Ashlee here... I always love learning about my ancestors and then writing about them. It makes me feel closer to who they were and helps me realize that we have so much in common.
Farming and ranching is in my family’s blood. It is a family tradition passed down from generation to generation for centuries. My great-great-grandfather AC Kirchoff moved west as a young man to Mesa, Arizona to continue his family’s legacy of agriculture. He began by raising cotton and citrus. As a farmer in the early 1900s, agriculturalists were large in number but limited in technology. Grandpa AC and other farmers of his time had it hard. Grandpa AC relied on horse drawn implements, shovels, and his hands in every stage of his farming career. Hours were dedicated to ensure the well being of his cotton crop and citrus orchard.
Looking back on his experiences I wish he would have known just a fraction of what we know today about agriculture. On our farm we apply the knowledge of crop rotation. This means we alternate our pumpkin, corn and grain fields each season. Just as some plants take nutrients out of the soil other plants put nutrients back into the soil. The rotation also helps to controls fungus' and insects that thrive on crops; thereby allowing for stronger and healthier fields. Using precision planters and equipment we are able to plant the seeds at an exact depth and spacing to not only improve weed control but also enable the crop to produce the most healthy and vigorous product. Practicing minimum till field cultivation allows the roots to grow strong while preventing water and wind erosion. By doing this the needed nutrients stay in the root zone allowing the seeds to grow efficiently. We also are very water conscious. We are increasing the use of water-wise irrigation such as drip and pivot irrigation to conserve water. These practices water exactly where the root of the seed is eliminating excess water and saving resources. If this technology had been available while Grandpa AC was farming his family would have enjoyed the benefits of higher yields, and healthier fields, while saving natural resources. Although he was not able to farm the way we farm today I am still proud of the legacy he left for me. The hard work, drive, determination, and dedication of his generation and those that have come since have paved the way – improving farming techniques and agriculture knowledge. I am proud to continue these qualities; they are qualities that sustain the roots of American Agriculture.
Looking at our farm as we are preparing the fields to plant I am beyond glad to have the advances in agriculture that we are privileged to have. Why? It is very simple. Today less than 2% of Americans are agriculturalists. We need the farming tools that have been developed by farmers like Grandpa AC in order to feed 100 % of America. We must continue to advance, we must continue to treat our farm land with the nourishment it deserves, we must continue to provide healthy and safe food for the world, and we must continue to teach the upcoming generations about agriculture.
Because of those in the past agriculture today continues to tell its story. As a young child my siblings and I “jumped hay bales”, as we called it. We would love to go help Daddy bale hay just to have an excuse to jump up on the big round bales and race one to the next. I remember many times going with my daddy to the fields to measure how tall the corn had gotten and how much closer we were to harvesting the crop for consumers. As I step out of the tractor after a long day’s work I feel the support and love of all those that have gone before me. As I look out my window I see a farm Grandpa AC would be proud of. It is a generation of farmers and ranchers living to provide the best food available and he would be proud. I feel lucky to be involved in an industry where I can be proud of the work I do every day. Thru these memories and the example of those in the past my family is able to prepare the soil, plant the crops, protect those plantings, and feed families healthy food. Agriculturalist are the backbone of America. They are the ones that enable the world to thrive. Without them we would be nothing but with them we are everything. Support, and protect agriculture – so we can continue to feed America.
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