Old Farmers Day, an October 12 holiday, honors the hard labor of farmers throughout American history. Early American culture was heavily a farming culture. Early settlers cleared fields and pristine woods, to farm the rich land. They brought seeds and farming methods with them. They also found new seeds and learned new methods along the way. Many of those new farming methods came from Native Americans, who were already farming the land. Most notably, was the NaAtive American technique of hilling, or mounding soil.

The month of October is a very appropriate month to celebrate and honor farmers. At this time, the harvest is largely complete. It means that farmers can take a break from their labors, to enjoy this celebration.

A farmer’s work is long and hard. It certainly doesn’t make a person rich. It has its good years and its bad ones. There is no guarantee of a good crop. Weather, pests, and disease problems often prove disastrous. But, through it all, farmers have persevered. And, their ceaseless hard work sets an example for all.

As Americans, we tip our hat to all farmers, young and old, for their contributions to American culture, values, society, and the economy. Happy Old Farmers Day!