A farmer’s daughter

This week the NEA Town Courier, The Osceola Times and our advertisers are paying a special tribute to area farmers and the harvest season. As a farmer’s daughter, I have the utmost respect for those men and women who work around the clock bringing in the harvest. I remember those days well.

The cotton harvest was my favorite. For all of you young folks out there who are used to seeing big rows of cotton wrapped in giant yellow plastic sitting all over the fields, this was the 1960s. We picked cotton in a sack, weighed it on a pair of hand scales, and then dumped it in a big wagon. Once the wagon was full of cotton, mom and I would take it to the cotton gin. In the mean time, there was nothing so great as jumping up and down on the big fluffy bed of cotton. I would jump and giggle until I fell down with exhaustion. Oh, and then I would just gaze into the big sky, full of beautiful white clouds, and dream of someday being a famous writer. Inevitably, my brother Roger would eventually fill his sack and bring it to the wagon to be weighed; and you guessed it! He would jump in the wagon and disturb my peace … attempting to bury me alive under the cotton.

With a smile on my face, let’s take a look at the continued importance of the family farm.

Economic Contribution: Family farms contribute significantly to the national economy by producing food, fiber, and fuel. They account for a large percentage of U.S. agricultural output, supporting local economies and providing jobs.

Sustainable Practices: Many family farms employ sustainable agricultural practices that promote environmental health, biodiversity, and soil conservation. Their smaller scale often allows for more environmentally friendly techniques.

Cultural Heritage: Family farms represent a vital part of American history and cultural identity. They are often rooted in tradition and contribute to the preservation of rural lifestyles and communities.

Food Security: Family farms play a critical role in national food security by ensuring a diverse and stable food supply. They help maintain local food systems and reduce reliance on large-scale industrial agriculture.

Community Engagement: Family farms often engage in community-oriented practices, contributing to local markets, farmer's markets, and direct-to-consumer sales, which strengthens community ties.

Diversity in Agriculture: Family farms contribute to agricultural diversity by growing a variety of crops and raising different types of livestock, promoting resilience within the food system.

Innovation and Adaptation: Family farmers are often at the forefront of innovative practices tailored to their specific regional conditions, leading to advancements in agricultural techniques and sustainability.

Land Stewardship: Many family farms are committed to responsible land stewardship, maintaining healthy ecosystems and landscapes for future generations.

With this said, I remain very proud to have been raised the daughter of a fifth generation farmer.

Sandra Brand is the editor of the NEA Town Courier and The Osceola Times. She may be reached by phone at 870-763-4461 or 870-563-2615 or by email at brand@osceolatimes.com.