Meet the Faces Behind Our Farms
Farming, the age-old practice of cultivating crops and raising livestock, holds a significant place in the history and economy of societies worldwide. Traditionally, the image of a farmer has been deeply ingrained in our minds - often depicted as an older white man clad in blue jean overalls, a flannel shirt, a straw hat, and a plump round belly.
This stereotype has been perpetuated through various mediums like games, books, cartoons, and movies, shaping our perception of what a farmer should look like. However, the landscape of farming is evolving rapidly, especially in the modern era. Today, farming practices are not limited to large rural areas but are increasingly being adopted on smaller and even micro scales. Young individuals are now actively participating in agriculture, bringing fresh perspectives and innovative approaches to the field. These new-generation farmers are challenging the conventional image of a farmer and are embracing diversity in terms of age, gender, and ethnicity.
Moreover, the definition of farming is expanding beyond the mere act of growing crops or raising animals. With advancements in technology and changing consumer demands, farmers are venturing into new markets, exploring alternative revenue streams, and adopting creative marketing strategies. This shift not only revitalizes the agricultural sector but also opens up opportunities for sustainable practices and economic growth. This shift, as discussed in this blog, also opens up legal and political challenges as we learn to navigate and grow our farming culture.
In the Northeastern region where I currently reside, a unique and vibrant community of young, health-conscious, and environmentally conscious farmers has taken root. This emerging group of farmers, including myself, embodies a modern image of agriculture that is both progressive and sustainable. As a participant in various farmers markets across New Hampshire, I have had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the rise of this first generation of farmers. What sets them apart is their lack of inherited resources - they did not come into vast lands, equipment, or established agricultural plans. Instead, they are characterized by their unwavering dedication, passion, and drive to connect with their local community, provide fresh and nutritious produce, and cater to a growing market of like-minded individuals.
These farmers have embraced their craft not just as a means of livelihood, but as a lifestyle choice that resonates with their values and beliefs. Their commitment to producing pasture-raised meats, free-range eggs, and pesticide-free fruits and vegetables reflects a deep-seated desire to promote health and sustainability in their farming practices. The success of their farm businesses, whether operating on a small or large scale, is a testament to the increasing demand for ethically sourced and high-quality agricultural products in today's New England market.
While it is true that the farmers in the NorthEast do not all conform to a single stereotype, the diversity and richness of agricultural practices in the region are truly remarkable. Dairy farming, a longstanding tradition in the area, is carried out with dedication and expertise by farmers who have passed down their knowledge through generations. The rolling landscapes of the NorthEast are also home to a variety of other agricultural activities such as beef farming, maple sugaring, hog rearing, and the cultivation of corn and corn silage. In addition to these traditional practices, the region boasts a burgeoning viticulture industry with vineyards producing high-quality wines. Furthermore, the NorthEast is not only about land-based agriculture but also encompasses fishing and forestry as integral parts of its economy. The sight of vast farms and agricultural operations may go unnoticed by passersby driving through the towns, but these farms stand as a testament to the hard work, dedication, and resilience of the farming community in the NorthEast.
The MidWest region presents a unique landscape when it comes to farming and ranching practices. Unlike the NorthEast, where smaller-scale operations are more common, many farmers and ranchers in the MidWest operate on a much larger scale. These agricultural enterprises span thousands of acres and involve millions of dollars worth of infrastructure and equipment. Their primary mode of selling is through large production contracts, auctions, and wholesalers, which play a crucial role in ensuring that local grocery stores are well stocked with agricultural products.
In stark contrast to the emerging trend of micro-scale farming and smaller business models, the farmers in the MidWest who have dedicated their entire livelihoods, income, and inheritance to the industry face significant vulnerability to the economic challenges that plague the agricultural sector. The prices of their products are not determined by local markets or retail spending trends within their immediate vicinity but are instead dictated by the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA). The USDA, along with the Bureau of Labor, provides essential statistical data on retail prices and market trends in various regions.
Ultimately, consumers wield significant influence over retail prices, such as those for beef, while farmers are subject to non-negotiable wholesale and auction prices that reflect the market's value. This dichotomy is evident when comparing the local micro-beef farmers found at farmers' markets with the larger-scale ranchers operating in the MidWest. The USDA's role extends beyond beef, as it also offers insights into retail prices for a range of products, including pork cuts, turkey, whole chickens, eggs, and dairy items.
For instance, according to data from the August 2024 National Retail Report, sliced bacon is priced, on average, at $6 per pound in the NorthEast, $5.79 per pound in the SouthEast, and $5.62 per pound in the MidWest. This disparity in pricing underscores the intricate interplay between regional dynamics, consumer preferences, and the broader agricultural market forces that shape the industry in the MidWest region.
The Hidden Expenses of Agriculture: Revealing the True Cost of Farming
Observing the USDA National Average Price reports, I notice reasonable prices at grocery stores, which align with my expectations for sliced bacon costs at Walmart. However, I wonder why the food at grocery stores is cheaper compared to small-scale farmers in my local area, farmers markets, or even my own farm store. As per the report, I am advised to sell my bacon at $6 per pound, yet I retail it at $14 per pound in my onsite farm store. This significant price difference has led some customers to express concerns about the perceived high cost. I feel uneasy when confronted with this feedback and have refrained from delving into a detailed explanation out of respect for their lack of understanding.
Since 2013, Jared and I have been raising hogs on our farm on a small scale, with a focus on providing genuinely pasture-raised pork, poultry, rabbit as well as fruits and vegetables. We take pride in our approach, as we have encountered other farms claiming to offer a similar setup but actually providing small mudding paddocks with limited forage. While these pigs are not confined to commercial hog barns from birth to finish, the conditions of fermented feed, urine-soaked mud, and minimal shelter may not necessarily be ideal for their well-being. This realization prompted us to start breeding our own pigs.
A couple of years ago, we took our pigs to the USDA butchering facility that we had used for many years. It was a typical Sunday afternoon in April 2022. We unloaded four pigs and went over the cut sheets with our butcher as usual. Some of the pigs were designated for private "pork shares," where customers pre-purchase a whole or half pig and choose their desired cuts, while the rest of the meat was for stocking our retail freezer in preparation for the upcoming farmers' market season. We offered our "shares" to local customers at $5.50 per pound, requiring a $200 deposit to be subtracted from the final invoice. The value of a "share" for a whole pig could vary from $900 to $1100 depending on the pig's hanging weight at the time of processing. The price of $5.50 per pound was determined regionally based on the rates charged by similar farmers in our vicinity. Selling a whole retail pig as individual cuts could potentially yield up to $1400 per pig.
Early on Monday, my husband phoned me to share the news about the butchering facility catching fire. The entire building was ablaze, resulting in a complete loss, including our pigs.
Replacing pork is no easy task! Our pork is distinctively ethical. These were hogs that we nurtured throughout the winter and acquired as piglets from a reliable friend. To give you an idea of the challenges faced during winters in New Hampshire, imagine frozen water from November to April requiring heater units, the absence of natural forage necessitating feed supplementation, and varying housing needs to keep them dry and warm. We made the deliberate choice to raise these hogs exclusively during the winter to ensure ample stock for our retail business in Spring 2022. The loss of the pre-sold pork shares and retail cuts was heartbreaking. Not only did we lose our entire inventory without making any sales, but we also had to refund our customers. We naturally turned to the butcher for compensation and our farm insurance company for coverage. The situation turned dire when we realized that our farm insurance doesn't cover losses that occur on another property or facility, and the butchering facility lacked the appropriate insurance to compensate consumers in such a situation. What's a farmer to do? I reached out to the New Hampshire Insurance Commission and was informed that the facility owner was willing to cooperate regarding compensation. Their insurance agent contacted us, offering $1400 as replacement cost for the 4 pigs. Let's crunch the numbers quickly. Two pigs were pre-sold pork shares valued at around $1000 each, while the other two were intended for retail sales valued at approximately $1400 each. $1000 x 2 = $2000, $1400 x 2 = $2800. That adds up to a potential loss of $4800!!!!
The number of $1400 was determined based on the USDA Hog Report. How was this figure arrived at? They utilized information from the USDA Hog Report.
The financial impact to us was not their primary concern, disregarding the ongoing and potential losses due to the absence of products for our Spring business. According to the USDA National report, the average price for a pig was $99.67. While a pig raised in a commercial hog facility, fed corn, and raised indoors for 6-8 months on a large-scale farm might cost $99, our locally bred piglets were purchased at $150 each. The value of our pigs significantly increased as we raised them outdoors in winter with high-quality feed and supplements. Considering the economic conditions in 2022, including post-COVID prices, limited supply, and increased demand, our feed costs rose substantially. Additionally, expenses for butchering, labeling, smoking, and storage were not factored in. We do not get discounts on butchering cost because we are a farm and that cost is paid upfront before we even begin to make money on the product. Not to mention the cost of our time. We estimated that raising and processing a pig to full market weight and butchering it on our farm would exceed $600 per pig, leaving minimal room for profit. To earn a modest salary of $30,000 per year, we would need to raise and process, at least, 75 and more pigs annually. Can our small farm handle this number of pigs while maintaining adequate forage, space, and safety, especially during harsh winter conditions? After contemplating this, we briefly considered constructing a larger housing structure to accommodate more pigs. However, the infrastructure costs would take years to recoup, and realistically, moving more than 75 hogs annually would be unfeasible. The financial calculations did not favor us, especially given the setback of the burned-down butchering facility.
Despite the focus on pig farming in this chapter, the challenges we faced are reflective of the broader agricultural landscape nationwide. We managed to resolve our issues with the butcher by agreeing to exchange 4 replacement market hogs. Did we incur significant financial losses? Certainly. However, our relationships and reputation within the small farming community in the NorthEast are invaluable, and we collectively felt the impact of the facility's loss.
What happens to farmers who experience extreme weather events like flooding, fires, droughts, pests, and strong winds can be truly devastating. These natural disasters can wreak havoc on their crops, livestock, and overall livelihood. Floods can destroy entire fields of crops, leaving farmers with significant financial losses and a long road to recovery. Droughts can lead to parched land, stunted growth of crops, and a shortage of water for both livestock and irrigation, putting immense pressure on farmers to find alternative solutions to sustain their operations. Pest infestations can quickly decimate entire harvests, leaving farmers struggling to salvage what they can and prevent further damage.
When product values plummet due to a drop in demand, farmers face another challenge. A simple news report highlighting the adverse effects of consuming beef, for example, can have a ripple effect on beef farmers. It can lead to a decrease in demand for their products, causing prices to plummet and profits to dwindle. This sudden shift can leave farmers in a precarious financial situation, unsure of how to navigate the market and sustain their businesses.
In times of economic hardship, farmers often turn to supplemental programs such as crop or milk insurance for much-needed financial support. These programs can provide a safety net for farmers during tough times, helping them weather the storm of unforeseen circumstances. Additionally, farmers advocate for broader support through initiatives like the proposed "Farm Bill." This comprehensive piece of legislation plays a crucial role in shaping food policy in the U.S. and is revisited every five years. The Farm Bill allocates funds towards various programs, including food assistance, crop insurance, and conservation efforts. Conservation programs are particularly important as they educate farmers on integrating sustainable practices into their operations, promoting environmental stewardship and long-term viability in agriculture.
Though these programs are widely available to commercial farmers, small scale farmers like us are not always eligible. Our loss of 4 pigs in a structure fire doesn't even compare to the loss of several thousand hogs due to a swine flu pandemic. Sometimes being the "small guy" isn't enough. Sometimes being the "big guy" is just too risky.
