By Anna Plattner and Ashley Schoenborn, Greene County, NY

We never realized exactly how much work was involved with farming until we attended Career Explorations 2006. The farmers that we visited all had to farm along with a second job just to make ends meet. We learned that to be a farmer you have to have a passion for what you do. Without a passion there is no way you can wake up with the sun just to feed your animals and milk your cows.

We learned that farming isn't just a job, it's a whole way of life that few have the patience and perseverance for. Career Explorations 2006 was a truly inspiring trip that gave us a whole new perspective on farming and its many aspects. No one should ever say farming is trivial because it's just about the hardest, most challenging, passionate career out there, and respect anybody who is brave enough do it.