Fathers on the Farm
In normal circumstances, I would have visited several of our farms by this time of year. Getting out to the farm is the best way to maintain our commitment to transparency and responsible sourcing. Plus, it’s a lot of fun. While quarantine may have made that commitment a bit challenging this spring, I am optimistic we’ll be able to reschedule trips for the fall. In the meantime, I’ve been reflecting on past trips.
When I close my eyes, I can see the lush landscape, the endless horizons, the Instagram-worthy sunsets. I feel the green grasses pull against my pant legs, and the animals’ furry warmth on my hands. I smell the sour scent of farm dirt, followed by a whiff of wood smoke, and then mouthwatering meat cooking over an open flame. Laugher punctuates the murmur of light-hearted conversation. Firelight flickers across beer bottles that clink in celebration. Good times for sure.
As a father myself, I also realize how much time I spend observing parents, and how they care for their kids. When on the farm, it’s no different. I can see the manly ranch dad making school lunches (frilly apron and all); the patient papa kneeling to tie his boy’s shoelaces recently tracked through fresh manure; the beaming father bragging about his daughter’s new wine label; the country mouse who grins and bears a week-long Disney trip because the kids are having fun.
As a result, I haven’t met a farm kid I didn’t wish was one of my own. They are some of the best-educated, self-aware, tenacious, fearless, down to earth, opinionated, maybe a little stubborn young people I’ve ever come across. If this generation of young agriculturalists reflects the future of farming—or society at large—we are in good hands folks.
Why are our farmers such good parents? It makes sense to me that the painstaking, passionate attention they take in raising their herds, flocks, and rafts (that’s a group of ducks folks) might also apply to raising some of the best children?
So on this Father’s Day Week, I’d like to raise a glass to our farming fathers (and mothers). Lucky for us, you are raising the next generation of sustainable food leaders who will continue to build and grow a movement that is making lasting and important change in our economy, society, and environment. And not a moment too soon!
Thank you farm dads! Thanks for our future!
Celebrating with your Dad this weekend? Check out our special Father’s Day Kits from our neighbors at Alta Baja Market. Get your orders in while supplies last!
