We are not all the same. Our family, ethnicity, work and religion likely differ. Even in seemingly homogenous rural McIntosh County, N.D., where I reside and 90 percent of the 2,500 people have German-Russian heritage, there are differences.
In agriculture, no farm or ranch is the same. We might belong to organizations where we align with similar people, but even then, when we get to know each other, we discover we have our differences. I’ve been slapped with all sorts of labels and names based on my support or opposition of a particular type of farming or ranching.
Grass-fed, grain-fed, small family farmer, big corporate ag, organic, conventional, liberal, conservative, not a real farmer, not a real rancher - you know where this is going. Rather than positively promoting what we do and why we do it, we fire bullets at those who do it differently from us.
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Even if the “other” side points fingers, it doesn’t mean we have to do the same. You and I
can be a positive change - both inside and outside rural America and the agriculture industry.
Rather than gossip or spread lies about what a neighbor, friend or even a stranger is doing on their farm or ranch, let’s focus our energy on our farm or ranch and our practices. Applaud others for taking a risk.
In a tough agriculture climate, everyone is trying to survive. Some are not going to make it. There is no need to pit yourself against your neighbor who planted a few acres of vegetables this year so their next generation can start supplying a farmers’ market. Don’t wrinkle your nose at the farmer who is starting to host agritourism events. Celebrate the volunteers building a local orchard and garden plot in your community.
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We need diversity in agriculture just like we have diversity in our families, communities and states. Today my life certainly is different from how it was 20 years ago. I became a mother at 18. My son was formula fed, cared for early-on by my farmer parents, and then attended daycare while I was in college and working. We were on food stamps while I was in college. After I graduated and started my professional career, I bought my first house, and Hunter attended a private Christian school in a,larger North Dakota town.
Less than 10 years later, I was a married mom of a growing boy with two daughters who came one right after the other. I breastfed my daughters, my son was attending a rural public school, and we were a two-income family. My husband and I worked long and hard to expand our businesses and save for the life we wanted to provide our kids.
Despite the statistics stacked against us early on, my son, Hunter, graduated from high school this past weekend, maintaining a 4.0 grade point average throughout the past four years. Throughout change, he thrived.
My husband and I have diversified our lives. We have purposely evolved. Ten years ago, my husband was a district sales manager for a pharmaceutical company. Today, he is an owner of a family lumberyard and home building business. Ten years ago, I was an advertising agency executive. Today, I am a speaker, writer and at-home mom.
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Our past, present and future are not like any other family or business - and we do not want it to be. I learn from others who are different from us, both positive and negative examples. I’m encouraged by those who cheer us on rather than criticize our choices.
Let’s do the same in agriculture. Rather than spit hate on someone different than you, explain what you do and why you do it. If you’re on Facebook or Instagram, share a few photos or short videos from the fields or pastures you call your own. Be real. Be you. Tell your family stories, share your history and how your business is evolving.
If your neighbor is trying something different and you’re curious, talk to him or her face to face rather than behind his or her back. Learn about your differences and accept them.
We need every one of us in rural America and agriculture to survive, thrive and succeed for a next generation.
Editor’s note: Pinke maintains a blog at thepinkepost.com.
