Arkansas Agriculture Edition 25 : Page 19
forms it takes. It is a complex marriage between science and art. Agriculture therefore is the science and art of producing crops, livestock and poultry. Farming is also an occupation as well as a desirable quality of life. It cultivates family ties, forms strong bonds with the community and society, has an ethical or moral purpose for the farmers’ lives and, as for the farm itself, farmers provide stewardship of their lands and communities. Why do you think agriculture is important? Agriculture is the foundation and cornerstone of civilization. Without a reliable, dependable and safe food system, there could never have been the opportunity for any other professions or pursuits to evolve or to even flourish. It seems we have, as a society, forgotten this. Consecutive generations of my family have farmed this country since before its founding. They were strong-willed (a nice way of saying stubborn), independent and resourceful people. As they carved forests into fields and fields into crops, these pioneers were at the same time establishing communities as they created their farms. The importance of community is something that has stayed with me over the years, and when I was in the early stages of planning Moss Mountain Farm, I knew that establishing a sense of community was of an essential component. You see, it is my belief that we must reconnect to and stay connected to our agrarian past. What is the one thing you want everyone to know about agriculture and farming? We all need to support farmers and farming. Knowing where my food comes from and how it was raised or produced, helps me make informed decisions on what I eat, and therefore impacts my health and well-being. The same can apply to everyone. You are one of America’s most recognizable gardening experts and designers. How has agriculture influenced your life and career choices? My family has been involved in American agriculture since the 1690s. I personally have fond memories of farm life as a child, and I perpetuate those memories on my own farm today. My first memories of gardening were centered on growing vegetables. I still get excited seeing those first squash seeds germinate in the spring to this day! So much of agriculture can’t be learned in a book. It requires a hands-on approach and regular work in the field to become a successful farmer. Just like with the best gardeners, often the best farmers are those who have farmed the longest. I hope to continue gardening and farming for a long time. Every year I feel I get a little better at it. ŒŒŒ* August 21–22 • North Little Rock • The Wyndham Riverfront Hotel Contact Debbie Moreland at 501-682-2915 for details. “My beef checkoff can help raise consumer confidence in beef.” “Simply put, our beef checkoff promotes safe, nutritious beef. All beef producers invest in the checkoff — so folks like you and me decide how to allocate these dollars,” says Ronnie Yeargin. The checkoff is working to build demand for beef by educating consumers about beef’s role in healthful diets. My beef checkoff…reaching consumers with the benefits of beef. n Ronnie Yeargi Ronnie Yeargin Yeargin Farms Greenfield, Tenn. Hear more from Ronnie at MyBeefCheckoff.com Funded by the Beef Checkoff. Arkansas Agriculture 19
