Farming...A Way of Life

I was asked yesterday what one thing that I would want to tell people to make them understand what we do on a farm.  It took me a very long time to think if a way to sum it up into one thought.  There are so many things we do and it depends on what type of farming we do (i.e. crops, swine, beef, dairy, etc).  The best thing that I could come up with is that it is a way of life.  The things we do daily are for the benefit of our operations and the safety and nutritional value of the food supply we all consume.  Then there are the things that we do off of the farm.  Many of us volunteer in the community in more than one capacity.  Research has shown that farmers and ranchers volunteer more than the average Americans.  I can not think of a farm family I know that is not involved in at least one community activity.  Volunteering and community service has been a way of life for me since I can remember.  There was never a question of if it was going to be done, but what we were going to do for the community.

This week, two of our soon to be Grandchildren are staying with us while they are on Spring Break.  I informed them that I had signed them up for community service at the community kitchen.  They could not believe that I would make them do this.  I told them that as a family we do community service whenever we can and they will soon be part of the family so they would participate in this activity.  Last night they did their community service. After they were done, they could not stop talking about how much fun it was and how they enjoyed helping others.  It really made me proud that they saw the light on their own and asked when they could go back again.  Maybe if more of us would do for others and get that good feeling it gives us, the world would be a better place.  They are going to help Alan build a sign for the county fairgrounds this weekend for more community service and they are ready to get started, but Alan has school this week.

The way of life that we experience is to take care of our operations and families first and foremost.  Then we chose to give back to the community in ways that we are able to do so.  Our philosophy is that one day, we will also need help.  a favorite saying of my parents was, "It is not a question of if you will need help, but when you will need help."  If you have helped others when you have been able then they will help you when you need help.  This was proven to me last spring when Mike broke his ankle and Alan and I were running the farm by ourselves on a daily basis.  Neighbors stopped by and pitched in and asked what they could do to help us.  I truly believe this is because of the help that we have given to others through the years.  Do we give this help just to get help in return?  NO, but it is a nice side effect.

Many of the farmers and ranchers that I know are the most selfless people you will ever meet.  Don't believe me?  Get to know a few of them and see for yourself.  Wonder if they really do all of the community service/volunteer hours plus run their operations and families?  Ask one if you can follow them and work with them for a day or a week and see for yourself what a day is like for them.  Be forewarned; there is no such thing as a 'normal or typical' day on a farm or ranch.

Until next time,  remember.......Beef, It's What's for Dinner!