You can call me Steve.

No, that is not my name; it’s not even my middle name. But Steve has become my unofficial name, dating back to a roommate at the University of Minnesota-Waseca who introduced me to his hometown friends as Steve.

As soon as he said it, he knew he had erred.

Did it bother me? No.

But the funny thing is, it stuck.

Over the years, Steve has resurfaced. While with a previous magazine, I would call a potential source and leave a message for a call back only to later hear our receptionist explain to a caller, “No, we don’t have a Steve here.”

I would interrupt our receptionist and take the call.

The Steve-calling had died down, but then, about five years ago while boating with friends, one of the new acquaintances said, “Hey, Steve, throw me a beer.”

There were no Steves in the crowd other than me, I guess.

Fast forward to earlier this year. As I was winding down a telephone interview for a feature story, I asked the source if he had my email address. I could hear him vocally going through his email address book, “Yeah, I think I’ve got it here. Let’s see, Steven Schulz.”

Not mad, but I asked, “What did you call me?”

We had a good chuckle as I explained the origin of the continual faux pas.

I don’t mind being called Steve, though it may take me a while to respond.

What are you?

As of late, we have learned that names, labels and titles do matter to some people.

One of our readers took exception to the use of the term “hired man” used by a source for the person who helped on his farm. The emailer suggested agriculture needs to move into the 21st century by discarding the tired term of hired man, instead simply using employee.

J. Arbuckle, professor of rural sociology at Iowa State University, addressed agriculture verbiage in the recent Iowa Farm and Rural Life Poll, an annual survey of that state’s farmers. While not addressing what to call employees, respondents were told, “A number of terms are used to refer to people who farm. Which one of the following terms do you most prefer to describe yourself?”

They were then given a list of commonly used terms to describe agrarians. Topping the favored title is “farmer,” which was preferred by 75% of respondents, up from 56% in 2011, the last time the question was posed.

“Farm operator” came in second with 10%, down from 17% in ’11. “Producer” was at 8%, “grower” 2% and “rancher” 2% in terms of what Iowa farmers prefer. The “other” category came in with 4%.

I imagine the operation may determine what you wish to be called. If row crops are your enterprise, I assume “farmer” would be your choice. Whereas if you run a cow-calf operation or a cattle feedlot, you may feel like a “rancher.”

What label do you as Minnesota farmers, operators, producers, growers or ranchers feel best encompasses what you do? Does it matter?

I’d like to hear from you. Feel free to send your thoughts to me at the email below. I might even respond if you call me Steve.

Comments? Send email to [email protected].