Out Around the Barn

All along we have talked about farm and garden accessories.  What we need to work the farm and in the garden but, let us not forget ourselves.  We need the proper clothing and footware to get things done.

It really doesn’t matter what you wear as long as you are comfortable but, you do need to dress for the occasion.  What I mean is, when working the farm in the summer and it is time to bale hay, don’t wear shorts.  Well, you can but I would advise against it, unless you are like me and drive the tractor.  By the end of the day your legs will be so cut up from the sharp edges of the hay bales that you will literally hurt.  You won’t notice it so much while you are working but, the next day is a killer.  Better to wear jeans or overalls.

Your footwear is also a dress for the occasion item.  If I am just choring and not doing extra projects, like sorting cattle or etc., I usually can wear my garden clogs and be fine.  Then there are those days that, like these past two weeks, that it rains and you sink when you take a step,  that you need a real good pair of work boots.  I have went through several pair in the past few months and finally found a company that makes a really great boot.  These are called Muck Boots.  We have had so much rain that we are constantly wearing our boots and my feet would literally ache.  I am diabetic and the pain was at times too much.  I would buy the cheap things, thinking that it would dry up soon and that would be that.  I didn’t count on having to wear them everyday for weeks at a time and would literally wear them out.  I finally decided to pay the price for a good boot and I am so glad I did.  I can wear these Muck Boots all day and my feet may get tired but, they don’t ache like before.  They are comfortable and have great arch support. 

The other boot is the kind with a heel that you need when you ride the horses to go check cattle or just ride.  You always want a heel on your boot so that your foot won’t slip through the stirrup.  This is a safety precaution.  Yes, a lot of people wear tennis shoes and I have even seen sandals or flip flops but, that isn’t safe.  It is better to be prepared and wear the best gear.

A good pair of Carharts, coverall or overall, for the winter is wonderful and they last a long time.  A good rain coat or jacket and pants is also a good item to have on hand.  We like most all Carhart outer ware and have quite a lot of that brand around.

The other important accessory is gloves.  You can never have enough gloves around.  We wear gloves year round on the farm.  Around here, our hands are usually into building, sorting animals, repairs, gardening and etc.  Very seldom does anyone see us without our gloves on or, at least, in our pockets.  I won’t say never but, you won’t catch us outside without a pair of glove most all of the time.