Farmers, A Mythical Complicated Past, Present, And Future

This is an opinion reflecting on classism and the non-existent romantic present and past of agriculture and agricultural appropriation in its many forms. This isn’t meant to shame, but to help me untangle the noodles of my thoughts and encourage people to take paths that might be uncomfortable but maybe enlightening.

In the last handful of years, I have seen farmer friends and neighbors step away from their diversified farming enterprises to take back existing jobs or take on new jobs that offer benefits and reliable pay. These people did everything right, had quality products, and marketed like crazy, yet burned out trying to make any kind of sustainable profit or dignified living.

Although we (farmers and ag business owners) all started growing more aware of how social media influencers and some other high-profile farmers were really “doing it”. And it often, but certainly not always, had to do with other income streams or certain privileges. Especially for some popular farm influencers who failed to mention that their trad-wife persona was funded by inherited family wealth. Or other farmers had partners who were working other off-farm jobs to finance the farm while a business grew. The latter were often more honest about this, and I definitely would have struggled much more if it weren’t for Bob helping pay the bills or buying groceries. However, influencers often don’t disclose that they aren’t actually generating income from their farm, but rather from social media clicks, book deals about “how well their farm does”, and a substantial wealth to fall back on.

How did having a 40-cow dairy be a reliable single source of income for a family, to farming almost becoming an elitist hobby? Yet, other farmers and farm laborers are looked down on for doing manual labor. As a side note, I thoroughly enjoyed being a farm laborer for a local CSA, and would still be working for them if they hadn’t retired. Farmer and work clothes are being branded as hip fashion statements. It’s interesting how historically, the wealthy have often appropriated the fashion, food choices, and “lifestyle” of the working class.

Romanticizing hardships has parallels with a mythical rural idealism. Romanticizing creates a huge hurdle for understanding complex issues and policies that could be helpful in rural and farming communities. This can also, unintentionally, create divides or unrealistic expectations for people moving to rural spaces to farm. Not to mention a history steeped in creating a mythology around mystical “farmer warriors” who are the backbone of a nation. The simple answer is that it takes both rural and urban people to create businesses, buy from each other, and hire people to work a wide array of meaningful and ethical jobs.

There seems to be a slowly growing current of this push toward the golden magical idealism of rural living and farmers. More people are taking on questionable descriptions, if not a mockery. I encourage people to think about why they use these terms. Like homesteading, a gentleman farmer, a landowner, and a hobby farmer. This critique isn’t posed in a way to make people feel bad or become defensive. But to actually think about what these terms mean, and if maybe we can think about different or more authentic terms. Much of this language refers to oneself as being wealthy and raising animals in a casual setting, versus making money from your farm work. Perhaps more authentic descriptions are something to think about. Like, having a rural vacation home where I have chickens and a few llamas. Or, I just raise a small herd of goats for fun. But also, being honest with people in stating that I make my money from an off-farm job. The animals, gardens, etc., are for my pleasure or perhaps a fun project.

Lastly, I’m also unsettled by the uptick in fascist ideology and eugenics merging more and more into the lexicon of organic or regenerative farming. Farming thrives when there is actual diversity in not only the farming practices but the farmers themselves. So many farming practices used now come from many different cultures, though not much, if any, credit is given to those cultures and their history.

I’m deeply concerned and sick to my stomach about certain farmers in a part of the high-profile regenerative agriculture world who are also actively participating in organizations like the Heritage Project. It’s like watching a horror movie unfold or watching people repeat a disturbing history.

Moving forward. I think being critical is important, but offering solutions may help lay down new groundwork for thought processes. Ultimately, it’s up to individuals to take time for inward change to make outward change. And I’m no angel, nor am I trying to come off as one or shaming others. I have put my foot in my mouth countless times, but I am thankful to have friends who are honest with me and will criticize or challenge some of my thoughts and ideas. Plus friends who guide me to be a better ally!

Maybe I didn’t merge some of these thoughts in a great way in this blog. I have a pretty tangled up noodle brain. But the leaps between ignoring appropriation in both class and race in agriculture and land stewardship help no one. And we can share truthful histories, acknowledge privilege, listen when people express real concerns, and take steps to address issues.

Some easy solutions are to read and learn! Some of these resources below outline some of these issues in more detail, as well as offering real solutions. So, set aside some time to learn.

We are all learning and growing! We all do better when we all do better. -Paul Wellstone

Civil Eats-This is a resource full of important publications and opinions. The article “Does Regenerative Agriculture Have a Race Problem?” is particularly good.

Farmers Union is a more progressive Ag. advocacy organization. The article “The Indigenous Origins of Regenerative Agriculture” also shares even more literature.

This particular Medium piece has a list of other resources, “Fall Of A Hero.”