Farmers in the Age of Human Impact

To be a farmer in the twenty-first century is to think more critically about water usage on farms and where our water comes from. Farmers can gather together specifically around water to discuss its stewardship and explore water consciousness. Farmers could also be at the forfront of water justice issues, even those that do not directly revolve around agriculture. We can learn a lot from and work with others outside agriculture, for example people advocating for multispecies futures, contributing to the field of Critical Plant Studies, artists and cultural workers. Who outside the ag world can we learn from? To be a farmer in the twenty-first century is to integrate seed saving/stewardship and sharing into one’s farm, even if it is a small gesture or starts off small. I also advocate to save seeds that grow into delicious, healthy pollinator habitats. Farmers in the twenty-first century can explore and apply agroecological practices. For me, agroecology sticks out because it also emphasizes political consciousness (something I am working on) and recognizing how different (food) systems are engineered to work. To be a farmer in the twenty-first century is exciting and filled with a lot of purpose. I also say taking time for consistent self-care and doing any hobbies you love because working the land, being a significant part of a community and managing finances is a lot of work. In the Age of Human Impact we have to take self-care seriously, in order to keep going and to keep our imaginations and creativity alive. Farmers in this age are visionaries and collaboraters. It sounds poetic, but it’s true. I don’t have Twitter, but my IG is: @soilrootsandwater