National Ag Day finds us living in strange times, full of uncertainty and anxiety across much of the United states. With 1 in 4 Americans now “sheltering in place”, schools closed in 45 states and toilet paper shortages dominating social media, Covid-19 has changed the world we live in. No doubt it will have a long-lasting effect on our economy, society and civilization in general. I am grateful to have the ability to work from home. You will not find me complaining about trying to balance conference calls and workloads while helping kids with e-learning and ensuring assignments have been loaded to their Google classroom.
While we all embrace social distancing in an effort to help #flattenthecurve, I can’t help but pause to think about all of the American farmers that are facing this world of uncertainty while continuing to go about their daily work to ensure the rest of us can continue to enjoy a stable food, fuel and fiber supply (despite some bad human hoarding behavior happening out there). 2019 was a difficult year for farmers across the country, with many struggling through difficult weather and depressed prices. Now they are heading into 2020 with even more uncertainty around the economy, global trade and concerned about the health and well being of their family and community.
But despite it all, they continue to care for their livestock every single day. They continue to plant and steward their crops. All while they struggle with the same e-learning challenges and fears about their household coffee supply. I truly appreciate how steadfast the American farmer is. Year in, year out, delivering for the rest of us.
Thank you to every single American farmer, for being a dependable constant in a world of increasing uncertainty.