I rarely tune into television any more. Even rarer that I would actually be tuned into the Super Bowl. It’s just not my style (though I do love watching a hometown football game). So it’s kind of strange that I flipped on the TV just as the Ram truck Super Bowl commercial came on. I wasn’t even sure what it was at first. I thought maybe it was a PBS documentary. The photography was stunning. Paul Harvey’s commentary more and more moving. I saw a picture of folded hands, scarred, weathered, and worn with hard work. They looked exactly like my father’s. I started to get tears in my eyes.
My family has been farming for five generations. My great-grandfather carved our farm out of old-growth forest in the Appalachian foothills with nothing more than an axe and draft horses. My father still remembers clearing a new field by hand as a boy, working alongside my grandfather and great-grandfather. My dad’s watched the farming industry go from small, local operations relying on draft horses and family bonds to industrial “big business” that has mechanized nearly everything and pushed small family farms to the brink of distinction.
I’m so proud of my older brother for having the courage to keep dairy farming on the same land, using many of the same principles, even in the face of this industrial onslaught. He works his ass off. I just wish there was real hope that all his hard work will actually pay off. But farming isn’t what it used to be. It’s nearly impossible any more to make a living at it the way my grandfather and great grandfather did. Still, he’s raising his daughter to love farming, and she’s determined to take over one day if my brother can keep it going through these lean years.
The farmers portrayed in that RAM truck commercial are a dying breed. While it makes my heart sad, I’m grateful that some advertising executive realized how moving telling their tale could be. Maybe, just maybe, it’ll remind people to support their local small farms. To really value the work and commitment that it takes to run a farm. Don’t buy a Ram truck. Buy some local produce, cheese, milk, or meat. And flowers. Don’t forget the flowers.
My dad shares his vast farming knowledge with two eager grandkids
I’ve read recently that university ag programs are growing substantially with both young men and women wishing to grow responsibly, organically and sustainably (is that a word?). There is something about the under-30s… they seem less willing to work themselves into bad health chasing the almighty dollar, more eager to simplify and care for themselves and the earth. Maybe it’s just my own kids 😉 But I believe there is a lot of strong hope for small family-owned farms in the future. And more of us need to shop like we believe it.
Great comment, Carolina!!! I really hope we’re at a turning point for small family-owned farms. So many have had to sell in these lean years. We can absolutely make a difference with our purchases. Thanks for keeping the faith!