When I Grow Up I Want To Be A Farmer

Our oldest son, LP, just turned five years old and he is asked quite often "What do you want to be when you grow up?".  He always proudly answers, "A Farmer".  So in honor of National Ag Day, I sat down and interviewed him and asked him "Why?".  His answers made me smile and I hope they do for you too.

Because my Dad and Mom are farmers.

Already at the age of five LP thinks the legacy of our family's farm is a pretty "cool" thing.  LP is the sixth generation on our farm, and My Farmer and I are doing all that we can to make sure that our farm is sustainable for him, or any of his siblings, to take over when they are grown up.

LP this past fall with Flat Aggie

Because I like tractors.

He's a five year old boy, are you really surprised this is one of his reasons why he wants to be a farmer?  Heck, this is one of the reasons I enjoy farming.  Big wheels, big machines, and lots of power - yep, sounds like a pretty good reason on why being a farmer is awesome!

Because you get to plant.

I thought this was an unbelievable answer to come from a five year old.  LP has already discovered to love of getting a little dirty, planting seeds, and seeing the miracle of having a crop bloom and get harvested at the end of the year.  Raising corn and soybeans on our farm is one of my favorite aspects because we get a fresh start every year.  We learn from past years to better our farms for each new year.  We are constantly learning on the farm, and that is something unique about our job of farming.

Because you get to wear a cool costume.  Now after this answer I had to ask him what a farmer costume was and he said:  It's the farmer suit.  You get to wear cool shirts, Carhartt bibs in the winter and cool boots.

I had never thought about the "farmer suit" til LP talked about it.  Our "cool shirts" are usually from different seed or chemical companies, agricultural associations, etc.  They do have some pretty fun designs and wording on them so I can see why he is looking forward to wearing his own some day.  Carhartt bib overalls are must in the winter time in order to stay warm while working outside.  These aren't just cool as LP sees them, they are practical and needed.  And the "cool boots".  Both My Farmer and I have farm boots - aka old pull on leather boots, and rubber chore boots.  According to LP both are cool and he thinks it is great that you get to wear them everyday when you're a farmer.

And lastly: Because you get to take care of pigs everyday.

LP loves helping his Dad check the pigs to make sure they are healthy and comfortable.  He loves that we have animals on our farm and he has plans on adding to the kinds of livestock that we raise.  If you ask LP, he wants to add a cow, chickens and horses.  I hate to tell him, but he might have to wait til he has his own farm to have some of those.  But I'm willing to invest in probably some chickens and maybe a bucket bottle calf as a 4-H project someday.

So from our family, to yours, we hope you have a great National Ag Day!  Thanks to LP for letting me interview him.  I hope you enjoyed his answers on why he wants to be a farmer when he grows up as much as My Farmer and I both did.  The future of agriculture is growing strong!  Remember to Comment for a Cause!