What is your image of those involved in agriculture? Or more precisely, what image comes into your head when the term ‘farmer’ is mentioned? Perhaps a weathered man with a tattered hat driving an old truck, hand delivering his produce? Or perhaps a ‘whinging’ farmer arguing for government assistance? Or perhaps a stoic, steadfast person battered between natural disasters?
If someone asked you to draw a farmer, what (or who) would you draw? If nothing else, your image should certainly involve a kelpie. 😉
And of course there are TV ads which are designed to elicit sympathy (or at least empathy) with famers doing it tough – encouraging consumers to buy those unfortunate farmer’s produce.
But seriously, are they fair or accurate images of Australian farmers?
In my travels I am privileged to meet many people involved in Australian agriculture. Some are farmers, some are produce buyers, some are machinery salespeople. And here is a summary of what I see. From my experience:
1. There is a good mix of men and women. A range of builds, complexions and backgrounds. Many have a ‘dry’ sense of humour.
2. There is a high level of passion, integrity and professionalism in how they run their businesses.
3. They are keen adopters of technology and are very inventive in using that techology to solve problems.
4. They manage their business finances well and yet have a kind heart towards those doing it tough.
5. There is a new generation of young farmers coming through with high levels of education and skill.
For me personally – I don’t want you to buy our produce because you feel sorry for us.
I want you to buy our produce because of its quality. I want you to feed and clothe your family with the best and safest agricultural produce available. Australian grown. We are a dynamic industry, full of enthusiastic, innovative, honest and hard working people committed to producing great food and fibre.
And yes there are some times that we (as an industry) ask for a hand from the government – our climate can be harsh and even the best farmer can hit a drought, flood or fire at the wrong time. These events can be devastating in the short term. But regardless of the circumstance in any given year, we aim to produce food and fibre to match the best in the world – and if we can’t do that year in and year out, then no amount of assistance will allow us to survive.
So the next time you have cause to consider a farmer – think of us as we are now. We are high tech and innovative. We are clever and hardworking. We are resilient. And we are proud of what we do for Australia and hope you are as well.
Cheers,
NeilK
Well said. Society is really confused when it comes to Australian agriculture and the part it plays in our country. I wish society saw more of the great work we do rather then the down on his luck pity story that is soo often displayed.