It is officially farming conference season; that time of year when farmers come together to forget about the struggles of the previous year and get excited about the possibilities for next season. So few of us Americans are farmers anymore that throughout most of the year when farmers are focused on their own corner of the world, communication is almost always with people outside of the agricultural community. Whether dealing with farm customers, phone support from the computer manufacturer, or a surly checkout person at the grocery store, there are few people to commiserate with that really understand the highs and lows of working a farm.

It is wonderful to watch the smiling faces of farmers at these conferences when they talk to friends and vendors. They can tell the stories of the year knowing, for once, that they do not have to explain all that background ("Yes, I am actually a farmer" "Well, food actually comes from a farm somewhere not the grocery store" "No really, I'm a farmer").

I am not working on a farm any more as these web projects seem to take enough of my time (see these soft hands?), but going to a conference like Acres USA is still a refreshing experience. It is gratifying to look prospective Small Farm Central members in the eye and tell them about the service and show them a demo. This product is for farmers who just want their web marketing to work and it is gratifying to remember that this is a big help in a farmer's life in finances, time-management, and professionalism. In whatever we do in life, it is important to look up and see the broader picture of the daily work. Going to a farming conference rejuvenates my drive for Small Farm Central just as much as farmers are renewed when they know that they are among equals.

A hearty welcome to the new faces who signed up during the conference and hopefully many more farmers I talked to will join over the next few months. Thanks also to Chris Deatrick who graciously hosted me while I was in Louisville. He corrected my pronunciation of the city's name and took me on a great tour of the city.

Photo by merfam.