Linebacks Excellent Choice for Family Farming
By
Fran Alt
A swingset and freestanding basketball hoop stood out against the backdrop of a red barn. Must be great to grow up on a farm I thought, as I parked the car, and looked around the Thompson farm. There were no cars anywhere and no one answered the door.
A lone pet relaxed in the yard, taking in the sun while the cows in the barnyard called to me. I walked over to say hello, and wondered about the pet not twenty yards away just watching my every move . . . a bull! I walked sideways, backing slowly toward my car. The bull just stared.
Moments later Pam and Frank Thompson arrived in a pickup with two of their four children. They laughed about the bull. Pam says they would not own a mean bull, and adds that although they now have three bulls, Frank is thinking of going to AI.
There are 96 milking head on the Thompson farm in Frederick County, Maryland. The breeds are mixed and include Holsteins and Linebacks. Linebacks are an old breed, returning to the dairy scene. Years ago this breed was used for both work and milking. Frank says another good feature is the fact there is open registration on Linebacks. These docile cows, noted for their longevity, are considered pets by many area farmers.
Frank does custom chopping and mechanical work on the side, and Pam, who was new to dairying when she married Frank, does most of the milking. They modernized their facility to a 16 stall flat barn. Pam says it's less work and now she does not 'get caught' between the cows.
"The best part of this occupation is that I am home with my children. I get to spend time with my granddaughter, and even have time to volunteer at school. A lot of moms have to worry where there kids are and what they are doing after school, but when our kids get off the bus we are always here." The Thompsons have four children, Crystal 20, Frankie Junior 18, Charlotte 8, and seven-year-old Philip.
The couple began farming independently about 12 years ago. Frank came from a large family and felt he needed to be farming on his own. He worked two years on shares, and then the couple rented a farm and began dairying for themselves.
"You can make a living farming," he said. "You have to watch your spending. The biggest thing for the dairy farmer is keeping your machinery in check. My newest tractor is a 1976. I think I've done great for ten years in farming."
Pam says they do not use drugs unless it's absolutely necessary, and they use a minimal application of chemicals and mineral fertilizer, The cows graze from mid April until late October.
Future plans for the Thompsons include owning the farm they now rent. They own a house that they rent out and live on the farm.
"Our first goal is to eliminate all debt. Frederick county encourages Land Preservation which will help with he purchase. You give up your rights to develop the land for 25 years, and they give you between one and two thousand dollars an acre."
Frank says his son Frankie is realizing the benefits of farming now that he is working off the farm. "You can't do what you want in a regular job. On the farm, you can do your chores and take a break when you want, rather when someone tells you to."
Charlotte, hears this and says she wants to be a teacher; Philip adds he wants to ride bulls, "But if the bulls don't work, I'll stay home and farm."
I tell them about my wondering what it would be like to grow up on a farm. Charlotte lights up and quickly informs me, "We have ponies, baby rabbits, cows and our horse and cats and chickens . . ."
And I realize growing up in New York City left a lot to be desired.