As a farmer, we take pride in what we grow. We work closely with our seed dealers/agronomists to decide what seeds to grow. We plan and plan. We prepare our soils in order to give our plants the best chance during the growing season. Then when spring is upon us, we plant the seeds. We give them nutrition. We give them protection from pests. And then . . .
Mother Nature who controls all
We rely on Mother Nature to hold her end up. She is our partner. But a partner that we have no control over. She does as she does.
And then . . . this happens. This picture is a soybean field that was destroyed by hail. No, this was not our field, but it belongs to a young passionate farmer. All I can say to him is “I’m sorry.” It’s so hard to see someone who is just so excited about growing a crop and his farming future and then to see this happen to him. And there is nothing we can do. There is nothing anyone can do but to listen and give words of encouragement. As crazy as it sounds, but he felt like a failure. In his head, he knows not, but the heart doesn’t always follow. And I understand because honestly, we would feel the same way. Even after 40 years of farming.
Crop Insurance
Yes, he has multi-peril insurance. That is what crop insurance is for. So for those that condemn insurance subsidies, here is a great example of why we need it. If our crop insurance was not subsidized, the premiums would not be affordable. And most of you would be amazed how much we pay in insurance premiums. And it’s really hard now because of the low commodity prices.
So this field will be replanted. It’s earlier enough on the calendar. More than likely there will be a yield reduction because replanted beans rarely yield as well. But at least (hopefully) there will be a crop to harvest.
But more than anything, this is just one example of the stress we go through. All to put food on your plate.
Daily Farming Struggles
Tomorrow is another day. Another day of unknowns. Another day of not being in control. Another day of putting your faith in God. Another day to realize we are blessed in being allowed to do a job that we are so passionate about. Another day to persevere and become stronger. Another day as a farmer . . .
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Day 29 of my “30 Days of MN Agriculture” is Tom and Nancy Rys from Rock Creek, which is located in east central Minnesota. They also farm with their daughter and son-in-law, Cami and Joe Babolik and family, Macie 10, Milo, 8 Melia 4.