When people look at a farmer they assume the stereotypical farmer. He/she doesn’t speak English very well, wears clothes that are torn and ragged, they smell like poop, they drive an old rusted truck, and have an 8th grade education. Silly people, farmers are some of the smartest people around. They happen to be experienced and skilled in seven different occupations.

Meteorologist are VERY important people. They let others know what the weather is going to do and how we can all prepare. They can predict the future of rain, wind, tornadoes, etc. Did you know that a farmer HAS to be able to do this too? For a farmer to plant their crops, work with their cattle, and make hay they have to be able to predict what the weather is going to do over their farm and land. A weatherman on t.v. can help assist a farmer to know, but everywhere is different. A rain cloud can randomly show up right over the farm. A farmer can’t work in the fields or make hay if their land is completely wet. Livestock farmers have to watch for signs of extreme hot and extreme cold for their animals sakes. There are many things in nature that allow farmers to know this. If you’re interested in knowing these, ASK a farmer. You’ll be amazed at what they tell you, some things are obvious, some things are completely learned through years of experience.

A veterinarian. Livestock farmers are vets. They don’t know every disease and how to treat it, but the most common illnesses, the signs of each, and the correct treatment are what all livestock farmers know. No, they didn’t attend vet school or have a degree. They have something most don’t. They have years and years of experience. They had their fathers teach them from a young age. They still need a vet, but they are amazing with dealing with common illnesses. Not many people can diagnose a cow having trouble calving or a lamb that isn’t getting enough milk from its’ mother. Farmers need these animals to survive to continue to have a living. They want to be able to help these animals as fast and effectively as they can. Ask any livestock farmer. They have a shelf in their fridge with animal medications so they can help an animal even if the vet’s office is closed.

Next up, an agronomist. For those of you don’t know, an agronomist is someone who studies production crops such as corn and soybeans. They also have to be educated in soil and how it affects the growth of the crops. Granted a farmer has access to an agronomist, but a great farmer knows his soil, how well his crops grow in certain areas, and what type of crop his soil succeeds as raising. He knows where places need to have more nitrogen and other important nutrients. They know what type of corn to use and how long of a maturity date they need. They have to be knowledgeable of all types of crops, how to grow them, and what they need to to have a profitable crop each and every year.

Horticulturist. Not all, but many farmers have gardens, timber, etc. Farmers have to maintain this amenities for their livestock, family, or land. It’s pretty similar to an agronomist, but different crops and vegetation. They do a lot more planting by hand too. Farmers know how to grow certain produce at certain times of the year. They know when to prepare their land, when to harvest, and what the ground needs to make high quality produce. Once again, years of experience and tricks passed down by generations is how the farmers learn to do the things they need to do to survive.

Entomologist. I’ll make this short and sweet. They have to be able to diagnose many different kinds of bugs/parasites. Livestock can get grubs and lice. Corn can get root worm. Tomatoes can get tomato bugs. They know how to ‘spot’ them and get rid of them.

Teacher. This is probably one of the best things my father is to me. As I keep saying in every little paragraph, all farmers are taught all the ‘tricks in the book’. My dad has taught me everything I need to know about farming. I learned some things from a textbook, but not all. Farmers are great teachers and mentors. Every secret is passed from generation to generation. Sometimes it makes me smile to know that my grandfather did the same exact things. In my family, we all shovel corn the corn the same because our forefathers taught us tricks of getting more in each scoop.

Humanitarian. If farmers raise livestock they are large humanitarians. A lot of people think this isn’t true. They’re wrong. Animals are our income. The poorer lifestyle they have, the poorer lifestyle the farmer has. We rely on animals for our livelihood. The animals on the farms are also like family. The farmers see their animals everyday and take care of them just like they are family. At my farm, my animals are family. They all have names, get special treatment, and are fed the best of the best. They are given all the love and adoration as another sibling/child. Most farms are like this. My father, a 60 year old man, will NEVER stop raising cattle. He will tell you himself, “I just love them too much”. He’s past his teachings of love for animals to his children, like most other farmers do.

Farmers are more complex than you think. They’re smarter than you think, but they are still the nice people that will wave when you pass by. Remember to thank a farmer for everything they do—since obviously they do more than you think!