Racing the Rain Hauling Hay & Planting Beans

It's been a busy few days racing the rain to haul hay and get more beans planted. A lot has changed since, reminding us again that farming isn't for the faint of heart. Stay tuned for more. And, as always, thank you for your support and encouragement here! Best, The Bernards
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[@BillyRoberts]

Watching these videos take me back to my childhood. We were cotton farmers. My Mom went out and worked just like Daddy did. My Dad was kinda grumpy too. At the time I was pretty young and my sister took care of me. She talked and laughed like Meredith does. My sister told me just before she died a few years ago that she used to dress me up like a girl and we played dolls and other girly games. I didn't remember my sister doing that. Meredith you are too much.

[@richardnorthcott6225]

It all washes off at the end of the day because it is honest dirt and sweat, God be with you all,

[@stumpy2816]

Like the way you interact and talk to the dogs. You have a very kind heart lady.

[@HTPJohn]

That was a great video! Lawrence has got to get his heart racing running that tractor down & up that hill with 12 bales loaded! Has to be better than 8,000 lbs total! We really enjoy you sharing your life with us. God Bless.

[@dmorris9268]

farming is a gamble, you are going up against the weather , which man cannot control. just keep your faith !

[@krisloughley3332]

So love you and your precious family. Good people working so hard💙💚💛💜🧡

[@krazzycanuck6506]

hi Meredith i like your channel because it shows a family working together and it is amazing how much more gets done when everyone shares the load. Raking and hauling hay. I have haul the smaller bales but was only for horse and goats and easier to handle because no tractor, was taken right off the field. One thing about gravity you learn to start off slow so things do not get out of control. I have hauled millions of tons with a railway and you learn that you have better control and you can spare over working the brakes. and being a gopher save much time and effort.

[@ash7700]

As weird as it may sound, there is nothing quite so uniquely delicious as a field meal! Just finished helping my cousins make hay over in Rowan County (NC). Field meal every day = pop top can of Vienna sausage; pop top can of pork and beans; sleeve of saltine crackers, all washed down with ice cold Sun Drop. Yum yum!

[@larrywhitaker4667]

Loaf bread is old school hot dog bun. That is how we had them when I was growing up hamburger bun also.

[@titusdorian5585]

Instablaster

[@nickyvanderhoof2281]

You didn't know how to release that strap but you worked on it and figured it out. You are a very smart young lady.

[@rolandtinker734]

I'm hooked on this channel Be safe people

[@AlvinBrown]

@Roland Tinker you did indeed come across a great channel,Meredith is amazing and so is Lawrence they all get the job done

[@ernestsherwood8370]

THANK YOU FOR THE VIDEO MEREDITH , PLEASE KEEP SAFE , XXX .

[@williamfrazee9990]

You are such a pleasure to watch I dont miss any of your videos

[@dmorgan28]

I like looking out over a hayfield full of round bales or square bales. Working in the hay is just plain enjoyable. I too say hitail. It must be a country folks term. lol. We enjoyed the video. Thanks 👍👍👍❤️

[@davidhasty3867]

Be Careful Always Be On Guard One Mistake And You Can't Go Back I've seen to many die and Disabled on the Farm Love your channel From Southern Middle Tennessee

[@John-vb1cg]

Meredith, In these times it is so pleasant and comforting to get a “visit” from you on a regular basis. When there is no post for several days I start to get worried about my friend, the farmer wife. Then I see a new video has been posted and it feels like once again, all is well with the world. Keep it up. God bless you for all the cheer and happiness you spread and for all your hard work.

[@hatteraslabuf]

Glad to hear that I wasn’t the only one to have that issue with the brakes on a hill. You could be telling my story. Yeah, they forgot to tell me, too and it was my first day making hay when I jack knifed going backwards with a Miller rake. My biggest day of shame that I don’t share with just anybody. But, since you did it too . . . there is strength in numbers !

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Ha! Well I feel oddly better knowing I’m not alone in this. Glad you’re safe!

[@marshaturner9935]

I and my husband just love your videos and your cooking channel too. We are from central Illinois. Your dogs are part of the family ,just like ours are. Have a safe and blessed week end.

