I only got a chance to watch the last part of the Super Bowl this year. I was giving kids baths, late night milk breaks and the whole bed-time routine for my two kiddos. I heard, however, that the game was good, the half time show was entertaining and there was even technical drama. But mostly it was good because of what I think was the best commercial aired in quite some time. I heard, in most rooms, you could have heard a pin drop. I’m talking about the Dodge commercial narrated by Paul Harvey that began “… God looked down on his planned paradise and said I need a caretaker. So God made a farmer …”
I am truly fortunate that I had the chance to grow up on my family farm. I watched my father and his father before him work the land, take care of their animals and live up to that “salt of the earth” image we have of farmers. Now, my brothers carry on the family tradition. Farmers farm because they don’t mind hard work, they don’t mind getting up before dawn and they don’t mind working until well after dark most days, and then getting up and doing it all over again. Every day. Even on Christmas. Even when it rains, snows or is 105 degrees outside in the shade.
Now, I am truly fortunate that I work for dairy farmers. Dairy farmers care for their land and the environment, they nurture their animals and they feed families. Not just their own families, but they feed my family too, and yours. In fact, one farmer alone feeds 155 other people. In our country, we have the safest and most abundant food supply in the world. We have to look no further than our local corner grocery store to find healthy and affordable milk, cheese, and yogurt and other nutrient-rich foods.
Not only that, but dairy farming is a vital part of the U.S. food system and contributes thousands of jobs, income and vitality to communities across the country. From veterinarians, to truck drivers, to the feed store, dairying provides jobs. And, they give of their personal time to the community. They are school board members, church deacons and 4-H club leaders.
They do all of this because they love to farm. They love that their children can grow up on the family farm and learn the true value of a day’s work. They love that they can feed the world; that they can feed you.
The next time you look around at God’s planned paradise, think of the farmer — that hard working, strong, companionate caretaker. The next time you eat, thank a farmer. I know I do.
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Amanda Horn Posted on 02/13/2013 (3 months ago)
Great post Susan! This was my favorite commercial too.
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