In the news recently there was a heartbreaking story of a 59-year-old dairyman in New York state who obviously felt hopeless. Leaving his wife and four kids behind, he went to the barn with a rifle and shot and killed his 51 milk cows – and then turned the gun on himself.

There was a note on the door of the barn that said not to come in, and to call police. He did not kill the dry cows and heifers.
The neighborhood farmers came in and cleaned up the cows, burying them in a mass grave, but it is reported none of them would comment on the particulars of this man’s life – just that he worked hard and that it is difficult to make a living in the dairy industry right now.

This is not only heartbreaking; it infuriates me to no end! When will this industry wake up and recognize we need to be paid a fair price for our product? When that is done, then the management of each farm is a farmer’s own. If they can’t manage their money, then they reap what they sow.

But the truth of the matter is, you can’t manage what you don’t have. And dairy farmers have had a long season of nonprofitable milk prices.

Does this dairy farmer’s life mean anything to anyone? How about the California dairymen who have been taking their lives? Give me an example of another industry where owners are killing themselves because they can’t make their dollars stretch.

Honestly, I’ve had enough! This has to stop. Life IS worth living, even without cows. If you are on the brink of disaster and feel as if there is no hope today – there IS.

Hope springs eternal; there is nothing worth more than your life. You are a precious gift of God, created for more than this seemingly hopeless circumstance.

You are loved!
You are cherished!
You are wonderful!

You have never been and never will be a waste of flesh or a waste of time or worthless – NEVER. You were created with a purpose; find it and do it. Raise up your head, for there is hope!

For those of you who are not in this industry but have friends who are, please support them any way you can. Call them, stop in and visit during milking time. Provide a happy face or a warm hug. Encourage them with your visit.

You have no idea what your extended hand of friendship, your touch or your positive word may do to change the course of someone’s life. You may just be the one person who makes the difference between life and death – literally.

Readers with questions or comments for Melissa Hart may write to her in care of this publication.