Underwood Busy Preparing For Fall

Don Underwood has cut and baled more than 1,000 bales of hay this year.

Not bad for an 87-year-old farmer.

Underwood, who has about 500 acres, doesn’t mind the hard work associated with a life of farming.

Farming is rewarding in all kinds of ways, though there’s always plenty to do to prepare for the next season.

It’s second nature for Underwood, who has farmed all of his life. He was just 13 when he bought his first cow.

As summer turns into fall, Underwood takes his years of experience in farming — and his unyielding high energy level — to tackle tasks that would challenge even a younger man.

But keeping operations rolling is just part of his nature. He’s been active all his life.

For 48 years, he ran a grocery store on the Pineville Square. He sold on credit, delivered groceries and did a lot of extras for his neighbors.

“We helped people,” he said.

He handled a good bit of the grocery delivering himself, teasing the ladies that he certainly enjoyed candy, cakes and pies — should there be any available during a delivery stint.

Not too long ago, Underwood and his family were honored with being named “Family of the Year.” He calls that recognition a “great honor” and is quick to point out the success of all of his children and their careers.

But the path to success starts with hard work, dirt and sweat. There are no shortcuts. And some days, it seems like a day’s work takes a week.

Underwood took advantage of the recent good weather to prepare for the fall and ultimately, the cold of winter.

Every morning, Underwood starts his day by going into town to have breakfast. “I’m thankful I can,” he says.

During the day — and on weekends — Underwood cuts and hauls hay. He also keeps a watchful eye on all of his cattle.

Unlike other farmers, Underwood doesn’t plant winter rye or other grass in the fall. He bales all of his hay in the summer and puts it in the barn for the winter.

This year, despite an abundance of rain, Underwood averaged two hay cuttings.

Just a few Saturdays ago, he cut 90 round bales in one day.

He still has one more pasture in his acreage to cut and, though he’s not quite done with baling this season, he’s “getting there.”

A farmer’s work is never really done, he added.

He’s diligently preparing for fall, but a farmer never really gets ahead of the game.

You have to worm the cattle, maybe sell those that don’t have any teeth, feed the cattle and check on them every day, he said.

Yet when pressed to describe what he liked most about farming, he hesitated slightly and then said, “Everything.”

It takes a lot of energy to keep that many head of cattle healthy and put up that many bales of hay for the winter.

There’s no easy path, and no days off. Underwood, however, loves every minute of every season. He loves to cut and bale the hay. He loves overseeing the cattle.

He keeps moving as overseer with no plans to slow down.

Does he plan to retire? “I hope not,” he said.