We had a great time on our "mini-getaway" this weekend. It was a "Young Farmers Workshop" put on by our local co-op. We learned some good stuff, hopefully some of which will help us increase our profits for 2009, and some other general info and things we need to be doing. Another bonus of this meeting is that its the same people invited every year. They added a new group this year, but most of the people that were there last year returned this year so it was great to catch up. Its tough being so "young" in an industry where the average age is probably 50 or 60. So things like this where we can connect with other people who are our own age and doing the same thing are really great. It makes you feel not quite so alone, you know? Especially since we live in an area that is not a huge farming area. There are a few other farmers of course, but its definitely a relatively "unique" occupation to have around here-and we are by far the youngest people farming in our county.
I've gotten used to the reactions I get when people ask what my husband does and I tell them he's a full-time farmer. Mostly I get a kick out of it b/c people are often so surprised. They always want to know more about what we do, what we grow, how early we get up (that one makes me laugh b/c if you're not milking cows, you generally don't have to get up at 4 am, but its one of those "farmer stereotypes" that people hold on to!) But would you believe that probably the most common comment I get is "Wow, you are a good wife to let him do that." This one boggles my mind. How many people do you know who "let" their spouse do whatever job it is they do? I mean, say my husband was a teacher...or I don't know, a "businessman" of some sort...would they still say that? I highly doubt it. Kelly has wanted to farm since probably before he could walk. My in-laws tell me stories about how he would play in his sandbox all day long with toy tractors, "tilling" and "planting" fields in the sand. I don't think he ever even considered doing anything else. This is his dream. I knew that when I married him. Heck, I knew it before we started dating. Who am I to take that dream away from him?? I mean, sure, maybe if it was a random thing where one day he just woke up and said, honey, I think we should become farmers. haha. But he has put his life, his heart and soul, into this. He works incredibly hard, not just physically but mentally too, always thinking, always planning, running numbers, coming up with ideas, reading and talking to other farmers to learn more and figure out how to do a better job. He definitely is not doing this halfheartedly. But I think so many people have this "stereotype" of farming in their head. They don't make any money. They're not bright enough to do anything else. They're uneducated, uncultured, etc. So not true. Its like any other business of your own. Sure, when you're starting out, its tough. But ask anyone who has started their own business if it was all sunshine and roses and money pouring in the first few years. I'm betting they'll say no, it was tough. And I'm betting there are still times when its certainly not easy. Being your own boss has its benefits and its drawbacks, regardless of what industry you're in. And the stereotype of being uneducated? Um, definitely not! Farmers...good farmers...are some of the smartest people I know. I am amazed almost daily at the things my husband knows and can do. Seriously!
Sure, he gets dirty. Really dirty. Would you like to see my laundry room? haha And yes, he works hard and long hours and there are certain times of year where I really don't see him much(spring, fall...summer, winter...hmmm..wait a minute. haha) And sure, its stressful and we don't get to take spontaneous weekend getaways...heck, sometimes we can't make plans for a day together until that morning when we look out and realize, hey its raining, lets go do something relaxing! But its a good life. I come home to a happy husband. Okay, a lot of days I come home to a tired and stressed husband too, but when its all said and done, he's happy because he's doing what he loves. And believe it or not, I love it too. This is the life I always wanted. The girl who grew up on 5 whole acres with a few sheep in her barn to show at the fair...and knew very little about agriculture until she walked into the ag dorm at Ohio State in September of 1998. Always wanted to be a farmer's wife. Another story for another post I suppose :) But here we are. And sure, sometimes we think, wow, I can't believe we're doing this...and are we the only young people dumb enough to choose this profession? But then we do things like we did last weekend and go out, meet other people our age who are doing the same thing. Who love farming and couldn't imagine doing anything else. Who struggle with the same issues we do, but keep at it because its more than a job, its a life. And a good one at that. And it reminds us that yep, this is it. This is what we do, who we are. And we wouldn't want to do anything else.
