There are a lot of people talking about food, generating conversation, and taking interest in how we get from the farm to the table. We talk about what it means for health, for the environment, for the economy. We spend some time preaching, some defending, and some pointing the finger. Often times I hear that "real farmers" like myself are good at what they do, but "cooperate farmers," a category I also fall under, are the bad guys. For most farmers throughout the country, we can easily fall into both categories. People have a hard time identifying a farmer at times, and there are some dead giveaways to let you know that you have a farmer in your midst.
1. Plaid/checkered shirt. It's a must. The farmer's uniform. Daily wear with jeans, all other occasions with a nice pair of khakis. If you went to a farm show, 95% of the farmers would be in some form of this outfit.
2. Work boots. We wear them everywhere. Yes, there is a farm pair, a day pair, and a "dress-up" pair. This designation is given by how long the boots have been out of the box.
3. Preoccupation with weather. All farmers, be it crops, livestock, indoor or outside facilities, we are all worried about the weather. Rain, wind, cold, or heat effect the growing cycle not only of the crops, but also of the animals.
4. Family. If you meet a farmer, you don't just see him or her. You will also meet, the spouse, the children and/or parents. We work together, we live together, we travel together. We are close, and we are a team.
5. Community Involvement. For all the talk of farmers keeping their heads in the sand when it comes to issues, we spend a lot of time and money in our communities. We vote. We fund schools, post-prom trips, libraries, roads, and community activities. We want to not only produce for our tables, but give back to those who put up with our manure hauling, road-blocking ways. Community is something most farmers take pride in.
6. University Involvement. Farmers are educated, probably more so than would be expected. We have Alma Maters, which we will show unwavering support. We value the resources they provide, working closely with extension agents to implement better management practices and technologies. And we love to support the football, basketball, and livestock judging teams, among others at the university level.
Once you have identified your farmer, ask him a little about the land, or the livestock. One who may have seemed quite or reserved just a minute ago will open up to share his life's work. You will soon be able to tell that his pride is what's on your plate.