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Thank you both so much!

[@tedduke1699]

Beautiful bales, Lawrence!

[@bigmike2298]

Looking at a load of hay in the field is a Beautiful thing!! Always took it in when I was baling and hauling..

[@bigmike2298]

Oh and raking too!!!

[@tfarkle1185]

I cherish the moments my wife and daughter bring our meals to the field. We always try and stop work, and eat in the truck with each other. A moment to slow down enjoy nature, the scenery of the landscape, the work of the day, and each other. Keep up the good work. God Bless, and be well.

[@jbmbanter]

"High tail" is a good term down here in Georgia. I've said it all of my life and I love all of the Southern traits we have!

[@tractorsold1]

I don't think that one's southern. It seems to be known all over the country. Maybe southerners use it more often?

[@johnbarker9390]

Hi Meredith. I thoroughly enjoy your videos, and I'm always looking forward to the next. With that in mind, please don't take this comment as critical; rather recognize it as a pleading word of caution. I was struck, very uncomfortably, by the downhill run of Lawrence's 11-bale trailer load...both times. I can't tell for sure, but it appears he's "free-wheeling"...either taking the tractor out of gear entirely; or more likely, holding in the clutch, and coasting down the hill. If either is the case, he's breaking every tractor safety rule that was ever written. This should never to be done. Period. And yes, I'm qualified to comment. I rode with Dad on every tractor we had since I was young enough to stand, I started running our largest tractor at 10, and I continued farming with Dad for over 30 years. I've been there. I've done road travel. With large loads. The rules of tractor safety are there for a reason. Accidents happen. With that load pushing him downhill, what would happen if a front tire blew...or a steering rod broke...or a wheel bearing went out and he lost a front wheel? At what appears to be a speed much faster than any tractor is intended to run, and with literally tons of weight pushing him...what would be the presumed outcome...either for him, or for any oncoming traffic? That tractor has plenty of weight and power to allow the engine and transmission to safely ease the load down the hill, and then pull it up the other side. What's the hurry? Slow down, and take the time to do it right...and safely. You cited your own accident on that very hill. I would hate to see something potentially far worse needlessly happen to Lawrence. Please. Caution him. I assure you, he'll know exactly what I'm warning... Thanks for allowing my two-cents worth....and stay safe! ;) JB

[@johnthorpe1071]

Hi Bernards, you folks are a treasure! LB knows what "Georgia overdrive" is. Thanks, as always.

[@jamesyarbrough3996]

Great video now I'm watching reruns can't get enough of your videos. 🌞

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Thank you!

[@duaneantor9157]

Is that like runnin against the wind? Bob Seager knows the answer to that one.

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Yes like that ha

[@jaycollins5251]

I ordered musket powder. I'm addicted to your farm and family!!

[@randywhelan8944]

Lawrence reminds me of my grandfather, no fancy tractor, no fancy 30 something ft planters , no GPS just old school and still getting it done. GOTTA love it.

[@fiveoaksfarmofgeorgia7605]

My wife has a hard time with ratchet straps too so don't feel bad. If you open the ratchet all the way flat, and tug the tail of the strap quickly, it'll unravel.

[@alkennedy1124]

Meredith,you squeeze the ratchet handle and lock ,and don’t stop squeezing the handle and lock, until you get it straight up in line with the frame of the strap, it will release the drum ,and then it will free wheel, ok, you will figure out how it works, thanks BigAl California.

[@tonymckeage1050]

well done with the loads of hay, and the tie downs....... dear old bonnie is getting well conditioned....I love your farm operation with Lance, well done Thanks Tony

[@jerrymont2595]

I'm very happy you got that 4440 at that time and I'm sure many other would agree. Thank goodness the Farmer knew what the problem was and the 4440 was the instant cure your during production. 😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊😊👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍👍👍👍🏻👍👍👍👍🏻👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏽👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@federicocasanova7256]

Hi we are farmets.in center.of México we love your video s mr.mrs casanova.keep of good work..stay safe.

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Thank you!

[@thomasharless9144]

I've heard "high tail it" all my life. Born in central Illinois and now live in EC Indiana.

