Gladys Smith, who has farmed with her husband near Moosomin, Sask., for more than 40 years, finds a lot to worry about in agriculture.
Here worries began with the onslaught of BSE and poor grain prices and a lack of markets have worsened the situation.
“It seems that everything sounds so good but costs so much and the farming this year, you just haven’t been able to cover the costs,” she said.
Some people do not understand the hardships farming entails, Smith added.
After the 2005 harvest, Gladys Smith wrote a poem to express her frustrations regarding the misconceptions about farm life.
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“It’s just one thing after another and I thought I may as well put down my thoughts on paper,” Smith said. “I just wanted to put the poem in so people would know it’s not all fun and games.”
A Farmer’s Voice
By Gladys Smith
You say we need large crying towels
to wipe away our tears
Because we’re never satisfied
no matter what the years.
Incompetents is what we’re called
Poor managers Ñ with jeers Ñ
There isn’t any reason for finances
in arrears.
I don’t believe you’ve had the
chance to put on my farm shoes
Come out and see there’s no
real need to cry and cry the blues.
Don’t fret about the odour now
your clothes won’t come to harm.
Enjoy the fun and frolic of
a day here on the farm.
The livestock is a pretty sight
knee deep in grass and weeds
They’re not aware of the work
they make by spreading many seeds.
A bushel of grain may buy for you
a half a loaf of bread
And six can go for dinner on
the sale of one young cow
I’ve read.
You can even have a glass of wine
To liven up the meal
An apple pie with whipping cream
Ñ that has such appeal!
These are some things you can
enjoy to make your life worthwhile
But not without the farmer if you
want to live in style.
We ride around in big machines
which eliminate the toil.
The only things we really need
are repairs and fuel and oil.
We rise and shine all rested up
no matter what the weather
And lots of info gleaned at coffee time
when farmers get together.
We really aren’t resentful tho’
As farmers never stop
They persevere and struggle
to harvest each and every crop.
They feed the population
the whole world around.
They know that man’s survival depends on
food raised from the ground.
So bring the towels if you wish
to wipe away the sweat
Of dedicated farmers who work
for you Ñ and yet
who take the losses if they come
and often don’t protest
About the grievous situation
tho they’re loaded down with debt.
If you insist on calling us
a belly-aching bunch
you try making ends meet without
a paycheque once a month
If you can’t see my point of view
when you are in a crunch
My dears I’m sorry but I’d say
you must be out to lunch.
