When I have spoken with farmers over the past few months, they’ve talked about how they are going to plant more soybeans (USDA forecast came out this week; bean acreage is equal to corn for the first time in a long time), do more with less, and generally hope to weather the economic bludgeoning of the past few years … and the one or two more to come.
They hope to not make any mistakes, get another year out of the big iron, and look for lower input and parts prices on the internet. They’ll do away with brand name parts and go for aftermarket to save, in some cases, thousands of dollars.
“You have to have the passion for it,” one farmer said. “Otherwise, you’ll never survive.”
And so, I am reminded of this quote by “Silent Cal,” who spoke for the people who just put their heads down, kept their shoulders to the wheel, and did what needed to be done.
It does take passion to be a farmer, or virtually anyone else in this business, but it also takes persistence. Getting up for another day to do what needs to be done. There’s a thrill in beating the elements, the markets, the pests. There’s glory in a full bin, a perfect steer that grades out at the top, an olive oil praised for being the best.
In this season of passion, and glory, we praise persistence. We also take our hat off to hope, for without hope, there is no reason for persistence.
May this season be one of peace and prosperity for us all. Blessings to you and yours!
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