To the Year 2011: Thanks for Everything!



The future of farming, as bright as last year?

In approximately 10 minutes, 2011 will be a bling of the past here in Central Illinois, and as is the custom the world over, folks will kiss one year goodbye while rushing headlong into the new year, making (often impossible) resolutions to carry them forward.

But, sitting at my computer in our very old and drafty farmhouse I find myself reluctant to say goodbye to the last 12 months, wondering why we are so anxious to move on, instead of taking time to reflect and give thanks.

Farmers have made great strides this last year for which they need to say to each other and to those that support them, "well done!" Tremendous ground has been broken in legislative arenas in regards to the farmers right to produce, market and consume healthier foods. The raw milk movement alone has been one such area where laws have been changed for the better (in some states) and farmers and their customers have stood side by side in rallies nationwide, refusing to allow a suit behind a desk tell them what they can and cannot put in their bellies.

Farmers markets have exploded in all states and instead of consisting of just two or three farmers now consist of enough folk to take up several blocks in larger cities all season long. People in cities big and small have tired of the mass produced "food" lacking in color, texture and nutrition and so, instead, have insisted upon the availability of decent food for a price fair to grower and consumer. Where once a Farmers Market consisted of just tomatoes and cukes, a variety of fresh wholesome vegetables, meat and dairy is now available, meeting the needs of the community.

CSA's (community supported agriculture) have blossomed, allowing its members the ability not only to buy good food but to assist, via work share programs, in the planting, weeding and harvesting of that produce even if they themselves live in concrete jungles lacking garden space amenities.

Cow share programs have grown exponentially, through the determination and hard work of local dairy farmers, despite the FDA's crackdowns and raids of small family farms, allowing folks to "own" enough of a Holstein or Jersey to provide fresh milk (or cheese or butter) to their families the way THEY CHOOSE to provide it.

Restaurants have proven themselves to be leaders in the "Buy-Fresh-Buy-Local" movement as they turn away from produce retailers who ship limp lettuce thousands of miles, grown in less than ideal conditions, working instead with farmers directly, paying decent money for more than decent produce which a chef can prepare and serve with pride.

Granted there is much work to be done. Brainstorming and follow up action must occur in order to allow young farmer want-to-be's, a way and a means to purchase land and materials for those farm businesses they ache for. Our government representatives must get out of their offices and out into the farm lands to talk with and listen to the farmers they claim to represent. Residents must take the time to get to know their local farmer and then support them through the power of purchase if they wish fresh local food to be available in 2012.

But with perserverence and continued hard work, the future of  farming remains bright for all these reasons listed above. Farmers and those who support them, work for them, train with them, write about them, and respect them, need to be proud of all that was accomplished in 2011; a very great Renegade Farmer year indeed.