Farmers are really Superhumans dressed in overalls

Don’t be fooled by the Farmers dressed in overalls, they really are Superhumans. There may be a bit of dirt under the fingernails, wearing a jumper with holes, and a scraggly old hat, you might discount their “superhuman-ness”.  Farmers are a different breed of humans, and they have been overlooked and trod on for many years, but I know a bit better.  I grew up in the Primary Industry, and having seen it, worked in it, and lived and breathed it, most of my life, I can truly say that Farmers are pretty cool.

Firstly, they are the first, they make up the “Prime” industry.  An industry that has been the backbone of New Zealand for many years and continues to do so today.  Sure we’ve had our knock backs, but when I look around the industry right now, I can see many Supermen and Superwomen driving not only their own businesses forward with knowledge, research, and technology, they are involved in policy and making their farms the very best they can be, while helping others.

Secondly, we share our knowledge, experiences, and volunteer.   There isn’t the cut-throat competition you may encounter in other industries, as we are an export nation.  This is a vital difference in the Primary Industry to band together so that we can weather the storm of volatility and dynamic challenges we face every day.

Thirdly, we are master jugglers.  Everything in our SuperHuman farmer’s life is moving, juggling balls up in the air. One of the vital differences in the life of a farmer is that EVERYTHING is moving, all parts all the time. This is where the rubber meets the road, and the ability to make decisions at all levels, from strategic, tactical, and operational, from the business to the team.  In another industry, you can leave the business, lock the front door and go away for a month and nothing has changed.  In the Primary Industry, the ability to mitigate the volatility and dynamic environment is a blessing and curse.  Yes, you have variety, and it’s the spice of life, but you can never have the same day twice!  We must be ultra organised, and expect the unexpected, and plan the heck out of it in advance.

So, next time you see a farmer, they really are SuperHumans, they do after all feed you – and that’s pretty super.