The legacy of farming

Farmers are the backbone of the American economy. The food we eat, the clothes on our backs, and even the heat that keeps our homes warm can all be traced back to the products of our natural resources and the hard work of our farmers, ranchers, and other rural Americans. Agriculture roots run deep in the heart of Arkansas, which is why I always look forward to spending time traveling across the Fourth District to hear from the men and women who cultivate and steward the bountiful land we’ve been given. This week, I made several stops to visit farmers and industry stakeholders who have dedicated their lives to the agriculture and farming industries. I was encouraged by the stories of second and third generation farmers that follow their great grandfathers who instilled a family legacy by cultivating a sustainable and long-lasting future for generations to inherit and maintain. This week was a testament to the truth that without farmers and their passion for what they do, our lives as we know it would cease to exist.
There’s a quote that I admire from Daniel Webster that hangs in the House of Representatives and stands as an emblem of hope and inspiration for me every time I make my way to the House floor. It says, “Let us develop the resources of our land, call forth our powers, build up its institutions, promote all its great interests, and see whether we also, in our day and generation, may not perform something worthy to be remembered.” I can’t help but think back to men and women who came before us and passed the gauntlet onto us to preserve and sustain our nation’s resources. What we do now with the land, assets, and time we are given, matters. Our forefathers understood how precious the land they were given was. They worked tirelessly to ensure that these things would be passed on to generations to come, not something to be enjoyed for a fleeting moment. This should come as a challenge to us to use our power to cultivate something memorable. The men and women I met this week, who come from generations of farmers, understand the dedication it takes to do just that.

Along my tour, I visited with several FFA students who shared their experiences with me and even showed me their livestock that they have been faithfully raising. FFA teaches students about the importance of agriculture and the potential career opportunities in the industry. As a former FFA student myself, I know the dedication and responsibility involved in learning to care for livestock and how it instills invaluable work ethic and life skills. These students are learning about the importance of the very ideals mentioned in Daniel Webster’s quote. They are certainly learning how to develop the resources of our land and creating something that is lasting, impacting their future and the future of those around them.
My hope is that we would be mindful of the fact that our land and our resources are worthy of our care. And that without the farming industry, our land would not be properly cultivated, our natural resources would not be properly and sustainably managed, and everything we find comfort in, from clothes to food to warmth, would be only a memory. The future of the agriculture and farming industries is bright, and Arkansas will continue to raise the bar for farmers and industry stakeholders across the country. I’m proud to represent the Fourth District of Arkansas, and I’m proud of our farmers.