The Power and the Promise

By Terry Wheeler

Once when I was walking with my father I saw a dandelion that had grown up through a six-inch, concrete sidewalk. I was amazed. My father told me that, that was the power of nature. It is unstoppable. In the movie Jurassic Park the Jeff Goldblum character, Dr. Ian Malcolm, reminded us that “nature will find a way, nature ALWAYS finds a way” and the movie Ferngully taught us that, “every seed contains all of the power of creation.”

These are all powerful, even foreboding images that might inspire fear in some people, but in me I only find inspiration. They calm me with feelings of awe and absolute trust.

Have you ever seen the shows on television where they show abandoned civilizations that have been completely reclaimed by nature? Deep in the jungles where hundreds of thousands of people once lived, with massive buildings and miles of roadways completely gone? No visible trace of man’s heavy footprint? Or have you ever entered an old abandoned house and found trees that have grown right up through the basement and straight through the living room or kitchen floors? Once again, this may seem to some to be a sad or depressing scene, but to me, it is a powerful reminder of our Earth’s survival instincts.

As farmers, we are the Earth’s caretakers, nature’s friends, and allies. We plant her seeds, we trim back her weeds and we nourish her with foods and tilth that keep her healthy, alive and vibrant.

We farmers keep her happy and in return, she gives us back: food, life, beauty, and love. Only 2% of the people in the United States can proudly call themselves farmers. It is a truly awesome power that we wield this power of creation. And with it comes an awesome responsibility, not only to the Earth but to the other 98% of Americans that depend upon us for their food.

Every year I get to witness the miracle of fields of dirt and weeds, transformed into lush gardens of corn, alfalfa, pumpkins, and flowers. I get to see the birth of baby calves, goats, chicks, and ducks. This “magic” and responsibility that we embrace is an unspoken oath that we will happily swear with continued grace, benevolence, vigilance, and humility.

Within us farmers, is the power of nature, and we are unstoppable. And we will continue to love and nurture this Earth, this creation, for our children, for your children and for generations to come.

You have my promise. Love, Peace, and Light

Thank you,

Terry Wheeler

Terry has a Master’s Degree in Business Administration. He has taught in the New York State School system for 18 years, where he teaches Career and Financial Management, Agricultural Business, Marketing and Distribution, Sports Management, Wildlife Conservation Management, and Resort and Recreation Management. He has been an FFA advisor for 12 years and has been farming his 100-acre family farm since 1991. He has a deep love of all types of agriculture and takes every opportunity to promote agricultural education.