What Daylight Saving Time means for pair of Stanford farmers

STANFORD, Ky. (FOX 56) —

Anything that comes from a seed, the Millers have probably grown over generations of farming, a tradition that continues today.

“We grow tomatoes and cucumbers and squash and zucchini and watermelons and cantaloupe and we have fruit trees, we have blackberries and cherries,” Susan Miller said.

Just off Highway 78 in Stanford, the power couple of third-generation farmers turns dirt and plants crops every spring at Miller’s Farm.

Susan and George look forward to March, not just because the weather gets better but also because of the light that comes with it.

“10 days ago it was dark, we were in our house having supper, watching TV, things like that…” Susan said. “Usually it’s dark by 5 o’clock, but, now that it’s not getting dark until, 8 or 9 o’clock, you know, four hours is huge for us.”

Friday marked the first day the Millers could get outside and do some field work, getting gardens ready to grow the food many Kentuckians eat.

Susan said although this week is one they wait for all winter, it is helpful that her farm has alternatives like the greenhouse and high tunnel.

“Once it gets dark outside, I will save a lot of my work for the greenhouse, so if I’m still wanting to work 9 o’clock at night, I can come in here and turn on a couple of lights,” Miller said.

Even with the flexibility of indoor growing space, the couples said it is not the same as having the right weather and light to grow some sweet fruits and veggies. Which is why Susan said she believes it’s time to stop moving clocks back and forth twice a year.

“As soon as it got daylight [in the past], you know, you’re outside trying to get as much work done because, you know, you didn’t have extension cords to plug up for, you know, lights and things like that. You know, we’ve got last where we could plug up this whole field if needed and we can continue working.”

So, after Sunday, the Millers will spring forward and spring into action, taking advantage of each minute of daylight they can get.