First of all, the fact that this was not the very first post in the series shocks me. I guess I really am used to the smell!? Somehow that makes me a little embarrassed to admit. Perhaps this topic is more obvious than any other posts I have written so far on my city girl to farm wife series {you can find the entire series here}.
that. smell.
When Loren and I first started dating, and I would come to Iowa to visit, I panicked. What am I going to do? I don’t think it is socially acceptable out here to walk around plugging my nose and gagging every time we drive by a livestock barn? But over time I found out that what I heard was true. You really do get used to the smell. And after a while you don’t even notice it. When my Michigan family come out to visit now, and mention the smell, I am not even aware of it. {Ack! My senses have been forever ruined!}
So here are my two tips to the city girl moving to a farm:
1. Make sure your house is on the west side of any livestock barns. {I CANNOT believe I just used a direction after yesterday’s post. It is embarrassing.} Basically, you do not want to be downwind of your barns.
2. When it is time for your manure to be hauled out, leave town. Seriously. At least, until your senses are a little more dumbed down.
For those of you wondering what I am talking about with number two: Once a year (maybe twice) the manure needs to be removed from the pits, or hauled out of the shed. And it is spread all over the fields as a natural fertilizer. It’s like the lid has been removed and that storehouse of disgusting gases is being spread all over the place. It is the one time of year when the smell still gets to me.
My personal opinion of nastiest smell to least nasty:
turkeys
cows
hogs
I still stand by my great idea when we first got married. The county should just declare a “haul your manure week” and then I will know when to leave town. Get it all over with at once! It seems like once ours is done the neighbor starts up and we get to go through it all over again. {I do understand that this is because most people share the same team of manure haulers, or whatever the real title is for that. But still… there has to be some way to make my plan work?}
And so yes, city girl, the smell is bad. And yes, once a year it is really bad. But you will get used to it. And it is honestly a small price to pay for the beauty of living in the country. And who knows… maybe one day you will be able to say what the farmers say. It’s the smell of money.
And to those of you living in our county. Consider this your fair warning. We are starting to haul turkey manure today. If you would like to find me to complain about the smell you can find me at my computer, looking up vacations to nice smelling locations. 🙂
Shelley says
I have refrained from commenting EVERY day, as you know I am enjoying your series VERY much! I could not help but comment today because I disagree on one point!! I moved to Garnavillo from Cedar Rapids in 7th grade and though did not move to a farm, visited one often:) I CANNOT even BELIEVE that you think that Cows smell worse than hogs, NO WAY!! Not a chance, when they hauled hog manure and spread it on the field behind the then HS (now middle school) it was the WORST!! Especially if you were in class on that side of the school, do not ask me what side it is East/west/north/south, the one where the base/softball diamonds are!! I know WHO was spreading it, and I know it was hogs, WAY WAY WAY worse than cows!! You have become accustom to that smell of money my friend!! Hugs to you and your adorable little ones!! As always can’t wait to read the next installment!
Becky says
lol! yes… I am used to it! everyone has their own opinion on the level of stink 🙂
Katie @ On the Banks of Squaw Creek says
My money smells better than yours, hands down! Everyone I know agrees that turkeys smell better than hogs! Can’t believe it!
Becky says
Haha 🙂 Turkeys themselves may not smell worse. But when their manure is hauled out it is seriously hard to breathe.
Katie @ On the Banks of Squaw Creek says
By the way, I say that with a smile on my face, but I seriously thought you mixed the list and had it backwards!