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Old timers and metal health of farmers.
Something I’ve found interesting on these tough years is how often the old retired farmers in the community stop by or call just to see how things are going.
Something I’ve found interesting on these tough years is how often the old retired farmers in the community stop by or call just to see how things are going.
The modern lingo of mental health is never brought up but the action of checking in tells me they know what’s up.
Some haven’t farmed in 20+ years but the memory of struggle is still fresh in their mind.
Some of these guys grew up still using horses and started farming in the dawn of mechanized agriculture. They had some wet years too but didn’t have the machinery to deal with it that we do now.
They know all about heated grain. Yield, quality and weight loss in spring thrash. Crops drowning and not amounting to anything. Mud and frustration.
They could wash their hands of it all and not care. They could look on and say we have it easy with with today’s modern equipment. But instead they show interest, asking questions about repairs and costs.
The question “Are you doing ok?” Is never asked but yet it’s obvious in many ways that’s what the whole conversation is about. In parting it’s often “Keep your chin up Kid. Don’t get too discouraged.” And I appreciate the care and acknowledgment of tough times.
