Sowing Gratitude
November is a season of reflection and gratitude. With the last leaves falling to the ground and the air turning crisper, there's a natural inclination to pause, take stock, and give thanks for the blessings that color our lives. In this spirit of appreciation, let's turn our attention to the unsung heroes who fill our refrigerators and pantries — dedicated farmers. As we sit down to our tables, it's a perfect moment to express our heartfelt gratitude for the hands that till the soil, nurturing the food and fiber that nourish us all.
Across Washington and across the United States, multi-generation family farms are scattered across our agricultural lands. Families own and operate 96% of U.S. farms. These farms are quite often found in rural America, in flyover country, where these families have farmed and cared for the land for decades, working to feed you and me, each and every day. Those families pass down a culmination of knowledge to the next generation, teaching them how to care for the land and sustainably cultivate the highest quality crops.
To grow those high-quality crops, it takes fertile soil, and Washington is fortunate to have plenty of that! Millions of years ago during the last ice age, the Missoula flood washed across much of Washington leaving behind diverse lands. From basalt rock to deep, rich soil, our farmers have plenty of opportunity to produce great crops across much of the state. These fertile grounds aid in the creation of strong, healthy crops and produce the top-notch wheat we proudly export worldwide. It's a gift we cherish and can't take for granted.
Another critical piece to the farming equation are the hands that help bring them up from farm to fork. Farming certainly isn’t an easy lifestyle – your paycheck isn’t guaranteed, mother nature always has a hand in your success or failure, and the work is that of blood, sweat, and tears. According to Farm Bureau, more than 20% of farms include a first generation farmer. These individuals are critical to continuing the family legacy of farming, and they bring innovative ideas and the adoption of new technology. Together these generations work together to provide high-quality crops that turn into products we fill our dinner tables and bodies with. These farmers reap the product of their toil, and they are setting the standard for quality, affordable, nutrient-rich food.
Finally, we cannot forget the humble seeds that foster growth from within. Though they start out small, their impact is significant, holding the power of life and flourishment within life. So, here’s to the grains of goodness, specifically to wheat – a powerhouse of nutrition. From providing essential carbohydrates and protein, to minerals, antioxidants, and fiber, this versatile grain has got you covered.
From your kitchen that serves your family and the table that hosts conversations and memories, to the countless seeds that are sowed and the farmer who tends to the soil and cares for the crops, there’s a great deal to be grateful for in this season. This holiday season, raise a glass and thank the hands that prepared and grew the food. Life wouldn't happen without them.