[@tonyburelle6633]

Great watching you and Lawrence getting the hay in, excellent video, this one is happy, unlike the next one

[@johnpratt9429]

Good looking bales

[@billconch3514]

My hay experiences were with small rectangular bales that we "mustled" onto a trailer. Those round bales look heavy and must weigh a lot. I'm glad you didn't "die" also because then you wouldn't be "hightailing" or "be-bopping" in these wonderful videos! Thanks again.

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Haha thank you. I’m so glad we don’t do square bales any more lol

[@richardnusser7023]

Thank you for all the work you do just to take us along with you! Farm Life is Hard work.

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Thanks for coming along with us ☺️

[@carolyns3106]

I was pulling a float once and I turned too sharp and the float come upon to the tractor wheels! I stopped immediately, of course! My husband laughed at me and said everyone has done that at least once in their tractor driving life!! I never turned too sharp again!!

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Those experiences are the best teachers!😅

[@ShowMeAnAdventure]

My husband always says, “if you don’t cut the hay, it won’t rain. If you cut the hay, it’s gonna rain.” That’s how we figure out the weather here in Missouri. Jay & Jess sent me your way. 💕 Editing to add: Love that Blue Heeler! We’ve got a Heeler/Australian Shepard mix, and he’s the best pup we’ve ever had!

[@realtired220]

I jacknifed the corn planter when I was a kid. Wasn't big enough to push the clutch and the brakes at the same time. So I can relate. I bent the tongue up pretty bad though.

[@timgilchrist3065]

Your red dirt amazes me. Here in Iowa, our red dirt is clay. Our good dirt is black.

[@gabrielperez4578]

Special fudge brownies, of the plant kind, hint, hint.

[@bettyjorodgers8552]

Love your videos!! Thank you. Blessings

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Thank you!

[@gordbaker896]

Looked like 'Mexican Overdrive' coasting down hill!

[@williamdavis2607]

We (when I was growing up) always called it ""Georgia Overdrive" (actually, "Jawja Overdrive").. Don't know why. I'm not from there. There is probably a song (country) about that.

[@craiglange4852]

Thank you, Meredith. You made me smile.

[@eugenealton7270]

We will be praying for you up here in Canada

[@parkercape9495]

Been praying for you and LB!! I see the Dan is at flood stage. Hope there’s no damage!! Stay Strong!

[@johnnyholland8765]

I have always been grateful when anyone brought me food in the field. Sometimes it was better than others but none the less still glad to see food. I have seen times when a couple hot dogs would have been a welcome meal! I once worked for a farmer whose brother also had a big farm and his manager was a Mennonite named Levi. Levi's wife would bring lunch to the field every day and snacks around four in the afternoon. Boy could she cook! Best baked goods I have ever eaten. Tightly rolled bales are the safest ones. You can load and stack them tight so they stay put. The loose ones will get you in trouble. Have a good weekend......

[@ThisFarmWife_]

I bet those were awesome meals. And yes to tight wrapped bales!

[@261ziggy]

Love watching your videos. I feel like I know what is expected next in your farming life. Another yearly cycle of chores. A breath of fresh air...even if you are sweating. :-)

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Ha thank you!

[@wendyrowland7787]

I just love your approach to catering. Good job the highway was empty too.

[@paulh9739]

I love all of those trails through the woods to your fields. I wish we had some of those. I imagined those get annoying to you after a while. Beautiful country there!

[@timmcneil906]

Backing with mirrors is always a good thing! I drive a long school bus in Johnston County and mirrors are a good thing.

[@donmathias1705]

When you get a moment grab one of those ratchet and have a look at how it works. When you open it completely if you look on the sides you can see the handle has an odd shaped portion. It rubs against some tangs that are part of the automatic locking mechanism. The simply release the lock. Hard to see with a strap on but if you play and look without a strap you will go, that pretty clever and you will never forget again. Hard to unlock sometimes if they are yanked up firm. knowing how it works will give you confidence you are doing the right thing to release them.

