I spent a few years in my youth in Kansas, but I didn’t move back here to stay until 1978 when I moved to Dodge City.

One day at a Kwik Shop I ran into the Ford County Agent.  We were both using the gas pumps.  “Don,” I said, “I’ve got a question for you.  Why are farmers always griping about the weather?  No matter what it’s doing, it’s never right.  If it’s raining they wish it was dry.  If it’s dry at the right time, it’s not hot enough.  Or it’s too hot.  Or it’s too windy or it’s not windy enough.  Whatever, they just never seem satisfied.”

Don kind of chuckled and replied, “Well, if they’re not gripin’, then they’re not really farmers.”

Having grown up in the city (St. Louis, Kansas City, Wichita and Chicago), I had no idea how farmers livelihood was dependent on the weather.  I now understand, at least to a limited degree, why a certain kind of weather is preferable at a certain time of the season.

What I don’t really understand is how a farmer functions being so dependent on something he has absolutely no control over.  And I haven’t even brought up the fact that what money he gets for his crops has nothing to do with his costs.

I could never be a farmer for a lot of reasons, but mostly because I want my success or possible failure to depend on things within my control.

While I couldn’t do it, I am thankful there are people who can and do farm.  Thank-you for feeding the world.  I want you to know this is one city kid who really appreciates you!