Summer on the farm has been full of activity — from breeding cows and prepping for fair season to evening chores in the heat and welcoming new 4-H kids to the show ring. Busy days, meaningful moments, and excitement for the season ahead. Keep reading to see what Julie Hammer and her family have been up to this summer!
Breeding Prep
Life on the farm has been full steam ahead lately! We’ve been busy setting up cows for breeding — a process we tackle using a combination of methods: pasture bulls, AI (artificial insemination), and embryo transfers. We started the setup on Friday, June 13, by placing CIDRs, and removed them on June 20.The cows have been surprisingly cooperative, coming into the yard with ease, which makes our job a whole lot smoother. We usually handle this work later in the evening when the temps cool off a bit — though “cool” is relative. The first day of summer, Friday the 20th, hit a scorching 100 degrees. Not exactly ideal weather for working cattle, but as every farmer and rancher knows, you do what needs to be done. We didn’t start until about 9 PM and wrapped up around 10:30 PM. By Monday morning, we were onto AI and embryo work. A welcomed surprise came with it — an inch and a half of rain! It was a huge relief for both the garden and the crops after days of intense heat.
4-H Memories & New Beginnings
On top of that, we’ve been busy cleaning out the barn and running water lines in preparation for fair season. We’re excited to have a couple of new 4-H kids getting involved with livestock this year — they’ll be showing pigs for the first time! When I pulled out the old show pig box, I found a stack of 4-H livestock cards tucked inside — like opening a time capsule. It brought back so many good memories of our son and nephews in the show ring. Those were such special times — hard work, learning experiences, and plenty of laughter.It’s rewarding to see the next generation getting involved and making their own memories. Life on the farm sure is busy, but it’s the kind of busy that fills your heart.
Fair Season Fun & Meaningful Moments
On a personal note, I was recently honored — along with Abby Bischof — at the Agribusiness Awards Banquet by the Agribusiness Division of the Greater Sioux Falls Chamber of Commerce. We were both recognized in appreciation of our outstanding leadership as Chairs for the 2024 National Farmer’s Day event, which is held each year in celebration of farmers across the country. I was also awarded the 2025 “Old Timer Award” for my years of volunteering at the Sioux Empire Livestock Show. It’s certainly an honor, and I’m proud to be part of such meaningful events that celebrate agriculture and the people behind it.
We’re just under 40 days away from the 86th Annual Sioux Empire Fair, happening August 1–9 and the countdown is officially on! Final preparations are underway, and it’s shaping up to be another unforgettable year. I can’t wait to share more about life on the farm and fair happenings in the next few insiders. There’s so much to look forward to from the livestock shows to concerts, food, and family fun. We’d love to see you at the fair!