savvy kids. I personally milk my neighbors goats. I milk on my day(s) and buy some grain for their care. I would like to buy a cow, but it will be a similar situation. I will only buy the cow with my other neighbors because we will share in the cost and care for the animal. But that is how we all go on vacation. Is it really a vacation, because the way we americans take time off is so stressful.
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Amen Thea. I’m starting to doubt that real vacations exist. My best “vacation” was a business trip during which I got to sleep through the entire night.
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