Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

I know everyone has probably heard Paul Harvey’s speech, “So God Made a Farmer.” This speech was given back in 1978 at a Future Farmers of America convention. That speech was later published in 1986 in Harvey’s syndicated column. He was referring to God’s actions on the eighth day of creation. Harvey described the characteristics of a farmer in each phrase, ending them with the recurring “So God made a farmer.” His article described the hard work and dedication of a farmer getting up before dawn without question to complete another long hard day that he would not trade for anything, proud to be the caretaker of the land God had blessed him with. It went on to share how there was never a set quitting time for a farmer, knowing that there was always livestock that would need caring for no matter what time of the day or night.

See more: Tennessee Farm Bureau Welcomes Eric Mayberry as New President

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Another article was written of how “God Made a Farmer’s Wife.” In this article, it told of how she would also get up before dawn to make breakfast and assure all the kids’ needs were met, then proceed to work alongside her husband the rest of the day, quitting just in time to come home and cook supper. After she had washed dishes, helped kids with homework and tried to catch up on laundry, she would then bow down with her family for prayers, finally getting to bed for a much-needed rest and looking forward to the coming day.

See more: Life’s Scenic Route

So God Made a Farm Family

While thinking about those articles and the hard work and dedication that was talked about in both, I can’t help but wonder if there could very well be a story of how God made a farm family. Because coming from a third-generation farm, there is no doubt in my mind that God did make farm families. Why? Because the hard work to keep the farm going is most certainly not done by one person alone.

I remember vividly my father and mother both working those long hours talked about by Paul Harvey, but I also remember understanding from an early age that farm chores were a part of my life, too. My sister and I spent many long hours caring for the hogs we used to raise, including early mornings out in the muddy field before school trying to get some up for the sale. One of my sister’s not-so-favorite memories may have been when her boots got stuck in that mud and her foot came out, and she stepped sock-footed knee-deep in the mud falling over and catching herself, which also caused her arms to be elbow-deep in the mud just as the school bus passed by. Thankfully, we can laugh about that now, but as you might imagine, not so much at the time. Well, not to where she could hear us.

Lynn and I have been blessed to raise our three kids on our family farm, hoping they never take for granted the education and life lessons they have been taught growing up here. They have all had the opportunity to bottle-feed calves, and I think the work ethic instilled in them from an early age has helped mold them into the people they are today. Now, life on the farm sure comes with its fair share of challenges, but it will also leave you with stories and memories that will last a lifetime.

Photo credit: Nathan Lambrecht

Mayberry Moment

My family will tell you in a hurry that working cows with me is something you have to experience. When my son-in-law, Paul, first came around, everyone unanimously agreed he should be spared from seeing that less favorable side of me until much, much later. The strength of a family’s love can be tested during such an event. But with that strength, you also know that when someone calls to tell you the cows are out, everyone will drop what they are doing to go and work together as a team to get them rounded up. Even if that means during a severe thunderstorm on Christmas Eve night in their Christmas pajamas with their muck boots completing their outfit (I think we’ll have to leave that story for another day for now…).

The point is, it takes all of us in this family to make it work. And as I travel across the state, I’m reminded time and time again how grateful I am to see farm families in Tennessee with the same love and dedication toward each other and their farms. The success of American agriculture and all it does for our great country depends on the family farm. And the good news is, despite what some might think, 98% of all farms in the U.S. are family owned. As planting time arrives and the hope of a bountiful growing season is upon us, let’s all be thankful for that truth and let’s be thankful that God made a farm family.