Honoring Farmers: The Heart of Our Health, Planet, and Connection to the Land

Thank you Farmers!

Every meal we enjoy begins with the dedication of a farmer. Whether it’s the vibrant greens in our salads, the rich legumes in our stews, or the fresh fruits that nourish our bodies, none of it would be possible without the hard work of those who cultivate the land. Today, I want to take a moment to thank our farmers—the stewards of the soil—who labor tirelessly to provide food for our tables, nourish our communities, and support the delicate balance of our planet’s ecosystems.

The Profound Connection Between Farmers and Ecopsychology

Ecopsychology teaches us that our mental and physical well-being are deeply intertwined with the health of the natural world. Farmers embody this connection. They wake with the sun, work with the rhythm of the seasons, and cultivate a relationship with the land that fosters sustainability and resilience. Their hands quite literally shape the world we live in, and their work reminds us of our own deep-rooted connection to the Earth.

In an age where many are disconnected from the sources of their food, it is essential to acknowledge and appreciate the efforts of those who ensure that we remain nourished. The act of growing food is more than just a means of sustenance; it is a sacred bond between humans and the land, a relationship that deserves to be honored and protected.

Farmers and the Plant Nutrition They Cultivate

The rise of plant nutrition has been instrumental in shedding light on the importance of sustainable crop-agriculture and farming. As more people embrace whole, plant foods for their health benefits and environmental impact, farmers who grow fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts, and legumes play an even more crucial role in shaping the future of food systems. These farmers support regenerative agriculture, organic growing methods, and/or biodiversity—all various components of a thriving planet and a healthy society.

By choosing plant foods, we not only support our own well-being but also encourage agricultural practices that foster the environment. When we buy from local farmers, visit farmers’ markets, support our family-owned farmers, and appreciate organic, regenerative, biodiverse, and eco-conscious farming methods, we actively participate in a food system that values both human and planetary health.

A Tribute to Their Hard Work

Farming is not easy. It is a profession that requires unwavering dedication, long hours, and immense resilience. Farmers face unpredictable weather, financial uncertainty, and the physical toll of labor-intensive work. Despite these challenges, they continue to plant, nurture, and harvest, ensuring that communities have access to fresh, nourishing foods.

This work is often undervalued, yet it is one of the most essential jobs in our society. Without farmers, there would be no food security, no thriving ecosystems, and no foundation for a sustainable future. As we sit down for each meal, let’s take a moment to reflect on the hands that planted the seeds, tended the crops, and harvested the produce that fuels our bodies and minds.

How We Can Show Our Gratitude

1. Support Local Farmers – Visit farmers’ markets, join a CSA (Community Supported Agriculture) program, or buy directly from local farms when possible.

2. 

   Choose Sustainable Foods – Opt for organic, regenerative, eco-conscious, or plant options when possible to support both human and planetary health. Remember many farmers are doing the best they can to provide food to the world in the most eco-conscious ways they are able to at this time–support them.

3. Reduce Food Waste – Farmers work hard to grow our food; let’s honor their labor by reducing waste and making mindful choices.
4. Advocate for Ethical and Sustainable Farming – Support policies and organizations that fight for fair wages, sustainable agriculture, and climate-resilient farming practices–ones that protect and support our family-owned farmers.
5. Express Gratitude – Whether through a simple thank-you at the farmers’ market or by educating others on the importance of their work, gratitude goes a long way.

A Heartfelt Thank You

To all the farmers who dedicate their lives to agriculture and feeding the world—you are seen, you are valued, and you are appreciated. Your labor nourishes not just our bodies but also our spirits and our connection to the natural world. Thank you for being the guardians of the land, the cultivators of life, and the heart of a thriving, health-conscious, and eco-conscious future. It is a legacy we honor in you.

As I reflect on the impact of farmers, I am reminded of the honor I had in spending many hours talking with childhood friends and my cousin while working on a project for my Ecopsychology course during my master’s studies at Columbia University a few years ago. These individuals—Erika K. (female farmer, 3rd generation), Dan H. (4th generation farmer) and Jon Stromstad (CCA, 4th generation farmer)—graciously assisted me with my academic research project and exemplify a deep respect for both male and female farmers and the agricultural industry they uphold. When I presented detailed information that came directly from the farmers, my professor and fellow students were amazed by the intelligence, sacrifice, grit, and heart these farmers bring to such a complex system. Many admitted they had known little about where their food came from or the process it takes to make it into their diet, which is why I feel it is important to raise our awareness. Additionally, I want to honor my childhood best friend, Stephanie Hockett, and her husband, Patrick (True Vine Specialty Farms), for their work in bringing organic elderberries and their immense nutritional benefits into our diets.

I also want to thank my parents’ friends, my childhood friends and their parents, and some of my family who are or were family-owned, hardworking farmers. The direct and indirect impact these men and women had on me as a child is much more profound than I could have realized at the time, not having grown up on a farm myself, but having spent many joyful hours on them. I am grateful! I hope that you are now impacted by them too.

Farming is not just an idea, title or job–farming is made up of real people and families. All of their dedication to the work they do, the impact they make, and the love they have for the land and plants they support and provide is truly inspiring. Their lives, stories, and insights reinforced a universal understanding of how farming is more than just labor—it is a calling, a commitment, and a connection to something greater than ourselves. 

As we continue to embrace plant nutrition and healthy lifestyle, let us remember that it is the farmers who make it all possible. Let’s honor them with our choices, our voices, and our gratitude every single day.

Humbly and Gratefully,

Jami Streyle

RN, MS, MA, HWNC-BC, HNB-BC

Jami@bodyofgraceliving.com

 

 

Circa 1979: Uncle Allan Stromstad & Cousin Darin Stromstad with Sam (dog) and Me. Beltrami, MN.

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