Farmer (ish)

The Instagram algorithm had done it again. In my usual, thoughtless swipe through stories, I saw an advertisement that resonated with me. It was a young lady in a red shirt with the word "Farmerish" across her chest. 

In an instant, I felt pretty seen. You see, I have been struggling with an identity crisis lately. 

I am in love with an industry that I am no longer closely connected to. 

I am NOT a farmer. I do not plant crops, raise livestock, or cultivate a vegetable garden. I am very proud of my 5 dahlias (one admittedly died!) that I grew from tuber to full bloom. But that's truly the extent of my growing abilities in the last few years. I watch my dad plant his crop and get equally excited as him when harvest rolls around. Still, my involvement is usually his personal paparazzi because there's really no need for two people to help harvest our 150 acres. I do not work full-time in agriculture anymore. I do not spend my days talking with farmers or various folks along the supply chain. 

So no. I am NOT a farmer. 

But I am passionate about farming. I can pinpoint many specific memories that have deepened my love and appreciation for the agricultural industry. My first market goat at the county fair. My science fair project on how soybeans grow in different light sources. A truck ride with my best friends to a Junior Fair Board meeting, singing Jason Aldean at the tops of our lungs. Participating in the prepared public speaking contest in FFA, where I met a prevalent mentor while talking to him about subtherapeutic antibiotics (I deserved a gold star just for getting that mouthful out). How I just felt like I was "home" when I went to Ohio State's College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences. 

As I looked at this shirt, I couldn't help but think it was the best description of my current state in life. 

I am not a farmer, but I see tractors in the field and wonder, "What's their story?". I am not a farmer, but I occasionally look through online livestock sales. I am not a farmer but enjoy volunteering with 4-H and FFA kids. I am not a farmer, but I read a lot of agricultural news. I am not a farmer, but I can share farmers' stories through the written word, pictures, and videos.

I am not a farmer, but I love the agricultural industry. And maybe someday I will be a farmer in my own unique way. 

PS - I made my own Farmer-ish shirt that you can buy too. It's linked here.