Throughout life, we all encounter individuals who show respect, or lack of respect, and
Joy Carter Crosby
SEPF Editor
those who become easily aggravated versus those who choose patience. Farming is no different. Farmers often deal with people who depend on them for food and fiber, yet still show little regard for their land, equipment or hard work, while others demonstrate genuine respect and understanding.
Recently, I saw a Facebook post from a Florida farmer showing a photo of a planted field where individuals had driven through with no regard for the tiny seeds or young crop just emerging from the soil. Farming is hard enough with tight margins; this is one more burden farmers do not need. According to comments on the post, it doesn’t seem to matter whether it is a recently planted field, hay field, or sod,—some individuals still show little respect for the land or the farmer who works it.
I remember a year when my dad’s corn had just reached harvest. Some of our young cousins, who were not raised on a farm, were riding their three-wheelers and decided to have fun by riding through the “dead” corn. At least that’s what they thought. As it turned out, they learned a valuable lesson that day when they had to pick up each ear of corn and clean up the damage they had caused.
In another Facebook post, I saw a thank-you message from an Alabama farmer who noticed something different with people showing respect and patience as he moved equipment on the road. He shared how motorists pulled over and waited patiently while he passed with farm machinery.
The post included several comments such as:
“We appreciate y’all!”
“Thank you for farming—even during the tough years!”
“God bless our farmers.”
“We love our farmers! Keep doing what you’re doing!”
“The importance of farmers can’t be overstated.”
“Blessings and best wishes to our farmers!”
“May God bless you and your family for choosing to farm. The sacrifice and hard work are real. Thank you to all farmers!”
These comments come from friends, neighbors and the very people you feed. Keep doing what you’re doing despite the disrespectful actions of a few. You are keeping us all alive and well-fed.
By Joy Crosby