Tonto NRCD

We are in the midst of our Ag classroom instruction. My husband and I and it, go in to every fourth grade school class in Gila County and instruct the children on where we get so many of the resources we enjoy and rely on. I teach Cotton and Dairy.

My cousin Jim Thompson, wrote this and I think it sums up beautifully. Pride in a job well done, family, home. Essential to a strong state. Old fashioned values !

“Growing farm up on a farm
you learn patience: before you get what you want, the chores must be done or dinner is late because of field work.
You learn where food comes from: first hand you raise and grow the food that you and the world will be eating or benefit from.
You learn to appreciate your roots: you grow up playing on the greatest playground and grow your imagination in the wide open space.
You learn to drive at a young age: at a young age you can help on the farm and by age 10 you will master a stick shift.
You learn to respect the land: after all it's your family's livelihood.
You learn to toughen up or else: you roll up your sleeves, get dirty, get greasy, and get going - it's the only way to get the job done.
You learn the meaning of family: you work with them and put up with them daily and they are your support all day every day.
You learn to be handy: flat tires and oil changes have nothing on you.
You learn about the weather: when mother nature does what she does you have to adapt.
You learn there are no excuses: a job is a job and it has to be done and complaining doesn't help to get the job done.”