A lot to be thankful for

Even amidst the ever-present challenges that are part of farming, we have so much to be thankful for this Thanksgiving season.

There are so many small and wondrous moments for which I am grateful: the smell of freshly turned soil, the peace of the countryside at dawn and dusk, the first sprout in the spring and the smell of hay-baling season.

The birth of a calf is an awe-inspiring experience that symbolizes renewal, growth and the continuation of the herd and of the farm.

I am grateful for resilience, something farming demands. In the face of adversity — like drought, floods, unreasonable environmental regulations, rising input costs, market fluctuations and more — we should celebrate our perseverance.

I am grateful for the ability to rise after a difficult season and adapt to new challenges. I am also grateful for the resilience of the land. The soil, the water and the weather are all gifts that sustain our farm.

We are in a partnership with the land, and despite the challenges brought on by changing weather patterns, droughts, floods, or disease, we continue to care for the earth, hoping for its resilience.

On our farm, everything is interconnected. The health of the soil affects the growth of plants, which in turn feed our cattle, which provide manure that fertilizes the land.

This balance is not always easy to achieve, but when it happens, it is a reminder of the intricate, delicate web of life. I am thankful for the soil’s ability to recover and provide year after year.

Our farm is a microcosm of nature, where every creature — from the tiniest insect to the largest cow, whose name is Rocking P Sweet Tart — plays a role in the ecosystem.

There’s wonder in watching these relationships unfold, and I am deeply grateful for the way nature works.

I am thankful for the knowledge handed down through the generations that came before us and for the ability to adapt in an ever-changing environment.

From advances in technology to shifts in climate and evolving consumer preferences, we adjust and look for solutions.

We have the luxury of traditional wisdom from those who came before. The lessons learned from years of farming, about patience and timing and truly knowing the land like the back of your hand, are treasures.

Gratefulness as a farmer is powerful and grounding. It is not just about being thankful for the tangible results — like the crops harvested or the livestock raised — but also about a deep appreciation for the intangible: the cycles of nature, the resilience of the earth, the lessons learned through hard work and the community that we support and that supports us.

I am grateful that as farmers we provide nourishment for people around the world. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, on average, one farmer in the United States feeds around 168 people annually.

I am grateful for you. Thank you for reading this column when it appears in this newspaper.

Happy Thanksgiving!