Focus on Agriculture: A view from the field

We’ve had a cold winter across a lot of our state, and I am enjoying spring and all the opportunities the new season brings for family fun and good food.

There’s nothing like spending more time outdoors — especially after we all had to “spring forward” with the time adjustment.

The longer days of spring and planting seed for summer always give me hope and an optimistic spirit that we as farmers need to keep going forward.

Some of my favorite memories from this time of year include our grandkids, Winn, Wilkes and McCall, fishing from the pond on our family’s farm.

Anyone who has heard me speak at a Farm Bureau event most likely has heard me say, “I don’t own that property in the small community of Fortsonia — I’m just borrowing it from my grandkids.”

Like most farmers, I’ve done what I can to protect that farmland for my family and future generations

As our state’s Agriculture Commissioner Tyler Harper has said repeatedly, “You may not think about it every day, but agricultural products and the security of our food supply are the most important elements when it comes to our national security.”

Across the nation, the direct impact of the food supply chain from farm to retail is about 24 million jobs, according the most recent Feeding the Economy Report. Agriculture is Georgia’s No. 1 economic sector and employs over 323,300 Georgians.

Clearly, what we do as food producers is very important, and everyone depends on us whether they realize it or not.

As my fellow farmers and I experience the change of seasons, perhaps planting summer crops or raking that first cutting of hay, I hope we can all take a minute to enjoy the beauty of nature and realize how fortunate we are to have the privilege of farming to feed and clothe the world.

And we’ll also take time to be thankful for friends, being connected to the land, and what organizations like Farm Bureau provide.

We’re blessed our families get to share in this rewarding experience of farming, enjoying the outdoors and taking care of God’s creation for future generations.

Just as spring’s arrival on the farm makes me optimistic for another year of farming, I believe the outlook of our organization is bright, and I am optimistic about Farm Bureau and the future.

Tom McCall is president of Georgia Farm Bureau.