Dodge declares 2013 “The Year of the Farmer”

Something great has happened that is causing a huge buzz, especially among the agriculture industry. If you were part of half the country that watched Super Bowl XLVII or a member of any agriculture related Facebook page you probably seen the Ram truck “So God Made a Farmer” commercial. Ram Truck brand is declaring 2013 as “The Year of the Farmer”, which is a year-long initiative that seeks to bring national attention to the American Farmer.

The two-minute ad featured still images of farm life while the very recognizable voice of its narrator, Paul Harvey delivers a very powerful poem “So God Made a Farmer”.

It wasn’t even clear until the end when you see the Dodge logo what the ad was selling other than the virtues of farming.

The commercial was so captivating and memorizing it has even become a favorite of the non-farming community. Arizona Diamondbacks pitcher Brandon McCarthy tweeted, “That convinced me, I’m buying a farm first thing tomorrow.”

200 years ago, 90% of the population were farmers, today, it’s less than 2%. I am proud to say that I am part of the 2% farming population that helps to feed the world. I realize that I will never be rich, but recognize the simple “riches” in everyday life. Farming shares strong family values, demonstrates strong work ethic and brings communities together. It is those “riches” that keeps us farming.

The average American is more then three generations removed from the farm and is not aware of where their food, fiber and fuels come from other than the store. This disconnect has led to many misconceptions about today’s farms. All too often the general public hears more about  agriculture from critics rather than from the people directly connected to it. As the need for food production increases, the work of farmers and ranchers should be celebrated.

Watching the Ram commercial I must say that I had such a sense of pride. Knowing that while so many people were watching the same commercial, thinking how neat it would be to live on a farm, I was thinking how much I love my job as a farmer.

One of the big pushes for the “Year of the Farmer” campaign is to fundraise $1 million for the National FFA organization. To help raise money for FFA, Ram will make a donation for every view, download or share of the video “God Made a Farmer”.

The Dodge Ram commercial featuring “God Made a Farmer” is a reminder of why we do what we do, and why my fellow farmers and I are so proud to be a part of the agriculture industry.

One thing is for sure, for two captivating minutes Sunday night, the values of American farming were on the minds of half the country.

Let’s work to do as the commercial suggestions, and make 2013 the “Year of the Farmer”.

The commercial can be viewed at the Ram Truck brand's website at www.ramtrucks.com/keepplowing and on the brand's YouTube site at www.youtube.com/ramtrucks.