Thank a Farmer!

 

 I have a great respect for farmers. I am a granddaughter of farmers and have learned firsthand just how hard farmers work. Pictured above are my Grandpa Oren and my Grandma Hazel and Pappy farming. Farming is not only tiresome but can be risky at times. Farmers put so much into their work and do not get a lot back. Farming is so much a part of our ability to feed ourselves and our families. 

I have always respected the farmer, but I have not had the pleasure of seeing the whole process or a better statement is I have not paid attention in recent years. What has changed? One thing is I moved from the city into a rural area. I now drive through cornfields and beans on the regular. I have really taken the time this spring to look at the fields. Research the farming practices and enjoy the miracle of food growth. It has really made me respect the farmer even more. All the hard work that they put in day in and day out to make sure we all have the food we need. 

To put this in perspective a couple statistics.

Farmers will need to double their production by 2050 to keep up with population growth.

Only 210,000 full time US farmers produce 80% of our food and fiber.

For every $1 spent on food, farmers receive less than 12 cents for the raw products.

The average US farmer feeds 155 people. 

US farmers produce 40% of the world's corn.

Agriculture employs more than 24 million Americans.

Farmers endure drought, heat, rain, wind, snow, hail, and tornadoes to bring food to America's tables. 

Americans enjoy a food supply that is abundant and among the world's safest.

Country music is full of music honoring the farmer. This song really speaks to the job of the farmer. The sacrifice they make, the job they have to feed us all. This song is by Lee Brice and is called Farmer. 

Not only is being a farmer tiresome, and stressful at times, but it can be dangerous at times as well.  My family as well as many others have been impacted by farming accidents. Some families have given the ultimate sacrifice in the occupation of farming. But farming can be very rewarding as well. Farmers get to work outdoors, work in a close-knit community, and feed the planet. 

Farming is also a job in which you are always learning new things. New advancements are always coming out and new methods of farming are always being discovered. New methods like no-till farming, regenerative farming, and mono crop vs multi crop are ways that farmers have been learning in recent years. Farmers may embrace new methods for better yield or to grow more organic which ends up affecting their bottom line. There are also new technologies being used like robots and drones in farming. The University of Illinois has the I-Farm: Farm of the future project which develops an 80 acre agricultural testbed where commodity crops and livestock are farmed using synergistic and sustainable practices. 

So next time you are driving through the country in the midst of cornfields and beans...think of the farmer that worked so hard to make sure the crop is healthy, plentiful, and successful. 

Next time you are at the grocery store buying your produce and meat...think of the farmer that grew that harvest and raised that livestock.

Next time you are eating at that restaurant...think of the farmer that grew the ingredients that make up that delicious dish you are enjoying. 

And next time you are eating dinner with your family around your table...think of the farmer who gave up time with his family so you could have a good meal and time spent with yours. 

George Washington once said, "Agriculture is the most healthful, most useful, and most noble employment of man." So, when you are doing all of those things that remind you of the farmer. Don't forget to thank that farmer. 

If you have a farmer in your life...maybe think of ways you can help that farmer as a thank you. If that farmer is single, maybe fix him a meal. If he has a family, maybe help his family with things like watching the kids or helping around the house. Whatever you are able to do. If you are not able to do any of that, maybe just send them a note. Let them know that you appreciate all that they do and the sacrifice that they make. 

So, the next time you are behind that tractor on the road...chugalugging its way...remember that farmer. Be patient, keep him safe as well as yourself. Wave to that farmer in passing, as a thank you. And be grateful for all the sacrifices that he makes so you can have food to eat around your table. 

And, if you need a bit of a reminder, here is a catchy farming song that is one of my favorites! International Harvester by Craig Morgan.

If you want to follow some inspiring stories about local farmers and even learn more about the farming industry, check out the Prairie Farmer! It is the oldest continually published magazine in America with 175 years of continuous publishing. Plus, it focuses on farming in Illinois. As an added bonus one of the writers is my cousin, Betty Haynes! This magazine covers everything from environment, methods, livestock, even cooking! 

Thanks to all the farmers, especially Uncle Jeff, my cousins Mike and Kassie, and Casey M. And thanks to the retired farmers who were so inspirational to me and showed me what hard work looks like. Thanks Pappy!