Agriculture has always been about more than crops, it’s about people, families, and the communities they feed. According to the 2022 Agriculture Census, 95% of U.S. farms are family owned and operated, meaning that most of the food grown in this country comes directly from family-run operations. For many, this statistic illustrates what they love most about the agriculture industry.
When asked why they farm, many will simply say, “because I always have.” Farming is a way of life passed down from generation to generation, with countless farmers remembering long hours as a kid spent riding in the tractor cab beside a parent or grandparent. These shared experiences and family memories are at the heart of what many farmers value most.
“When I was about 12 years old, [my dad] came and got me and said he needed some help mowing some corn stalks and he put me in a tractor and I just started going and ever since I don’t think I’ve left,” said Megan Bishop of Bishop Farms in Felton in a Stories from the Field Podcast.
For the community, what makes agriculture special is the trust that comes from knowing their food was grown by people they can actually talk to. Today’s consumers want to understand how their food was produced and who was responsible for it. Having a direct connection to a farmer gives them confidence that their food is grown with care.
“I love the idea of being able to grow my own or purchase my food locally know how it was raised,” said Jessie Redden of Camden.
That connection between farm families and their communities is what keeps agriculture strong. It’s not just about producing food, it’s about growing relationships, preserving traditions, and ensuring future generations can enjoy the same trust and quality we value today.
In the end, what people love about agriculture is what has always made it special: families working together, communities supporting one another, and the shared pride in knowing where our food comes from and the hard work that goes into it.
