Winter Farm Memories From Illinois Farmers

Snow Tunnels and Sled Rides
After Dad plowed the driveway, we’d dig tunnels through the snow piles and carve sled paths down the biggest drifts. Forget the hill—we had our own winter playground right outside the house.
The Human Sled
One winter, when the driveway was snowed in, my grandparents had to park their car at the end of the lane and trek home. My grandpa pulled my grandma on her back (in coveralls) through the snow like sled. She laughed about it for years!
Staying Warm, Farm Style
Sitting on top of heat registers to stay warm was a classic. This triggered multiple tea parties on the register with our mom—it was the coziest spot in the house during winter storms.
Cold-Weather Calving
Nothing says winter like an unexpected calf born during a snowstorm. We’d haul buckets of hot water to warm them up in the field or bring them into makeshift heaters to save their lives.
Resourceful Meals
When the lane was drifted shut and trips to the grocery store weren’t an option, we got creative. Freezer-burned corn, random cuts of meat, and whatever else we could find turned into a "meal." Not gourmet, but it got the job done!
Boot Battles
Wet, frozen boots were a morning nightmare until heated boot mats came along. Before that, boots got tossed onto heat registers—until the smell of manure spread through the house, earning some choice words from the family!

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