A Future in Question: Agriculture and Aging

Today’s world is driven by technology. Your car has multiple computers on board that make driving it exponentially easier and safer than cars of the past. The phone (read super computer) you’re likely reading this on, is an incredible device bringing all of us together via internet connection no matter where in the world you might be. Your home may possibly have a Wifi enabled thermostat or Smart TV, automatic lights, etc. All of these things have changed our lives and made many day to day tasks incredibly easy to do or completely automated in some cases. While the world around us has changed so drastically one thing really hasn’t changed, Farming. A process that is about as old as civilization, is still a labor intensive skill that is absolutely necessary.

Science has tried to change Farming to make it easier, Monsanto and Bayer have built Genetically Modified Corn, Tomatoes, Soybeans, and Apples just to name a few but we have found that they aren’t as wholesome. Studies, albeit disputed studies, have shown these products to be harmful to our wellbeing and health. This polarizing topic has led to more than a few marches and protests, almost any honest person who has bothered to actually research the topic knows the combination of chemical additives and genetically modified materials is wreaking havoc on our environment. Yet few stand up or volunteer themselves to learn how to provide for others.

When asked what occupations make a real, tangible difference in your day to day life you’ll likely conjure up images of: Doctors, Nurses, Teachers, Sanitation Workers, and Baristas. The Ag Sector goes largely unnoticed, yet everyone hits up Whole Foods, Fresh Market, or Publix at least once a week. Maybe it’s time we shift our way of thinking, remove our preconceived notions, and eliminate the stigmas associated with manual labor. You’re trained from the very beginning to “Go to college and become a Doctor, Accountant, Lawyer, etc.” because all of these fields make high salaries and are less physically demanding. It’s been proven that you can make six figures farming small plots of land (Here’s looking at you Curtis Stone and Jean Martin), so why don’t we have record enrollment? The answer is simple, people are taught to avoid manual labor and go to college. I myself went to college for engineering, graduated and went to work.

I made really good money after a few years and was working 65-70 hours a week. I never saw my wife, kids, dog, hobbies, or sunlight….but I made great money and that’s what matters right? Finally I realized I had paid off my student loans and consumer debt, I was still young, I had a beautiful wife, amazing kids, and two new cars in the driveway of the beautiful house, but I hated my life. What went wrong? Was it me? Had I lost my marbles? Isn’t this is what everyone wants and strives for. I started soul searching, I ended up on a working organic farm in the middle of nowhere; It was hot as hell outside but everyone was happy to be there, they all had amazing conversations while picking beans or harvesting tomatoes and something clicked. I got home and started researching Urban Farming and SPIN farming and it’s been a wild ride to get to this point. Was it easy? No. Was it worth it? Absolutely! I get to see my kids every day before school and drop them off, I get to come for lunch and see my wife, I’m home for dinner every night, and I take 2 months off a year for vacation during the peak of summer because nothing will grow anyways.

Educating our youth and citizens in general on the importance of farming is paramount to our future as a healthy, civilized, advanced society. Farming isn’t a job for Hicks that live in Indiana, It’s not something reserved for those who can’t go to university, and it’s not a poor man’s occupation if done correctly. A generation of farmers is nearing retirement with every day that passes yet they have no replacements. The recession is over (debatable but widely accepted) but our Keynesian economic system all but guarantees another bubble or bubbles in the future and an associated economic downturn. People need to eat, it’s not a luxury, it’s a necessity, faming is largely recession resistant (not proof). The case for farming as an occupation is there, the market is there, the land is becoming available more and more and it’s not necessary to own it, the quality of life is amazing, and the income can be impressive.

So let’s talk about it. Instead of griping about a lack of education, I’m here to educate. Ask me questions and I’ll give you answers.

Please, to support the education initiative Resteem where possible. If you enjoyed the article give it an upvote or give me a follow. I try to post at least twice a week but own a working farm and cattle operation so please don’t take offense if I don’t respond to your comments immediately.

Yours Truly,

FreeMrktFarmer