This Advent, as you work your way through holiday plans and celebrations, I am going to ask that you keep the families who are struggling to survive on the small family farms in your hearts and prayers. You see, at least around our area, this institution is going the way of the dinosaur. At the supper table the other night we could only come up with two other families that we knew personally whose incomes come solely from the farm, although we did not include the Amish neighbors who have recently move to the area. In the last couple of years, two of our neighbors have sold out and changed careers—farms that had been in the family for more than one generation.
The farmers I know would rather live on a small income than give up their land, but when the price of corn does not cover the price of planting it, the slightly higher price of beef does not offset the losses. Even the most committed is not willing to work 80 hours a week to end up with a negative paycheck at the end of the year unless his wife can bring in enough from an outside job to pay the bills.
Across the nation people are trying to make their incomes stretch, and stores like Wal-Mart, who can buy in large quantity and sell at a good price, do well because they can give us more for less. The same is happening with the large corporate farms and the small family farms. Who is willing to raise his food bill in order to keep us in business? Who wants to have his taxes raised in order for the government to do this?
Usually farms do not get sold because of the smelly tasks, long hours of work, or heavy labor. The farmer can find a balance between the good and the bad: We see our children learn the benefit of hard work and caring for animals; they grow strong. We live away from the cultural activities and big stores. We have glorious sunsets, busy harvests, unpredictable paychecks, and families that work together.
Right now, however, many are having to cut their ties to the land and move on. Farms that were kept in the family for a hundred years are no longer viable. Some move on successfully, others do not.
So today, while you shop, wrap, listen to music, and celebrate, take time to pray. I’m sure there are many folks other than farmers who find themselves struggling as well. Let us not forget to thank God for what we have, and pray for those who are less fortunate.
God is Good. He is Faithful. We will trust in Him.
Blessings.
A Fairview Farms sunset
3 comments:
In my family for the past few years we have celebrated Advent...we haven't had as much time to do it this year, but it's important to remember. Tell Bethany not to sled into the stream!
Jean,
My father grew up on a cotton farm here in Texas. He recently told me a story of a bumper crop one year that set my grandmother and grandfather up financially for many years to come. The funny thing is, the price of cotton is exactly today what it was then. No increase. Therefore, my father cannot farm his family's land for a living. He has kept the land (although the house has completely deteriorated) and has leased it out to be farmed. I think it is more out of allegience to his father and for comfort in knowing that the land is still being worked. He definitely does not do it for the money.
Thank you for this reminder. I will pray for your family and others during this holiday season.
Blessings to you!
Kristi Shaw
Dear Jean,
The Arizona Republic ran a Nov. 21, 2005 article, "Family Farms dig tourism" and it explained how family farms are turning to agritourism as a way to hold on to their way of life while also educating people that food doesn't come from a grocery store. That sadly isn't enough. Youngs Farm, a 300 acre family farm that has been in Dewey, AZ. since 1946 will sell to land developers next year. Not because the Youngs want to, but because the State of Arizona can make more money if that land is filled with houses instead of the only fresh turkeys available to buy! So the land value will go down each year, and water rights will be taken away. (Anyone who believes you own your property is in for a rude awakening.)
I also recommend "Dirt Under My Nails" written by Marilee Foster. Believe it or not, she is a fifth generation potato farmer in the Hamptons area. I don't have to tell you that it is an area that is very "sympathetic" to land developers.
The United States now imports more food than we export. We aren't feeding the world, and I am concerned that too many people think that all they have to do is walk through a store door, for whatever they want, at that moment, and it will be there.
The pictures you post are uplifting ......and I wanted you to know that prayers for family farms are being lifted heavenward out here in cyberspace.
Blessings to you and yours,
Alice
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