Much has been written and spoken about the social-distancing directives people across the nation have received during recent weeks. While the economic effects are real and even devastating for many, whether rural or urban, it’s easy to reach the conclusion that social distancing is nothing new to farmers every spring.
I considered all that as I was doing some light tractor work the other day — nothing close to what happens on what could be called a real farm that depends on heavy-duty work with tractors and other machinery. That day full was thick with signs that it won’t be long before farmers across the countryside are going hard at their spring field work while spending unending hours of continuous work with their animals.
The old farm kid that lives within my spirit signaled that it’s the time of year when, more than ever, farm folks would be practicing their annual social distancing.
Somewhat departed by years from some of the deepest truths about real farm life, I know that people such as me and those who work in marketing won’t be too welcome on most farms for a few weeks. That would be the case whether governments and health agencies told us to stay away from each other or that it’s OK to mingle freely.
The time is coming when there simply won’t be much time to sit a spell except on the seat of a tractor red or green. There won’t be time because there’s the need handling a beef calf or a dairy cow or a hog. In plain terms, there’s work to be done this time of the year — even more than most times of the year.
Social distancing was invented by rural people, and it will be practiced whether there’s a pandemic or all are healthy.
— Scott Schultz
Mary Oleson says
Yes social distancing is not new to the farming community. We have been doing this for many years. Farming is 24/7 breaks only when Mother Nature wins. Families are happy for a day to maybe get a little enjoyment. Highlights were an afternoon to visit your family and relatives for a couple hours. Back home to continue working after a short ride. On busy days it was a thrill to take a ride with Dad to a used machinery lot spend an afternoon looking and walking wondering which piece Dad would buy. This is the life of the hard working farm
families. Next time you see a farmer give them a wave or thumbs up.