Today is National Farmers Day. A day to honor those who have devoted their lives to the agricultural industry. I am part of a family with deep ties to agriculture, and I am forever grateful to have had the opportunity to grow up immersed in farm life.
T-T Ranch is a fourth-generation family farm in central North Dakota. If I had the time, I would love to share the story of how my great grandpa started our farm and how it has grown over the years thanks to dedication, hard work and sacrifice. I’ll save that story for another day. Today, I want to share with you why I am personally thankful for my dad, brothers and farmers everywhere for what they do 365 days a year. My dad is the third generation of Topp men to be responsible for T-T Ranch. I don’t know anyone who is more knowledgeable or passionate about agriculture. Some of my favorite childhood memories are from following my dad around on the farm. He taught me how to rake hay, drive a combine, unload a truck at the elevator, test grain samples…any task a farm kid needs to know, he taught me! Dad – thank you for teaching me everything I know about agriculture and for encouraging me to pursue a career in this industry. Most of all, thank you for sharing your passion for agriculture with you kids, and now your grandkids. My brothers are the fourth generation of owner/operators of our family farm and ranch. They grew up alongside my dad and grandpa Kenny checking fields, driving tractor, working cows and everything in between. There was never a doubt in my mind that these two would one day take over the farm. As their sister, I am so proud to see them carrying on the family tradition and ensuring that our operation is around for the next generation. Jason and Justin – thank you for the long hours you devote to carrying on our family legacy and being passionate about what you do. My grandpa Kenny and grandpa Ed were also farmers. I often wish I still had the opportunity to ask them questions about how agriculture has evolved since they started farming. I’m sure they would be amazed at the technology involved in today’s farming operations. I also have uncles and cousins who are, or have been, farmers/ranchers. Agriculture runs deep in our family, and I am so thankful for that. In addition to my family's involvement in agriculture, there are more than 3 million farmers in the United States. These men and women each have unique stories. Some of them come from family farms and are carrying on their own family legacy. Others are the first generation in their family to be involved in production agriculture. Whether you’ve been involved in farming/ranching your whole life or are just getting started, thank you for pursuing a career in this industry. Today is for each of the 3.2 million U.S. farmers/ranchers who dedicate their lives to producing the food, fiber and fuel for Americans and people around the world. If you haven’t done so already, take a minute to thank a farmer in your life. If you don’t know a farmer, we would love to have a conversation with you, answer questions you have and connect you with a farmer who you can contact to learn more about where your food comes from. Farmers – thank you for everything you do today and every day!
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AuthorEveryone helps contribute photos and content ideas from time to time; however, Jessie is the primary writer of blog posts on our site. Archives
August 2018
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