Three days with three farmers
Hi Neighbor,
A few weeks ago, on Wednesday, November 6th, bleary-eyed from watching election returns, I woke up in Denver to meet three farmers and ranchers from Iowa, Arizona, and Utah at Regenerate, a regenerative agriculture conference. With so much on everyone’s mind that day, I wasn’t sure what the conversations would hold.
The three ranchers, Martha, Andy, and Christie, are part of Resource Rural's storytelling program, where we amplify the innovation of rural people who are combining hard work with federal funds to create positive change in their communities.
Christie and her husband Scott Heartquist run sheep and a USDA meat processing facility in rural Arizona, Martha utilizes USDA conservation programs to improve pasture management for her bison and cattle herds in Iowa, and Andy is leveraging state and federal funding to reduce his water usage in the desert of Southern Utah. I could not imagine a more hard working, innovative, and passionate trio.
Inspired by their work, I thought the conference could be an opportunity for them to learn and share their stories. But it quickly became an opportunity for me to learn from them, and for all of us to reconnect with the values that root us in our rural communities.
As soon as we sat down together, the conversation quickly became a gab fest. From protein blocks and bottle babies, we moved from the practical challenges of the present to the aspirations and values that will shape the future. It was clear that everyone at the table appreciated an opportunity to step back from the fires of our daily lives to reflect on our place in the work and our dreams for the future – and to take lessons home from each other.
From the many hats that she wears as a farmer and advocate for land access in Iowa, Martha reminded me of the importance of collaboration and long-term thinking, and that resilience means surviving tough times and building relationships and systems that can adapt to new challenges.
Through his passion for soil and raising his family in a place he loves, Andy taught me that strength is rooted in a deep connection to the land. Even in times of change, people have the tools to restore and protect the land that supports them. It’s not just about weathering storms; it’s about proactively investing in the future, for generations to come.
Finally, through her incredible curiosity and joy for life, Christie reinforced for me the importance of what we put in our bodies – with a reminder to treat ourselves so well. Christy's approach to mutual support, adaptability, and problem-solving showed me how to meet the challenges that life puts in front of you.
Even this morning, I continue to carry the stories of Andy, Christy, and Martha with me. It’s amazing how much you can learn about the folks around you after breaking bread together – and how many values we share across rural geographies and perceived political differences.
If you’ve made it this far: When you’re feeling discouraged and uncertain how to weather the shocks and stresses of an uncertain future, consider talking to a farmer. They might just teach us a thing or two about resilience, trust, belief, and getting your fingers into the dirt.
When you do, come back and share with me what you learned, and consider reading the stories of dozens of other rural people who are working hard for their communities.
In gratitude,
Madeline McGill, Communications Director at Resource Rural
