Cool Farming

I was talking to Megan Lewien who is a Washington State University PhD student and researcher in drought resistance for plants. After discussing her research efforts the conversation turned to how we both felt that farming is about as cool a profession as any other in the world. We listed the talents a farmer has to have. Meteorologist, chemist, economist, biologist and she picked it up from there. “And they have to understand soil will health and maintaining the farm so it can be passed on from generation to generation. Often they don't get enough benefit from what they are doing. Farmers that make changes that are better for our environment don't get awarded that. I find that organic thing, it's amazing they get paid a benefit for organic. How about sustainable? Why not reward a farmer for growing sustainably? For not planting near waterways. For introducing legumes instead of corn in a drought stricken area. It is changing our food system and education about food. How about showing people what a wild relative of a carrot would look like? I love the idea of ‘ farming is cool’.