The Intersection of Farming and Politics
I would remiss if I didn't mention my intentions for writing this blog. This is not to slight anyone's personal opinions or feelings but it is in fact directly related to a Facebook message I received from a fellow farm follower. I apparently I offended or upset someone by sharing a political meme as a "story" to my farm's business page. A Facebook Story only last on a page for 24 hours. I have never posted a harmful or hateful political post to my business page, however, I have very strong ideas about government and agriculture. I have never been shy to share that. What I found most interesting is that this person stated that they were "sad" and to "Please consider posting your political opinions on a personal IG and not your business page." Clearly they have not listened to my Fridays, From the Farm podcast entitled "It's YOUR business, don't let SNOBS get in your way." I talk about emotional responsibility a lot in my podcast.
What is Emotional Responsibility? Instead of shifting blame onto others for your emotions, focus on understanding and managing them yourself. Remember that although others' actions may trigger certain feelings, it is ultimately up to you to decide how to address them. Avoid relying on others for emotional security: Let go of the expectation that others will ensure your emotional safety, stability, happiness, or joy. You have to understand, I respect you and your feelings but I can not change them or fix them. Also, my farm page is in fact my personal page. I have promised my followers since 2016 that my page was a place to share the happy, sad, dirty and real life experience of building a farm and small business. That is exactly what I do. If I had to tiptoe around "triggers" for my readers or followers we wouldn't share anything at all. People, strangely, have issues with me naming my animals, raising rabbits for meat seems to be extremely offensive to some, and, mentioned often, the fact that my animals are not visible to our farm store visitors (we do not offer a petting zoo) is also a concern; for them. We simply cannot cater to everyone so we just go on doing business as we see fit.
I have no doubt this blog will be taken as offensive to some. I am no stranger to the opposition. My wildly popular podcast "Small Town Snobs" created quite the stir but resonated so profoundly to so many women in small business that I refuse to ever remove the podcast despite the ridiculous social ramifications it created in my small town. (Listen to the follow up podcast for more details on that) In that podcast I talk about how fragile your small business is to "woke" culture and people who try to steal your ideas, damage your business by bad reviews, gossip, etc. I talked about real issues and the psychology of women in the workplace. I do my research before sharing controversial topics. I take under consideration real life events whether they have happened to me or others. Ironically the topic of my podcast was based on real life events happening to my small business by some "small town snobs" and when they took a listen they followed through with textbook behavior. They revealed themselves broadly to our entire community and made every attempt to destroy my business and personal reputation. It backfired on them, as it should. Goodness always prevails.
But what exactly did I share to my business page story that hurt this person's feelings?
THIS! This is what I shared. You might recognize the person in the meme but the statement rings true to pretty much any and all politicians. Swap that face out with any politician and I agree most would find it funny, relatable or even true. And what does this have to do with my business farm page? Everything.
Politics are so intertwined into agriculture you can't even find the beginning or the end. As a small town farmer you can look right into the state of New Hampshire and see the adverse effects small town politics have done to so many small rural farms. I have been following the political mayhem being unjustly slammed on a small farm in Newfields, NH. It seems their town wants to read the grey area in the legal definition of "agritourism." Agritourism is a form of marketing that involves inviting visitors to a farm for various events and activities that complement the main farming operations. These activities may include offering meals, providing accommodations for overnight stays, allowing guests to enjoy the farm environment, providing educational experiences related to the farm's operations, or engaging visitors in farm activities. This definition is based on RSA 21:34-a, II(b)(5), a subsection of the state law that outlines the meaning of "agriculture." According to the law, agriculture encompasses all farm operations, including any practices or activities associated with farming, such as marketing. Agritourism is considered a part of marketing under this definition. In New Hampshire, tourism plays a significant role in the economy, particularly in certain regions where it is a vital source of income. For many farms in New Hampshire, incorporating agritourism activities is essential for their survival. Unlike a few farms that can rely solely on selling commodities or products through stands or wholesale channels, most farms in the state need agritourism to generate income that reflects the labor invested in the farm. Instead of going through a time intensive and costly Site Plan Review Process, the state has declared that farms should be able to operate as needed, within clearly defined parameters, without municipal or government oversight. This family farm discovered that the definitions were flexible and the laws could be used against them in a negative way. Their farm thrives in their community and discovered that dinners and entertainment generates the most amount of income to sustain their primary farm operations. For over 2 years they fought with the Selectboard, Planning Board, Zoning Board and Conservation Commission. They were forced to hire an attorney to represent them in court just to fight for what the state deemed an essential "right" to farming. They may have won that battle, however, they are now fighting a legal battle against their direct abutters to shut down their farm and entertainment operations.
