The Unfiltered Truth About Farming (As Told by a Reluctant Ag Icon)
Okay, I’ll admit it—being called an "ag icon" makes me cringe a little, ok… ALOT. I didn’t set out to be the face of farming, the rice industry or a voice in agriculture. I just wanted to do what I love: grow crops, share my experience, and hopefully leave the land better than I found it. If my efforts helped other farmers, then great! But here I am, boots deep in the farming world, and people seem to think I have something important to say. So, if you want the unfiltered truth about farming, let’s get into it.
It’s Not All Instagram-Worthy Sunsets
Sure, I’ve posted my fair share of golden-hour photos where the fields stretch out, glowing under a perfect sunset. They are gorgeous and I believe a green rice field at sunset is relaxing. Key: meditative breathing. But let’s be real—farming is not nearly as glamorous as social media makes it look. Behind every picturesque field is a lot of sweat, dirt, and, yes, even frustration.
Some days, I’m out there fighting the weather, troubleshooting broken equipment, or wrestling with the endless paperwork that comes with managing a farm. Those moments don’t exactly make for great Instagram content, but they’re the real deal. Farming isn’t just about the beauty of the land—it’s about grit, perseverance, determination, and a lot of hard work.
Mother Nature Doesn’t Care About Your Plans
If there’s one thing farming has taught me, it’s that you can plan all you want, but Mother Nature is still the boss. You’d think I’d be used to it by now, but nope—every season brings its own surprises. Whether it’s a late frost, a surprise drought, or a rainstorm that shows up just in time to ruin your day, farming means rolling with the punches.
That’s the part people don’t always see. We don’t control nature; we adapt to it. And honestly? That can be one of the most humbling parts of this job.
It’s a Family Affair (Whether You Like It or Not)
Here’s the truth—farming isn’t just a job; it’s a lifestyle. It’s something that touches every aspect of your life, including your family. Around here, everyone pitches in, whether they’re ready or not. From early morning chores to late-night equipment fixes, farming brings everyone together.
But let me tell you, it’s not always picture-perfect. There are arguments, missed family dinners, and plenty of “I can’t believe we’re doing this” moments. Still, there’s something special about working alongside the people you love. We’re all in this together, for better or for worse, and at the end of the day, that’s what makes the hard work worth it. Being able to stand together at the end of a crop and say, “We did it!” Especially when you are accomplishing it with a multi-generational farm like ours.
Farming Is More Than Just Tradition
People often romanticize farming as this old-fashioned, traditional way of life. And while there’s definitely history and tradition in what we do, farming today is also incredibly modern. From precision agriculture to automated tractors, we’re using cutting-edge technology to make the farm run more efficiently and sustainably.
But here’s the catch—embracing this tech doesn’t mean we’re abandoning the old ways. We’re blending tradition with innovation, finding ways to keep the heart of farming alive while still moving forward. It’s a balance, and trust me, sometimes it’s hard to keep up with all the new developments. But that’s the reality of farming today—it’s constantly evolving, just like the land we work on.
Not Everyone Understands What We Do (And That’s Okay)
Let’s talk about the elephant in the room: not everyone gets what farmers do. There’s a disconnect between the field and the table that can make it feel like we’re shouting into the void sometimes. People don’t always understand the amount of work, risk, and sacrifice that goes into growing their food. And while it can be frustrating, I’ve learned that it’s part of the job.
I am especially frustrated lately about the call to “fix the food system in America.” Although I am a firm believer that what you eat causes more harm or good to your health than almost anything you can do. I do NOT believe the problem lays solely at the feet of food companies or, as they call it…Big Ag. I have seen this scenario over and over again for most of my career. Problems with food or how it is produced are trying to be solved by people who have never visited a farm or ranch. You cannot solve food problems without involving farmers and ranchers…period.
That’s why I started speaking out more, reluctantly or not. If I can bridge that gap even a little bit, if I can help people understand where their food comes from and the challenges we face as farmers, then maybe being called an “ag icon” isn’t so bad after all. But don’t get it twisted—I’m just a farmer at heart.
Farming Will Break Your Heart (But You’ll Keep Coming Back)
I’m not going to sugarcoat it: farming can break your heart. Whether it’s a season of bad weather that wipes out a crop, market prices that don’t reflect the hard work you put in, or the sheer exhaustion that comes from working from sunup to sundown, farming can wear you down. But the crazy thing is, most of us wouldn’t trade it for anything.
Why? Because there’s something about this work that pulls you in and keeps you coming back, year after year. Maybe it’s the deep connection to the land, or maybe it’s the sense of pride in producing something real and necessary. It may be the highest highs and the lowest lows. Whatever it is, farming gets under your skin in a way that’s hard to explain unless you’ve lived it. I am working hard to try and share that with you!
So, there you have it—the unfiltered truth about farming, straight from this reluctant ag icon. It’s not always pretty, it’s definitely not easy, but it’s a life I’m proud to live. I am most proud that our son has the passion for it that we do. No better feeling than a child coming back to the farm because they love it. Farming isn’t for everyone, but for those of us who can’t imagine doing anything else, it’s the only way we know how to be.