Dear Dad,

Growing up being the farmer’s daughter has been very interesting. It has made life challenging, fun and sometimes lonely. Being your daughter has helped me grow as a person and have a whole new respect for all the farmers that most people just don’t pay attention to. It takes a special person to be a farmer, and even more special people to be the farmer’s family. Farming families lives are definitely not easy, but I would never trade the way I grew up for anything. You taught me how lucky I am to have grown up in a farming community, with a great Farmer Dad.

Sometimes it was hard to not have you around during the spring and fall, but that meant that anything you came to meant so much more to me. I know you are sad that you couldn’t make it to all of my softball or soccer games, but each time you did come, you made me feel so special. It made me realize how important I am to you.

Bringing meals to you during planting and harvesting was always so fun for me, being able to ride in the tractor or combine and spend more time with you. Meeting people from different backgrounds made me realize that maybe taking a ride on a tractor is a big deal, and I’m lucky to have been able to do it all the time. Plus, bringing you food most of the time meant we got McDonald’s or Subway, which was always a treat. I miss the days of just sitting in the combine with you or stealing your fries while you sit eating in the car with us once in a while.

Even though the smell of manure makes me cringe, I got pretty used to it. I could sometimes even tolerate giving you a hug while you were at work! It’s a good thing I never had to do your laundry because I probably wouldn’t be able to stomach it. But coming home and being around the smells, I realize that I kind of miss the smell of home. It might sound weird that I miss the smell of manure, but that means that I’m home and close to you and Mom. I’m not saying this to give you an excuse not to shower as often -- please do. I’m just saying thank you for giving me a strong nose.

I have always had a love for animals, so having you and Mom to encourage it was incredible. Thank you for bringing me to the turkey and pig barns to see the cute little animals, especially the baby ones. Every time I see anything about pigs or turkeys I think about you, just like when I bought those plastic pig noses for you. As a kid, Trevor and I had so many farming and animal related toys. Finding all those toy tractors, or all those little animal things, I loved trying to be a part of what you did.

Every time I pass a field of corn or soybeans, I think about you and how I grew up visiting you at fields just like that. I can even tell apart some of the different crops. My farming vocabulary is pretty good compared to a lot of other people. I also realize how important every little aspect of it is. The weather, bugs, a different type of seed or variety of plant -- all of those play a part of a much bigger operation. I understand how important the value of corn can be and how rain can be a great thing or a bad thing. I have a much bigger understanding of the world because of the way you and Mom raised me.

I’m proud to have a farmer dad. Although there were some struggles, I would never trade the way I grew up. Being your daughter has given me a better understanding of the world and makes me really appreciate the time with my family. You have worked so hard, and I appreciate everything you have done for me. I love you, Dad!

Love,

The farmer’s daughter, Caitlin

P.S. When I come home soon, can we go for a ride in the combine?