The origin of the phrase “separate the wheat from chaff” extends itself back centuries to biblical times. It is an expression that refers to a separation of the good from the bad or the useful from the useless and is applied to people and their character. Over time, as agricultural ties have lessened in our culture, the expression has been lost for many because of lack of understanding. For those of us who are living in and with agriculture, the visual of the wheat seed and chaff is a vivid example of the personal traits that many in this small but mighty community share.
For 46 years I have had a front row seat of the impact agriculture has on those who are called to work in the industry. While this elite group has fed and clothed the world, they also have developed a unique style of grit and set of qualities that are not found among most.
This blog will focus on highlighting those in agriculture who have been sifted themselves from the chaff of our society.
–Wyatt–
Our family farm and ranch has created a lifestyle that I have grown to value, even more so as an adult. One of greatest treasures that I have received, has been being able to watch my sons grow and develop their own moral fiber.
Wyatt, my 21-year-old son, has talked about farming and ranching his entire life. It is his passion and true love. To. The. Core. This a career path not for the faint of heart, neither for the farmer/rancher nor his mother.
He has experienced frustration with North Dakota blizzards during calving. He has budgeted leanly to be able to purchase equipment only to have it break down beyond repair. At his young age, Wyatt has planted his first crop of sunflowers and have cutworms destroy a third of the field. Setbacks such as these would make most reconsider their occupation, yet I have watched these trials breed grit into this man. https://www.ag.ndsu.edu/sargentcountyextension/seize-the-day/do-what-with-my-bootstraps-part-1
On the contrary, Wyatt has witnessed bare prairie one day and crocuses littering the same view the next. https://www.beautifulbadlandsnd.com/happy-little-crocuses-celebrate-the-return-of-spring/ He has shared his love of cows by teaching his cousin to not be fearful and how to provide good care. He has proudly eaten a prime cut steak with his family, from an animal he has raised. He constantly remembers these agricultural miracles that allow him to stay focused and be sifted from the chaff, even in the most trying of time.
Those who work in and with agriculture, demonstrate endless examples of the character traits that cause them to rise. This group has set the bar high for attitude and life outlook. The rest of the world depends on their can-do approach and never-give-up spirit. In these times of less than stable and positive environments, how can you make choices in your life to be a good seed and separate from the chaff?
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