Growing a Farmer: Post I

Kurt Timmermeister’s writing on the beginning of his journey is not only inspiring but also a great reminder that no matter how simple a business may seem, hard work and dedication are necessary for success. Considering the immense technological advancements our society has birthed in the past decades, it may be only natural for us to view the farming industry as outdated and inferior to the new, trendy and technology-based industry of start up companies. However, Timmermeister reminds the reader in his passage on farmers’ markets, that farming, just as any other career, requires dedication and strenuous work. He encountered young workers with “hands dry and callused from working with tools” and he sensed integrity within the farming community, leaving him with a desire to be one of them. Despite the cultural stigmas that farmers may be less educated or have a simple work life/lifestyle, Timmermeister senses that these farmers are extremely hard working and passionate about their careers.

The farming industry is deceiving. Many people see it as something so simple: food. Even I envision the occupation as an individual or small company who grow produce, collect it once it’s ready, and then sell it directly to the consumer. Timmermeister again reminds the reader that just as any other industry, strategy is extremely important as there are numerous, vicious competitors. Although farmers markets provide many opportunities for farmers, the restrictions by the farmers market managers often get in the way to ensure the balance of market.  The managers set restrictions on which products come into the market and also when.  The process for selling is not as simple as we may think it to be. A successful farmer acts on a drive and a passion for farming- two inherent qualities without which would inhibit all prosperity in this industry, equally as in any other industry.