It’s easy to think about mothers during spring time on the farm. Just watching the beef cows in the field with their new baby calves, it is fascinating to observe their mothering instincts.
Everybody needs a good mother, and I can’t help but think of all the mothers that I know who give their time and talents so generously to agriculture.
I am involved in different organizations in the county that support youth and agriculture, and I am happy to say that I serve with those who have the same love for agriculture that my family has. Whether it is the local 4-H meeting, an FFA banquet, a Farm Bureau meeting or a fair board meeting, the room always has a common goal – What can we do to support youth and agriculture? The moms who serve in these rolls have taken time away from their own farms and families to support a common cause. 
I am proud to serve in the ranks with these moms who are always up to the challenge. I am proud called to call these ladies my friends and my family. Never ones to say we can’t do it, or we don’t have time. They are the ones who say “we will figure it out, like we always do.” Or, “I can help out, what do you need me to do?”
Our instincts as mothers tell us to lay a good foundation for our children so they can be successful in life. There are many mothers who come into our childrens’ lives to help lay those blocks. Although our children may not always realize at the time who is helping to lay those blocks for them. My hope for them is that they can look back and realize that there were many hands guiding them, cheering for them on the side of the show ring, giving them a pat on the back or a nudge to try something new.
Happy Mother’s Day to all the mom’s out there who are practicing a balancing act between their farms, families, career and helping out all of the organizations we so deeply care about. We do make a difference not only in the lives of our own children, but the children of this great industry.
Leslie Strey
Leslie Strey and her husband, Steve, and their daughter, Heidi, own a commercial beef cow/calf farm near Osseo. Leslie works off the farm at a local implement dealer, she is a member of the Eau Claire County Fair Committee, Augusta FFA Alumni, Eau Claire County Farm Bureau and she serves on the Grace Lutheran Church Fellowship Committee. The family is part of the Russell Corner Badgers 4-H Club.
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