The Burwell Family

Charlie Burwell said it, “When Spring comes, I’m as excited as a little kid. You can’t hold me down. I can hardly wait to begin plowing and to see things begin to grow.” His wife Vera and daughters Deborah and Rebecca would agree. This type of enthusiasm is typical on the Burwell Farm which is situated neatly astride the town line between Hampton Falls and Exeter. But the family itself is not a typical one.

It takes something extra to be a farmer, something intangible that you can be born with or, in some instances, learn. Call it a “feeling for the land,” “independence,” or whatever you want. The Burwells’ have it in abundance and because they do, they work long hours and realize less profits from their huge investment than most other businessmen would accept.

Statistically, the Burwell farm spans 310 acres and includes a eleven-room house, a large barn, 70 registered Holstein cows, heifers, about 25 calves, plus trucks, tractors and milking equipment. For a number of years young Burwell ran the farm with his father, Charles, who has since retired. Now the Burwells are fortunate in having George Hoyt, who lives next door, as a full-time employee. His two sons also help out around the farm. The two men are able to split many of the duties to give each a little time off on occasion.

There is one other assistant to whom Charlie Burwell gives a lot of credit for the success of his operation — the all-knowing computer. Through the cooperation of the University of New Hampshire, information prepared by the Burwells, who were originally assisted by UNH Professor George Frick, is programmed into the computer. Now the family receives computer-based reports on the health of their herd, the optimum number of cattle and crops for the farm, or whether or not a Holstein beef program should be continued. The records of the farm and the family’s living expenses are programmed and a complete business analysis reports such information as the cost of each cow and gives a comparison with other farms of comparable size in New Hampshire. The computer has eliminated much of the trial and error work which can become costly.

Despite the varied chores which have to be done on the farm, the Burwells still manage to find time for other outside activities. A graduate of the University of New Hampshire, Charlie is active in the school’s alumni association. He is a member of the Rockingham County Extension Council, a past member of the Hampton Falls Planning Board and New Hampshire Director for the Heifer Project. This is a program which provides dairy cattle for undeveloped countries throughout the world. Charlie has journeyed to South America to deliver heifers and often lectures about the program throughout this state and Maine.

In addition to her regular farm and family duties, Vera Burwell is an office nurse for Dr. Charles B. Bailey of Hampton Falls. Deborah is just completing her freshman year at the University of New Hampshire where she is majoring in English. Rebecca will be a senior at Winnacunnet High School in Hampton next year. She plans to study nursing.

Charlie is also a member of the Executive Committee of the N. E. Dairy and Food Council and last year the Burwell farm was one stop on the Council’s annual Dairy Safari held in connection with June Dairy Month. Playing host to dairy people from all over New England meant a lot of extra work for the Burwells, but they are always eager to share with other farmers the knowledge which they have acquired.

At first thought, life on a farm always seems a bit exciting but a few days spent in the hot sun bouncing on the back of a tractor would be enough to discourage almost anyone except people like the Burwells who want to remain independent and do as much as they can to shape their own futures. Those are ancient Yankee traditions which in this era are possible, perhaps, only if the farmer is able to utilize such modern advances as the computer. However, that mechanical wizard cannot replace the hours necessary for haying, plowing or milking. But these are chores which the family enjoys, for it offers a chance to work outdoors and the Burwells believe that’s enough of a fringe benefit to satisfy anyone.