The Power of Empathy

As Memorial Day came to a close, it was a good personal reminder to take time and reflect. As I thought about our spring season and summer quickly approaching, our farmer customers come to mind. As we all continue complaining about the continuous season of rain we are experiencing, our farmers are not necessarily complaining but becoming worried. They are worried about getting their crops planted before the crop insurance cut-off. They are worried about their crops not getting into the field. They are worried. Although many people have never set foot inside a tractor cab we, as fellow humans, can empathize with farmers: they are our neighbors, they are our fellow humans.

Brené Brown’s book Dare to Lead talks about empathy and the human connection. “Empathy is not connecting to an experience, it’s connecting to the emotions that underpin an experience.” We ourselves may not have the weight of the world’s appetite on our shoulders, however, we can share a human connection.

We eat. We utilize fuel in our homes, vehicles, and public transportation. We wear clothes. All of the previously mentioned actions are a result of a farmer. We are connected to them each and every day.  There have been or will be days where: it feels like the weight of the world is on our shoulders, we are running late for an appointment or work, or we have a task to complete on a tight schedule. The emotions we feel during those times are relatable to our farmers right now.

As the weather dries out (hopefully) and farmers make a push to get in the field. Reflect and remember to slow down when you see the slow-moving vehicle triangle because that is their office, and they have an important job to do on a tight schedule. Reflect on the United States having the most affordable and safest food supply in the world because of our farmers. Reflect on our ability to make a human connection even if we have not directly been in their shoes and create a connection through empathy. 

​By: Amie Hasselbring