Just this past month a local animal shelter, Live and Let Live in Chichester New Hampshire, was stripped of their pet vendor license amid bitter feud with Department of Agriculture. The owner claims that she was requested, by the state, to take in 16 seized horses in 2019. The owner denied the request due to their owner personal capacity concerns. After the rescues refusal, the owner of the rescue claims that the inspector for the state retaliated against her and her rescue by doing inspections and imposing fines. The rescue had never been documented or fined in 22 years prior. When the owner of the rescue attempted to request a new inspector the state denied her request and the harassment continued from the inspector. When their license was up for renewal, the state did not issue them a new license forcing them to shut down and lawyer up. They won their fight in court but the financial damage to the rescue, the animals that were turned away and stress to the facility will leave a lasting impression for a while.
Our farm has been subject to random inspections, harassment and even anonymous complaints to shut us down. We have been issued non-renewals from our farm insurance company. They didn't like our woodstove in the cabin despite never inspecting it in person, selling candles from my store or online even with the suggested warning labels on them, a photo of a pig hanging over an open fire on the facebook page of my USDA inspected butcher, and that I used a state inspected USDA exempt butcher for my poultry. It was a whirlwind of "is this even worth it?" on a daily basis.
This is small town stuff so why does this matter? Because it all starts at the top.
Some of you may or may not remember the Farm Crisis of the 1980's. I happened to set up next to an older generation farmer at one of my farmers markets who lost his farm during this time. The 1980s farm crisis has a variety of causes, domestically and internationally. During the 1980s, American farmers confronted an economic crisis more severe than any since the Great Depression. Agricultural communities throughout the Midwest and across the nation were devastated. Families were forced from the land, lenders went belly up and businesses on rural main streets closed, many to never reopen. It was a decade of turmoil. Grassroots activists chanted "no sale," politicians marched alongside struggling farmers hoping to change government policies. Voices were raised in song and protest letting farmers know they were not alone.
The farm crisis was the result of a confluence of many things -- failed policy, mountains of debt, land and commodity price booms and busts. And add two droughts, one in 1983 and the other in 1988. Farmers who were in the wrong place at the wrong time were crushed. Iowa was the epicenter of disastrous events that brought generations of farmers to their knees. In 1983 public farm auctions numbered around 500 a month. White crosses covered courthouse lawns, symbols of farms lost to the economic catastrophe. By the end of the decade, an estimated 300,000 farmers defaulted on their loans, and more banks failed in 1985 than in any year since the 1930s. The Farm Bill was already in place and nothing could stop or slow this devastating turn of events, not even our government. Farmers were committing suicide in alarming rates. One family shared a note left behind from beloved family member "The farm killed me." Being displaced from farming is more than simply the loss of a piece of real estate. Often times it is part of one's identity, one's heritage, one's status. The 1980s economic crisis would wipe out nearly another one-third of farms.
Let me introduce The Farm Bill and Ending Agricultural Trade Suppression Act
The farm bill is a package of legislation passed roughly once every five years that has a tremendous impact on farming livelihoods, how food is grown, and what kinds of foods are grown. Covering programs ranging from crop insurance for farmers to healthy food access for low-income families, from beginning farmer training to support for sustainable farming practices, the farm bill sets the stage for our food and farm systems. As a leading advocate for family farmers and sustainable agriculture, it’s our job to make sure that this important bill is good for farmers, consumers, and for the natural environment.
Every five years, the farm bill expires and is updated: it goes through an extensive process where it is proposed, debated, and passed by Congress and is then signed into law by the President. Each farm bill has a unique title, and the current farm bill is called the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018. It was enacted into law in December 2018 and expired in 2023.
