Independence Day is Everyday When You Farm

The love of farming is based in many truths. You know you can trust things you cannot control. You get great pleasure in helping grow food, fiber and feed for others. And you have a deep appreciation for the independence you enjoy everyday.

This year as the US celebrated another Independence Day, I had the opportunity to reflect on the many freedoms that come with farming. Granted, there are also many, many responsibilities, but these are outweighed by the gift of freedom and independence. The freedom to be your own boss, the choice to put family first, and the autonomy to to be part of a greater community all combine into a distinct personality.

Farmers are a unique breed, whether they call a small-scale operation home or if they run a huge agribusiness. Those that earn their living by living off the land all share this desire for freedom and independence.

Yesterday’s July 4th holiday helped me to realize it was not a coincidence that Paul Mobley’s book, The American Farmer, was subtitled “The Heart of our Country.” (These amazing pictures were presented by Paul himself at the annual NAMA – National Agrimarketing Assn. conference this spring.) That same heartbeat of independence that drives America, and many other countries who have also fought hard for their freedom, also beats within the heart of a farmer.

As you enjoy this online version of The American Farmer, tell us what freedoms you enjoy most that come from being a farmer.
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