Farmers deserve more than just pat on back
Jan. 1, 2009
Being a farmer is no easy job. Granted, all jobs can be stressful and dangerous, but farming is near the top of the list in both categories.
Think about it this way — farmers are completely reliant on things which they have no control over. Long, cold spring? Delayed growing season. Hot, dry summer? Crops wilt and die. Most of us complain when the summer is too cool or rainy, but weather conditions mean a lot more to farmers than whether or not they can go to the beach.
Then there’s the market. If you farm wheat and grain, you probably struggled for many years, but saw a big change last year when the market skyrocketed.
Cattle farmers haven’t so lucky. Despite initiatives by the province, those who farm cattle are being forced to sell off their livestock for next to nothing and look at other options. Those that are surviving are struggling, and the situation doesn’t look like it’s going to improve anytime soon.
Anyone who owns a business relies on market forces to some degree. In most cases, however, the success of the business does not depend so highly on those market conditions.
And don’t forget about the workload. With rising fuel and fertilizer costs, many farmers have been forced to cut down on the help around the farm and devote even more hours themselves.
Add all of those stresses together and it’s a wonder how farmers cope.
Most of us have our stress distributed throughout the 12 months of the year.
Some times are more stressful than others, for sure, but for farmers, there really is no break. The two most stressful times of the year, however, are planting and harvesting.
The equipment used to harvest is extremely dangerous, and when operated by exhausted and stressed-out farmers, it’s no surprise that the profession is among the most dangerous in in the province.
More farmer’s die each year than police officers, firefighters and construction workers. Approximately 46% of work-related deaths in Manitoba occur in the farming industry.
We consider the members of our police service and our fire department among the most courageous and brave people that we know — and deservedly so.
Considering how dangerous, and necessary, the agriculture industry is, don’t farmers merit the same consideration as the aforementioned workers?
Think about that the next time you sit down for a Sunday dinner — and think about the person who helped provide some of the ingredients for that meal.