The original farm bills were enacted during the 1930s as part of President Franklin Delano Roosevelt’s New Deal legislation to address economic and environmental crises. Despite changes over the years, the primary goals remain the same: fair food prices, adequate food supply, and protection of natural resources. Today, citizen and stakeholder action is crucial for ensuring a fair farm bill that supports agriculture, economy, and communities.
The Farm Bill covers many things including Safety Net Programs: Safety net and price support programs provide peace of mind for producers who are working to manage ups and downs in markets. The 2018 Farm Bill created the Dairy Margin Coverage Program, which builds on the former Margin Protection Program for Dairy and provides a boost to coverage levels and a reduction in premiums.
Farm loans provide access to credit to help start, improve, expand, and strengthen American farms. The 2018 Farm Bill increased the amount that producers can borrow through direct and guaranteed loans available and made changes to other loans, such as microloans and emergency loans.
Conservation programs enable farmers and ranchers to improve water quality, reduce soil erosion, and enhance wildlife habitat. The Farm Bill gradually increases the acreage cap for Conservation Reserve Program (CRP) to 27 million by 2023 and authorizes two new pilot programs through CRP that prioritize practices that help benefit water resources.
Disaster programs provide much needed support for agricultural producers to rehabilitate farmland and ranchland damaged by natural disasters. The Farm Bill continued funding to these programs.
But where is the new 2024 Farm Bill? Its stuck in a deadlock between Democrats and Republicans. The current Farm Bill expired in September 2023 and is currently running on extensions. You can bet that this Farm Bill is going to be used as a negotiating tool during this years presidential election. That seems like wonderful news for those that rely on this bill (eye roll).
Think Politics matter yet?
What is the Ending agricultural 5 Trade Suppression Act?
Introduced in Senate (06/15/2023) This bill restricts state and local governments from imposing certain standards or conditions on the preharvest production of agricultural products sold or offered for sale in interstate commerce.
This was likely due in response some outrageous laws that went into effect across the country causing massive ripple effects in supply chain, prices and big farming businesses.
In June 2022, Massachusetts made headlines by passing a highly controversial Pork Sale Ban under the umbrella of the Prevention of Farm Animal Cruelty Act. This ban was a response to consumer concerns about the treatment of animals in commercial hog farms, where pigs were kept in conditions that prevented them from basic movements such as lying down, standing up, or turning around freely. The 77% vote in 2016 reflected the public sentiment against such practices, leading to the implementation of this ban.
Triumph, a major hog facility in the Midwest, challenged the ban all the way to the Supreme Court, resulting in a federal judge ruling in February 2024 that part of the Massachusetts law was unconstitutional. However, the judge allowed for a severance that permitted the rest of the ban to stand against industry opposition. The Supreme Court further granted an exemption allowing the sale of pork from non-compliant sources at federally-inspected slaughterhouses in Massachusetts.
The situation raises questions about the enforcement of standards for small-scale farmers and the potential loopholes that large producers can exploit. While the ban targeted unethical practices of large producers, it inadvertently created challenges for smaller farmers. The complexities of food laws, as seen in New Hampshire's USDA regulations, highlight the fine line between consumer protection and the burdens placed on small farmers. These laws, though well-intentioned, can pose financial, regulatory, and logistical challenges for those operating at a local level.
How will Climate Change efforts impact our farmers? Belgian and Dutch farmers are currently protesting against the potential loss of their livelihoods due to the push to reduce nitrogen oxide and ammonia emissions, essential components of modern agriculture, in the name of combating climate change. Could American farmers and consumers be next in line to experience similar challenges? European farmers are being informed that if they fail to adjust, their industry will be phased out as part of the goal to achieve "net-zero emissions" of greenhouse gases and other pollutants by 2050.
