What Does Agriculture Mean to You?
Facebook participants weigh in on what agriculture means to them.
This summer was a rough one for many beef producers throughout the country. Sometimes, in the midst of constant challenges, it is important to step back and remember why you chose to be in this industry in the first place. The Angus Journal Facebook page set out to do just that through pictures and the written word. The My Agriculture Photo Contest allowed fans to submit a picture of what agriculture meant to them, and also an explanation of why they chose that picture.
Many beautiful photos were entered to win the prize of cover photo, and Angus Journal Facebook fans decided the winner. All photos can be viewed at the Angus Journal Facebook page. Enjoy the following explanations of what agriculture means to our readers.
"This is a photo of a family's barn that has stood throughout America's most trying times. It has been passed down from generation to generation for over a hundred years. The barn, like America and its people, has faced many hardships and trials in its time. Threats of storms, years of wear and tear, and even the danger of catching on fire last year have not dampened the existence of the barn and the family that cherishes it. It represents America's resilience, courage and faith in the fields of agriculture both past and present, and for many years to come."
"Being in agriculture really requires a lot of faith that God will provide. This has been one of the longest, hottest summers that our very pregnant fall-calving herd has had to endure in a long time. This beautiful rainbow following a much-needed rain reminded us that we are always dependent on God's mercy. Although we didn't get enough rain to help with filling the pond, it washed the dust off the grass, and the cattle were grazing again. All of us in agriculture get many opportunities to witness God's beauty and mercy, and that is why I wouldn't want to do anything else!"
"Agriculture is not only a means to provide food for the world's growing population, but it also provides experience and education that can last a lifetime — life lessons that cannot be obtained from any book or video. Agriculture and food production are the lifeblood of our country and a basic need for mankind. Growing and harvesting is engrained in our human nature. To share and pass this on to our children not only ensures the future of agriculture, but also provides them with a realization of our ultimate dependence on God required of humanity in uncontrollable situations, death and the miracle of creation.
"My attached photo is of two of our girls (have four — other two are boys) looking at and talking to some of our open heifers. The youngest daughter is trying to decide which one she would like to pick for hers. When our children turn 10, they are given a bred heifer. They choose an ear tag color (other than white) so it makes theirs easy to pick out from the herd (she is choosing red). The calves born to their cow will be theirs to sell and the money put into their account (for college, future expenses). This gives them a vested interest in our cattle operation and also introduces them to incomes and expenses. As they get older, they help make breeding decisions and decisions about the calves."
- "Green pastures and peaceful days,
fields of grass, polka dotted with black.
My two children running out to play
Angus cattle looking up and then back - to grazing, except for calves that run
and then jump with the children in grass.
Laughing and giggling in the warm sun
this is how memories will come to pass. - This is what agriculture to me means,
children and Angus cattle so happy.
Cattle in the grass, all that is seen
with my children and me, how sappy. :)"
"Agriculture means providing food for all today and in the future."
"The sun never sets on farming. You haven't put in a full day's work unless you've used up all 24 of the hours. Stand tall and proud over the country you are helping God take care of."
"This picture represents the relationship of how much a rancher cares for their cattle and wants the best for them. It is up to us humans to raise the best Angus we can! I chose this photo in favor of showing the physical and mental relationship there is between the calves and the owner. We sometimes leave the owner out of the story and just focus on the product we are raising. We must also keep in mind the people who devote their lives to beef production."
What does agriculture mean to you? Why did you choose to be in this field of work? Feel free to post it on our Angus Journal Facebook page wall!
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