Day 80 of #LiveWell2017

Today is National Agriculture Day, so I figured it was a good day to be thankful to all the hard-working farmers who provide food for us every single day. This is an easy thank for me. I love to eat. I love good food. I love fresh food. I appreciate the hard work and risk that every farmer takes to provide that food for me.

I grew up on a dairy farm. My dad still farms at the age of 87. My cousin is a farmer, too. I know from experience how small, family farmers are attached to their land and communities. They care about both and provide an important connection for non-farming people to the places where they live.

Farming is a risky business – more so than ever with climate change and its resulting unpredictable weather. So, these folks deserve to be supported and celebrated for their work, care, dedication, and products. Big agribusiness may feed the world, but small, family farmers feed their communities, provide jobs, and give continuity to communities, creating goodness all along the way.

If you don’t know who your local farmers are, just check your local farmers market listings. Attend a market and talk with the people there. You may be surprised how many farmers are close to you and growing great food nearby. If you live in a place without a farmers market, you might find a community garden or start one of your own, like Ron Finley does in south central Los Angeles.

Thank you to all the farmers (and guerilla gardeners) out there working day and night to grow the food that nourishes us each day and helps us live well in our places. You are appreciated!