It was a normal Friday night, and I was at my best friend’s house. We were just laughing and talking when he says, “You know, you talk about agriculture like most girls talk about their boyfriend.” In that instant, the mood in the room had changed. He said, Micaela, that’s not a bad thing, lighten up! I half-heartedly chuckled, but I couldn’t help but still be mad. However, after thinking about it a lot, I eventually realized what he was saying. I even came to the conclusion that agriculture would be the perfect boyfriend!
Let’s get one thing straight, now agriculture is pretty much my boyfriend. I’m sure people who have lived and worked on a farm remember their encounters very clearly. Think back to those long romantic walks through the bean fields, the fresh smell of manure, getting swept off your feet when leading cows… Okay, so maybe it isn’t the date everyone dreamed of, but I can give you three reasons for why agriculture is the perfect boyfriend.
I think most people have “been there done that” with a significant other who had a few bad habits that were not going to change. This is why agriculture is perfect! Agriculture knows it has some things to work on. It’s very important for agriculture to be able to adapt to society. We have more people being born and we need more food, yet due to the rising population, we have less and less land to do it with. Having to feed over 9 billion people by the year 2050 is not going to be an easy challenge to overcome. However, I have faith that my “boyfriend”, can keep up with the demand. It takes the help of a strong right-hand woman, but agriculture is working daily to keep pace with the problems of the world. Agriculture also listens to our problems and issues with what is going on in the world. (I mean where else are you going to find so many ears?) I also address the hot topics that can sometimes be uncomfortable, all while trying to make the best decision that appeals to everyone.
Agriculture is also the provider of all providers. We all want someone who will get us food and many other necessities. Even though your real boyfriend may buy you food, agriculture provides it. Food, fiber, and fuel all come from agriculture. Almost your entire life is based around it. When we take a step back and look at things, it becomes very evident how much agriculture provides us with. While agriculture provides for us, it’s also important to continue encouraging the adaptability so that it can continue to provide for us long term. Agriculture is indeed the perfect provider.
Agriculture seems to attract many dedicated men and women. With the challenges agriculture faces, the attacks made against it, and the many uncertainties that farmers face every year, it’s very important that farmers are dedicated. With that, we need to make sure that we are dedicated and stand by Agriculture’s side throughout all the trying and difficult times. We can do this by being advocates for agriculture.There are constant attacks being made on agriculture by PETA as well as other organizations. The most important thing we can do is to inform them. Although agriculture isn’t always easy, it’s important that we are dedicated through the thick and thin. Organizations like 4-H and FFA are great ways to do this. They show you the real side of agriculture and how hard it can be. Farmers take high risks with agriculture all the time, and that shows true dedication. As it works to be the best it can possibly be, it makes lots of sacrifices to ensure everything else still goes smoothly.
Now that you know that agriculture is the perfect boyfriend because it’s open, accepting, and even encourages change; it provides with so much, even the highly sought after food, and it’s the most dedicated boyfriend you’ll ever have, I hope that you’ll agree with me in saying that agriculture is the perfect boyfriend. And if you’re talking with your friend and they say that you talk about agriculture like most girls talk about their boyfriend, there’s no need to get mad; but rather take pride in it.
Now ladies, I do have one final reminder. Although society might make us feel otherwise, we don’t need a boyfriend, but we all need agriculture.
