Stories and Perspectives from the Farm
45th Crop, Social Media Respect, Leadership opportunities, Accurate ag books,
Yes, it’s been a while . . .
Since my last newsletter, we finished harvest. This was our 45th crop. Can’t believe it has been that long since we started farming. Our harvest season took about five weeks from start to finish. We did have some minor machinery breakdowns and a couple of weather delays, but as a whole, it went well.
Yields were good. We were fortunate in August to receive a 3-inch rain when it was getting very dry. That made a world of difference in our yields.
I love this picture as it says a lot of what we feel during the fall!
Social Media Struggles
Along with my newsletter, I am also active on Facebook at MN Farm Living. I love this community and it’s where I share what we do on our farm, along with other fun and interesting information. But, unfortunately, not everyone agrees with what we do on our farm.
I don’t mind when someone disagrees with me. In fact, I like it because we all need to relearn how to disagree with someone while being respectful.
Respect. That is what we are missing.
I had a few incidences where other farmers were bullying and belittling me. It was hurtful. We have all become too comfortable to say what we want on Social Media, but would never say it to a person’s face.
That needs to change.
I really considered just stepping away, asking myself if being active on Social Media is worth it. After thinking about it, I decided I am going to continue, but will probably be less tolerant of bullies.
Minnesota Farm Bureau
We have been members of Minnesota Farm Bureau for quite some time. Recently, I was asked to be on the state Promotion and Education committee. I am pretty excited!
Why am I a member?
Number one on my list is they are a grassroots organization. We debate policy to make recommendations on what is important and vital to the ag community. These recommendations are then used by state and federal agencies. Do we all agree? No. But we are open to discussion and different opinions.
I feel it is important to be a member because I am only one person. My voice is small. And even though we as farmers are less than 2% of the population, our voice is bigger together.
Not only are policies important to Farm Bureau, but we are also involved in ag and food awareness events, ag in the classroom, mental health for farmers, and farm safety. All which are important to agriculture.
But probably the best part for me is meeting past acquaintances and making new connections from across the state who share the same values. To feel the excitement of what impact we can make.
The value of agriculture is very important. No, we are not all alike and we don’t all farm the same way, but we do share ideas on how valuable agriculture is to us, our world and how we need to maintain and improve agriculture in our country.
Black Friday
Yes, it’s Black Friday.
I have compiled a list of ag accurate books for children. What a perfect time to order for Christmas. Yes, I do earn a small commission on the sale of these items. I personally have ready them and love the information presented to children. It is so important to give our children the correct information about where their food comes from. Check it out! Books Link
Thankful
Last, but certainly not least, I want to say how thankful I am for you all. I love sharing my farm stories and perspectives. Thank you for being here.
Wanda
A strange consistency I've noticed about farmers (after working on at least a dozen farms across the Red River Valley) is that no two farmers do things precisely the same way.
Each one has the perfect depth for digging beets, the optimal down pressure on their planter units, or the best way to store grain.
Whatever method of doing whatever it is, theirs is the best, and you best not question it. Farmers hold a particular pride in the "this is the way we've always done things, and that's how we will continue to do them" mentality.
I'm not saying it's right or wrong or that every farm is this way. Nothing is ever absolute. It may also exist in other industries, but it looks extra prevalent among farmers, at least in my experience.
In the old days, if a farmer wanted to talk crap or pick on somebody for their way of doing things, they had to do it to their face.
Today, with social media, they can take advantage of anonymity and call people out on what they don't like from behind the security of a keyboard.
Unfortunately, you have to deal with bullying on social media.
Still, it's important to remember that those individuals are hurling their own insecurities onto you. They are afraid that there may be a better way, and they redirect that fear onto courageous people like yourself who are willing to share their thoughts and ideas with the world.
Remember that their negativity does not reflect you but rather their own fears and limitations.
People benefit from what you do, and those benefits outweigh the negativity of a few keyboard terrorists.
If you love what you're doing, dust that negativity off and keep going.
I enjoy your work and your perspective. Keep it up!
Thanks for writing