Posted
March 15, 2007: Sometimes the questions we ask ourselves
can be more revealing than the answers themselves. Like me,
you might occasionally find yourself asking some soul-searching
questions about your motivation for being a farmer.
I'll try to explain, somewhat awkwardly, my personal reasons
for making this choice. It has to do with the unique characteristics
of being self-employed, in a family and community environment
while always being exposed to the natural elements. Weather
has a funny way of influencing our conversations, our family
activities and our work plans. Neigbours have a peculiar way
of interrupting us on the busiest of days, wasting some small-talk
time and leaving us feeling enriched and grateful for the
exchange.
My main reason for choosing farming, however, is because
I believe that I have been “called” to this profession.
In responding to the call, I've become engrossed in the huge
diversity and broadness that farming encompasses—everything
from soil organisms to animal behavior to customer health
and vitality.
A calling is the notion that a higher authority or knowledge
has a plan for us. This is a tough concept in a world of intellectual
knowledge, personal freedom and market rewards. For me, a
close look at the beauty of the plan for all life reveals
the intricacies, the interdependence, the complexity of the
whole natural food chain. It leaves me in full appreciation
of the blessing to be charged with the duty—and excited
by the responsibility—to be a co-creator in these highly
refined processes and balances.
Science has discovered so much knowledge about creation and
yet we have hardly scratched the surface as to the magnitude
and relationship of the organisms in the soil. We probably
know more about outer space than we do about what lies beneath
the soil surface. Many scientists will tell you that the greater
their discoveries in our creation, the more they feel they
have yet to discover!
A farmer has a privileged role to play, that of scientist,
designer, operator and benefactor in a world so complex and
beautiful that no man or computer can fathom its extent. I
ask myself, "Why is farming so challenging, yet so stimulating
and fun?" I think it’s because I responded to a
calling to be a contributor in the circle of life.
How could I have been blessed to be called to a vocation
for which I will never be fit? For me, this is the mystery
that keeps life exciting and the work of creation (farming)
so dynamic and surprising.
You know, it's a lot like parenting. We can never be completely
prepared; no amount of learning will adequately prepare us
for the next turn in events or the challenges we must face.
As long as we are willing to learn as we go, we will evolve
with life and continue to be surprised at the unexpected times
of learning, fulfillment and joy.
I'm totally convinced that—for me—only a vocation
like family farming can deliver all this and much, much more.
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