Inherit the Earth

The earth has many wonderful things to offer, but to a farmer, it is their livelihood. As an organic dairy farmer that grows corn, alfalfa and wheat for their cows as well as grazing lush green grasses, the earth provides a venue for us to be successful. Our family realizes that taking care of our land will ultimately benefit our crops, cattle and, yes, our pocketbook.

There are many things that go into making a productive harvest. You must care for your soils and fertilize. Rain or irrigation is absolute, but of course rain from the heavens provides the best water. A  good soaking rain is the best and it is also one that does not pull from our underground resources. As organic farmers, we do not use harmful pesticides or herbicides, but utilize crop rotations to minimize pests. We depend on plentiful rain and sunlight for the crops to grow.

Mother nature has been known to provide challenges for us. In the past years, we have endured drought and hail which definitely hinder our crops that we are able to grow for the cattle. But the farmer in us always endures, as we know that we will have good years and bad years. There is something about farmers that makes us bounce back and always look to the next crop year.

As a Sigma Kappa, I am proud that our national organization supports Inherit the Earth. Our earth, with all of its generous resources, is the lifeblood to all who live on it. We must all look around and realize that it is imperative for us to take care of the earth and to not overuse and be wasteful of its resources.

As a farmer, I am proud to help feed the people of the earth. It gives me great pride to know that I take care of the earth and its resources and use those resources to feed others.

The next time you happen to be driving around in rural America and see some farmers, know that they are champions of taking care of Earth’s bountiful resources.

This post was written by Cheri DeJong, National Vice President for Finance