Children that are raised around farming and ranching have a true appreciation of life. They know how to work and understand the value of a dollar. They aren’t discouraged and give up when obstacles are in front of them. They don’t wait on things to be handed to them; they take the initiative and get to work for what they want. This work ethic spreads over into other areas of their life, such as school, sports and other jobs. Think of all the negative we hear about the youth of today. More and more of them are becoming obese from the lack of activity and they are getting into trouble with drugs, alcohol and in other areas. If they would get a job on a farm for the summer they would realize how much better they feel when they get outside and move around, helping them to understand the importance of physical activity. And they wouldn’t have time to get into trouble. This is just a start of the many values they would learn. But one of the most important is gaining a true understanding of where their food comes from and of their agricultural heritage.

Don’t think for a minute that we are hicks from the sticks. We have all the modern conveniences that most kids enjoy. Our kids have video games, Nickelodeon and a computer. They even have a 4-wheeler and a go-cart they can ride. But when they aren’t helping dad, they enjoy things like riding their bikes, building forts, going fishing on the creek and having mud fights. They enjoy the outdoors and nature. We have four children and sometimes farming gets tough, but they are the main reason we would never give this lifestyle up. They have the freedom to grow and play without fear. The experiences and values that they have gained from living and working on a farm will be some of the most important assets they will ever posses.