Farming is more than a business. It’s a way of life, a commitment, and often, a deeply emotional connection to the land, the animals, and the community. Every farmer knows this in their bones: the work we do isn’t just about making a living; it’s about feeding others, building resilience, and honoring traditions that have shaped humanity for centuries. That’s why dismissive attitudes toward small farms hurt so much—they don’t just strike at our bottom line. They cut into the heart of people who pour their souls into every acre, every flock, every harvest.
Let’s talk about the challenges first. Farming isn’t easy—no surprises there. It’s waking up before sunrise to check on the animals, sweating through long days of planting or repairs, and racing against the unpredictable whims of weather and market prices. It’s losing crops to a sudden frost or watching livestock battle illness despite your best efforts. It’s learning to live with the reality that sometimes, no matter how hard you work, things just don’t go your way. Farming is relentless, and it takes everything you’ve got—and then some.
But here’s the flip side: farming is also full of pride. The kind of pride that comes from seeing the first sprouts push through the soil, gathering eggs from hens that are happy and healthy, or witnessing the joy on someone’s face when they bite into food that you grew with your own two hands. It’s the pride of knowing you’re doing meaningful work that matters—not just for yourself, but for your community and the planet. Farming may be tough, but it’s also beautiful, rewarding, and deeply fulfilling.
And then there’s the frustration—the part no one likes to talk about. The dismissive comments, the lowball offers, the accusations of greed when prices go up because costs have risen. “You’re just a hobby farmer.” “Why should I pay $5 for eggs?” “Small farms are no different from corporations.” It’s enough to make any farmer wonder why they even bother. Those remarks don’t just misunderstand the realities of farming; they undermine the humanity behind it. They ignore the sweat, tears, and sleepless nights that make small farms what they are: an act of love.
Because that’s what farming is—a labor of love. It’s love for the animals you care for, the land you nurture, and the people you feed. It’s love for a way of life that values connection over convenience, sustainability over shortcuts, and integrity over profits. And when people dismiss that, it hurts. Not because we need validation, but because the work itself deserves respect.
Small farms aren’t just businesses; they’re lifelines. They’re built by people who believe in something bigger than themselves, who weather storms and setbacks with grit and determination, and who show up every day because they know the work they’re doing is worth it. So the next time someone brushes off a small farm as “just a business,” take a moment to think about the heart behind it. Because farming isn’t just a job—it’s a calling.
Have you felt the emotional side of farming, or seen it in your own life? Let’s talk about it. Because these stories, these connections, matter more than we realize.