[@comtek942]

Enjoyed your post about hauling hay and planting. Good to see you all get a lot of hay for winter. As a young boy helping haul with a Farmall tractor I had a similar experience with a stall out on a steep farm hill. I also jackknifed and considered myself blessed to have survived. It is nice to relive those days thru your family. Thank you. Jim TN

[@nathansparrow1416]

you can just keep on talking , you are always amusing to listen to , and seeing all round your farm is lovely . high tailing - like cows when they run, was fun ! lovely doggies too . muddy again now ?

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Just a little muddy. 🤪

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Just a little muddy. 🤪

[@hambone6553]

U was talking about putting hotdogs on loaf bread I didn’t know they made hot dog buns LOL loaf bread is all we’ve ever used

[@GlenCannon239]

I enjoy your video's so much. I wished I lived closer so I could come help, for free just to get some sweat going and feel good at the end of the day for a good well done. Thank you.

[@earlyoung2863]

I always shoot for 2 inch spacing on beans. So right away I said your drill was doing great. Round bales that are soft on the ends are hard to haul and dangerous. That's why the setting on the rake is SO important. Baling is mainly just driving, IF the person doing the raking (Meredith)😌is doing a good job. River bottoms are hard to farm. But so productive, God willing. Bless you guys!

[@jasonriseborough1391]

Hey, you could talk for ever and I wouldn’t care😊love to see your smiling happy face and that accent is to die for it’s soooo musical....you all keep out there👍

[@gregorysmith3302]

farmer makes it look so easy.. so do you Meredith

[@artayers2372]

Thank you for sharing your story about the tractor stalling on you. Wise words about knowing your equipment before you use it. Very glad you're ok...

[@patriciabeyer7824]

Wow! All those bales on that load!? Scary to watch. Thanks for sharing. 👏👏☝️👍🥰

[@agirlandhercows501]

moving hay take so much time

[@johnbrownell7657]

High tailing is a reference to deer running away. But their tail stick up

[@jerseyboy8744]

Meridith, you are the sweetest, funniest person in North Carolina. The Farmer is the hardest working man. You guys make a great team.

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Aw thanks!

[@ButlerFam]

My brother's life was taken too soon at age 9 involving my dad on our JD4320. Dad always told him to not sneak up behind the tractor where he couldn't be seen. He was so excited to see dad and forgot. That was February 1975. We are all anticipating seeing him again someday in Heaven. Yes tractors are fun, but also very dangerous.

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Oh that’s so sad. I’m so sorry 😓 the threat and danger is very real on the farm.

[@ButlerFam]

@@ThisFarmWife_ yes be careful out there...all four of you! As my dad says machinery has no conscience.

[@bobbygreen2291]

That Lawrence will work from daylight till dark , bless his heart.

[@jimpikul8551]

Lawrence’s style of ratchet strapping is going to give you a headache. Take the free end ad pass back along the bail and take up the slack as snug as you can pull. Then work the ratchet to tighten. If the bail gets full, it will be a monster to undo. To release, pull the handle a little tighter and also pull the release. Good luck! And dinner is what you make of it. I am confident that Lawrence needed a little help getting those extra bales in line versus a big meal. With the rain coming, tomorrow’s meal will warm the bones!

[@donaldcollings6786]

I am a old farm kid and find your videos interesting and nostalgic. Some day during a rain storm when you are locked in the house, consider doing a short piece on issues of farm families on insurance, health property and the like. How far are you from a medical facility in case of an accident. We lived 20 miles out in the country, so every place is different. Maybe also add record keeping issues. Thanks for doing these

[@jongreen2966]

I'm a vet from late 60s. Like your dad's need to relive his youth.

[@greensip42]

Really enjoy your videos. It makes my day.

[@danielwojciechowski6980]

Hi merdi from Michigan look forward to seeing your videos you always put a smile on my face

[@marksmith4346]

Trying to hurry to get the hay in is tough...but I was always moving square bails by hand

[@davidschlecht3016]

Racing against the rain kind of says it all sometimes in the farming world and there was a chance of bad weather from a tropical storm a little early this year,hope all works out.👍

[@robertlafollette8931]

So thankful you didn't get hurt. You are a part of my life now honey. You make life better with beauty and charm and comedy. God Bless.

[@davidberrier5894]

Bonnie loves you. It won’t be dry for long.

[@morgansword]

I love bob seager music. I guess he come along about the time in my life when a bottle in front of me should of been a frontal lobotomy. I was stuck on stupid for six years I mourned my heart out. I wouldn't want those days back a tall. A country girl you might be but city sure shines bright. You will learn some boy scout knots surely.

[@sashcraft51]

Good vlog. Tons of pitfalls, all trying to kill us!!!

[@genesloan3175]

I could make a blonde joke about the ratchet straps, but I won't..... You figured it out! Honestly, I really enjoy your daily doings, and I admire your steadfast dedication to get the farm life under your belt.. not many women would do what you did. Leaving a job, and working alongside of your husband. And I think you are making an impact on your children by being a hands on farmers wife.

[@br927]

I hear you about eating- when we got home, we had to milk 90 head of cows

[@br927]

Your right, I had a few scary near bad accidents

[@eugenealton7270]

Hope you guys are surviving the floods I sought on your Instagram be safe great videos

[@ThisFarmWife_]

We will get through it. Thank you!

[@banann64]

Hello Meredith!!. Man gettin pretty hot 🥵 there. Not here in Michigan yet. Farm looks awesome!. Sometimes all we have is hotdogs. We did last night. Only because I was working in the yard with our granddaughter planting flowers in our garden .I didn’t feel like cooking much after. Thank you for the video God bless❤️🙏🏽🙌🏽

[@markcollmer4215]

I blame you I'm cooking burgers and I had to add butter you gave me another addiction thank you

[@ThisFarmWife_]

You’re welcome!😄

[@davidflythe901]

your narration is the weave of the fabric

[@edbass57]

Now I have to go make a bologna and cheese sandwich . Love the videos !

[@tuba_ogtheuniquelybeardeda7572]

Absolutely love fried bologna!

[@alkennedy1124]

Can’t make this stuff, but you could make it into a movie 🍿, nice Meredith,oh and vary nice music 🎶 great it leaves you in a happy place with that sound, the only thing that would make it better is if you sang a song with that nice sounding guitar 🎸 music, thanks Meredith you rock, have a great day, love you guys,BigAl California.

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Thanks Big Al!

[@alkennedy1124]

This Farm Wife - Meredith Bernard welcome, thanks BigAl California.

[@skmcpheron]

Just ordered for the very first time, one of your spoon rests. I also like your butter dishes, I would have ordered one but you are sold out. I like your videos and the fact that you are not afraid to mention the Lord Jesus....God Bless You and your family Sweety. I sure hope you have a blessed year!!

[@bobjohnson1710]

If you pull up on that center piece of that ratchet strap and push the handle all the way back, it'll be in a position to where it'll freewheel and release.

[@jeffferanec4526]

well put!

[@ThisFarmWife_]

That does help!

[@kellykonoske91]

Who doesnt like butter?! OMG, that guys a wing nut!

[@cathygriffith746]

LOVE THAT MUSIC. SWAMPY QUEEN HUGS

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Thanks friend!

[@boyscouts1971]

You guys rock

[@allanhover5008]

Outstanding yaw too love yaw both Meredith

[@edwardgaskin4245]

Nice job

[@martinwilliams598]

L.B. Doing 80mph in a John Deere, got to be some sort of record,pleased l wasn’t sat on top of those bales.

[@johnfrancis7176]

Not many things scarier than an out of control tractor!!! So glad you survived!!!

[@btpearce]

Those sandwiches made me hungry , I would love to have a swig of that sweet tea too :-)

[@kevinashby3784]

Y’all live a really blessed life. Bologna hotdogs, old trailers, haulin hay. Wow. Sorry you had trouble with the straps. There’s a couple of key things to learn and you’ll be an expert. The 1st thing is it’s spelled ratchet with OUT a W. Lol. To release, pull on the latch and twist, spin, rotate, (whatever) all the way. ( until. It pops a little). Repeat if necessary. Then google or. You tube how to do it. Haha. Thanks for sharing.

[@ThisFarmWife_]

Thank you!