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A classic red tractor helps give that good old-fashioned, at home on the farm feeling to Country Dairy. The dependable old tractor and grazing cows are among many appealing sights at the New Era dairy, which welcomes visitors with open arms to see and learn about dairy farming. F4.5 at 1/800, ISO 400, 80-200mm lens at 135mm

Upon our arrival at Country Dairy in New Era, Michigan, Brad and I are immediately attracted to one of the dairy farm's unofficial greeters, Holstein "19445." She is amongst the many attractions at Country Dairy, which range from seeing cows up close and personal, to viewing and learning about real dairy farm operations, including tasting some of the farm's products at their restaurant and farm store. F4.5 at 1/800, ISO 400, 80-200mm lens at 35mm

It is the first day of my wife Debbie's vacation from nursing school and also my birthday. As we drive north to see what we can see and just get away together, these lambs playing on a farm along US 31 near Charlevoix cause us to make a U-turn for a closer look. What a nice present! F2.8 at 1/400, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm

A newborn foal rests in the sunshine and partially in the shadow of its mother in a pasture on the Schultz farm on Iris Road south of Ludington. I take great pleasure in seeing the Schultz family's horses almost daily as I pass by to and from home. F8.0 at 1/400, ISO 200, 80-200 mm lens at 130 mm

The rolling pastures, cold mist and fog, and beautiful cattle along Old 127 just north of Lansing reminded me of scenes from several British movies I have seen. After getting into position for making this photograph, I only had to wait three minutes for the cattle to spread out and make a gorgeous pattern in front of me. F6.3 at 1/160, ISO 100, 70-200mm lens at 105mm

Sometimes collegiate rivals like to call Michigan State University the "Cow College." MSU is that, and a whole lot more. I, for one, am especially proud of MSU's agricultural heritage and the University's ongoing contributions to improve farming and veterinary science. I also think cows, like this Holstein in an MSU pasture, are a whole lot cooler than many of MSU's critics. F6.3 at 1/400, ISO 400, 300mm lens at 300mm

I am thinking I am in the Land of Lilacs as I hike across Mackinac Island en route to makes some images of the Grand Hotel. A horse coach from the Grand Hotel passes by as I pause to smell some lilacs and make an image that makes the flowers appear never ending. Brad and I are finding ourselves in lilac heaven today as we photograph Week 22 of "Tuesdays with Todd and Brad Reed: A Michigan Tribute." Now we know why so many people flock to the island for the annual Lilac Festival in June. F9 at 1/80, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 14mm

Time seems to stand still on Mackinac Island. While standing in front of the Little Stone Church on the island today chatting with an old friend of my dad's, a picture perfect horse and buggy came trotting by. All I could think about as I was making this composition was Robert Frost and his beautiful poetry. I will be back in the winter to photograph this same horse and church and that will make all the difference. F11 at 1/160, ISO 100, 18-50mm lens at 24mm

Somehwere In Time

A Mackinac Island taxi and the trusty team of horses that pulls it waits for passengers. I love the slower pace of life on Mackinac Island, where transportation is limited to horses, bicycles, and feet. F4 at 1/1000, ISO 100, 14-24mm lens at 14mm

Joshua is looking forward to showing at fair! Kasey is letting him use “his” ewe, Lady Glitter Sparkles. We had such a fun night working with all the animals at the farm.

My niece, Lucy, and my daughter, Kasey, spent time washing and walking their steers together in the show arena. Tomorrow is the big day! All the kids’ hard work with their beef and sheep comes down to the show.

The kids love gathering the chicken eggs. We hope to set up a stand at the end of our drive one year with fresh produce and farm fresh eggs.

Our friends Paul and Lisa Cooper have turned their new homestead on South Stiles Road into a little farm they call Carn Brea. Currently they have four mini horses and four of the cutest little sheep I have ever seen. This sheep looks huggable! F2.8 at 1/200, ISO 100, 18-50 mm lens at 50 mm

Have you figured out yet what you are looking at? It is a giant, super fat pig covered in mud and flies. The pig gave me a toothy grin today as it tried to cool itself off in the 90-degree weather. F2.8 at 1/2500, ISO 400, 300mm lens at 300mm

We were eating dinner at the farm when I could tell through the window that it was rainbow weather. I rushed outside to see a huge double rainbow to the east. I composed my photo to include each of the bright red colored trees on either side of the photo.

It is hard to beat the magic light and clouds of fall. Soon, our cattle will be moving from the front field. It seemed time to make a final image of our front yard view.

Our kitty has the most stunning eyes. Kasey held her while I photographed them with the macro lens.

I love stopping by the pastures of Michigan's highways and byways to observe farm animals. Today I crest a hill on M119 between Cross Village and Harbor Springs and spot dozens of sheep grazing in the early evening light. The rim lighting on their coats makes me want to stop my trusty Suburban as quickly as the brakes will permit. A bird perched on the back of the center sheep is a "Where's Waldo?" bonus. F7.1 at 1/125, ISO 100, 80-200mm lens at 200mm

I don't know what looks more impressive, the long-horned, longhaired cow or the brilliantly colored sumac along 72nd Avenue near Hart, so I decide to feature both. The Highland cow's long coat, besides being gorgeous, will keep it warm during the winter. F2.8 at 1/800, ISO 400, 80-200 mm lens at 200 mm