Paul Harvey’s “God Made a Farmer”

"And on the eighth day, God looked down on his planned paradise and said, 'I need a caretaker.' So God made a farmer." https://lnkd.in/gF-hFx7z

As I reflect on these powerful words by American radio broadcaster Paul Harvey, I'm reminded of my own roots—my grandparents, who were tireless small family farmers. Each morning, they woke up before dawn to tend the garden, rabbits and goats before the normal workday started. Even though my grandfather’s primary career was as a butcher, he always smelled of rich earth and the tomato vines he loved to nurture.

My grandparents’ work ethic and commitment to the land are virtues instilled in me at a young age. They wanted the food they fed the family to be the best in taste and without pesticides.

Just as Harvey eloquently put it, they were the type "strong enough to clear trees and heave bales, yet gentle enough to wean lambs and wean pigs." They taught me that life's richest rewards often come from hard work and a deep connection to the earth.

My career has taken me far and wide, across cities and countries, but one thing remains consistent wherever I go—my admiration and support for local farmers. Whether I'm in bustling Tokyo or the tranquil hills of Tuscany, one of my favorite activities is to seek out the local farmers' market.

There's a unique joy in walking through rows of freshly harvested produce, meeting the eyes of farmers who, like my grandparents, have poured their heart and soul into their craft. I believe that the best way to understand the personality and culture of a new place is to visit its farmers' markets. The colors, the scents, the faces—they tell a story of the land and its people, a narrative often missed when confined to the four walls of a boardroom or hotel.

Let's not forget that farmers are the backbone of any society, tying communities together with "soft strong bonds of sharing," just as Harvey said. They feed our bodies, nourish our souls, and sustain our lands.

In my ongoing journey, both personal and professional, I find myself ever thankful for my agricultural heritage and ever passionate about supporting those who take on this noblest of professions. After all, it's the farmer who makes our world a paradise worth cherishing.