It’s no surprise to most of us that only 1 percent of the U.S. population claim farming as an occupation. So it’s probably safe to assume that majority of Americans have never stepped foot on a farm or have an immediate relationship with a farmer or a rancher. A recent documentary set out to educate the general public about the next generation of American farmers and ranchers. This documentary is a must-see, in my opinion, not because you, as a farmer, will learn something profound but as a way to support the efforts of this documentary.
Farmland takes their audience through a journey with six farmers and ranchers, all in their 20s, who run a farming business. I think the film did a great job with their sampling of farmers. The farmers featured in Farmland were a fourth generation poultry grower in Georgia, a sixth generation beef cattle producer in Texas, a fifth generation corn and soybean grower in Nebraska, a fourth generation onion and potato grower in California who is starting out in organic production, a beginning farmer in Pennsylvania who grows her produce for a Community Supported Agriculture system and a fourth generation hog grower in Minnesota.
The audience has the opportunity to learn about the high risk/high reward jobs these farmers partake in. The film demonstrates the passion these farmers have for a life that has been passed down from generation to generation but yet demonstrates how farming has evolved.
There were two parts in the film that I think the filmmakers did a respectable job of addressing: GMOs and animal cruelty. Responses on the usages of GMOs varied from farmer to farmer, which I think represents the farm population as a whole. But the film addressed the situation from a farmer’s point of view, which I think is very important for the public. It was no surprise that each livestock producer was against animal cruelty and explained that animal wellbeing is a vital part to the success of their operation.
The film Farmland is playing in select theaters across the nation this spring. Check with your local theater to see if there is a showing in your area.
The night I watched the film an FFA Chapter drove an hour and a half to watch it. I would say most of the people in the theater had some connection to farming. Though, I would have really liked to see more “town folk” from my area watching the film. However, the film is being played in several major cities. Most theatres seem to be showing it on a limited basis but I do believe copies will be available for purchase at a later date.
I encourage you to go out and support Farmland, tell your family and friends to do the same.
Best wishes,