The farm bill for May 2024, led by Republicans and approved by the House Agriculture Committee, highlighted disagreements on the role of agriculture in addressing climate change. The vote, 33-21, mostly divided along party lines, occurred as the committee accepted a few uncontroversial amendments while rejecting a Democratic initiative to maintain the focus of conservation programs on farming practices that decrease emissions linked to climate change. Chair Glenn Thompson's five-year bill would reallocate funds from climate change in exchange for transferring billions of dollars from the Inflation Reduction Act to the farm bill. Along with augmenting funding for conservation, Thompson and other Republicans argued that the $1.5 trillion bill would help shield farmers from weather-related disasters and declining commodity prices by enhancing subsidized crop insurance and increasing payment rates in crop programs. Rep. Frank Lucas, a former Agriculture Committee chair with experience in crafting seven farm bills, described the bill as the "first step of a long journey," emphasizing that the main challenges lie ahead on the House floor, where numerous legislators with limited ties to agriculture will propose modifications, and in the House-Senate conference committee tasked with finalizing the bill.
If you refer to the attached "Path to a New Farm Bill" you can see how who you vote for politically can affect the language and protections on this farm bill.
The Timeless Legacy of Farming
Despite the tiring circle of farming and politics, one thing remains true; Farming is a timeless activity that has evolved over time. The wisdom behind traditional farming practices often stems from centuries of observation, trial, and error, making them a valuable part of our agricultural heritage.
The coexistence of traditional and modern agricultural approaches highlights the richness and diversity within the farming industry. While traditional methods honor the wisdom of the past and the importance of local knowledge, modern techniques drive innovation and progress towards a more sustainable and productive future for agriculture. By combining the best of both worlds, farmers can benefit from a holistic approach that respects tradition while embracing the opportunities that technology and innovation bring to the field.
Throughout our history, we have witnessed significant progress in our civilization. Moving from periods characterized by indentured servitude, chattel slavery, and a feudal structure of lords and peasants, to the Revolutionary War and the formation of the United States of America, we have witnessed the boundless potential for growth and prosperity among our farmers. Yet, one obstacle remains constant: the political framework surrounding agriculture. While intended to aid and defend our farmers and ranchers, the policies, funding, and political conflicts between parties will persist in hindering an already precarious future.
A study carried out at the University of Iowa in 2017 revealed that individuals in the agricultural sector, including farmers, had the highest suicide rate among all occupations from 1992 to 2010, with a rate that was 3.5 times higher than the general population. Factors such as financial instability, social isolation, and the growing unpredictability of crop yields due to climate change are contributing to a mental health crisis affecting farmers. Despite a decrease in the total number of farms in the United States since 1982, there has been an increase in the number of beginning farmers. In 2022, there were 1,011,715 beginning farmers, marking a 9% rise from 2012. A beginning farmer is defined as someone who has been farming for 10 years or less. We need to protect these farmers. Let us learn from arduous history of farming in our country and ensure that they succeed today.
Embarking on the Farmer's Journey: Are You Ready?
Farming is not just a profession; it is a profound way of life deeply rooted in resilience, adaptability, and unwavering dedication. The challenges faced by farmers go beyond the fields they cultivate; they extend to the unpredictable whims of weather patterns, the relentless pressures of fluctuating markets, and the ever-evolving demands of the agricultural industry. In addition to these external pressures, farmers must also navigate personal struggles and societal factors such as municipal and state regulations and shifting social trends, all while maintaining a delicate balance between tradition and innovation.
Choosing a life in farming is a conscious decision to embrace a lifestyle that is intricately intertwined with nature, tradition, and ethical responsibility. It is imperative that we, as a society, support farmers through fair trade practices, volunteerism, and active engagement within our communities.
Standing in solidarity with farmers means recognizing and celebrating the indispensable role they play in our daily lives and the broader fabric of our communities. By acknowledging the challenges they face and the contributions they make, we honor the legacy of those who have dedicated their lives to the noble pursuit of agriculture, ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.
Becoming more acquainted with your local, state, and national politicians is always a wise decision. Familiarizing yourself with their perspectives on agriculture, both locally and nationally, can help you make a more informed decision when casting your vote. Remember, your vote is significant, as the well-being of American farmers is closely connected to the intricate political system we establish.
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