Farming Is Her Passion

Growing up I wasn't exactly what you would call farming material.  As a kid, I loved animals and loved being around them but the whole idea of milking a cow scared me.  I mean these animals are huge. I rather not be up close and personal with the utters of a big ol cow.  My sister, seventeen years my junior is a different story.  Her passion has taught me so much about the dairy and agriculture industry.  Today I am sharing a glimpse into what she refers is as her passion.

Ashley Oeser at 16 years old is already co-owner at Pashlay Pastures- a small dairy farm in Upstate, New York.  She is not just the daughter of a farmer, she is the reason they farm.  You see, my sister from a very early age has had this love for cows. Undoubtedly, some of that love was passed down from her father's love as well but this is more than a little girl wanting to be like her Daddy. This girl dreams about cows.  Several years ago a dream was discussed about building a farm.  Of course at the time it was going to be just for beef cattle not dairy, but that's a whole other story. In any event, in 2006 Pashlay Pastures was founded.  Literally the herd started with one calf purchased for Ashley.

For the past few years their herd of dairy cattle has been housed at her grandmothers farm just a few miles away while their barn on their property was completed. Yesterday saw the completion of their barn and the end of a very long emotional road.  Ashley's long time wish of having a farm at her home came true.  I sat down with Ashley after this monumental day for her business  and asked her a few questions about her life as a farmer and what that meant for her future.

Journey to Ezer:  What does a typical day look like for you?

Ashley:  3:30am-5:30- am farm chores- which includes feeding, scraping behind and milking cows, calves etc.
             5:45-6:45- nap  
             6:45-7:30 - get ready for school
             8:00-3:00- school
             3:30-6:00- evening farm chores
             6:15-9:00- family time, dinner, homework
             9:30- bedtime

Journey to Ezer:  Alot of your time is spent working.  You dont have alot of time for typical teen activities like  facebook and just chilling.  How do you balance it all?

Ashley:  It is a balancing act.  It is difficult to imagine a life without all the work or of course my cows.

Journey to Ezer:  When you have some free time, because you do get days off or afternoons or the mornings off, what do you do?

Ashley: I shop! I love to shop at even stores like Walmart and Target because its a treat.  Plus, I work so I have money to do that!

Journey to Ezer:  What do your friends in school think about you farming? Is it cool to be a farmer? How do you handle the naysayers?

Ashley: It definitely is not cool to be a farmer in school.  I have to remember that when people say things about farmers like we are all hicks or they laugh at me they are just uninformed.  I try to explain that it is my passion and if they get that great, if not, thats ok too.

Journey to Ezer: What plans do you have for your future?
 
Ashley: I am currently a Junior in High School. I would like to attend SUNY Cobleskill for their four year pre-veterinarian program and then transfer to Cornell University. I hope to be a large animal Veterinarian.

Journey to Ezer: In light of all the bad press that farmers and the farming industry has received over the last few years, what would you like people to know about farmers such as yourself?

Ashley: I think its important to note that all farmers are not cruel to their animals.  Most farmers I have met locally and on the national level love their animals just as I do.   It is sad that animal cruelty happens on any level but to say that farming as a whole is bad, is not a fair statement.  I take pride in ensuring that our animals are well cared for.  Each one of them is a member of my family.


In addition to Ashley's life on the farm her activities include: Student Council, SADD, Science Club, Handbell Choir, Band, Choir, Chamber Choir, Community Action Committee, Dairy Ambassador, Dairy Quiz Bowl, NYS Holstein Jr. Member, O.H.M. Holstein Fundraiser Chairman, and showing her cows across New York State.

Ashley has also been awarded Grand Champion, Reserved Jr. Champion and other awards for showing her cows.  She was selected to sing at Carnegie Hall and maintains a high grade point average in school in her A.P. classes.  And yes, Im just a little proud of my baby sister....  I love you Ashley!  xo, Sissy