I've gotten used to the reactions I get when people ask what my husband does and I tell them he's a full-time farmer. Mostly I get a kick out of it b/c people are often so surprised. They always want to know more about what we do, what we grow, how early we get up (that one makes me laugh b/c if you're not milking cows, you generally don't have to get up at 4 am, but its one of those "farmer stereotypes" that people hold on to!) But would you believe that probably the most common comment I get is "Wow, you are a good wife to let him do that." This one boggles my mind. How many people do you know who "let" their spouse do whatever job it is they do? I mean, say my husband was a teacher...or I don't know, a "businessman" of some sort...would they still say that? I highly doubt it. Kelly has wanted to farm since probably before he could walk. My in-laws tell me stories about how he would play in his sandbox all day long with toy tractors, "tilling" and "planting" fields in the sand. I don't think he ever even considered doing anything else. This is his dream. I knew that when I married him. Heck, I knew it before we started dating. Who am I to take that dream away from him?? I mean, sure, maybe if it was a random thing where one day he just woke up and said, honey, I think we should become farmers. haha. But he has put his life, his heart and soul, into this. He works incredibly hard, not just physically but mentally too, always thinking, always planning, running numbers, coming up with ideas, reading and talking to other farmers to learn more and figure out how to do a better job. He definitely is not doing this halfheartedly. But I think so many people have this "stereotype" of farming in their head. They don't make any money. They're not bright enough to do anything else. They're uneducated, uncultured, etc. So not true. Its like any other business of your own. Sure, when you're starting out, its tough. But ask anyone who has started their own business if it was all sunshine and roses and money pouring in the first few years. I'm betting they'll say no, it was tough. And I'm betting there are still times when its certainly not easy. Being your own boss has its benefits and its drawbacks, regardless of what industry you're in. And the stereotype of being uneducated? Um, definitely not! Farmers...good farmers...are some of the smartest people I know. I am amazed almost daily at the things my husband knows and can do. Seriously!
Sure, he gets dirty. Really dirty. Would you like to see my laundry room? haha And yes, he works hard and long hours and there are certain times of year where I really don't see him much(spring, fall...summer, winter...hmmm..wait a minute. haha) And sure, its stressful and we don't get to take spontaneous weekend getaways...heck, sometimes we can't make plans for a day together until that morning when we look out and realize, hey its raining, lets go do something relaxing! But its a good life. I come home to a happy husband. Okay, a lot of days I come home to a tired and stressed husband too, but when its all said and done, he's happy because he's doing what he loves. And believe it or not, I love it too. This is the life I always wanted. The girl who grew up on 5 whole acres with a few sheep in her barn to show at the fair...and knew very little about agriculture until she walked into the ag dorm at Ohio State in September of 1998. Always wanted to be a farmer's wife. Another story for another post I suppose :) But here we are. And sure, sometimes we think, wow, I can't believe we're doing this...and are we the only young people dumb enough to choose this profession? But then we do things like we did last weekend and go out, meet other people our age who are doing the same thing. Who love farming and couldn't imagine doing anything else. Who struggle with the same issues we do, but keep at it because its more than a job, its a life. And a good one at that. And it reminds us that yep, this is it. This is what we do, who we are. And we wouldn't want to do anything else.
2 comments:
You're certainly NOT the only young people "dumb enough" to choose farming!! :) Around here, A LOT of people are farmers (I'm in NW Ohio by the Indiana border)and some of the people we went to HS with (think 2000's for graduation dates) are farmers! One of our best friends is a farmer! And many many MANY of our insureds are farmers, lots of them young people in their 20's or 30's. Around here, farms are getting passed down to the next generation, so it doesn't even seem odd to me that you're in the business.
My family is full of (grain) farmers (not either of our parents, though) and what you say is true...they're as hard working (more!) and smart as anyone. We have a business, and I know that the local farmers work as hard, if not harder, for sure!
What a great post. I don't know if I told you- but my mom's whole side of the family are "full time farmers!" It breaks my heart, but in November they sold off their entire farm. my grandparents are getting old, and my two uncles don't have anyone to take over "the business" once they retire, so they thought it best to sell it off while the market was good (surprisingly, where they live the price was pretty high still). Anyway, I can understand the pride you have for what you do- I think it's amazing. I always loved visiting my grandparents. It was such a fun and enlightening trip. You guys work so so so hard every single day of the year. That's something to be proud of!
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