Commentary
Have you thanked a farmer today?
Staff writer
My husband, Jerry and I were at a basketball game recently when we struck up a conversation with an active-service military man. He was spending the holidays with his family.
Jerry mentioned all of the interesting things the man has done in his life as opposed to himself, who has been a farmer living in one community all of his life.
To my surprise, the serviceman stretched out his arm, shook my husband’s hand, and said, “Thank you for your service.”
That moment has stayed in my mind. It was like a thank you for your thank you.
He went on to say that many people tend to think their food comes from the grocery store. They don’t know or think about the fact that someone had to grow it for them.
We praise our military for putting their lives on the line and volunteering to serve their country, and they deserve it. But how many times have you thanked a farmer for what he does?
How many of you woke up this morning and thought about livestock producers who have to get out there and feed their cattle to keep them going in freezing conditions?
The farmer grows food that is necessary to life, and he does it at risk to himself and his family. He invests enormous amounts of money, works in all kinds of weather, and is familiar with dirt, sweat, and grease.
The farmer experiences many ups and downs in the market and is not certain what his income will be from one year to the next.
People need the farmer. We hear often about the “ag industry,” but it’s more than an industry. It is individuals living and working on the land to produce something that we all need for our existence.
The next time you meet a farmer, shake his hand and thank him for his service. He will be astounded and, appreciate your thoughtfulness.