Favorite Farmer Entry: Brianna Graham

They say it takes a community to raise a child – which is true – but an agricultural community enriches its children in a special way. Growing up in such a community taught me that nothing comes for free, how to work hard and never give up (even if you are having a bad day). Caring for livestock taught me responsibility and compassion at a very young age. But, most importantly the farmers that I called my neighbours taught me passion and always encouraged me to pursue what I love. In my opinion, there is no job that can rival that of farming because of the amount of work farmers do and how much they love it. Farmers are the heart and soul of their communities and the amount that they contribute to society cannot be overlooked.

My favorite farmer happens to be my boyfriend, a 10^th generation egg, dairy and poultry farmer in Nova Scotia, Canada. We went to high school together but did not really know each other and then university took us down separate paths. Because farmers taught me to pursue my passion and they lit a fire in me to pursue a future in agriculture. I decided to write my political science honors thesis on an agricultural policy issue, and as an advocate for farmer’s rights in government I reached out to the community for input on my project. That’s how David and I started seeing each other. As a young farmer planning on taking over his family’s farm from his father and uncle, he is keen on agricultural policy issues in order to secure his future. After seeing the passion he has for his job and exploring the realm of farm politics I have decided to pursue a Master of Public Administration in order to work in agricultural policy.

David did a four-year business degree with a major in finance and realized that he could not imagine a future away from his farm. He is currently 23 and working full time with his uncle and father on their farm – Cornwallis Farms. This farm is particularly fascinating as Deacon John Newcombe established it in 1761 and the same land that was farmed then is still farmed to this day. I might be biased, but David is my favorite farmer because his passion inspires me. The fact that he was so keen to help me because he cared about the fate of the industry showed that farmer’s are willing to fight for their spot in society. He views farming as a lifestyle, as it is much bigger than just a job to him. It is tradition, culture, pride and what he loves. 

Every Thursday morning while I am at school I wake up to pictures taken at 3AM of the cows in the parlor, or the calves being fed. David never complains either – he loves showing off his land and animals and educating anyone who cares to listen. I can only wish that someday I have a job that I enjoy as much as he does, especially at such a young age. He’s an advocate for his industry, he is an active member of the local farm safety board, he attends young farmers conferences, and he is a member of the local fire department among other things. Like the farmers I grew up with, he takes time and goes out of his way to help anyone. This is why, of all the farmers I know, David is my favorite.

Brianna is competing in Alltech’s Favorite Farmer Contest. The photo with the most likes on our Facebook page will win a trip to the Alltech REBELation in Lexington, KY. It’s an opportunity to meet farmers and other agriculture people from all over the world.

Vote for Brianna by liking the photo here.