Missouri Ruralist logo

Three things matter most to American farmers — faith, family and farming.

Mindy Ward, Editor, Missouri Ruralist

December 25, 2017

2 Min Read
NO TIME OFF: The American farmer works even on holidays. During Christmas, many farmers pause to look back on the past year. Many also find hope for the next season.Dittmer/iStock/Thinkstock

This morning you’ll wake before the sun rises. You’ll walk down the stairs past the Christmas tree and pause briefly to look at the presents tucked neatly underneath. You’ll plug in the lights, adjust the stockings and head to the closet. There you’ll put on a coat, hat and gloves. Ever so quietly, so as to not wake the kids, you’ll walk to the back door and turn the knob. It is Christmas morning, there are chores to be done, and you’re an American farmer.

Fighting the bitter winter winds and snow, you’ll open the barn door. This morning, you actually startle the livestock. It is earlier than other days, much earlier. You’ll move pen by pen, making sure every animal is accounted for. You’ll check that waterers have not frozen over and give the livestock a little holiday hay. You care for the animals, even Christmas morning. You’re an American farmer.

Leaning on the fence, you think back on the year. Rough corn and soybean markets. Better livestock prices. You adjust your cap as you recall natural disasters that devastated fellow farmers, and the loss of friends in farm accidents. You’ll bottle up those concerns and emotions so others don’t see. You’re an American farmer.

You’ll sigh deeply, turn and head to the barn door. Reaching for the lights, you glance back one last time, flip the switch and begin to trudge to the house. As you get closer, you hear laughter. Almost as an instinct, your pace quickens. In no time, you push open the door only to be greeted by giggles and shrieks. A smile overtakes your face. Bending down, you lift up your children, one in each arm and swing them around. Your family is your life. You’re an American farmer.

Gathering around the Christmas tree, anticipation is in the air. With each unwrapped gift, excitement fills your home. Gone are the thoughts of this past year, replaced by the hope and joy you see in your children’s eyes. As you glance from face to face, digging around under the tree, your eyes become fixed on the small nativity scene. You recall that true hope and joy started because of the birth of a savior. Your faith matters. You’re an American farmer.

This holiday season offers a true glimpse of what makes an American farmer. It is rather simple — faith, family and farming. They are a rare breed. One I am humbled and honored to serve. From my farm to yours, Merry Christmas.

About the Author(s)

Mindy Ward

Editor, Missouri Ruralist

Mindy resides on a small farm just outside of Holstein, Mo, about 80 miles southwest of St. Louis.

After graduating from the University of Missouri-Columbia with a bachelor’s degree in agricultural journalism, she worked briefly at a public relations firm in Kansas City. Her husband’s career led the couple north to Minnesota.

There, she reported on large-scale production of corn, soybeans, sugar beets, and dairy, as well as, biofuels for The Land. After 10 years, the couple returned to Missouri and she began covering agriculture in the Show-Me State.

“In all my 15 years of writing about agriculture, I have found some of the most progressive thinkers are farmers,” she says. “They are constantly searching for ways to do more with less, improve their land and leave their legacy to the next generation.”

Mindy and her husband, Stacy, together with their daughters, Elisa and Cassidy, operate Showtime Farms in southern Warren County. The family spends a great deal of time caring for and showing Dorset, Oxford and crossbred sheep.

Subscribe to receive top agriculture news
Be informed daily with these free e-newsletters

You May Also Like