When my neighbor, Bob, shared his weathered hands across the fence line, I shook hands with living history—a man whose eyes had witnessed the ravages of the 1918 Spanish flu pandemic when three of his brothers died while he survived a 106-degree fever. He felt the economic stranglehold of the Smoot-Hawley tariffs, endured the desperate years of the Great Depression, and survived the global chaos of both World Wars. Today's discussion centers on viewing our modern challenges through Bob's remarkable perspective—one that, despite witnessing humanity's darkest hours, always saw the cup as half full.
Cup half-full
There is considerable positive energy with youth and beginning producers staking their claim in agriculture. Let's examine the cup half-full from their perspective. Many younger producer groups note increased interest in local foods as consumers want to know where the food comes from and how it's processed. Success in this environment requires both a compelling story and excellence in product or experience.
Younger producers have identified increased consumer education as an opportunity to promote better understanding of agriculture's role in society—an excellent opening for rebranding the industry's importance. These emerging farmers also emphasize the importance of contingency planning, suggesting society could adopt agricultural protocols for biosecurity and crisis management. Methods proven effective during events like mad cow disease or avian flu outbreaks provide valuable frameworks for addressing Black Swan events in other sectors.
Back to Basics
The groups mentioned that the back-to-basics movement could lead to deregulation and reduce compliance requirements at the local, state and federal levels. This could range from production and processing to trucking and labor regulations.
In today's de-globalized economic landscape of tariffs, sanctions, and supply chain challenges, young farmers recognize that self-reliance and the back-to-basics movement reflect both responses to sudden disruptions and adaptations to ongoing geopolitical realities. As America's urban population has grown from 73 to 84 percent since 2000, agriculture offers opportunities through agri-entertainment, farmstays, and agri-tourism for people seeking simpler outdoor experiences—potentially becoming the new "Disney World" for those escaping video games and the digital life.
A workforce
Let's come full circle to my neighbor Bob. A simple man, Bob's ability to look at a tree and determine the board feet and the quality of lumber was amazing. His ability to attract and retain the workforce was evident when visiting with people who labored with Bob in the woods. Bob cut much of the cedar wood that was used to make cedar chests for the Lane Company. This is the same Mr. Lane who was a major contributor to Virginia Tech and the namesake for the Hokies' Lane Stadium.
Core Values
Bob's straightforward values stand as a beacon: his handshake was his bond, he consistently helped ambitious individuals get their start, and he found joy in simple accomplishments. In Bob's later years, it was fun giving him a victory lap around the field of round bales to admire the day's achievements as the sun was setting on the Blue Ridge Mountains.
The simple things in life can make a difference in one's mental, physical and spiritual well-being. As we navigate today's uncertain headlines, agriculture offers more than just sustenance—it provides perspective. The wisdom of veterans like Bob combined with the innovation of young producers creates a powerful synergy that transforms the occasional chaos of Black Swans into opportunities. In counting our agricultural blessings, we find not just a cup half-full, but a connection to land, community, and purpose that nourishes both body and spirit.