Dear Farmers,
WOW. That’s the first word that always comes to mind when I think of you. For 30 years, I have been on your side, promoting the lovely food you produce. In that time, you have welcomed me into your homes and at your dinner tables and have taught me much.
Few have truly seen the challenges and struggles you face as I have. Your job description is huge. In the span of a day, you may be required to be an engineer, electrician, mathematician, teacher, biologist, chemist, meteorologist, marketer, accountant, plumber, painter, manager, carpenter, entomologist, soil scientist, plant pathologist, veterinarian, forester and mechanic. All of those skills go into making you a successful farmer. Not many are up to the enormous task.
Like an artist with a canvas, you design and mold the land in front of you into a beautiful picture of sustainability. You are master stewards of the earth. I see your wisdom, compassion, dedication, patience, faith and kindness as you work. You have made me a better consumer and advocate for the local farm. I am humbled to work beside you and eternally grateful there are people like you in this world, who are willing to risk everything for everyone.
Thank you for making the world a better place and for giving us food and fiber to enhance our lives while here on this earth. Your sacrifice of time, energy, resources and sleep may go unnoticed by some, but not by me. You have forever underlined my love of local and I will always deeply appreciate what you do out of love for this land we call Tennessee.
Tammy Algood
I am giving my editors note for this farm issue to my friend Tammy Algood, who had worked as an extension agent for the Department of Agriculture for many years. In this role, she worked with farmers—teaching them everything from how to preserve food properly to how to market and start a CSA.