What is a tell-tale sign you are old? Here’s my two cents on the topic.
First and foremost, a correction. The doctor in my house has pointed out to a glaring error in my article about medications. I referenced calcium blockers instead of calcium channel blockers. Apparently, there is a difference in the world of medicine. This is why I should stick to farming and not being an unlicensed health professional. I think you can go to jail for that; not farming, practicing medicine without a license.
I recently found an old phone contact list from the 1990’s. It was full of names of people who had bought hay or straw from me when I started farming in the 80’s. I was shocked at how many were the same age as me and no longer had livestock and needed to buy hay. They had finally passed that stage in their life, retirement. Most of the phone numbers were antiquated land-lone numbers, too. However, I am still baling hay. That’s right, I have already broken every one of my new years’ resolutions; I cheered for the Bears when they beat the Packers, and I am going to bale hay and straw in 2025.
It was my 9th year of farming in 1991 when the Farm Bureau manager, Bob Muehling, retired and Mark Schneidewind was hired to take the helm as our manager in Will County. I was the host of our county corn plot, and I probably do not to remind the local farmers that 1991 was not a good year for corn. It was only my 3rd year as an active member in the activities of the Farm Bureau.
Mark hit the ground running. He was experienced, young, and energetic. He quickly became acclimated with the people and issues in Will County. Do not let that sentence insinuate Mark is not energetic today. After 34 years of working on a multitude of projects, he still brings a surplus of energy packed with a plethora of experience to the table for Will County farmers. He has not coasted into retirement!
Mark has truly earned the respect he receives when he walks into a room to be our advocate for agriculture. I know of many times when he battled for farmers who found themselves in a predicament that impeded their operation. I am unaware of Mark ever hesitating to be our ally, even if you were not a member of the Farm Bureau. If Mark could not personally help you, he would give you referrals and follow up with your issue to see to it you found a solution. I have asked Mark for help on many topics in the past. I recently had questions about solar facilities and Mark was able to forward multiple resources for me to research all the latest information on the topic.
When Mark came to Will County, I learned that he was part of a hay operation back at his home farm. He has made more round bales of hay than me in the last 50 years; especially since I have never made one in my life (mine are rectangular). When Mark came to the Farm Bureau there were only two ways to talk to him. See him in person at a Farm Bureau function or call 815-727-4811. We did not have cell phones in 1991.
And that my friends is how you know you are old. Mark and I both started our careers before the cell phone era. Mark will soon be retired, and I will be working with my 3rd Farm Bureau manager. Perhaps we will both be baling hay this summer. Mark has a couple of years on me, but I suspect that when I decide to retire, he can give me any advice I need if I call his cell.
I, along with all the Will County Farm Bureau family wish Mark and Anita the best after serving our county Farm Bureau. They have been outstanding on our behalf.
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