Farmers are eternal optimists. Somehow we look at a job that has long hours, low pay, and high risk and feel lucky to live the life that we do. That makes us “glass half full” types operating in perpetual denial of reality. Last season was a horrible season by any standards. Many old-timers said it was the worst year in their memory. Considering the number of times that I heard that last season, I have to believe that it is not hyperbole. Yet, I find myself looking to 2010 with renewed optimism. In fact, I am downright excited about this year.

I have never been so mentally challenged in my life by an undertaking. There are more things that can go wrong than right on a farm. This year has already dealt us our first minor setback. Due to the unseasonable warmth that we had last week, the maple trees did not produce enough sap. We were only able to produce a small amount of maple syrup this year, the worst since we started sugaring. Yet, I find myself thinking that this will be the last setback of 2010. A small batch (about 500) cabbage seeds germinated poorly under the grow lights. Only about 10% germinated. We can, of course, mitigate this by replanting since it is so early; so I do not consider this a true setback.

A semi came tonight to pick up our blue corn from last year. It was about two months late, partially due to other farmers having trouble getting last year's crop off of their fields until a few weeks ago. Unfortunately, due to the high moisture content from the wet fall, and the unseasonably warm weather of last week, the corn went sour. We could not deliver it. It is now compost in one of our fields that will be fallow this year. I don't count that as a setback for this year. Sure, last week's warm weather was a contributor, but I consider this to be last year's problem. That means that I remain optimistic about this year.

The front wheels almost fell off one ofthe tractors this weekend. I can fix it; therefore, it is not aproblem. Besides, spring is about finding surprise mechanical failures. It's like the anticipation of Christmas without the stress.This is certainly not a setback. That means that I am completely expecting 2010 to be a stellar year, and while I take reasonable precautions, I do not expect anything to go wrong this year. I think that there is rain expected later this week . Of course our fields won't flood.