As we kick off the holiday season this week, many of us will gather with family and friends to practice the age-old tradition of sharing a meal. Food not only nourishes us, it brings us together as we talk, laugh, reminisce and enjoy each other’s company. Over the last couple weeks, counties across the state and nation celebrated Farm City Week.  This event traditionally takes place the week before Thanksgiving with the mission to recognize the important relationship between agricultural communities and their urban counterparts. Civilization is dependent upon agricultural production which provides us with a stable food supply. Without farmers, there would be no civilization. On the other hand, without consumers, farmers would have no demand for their crops or products. This symbiotic relationship is what Farm City Week strives to promote.

Two weeks ago, we wrapped up our Farm City Week Celebration with the Farmer’s Appreciation luncheon, some points from our guest speaker, Dr. Dale McInnis, resonated with me as he spoke on his experiences growing up on a farm and how they were applicable to his adult life and successful career. Dr. McInnis reminded me that there are countless life lessons that can be learned by growing up on a farm.

Life on the farm molds our children to develop valuable skills that prepare them for future careers and the many hurdles they may experience on their journey through life. Kids involved in their family farms learn about life, and death. They witness the birth of a newborn calf and watch it wobble as it takes the first steps. They come to understand that some of our livestock were put on this earth to feed us. Although a tough lesson, they learn to appreciate the animal’s life and how it serves as a nutritious food source.

Farm kids also learn that even if something doesn’t go as planned, it is up to you to stay the course and get back on track. Equipment breaks, animals get sick and Mother Nature almost always seems to works against you. They know that sitting around and harping on the problems will certainly not fix them. Staying on track requires you to roll up your sleeves and get to work to find a solution to the problem.

Living on a farm teaches a whole lot about responsibility…especially when there are plants and animals that depend on you for their survival. Farm kids learn to “work first, and play later”. They know how to feed livestock, sow seeds, water plants, pull weeds, and how to neatly stack hay to feed animals in the winter.Farm kids must be tender and tough. They are gentle enough to hold day old baby chicks and tough enough to wrangle a spry piglet. They tend to pay more attention to the change in seasons and the weather. They learn that you better take advantage of opportunities to get the work done, to “make hay while the sun shines”.

Raising farm kids is more important now than ever before. Recent statistics have shown that just under half of America’s farm land, over 370 million acres, will change hands within the next 15 to 20 years. Considering the average age of a farmer is bumping 60 years old, this is alarming information. As our older generation retires who will be handed the reins? Our next generation of farmers and stewards or land developers whose crop is houses or shopping malls?

Fortunately, there is a younger generation of famers that makes the future of agriculture look bright. Over the last several years, I have had the privilege to work with several outstanding young famers. One interaction I will always remember was after visiting a farm that was hit by a devastating hurricane. I asked the young farmer if he would consider a change in careers. He replied, “This is all I know. This is what I was meant to do.”   Farming is more than a job or career. It is a way of life that very few of us are fortunate enough to experience, and one that teaches invaluable life lessons. As you gather around the table with loved ones this holiday season and return thanks for your meal, remember to bless those hands that grew it.

N.C. Cooperative Extension is here to help our farmers as they face everyday challenges and the occasional disaster. We also support those who are just getting into farming, providing advice, guidance, and resources. Call your Richmond County Extension office at 910-997-8255 and follow us on Facebook. Happy Thanksgiving!