This One Is For The Farmers Rooted In Resilience
I recently had the chance to give the keynote speech at the University of Arkansas Northeast Rice Research and Extension Center Field Day here in Arkansas. The title of my speech was "Rooted in Resilience: Navigating the Future of Rice Farming," and I chose those words carefully. Because if there’s one thing I know for certain, it’s that farming will test you. And resilience? That’s not just a word we toss around. It’s a way of life out here. Not just for the farmers but also for their families.
I shared parts of my own journey—how I found my way back to the farm, and how the pull of this land is stronger than you may ever realize until you are away from it. Farming isn’t just a job. It’s a calling. One that comes with dirt under your nails and a whole lot of grit in your gut. Nowadays, you'd better have a passion that lights you up to be in this business, or you are sure to fail.
But let’s not sugarcoat it: the challenges are real. From trade uncertainty to rising input costs, water management to labor shortages—today’s farmers are carrying more than their share. And while we talk a lot about yields and inputs, we don’t talk nearly enough about the mental toll this life can take. A “day in the life” of a farmer may go from decisions about grain marketing and cash flow to combine repairs and drying grain in a matter of minutes.
That’s why I made a point to talk about mental health in my speech—and why I spoke about it when I testified before Congress earlier this year. Because resilience isn’t just about pushing through. It’s about knowing when to lean on others and having a support system in place that you can depend on when needed. There’s also a growing disconnect between folks in town and folks in the field. And that’s dangerous. When people don’t understand where their food comes from or who’s producing it, they start to make decisions—in boardrooms, in grocery stores, in Washington—that don’t reflect reality.
Here’s the truth: authentic storytelling matters. Not just the glossy, feel-good stuff. But the messy, honest stories of real people doing real work. Every farmer has a story worth sharing. And the more we tell them, the more we bridge that gap.
We also need to talk about the workforce. Agriculture needs skilled labor. Period. And that means creating pathways for young people to see a future in this industry—not just in the fields, but in tech, science, policy, and beyond.
So yes, we’re rooted in resilience. But we’re also rooted in community. In truth-telling. In hope.
Come walk the turn rows with me. Let’s keep telling the story.
You can listen to the recent episode here:
💚https://open.spotify.com/episode/4kuxpZf6CMmNpcTBIJDznD?si=48b727ec73b14af0
You can also visit me online, or learn more about my speaking engagements here: