“Agriculture is our wisest pursuit, because it will in the end contribute most to real wealth, good morals, and happiness.” ~ Thomas Jefferson

Culture:  The customs, arts, social institutions, and achievements of a particular nation, people, or other social group.  Synonyms:  civilization • society • way of life • lifestyle • customs • traditions • heritage • habits • ways• morals • values

Typically, when writing for Wheat From The Chaff, a focus has been given to an individual who has grown either personally or professionally {or both}, causing a slight division from the average Joes. The people who have been featured, are living examples of what it looks like to make choices every morning to try and do better than the day before.  Although its recognized that there are trying times, self-developed grit gives them an edge to keep grinding and continue succeeding in their agricultural professions and lives.

When brainstorming about someone’s story for this post, a broader scope came to mind, especially after taking a step back to rewind the happenings of the last months. Thoughts raced about how groups of people have respond to unnerving information differently. Pondering was done on the trickledown effect of one person’s actions and how some can continuously readjust their focus so priorities remain in order.  With this mindset, a wide swath has been taken and attention is being given to cultural characteristics of those who are under the influence of agriculture.  This segment of the population respectfully pursues change when needed, works with intention while being grateful, and remains faithful to their values.

Change ~

Recently, I had the chance to attend the North Dakota Stockmen’s Association’s State Convention for the first time.  This 91-year-old organization is committed to the beef industry, its producers, and making positive changes as needed.  While watching the members interact and participate in sessions, it was clear that even though this organization was diverse in many ways, they collectively had a clear mission:

To unite, protect, promote, education, and serve the states beef cattle industry”   

As the convention progressed, my appreciation for their respectful structure while implementing changes, grew.  Many resolutions were presented, both to refresh old ideas and present new concepts. Members were visibly passionate and opinionated in the changes they wished to see.  Some resolutions were voted upon and adopted while others were shot down in the early stages development.  There was both satisfaction and frustration with the modifications, or lack of, yet at the end of the session the members united, shared a meal and conversation, and knew their industry was served well by the group.  There were no riots.  No destruction. No disrespect.  Many in our world could learn from the way that this group functions.  Their respectful attitude towards change and compromise are direct reflections of the culture of agriculturalists.

Purpose ~

I work with producers on a professional level, through a lending association specific to serving the financial needs of farmers and ranchers.  Every day, narratives about customer’s operations are written for loan reviews, creating eight-hour long story times much of the work week. Reports of how ranchers and producers are struggling due to unfavorable weather, volatile commodity markets, and rising land prices are a common read.  It is easy to let the mind wonder, why wouldn’t the customer simply sell out and find employment for an established business – A career steadier and more reliable? – One that has fewer financial worries and less stressors.

The answer is simple.  These producers are committed to their passion to feed, fuel, and clothe the world.  They work with intention and are skilled in following the winding path to success.  This group is creative, innovative, and hardworking; not stopping until the job is done.  It is not uncommon to hear on a year of drought, “Well at least it’s not muddy.” Or during a cold January snap, “At least the wind isn’t blowing.”  Those who belong to the farming and ranching culture have a deep understanding of what needs to be done.  They work with purpose and have a distinguished way of resting on the concept that it could always be worse. 

Priorities ~

Distance learning has become a four-letter word when school aged kids are concerned in 2020.  The pandemic, COVID-19, that has swept the lives of some and the logical thinking of others, has forced unique learning situations that have not been common.  Children, at times, are at home digitally “Zooming” into their classroom.  For some this has caused disruption to their homes and work schedules, understandably so, but not for everyone. 

Distance Learning

Those whose day are filled with hauling hay, weaning calves, or draining water tanks this time of year, do not have the option to press pause for “Zooming”.  Instead of fretting, this unshaken crowd packs up the Chromebook and a PB&J and heads out for the task at hand.  Witnessing this in the flesh, I admired to see how much learning was being done.  While riding in the buddy seat of the Case IH, not only was first grade math completed, a discussion about cover crops was also had.  Practicing spelling words while simultaneously checking pregnant cows, allowed for learning to sound out p-u-r-p-l-e, and have a conversation about what symmetrical means.

The real lesson for “distance” learners had nothing to do with 1+1, but rather keeping priorities in line.  Decisions and choices were made to roll with the punches and make the best of an unusual situation.  Although completely unexpected, this special gift of time with parents is valuable in the development of character and culture in the next generation of those working in agriculture.

200 years later, our founding father’s words still hold true.  Agriculture contributes wealth, morals, and happiness.  As times remain uncertain in our nation and world, let’s hope that those who have not been touched by the farming or ranching culture, take time to learn from it and strive to distinguish themselves with the qualities our agricultural friends do.