Believing in Tomorrow

To plant is to believe in tomorrow.

For farmers, that quote is definitely true for us. As we finish planting, we have hope in our growing season and the coming harvest. Beyond that, we have hope for a generational legacy that lasts decades.

So often, the modern narrative on American farming suggests that agribusiness is putting immediate profits before people and the land. Sure, sometimes that happens. Every industry has its bad actors - and we certainly aren't going to stand on this soap box and defend them.

There are some 3 million people involved in agriculture in America, and we aren't all the same. When I look at our peers though, I do see some commonalities.

Many of us have been farming for generations. We are proud of what our parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents built - and incredibly thankful for all that they taught us. We are looking for ways to put our own mark on the operation, modernize it, improve efficiencies, and explore new markets. With the way our kids love the farm - we hope to build something better and greater for them to carry on one day.

This progress hopefully does improve our business' bottom line. But, ultimately, we want to create a better, more efficient, more sustainable operation that can stand the test of time.

Technology allows us to be more precise in our planting, fertilizer and chemical application, and harvesting; while a better understanding of crop rotations, tillage, and fertilization allow us to enrich our ground. In our area, we irrigate our crops to supplement the minimal rainfall we get - but also understand all too well that water resources are finite and we must constantly refine our approach to water use. We purposely reserve native grasslands and habitats on our farm. Our crops provide protection and food for wildlife, which we consciously manage to ensure healthy populations.

We do all of this because our land is our most important resource - and the most important thing we can give the next generation. Without fertile ground, clean water, and thriving life around us, we have nothing.

So, with pride in our roots and hope in how we'll grow, we love and steward our land for the future.

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See more often our family farms on our Instagram account: @thefarmershobby