So you think you want to venture out of the city and date a farmer? As FarmersOnly points out, dating a farmer is not just about blue skies and green pastures.
“Remember, farmers clean up well because, let’s face it, they have to get dirty,” said Jerry Miller, founder of FarmersOnly.com,
FarmersOnly suggests these five tips for dating a farm boy or farmgirl:
Tip #1 – Farming is a farmer’s #1 priority.
Farming isn’t just a job. It’s a way of life. Farmers work long hours, and calves and crops can’t wait. It’s often physically hard work, and it can be mentally draining. But at the end of a hard day’s work, there is nothing like seeing a wobbly colt take his first steps to his momma, those little month-old calves running around and kicking up their heels, or all those hay bales neatly stacked up and ready for your herd during the winter months. So approach the farming lifestyle with a lot of open-mindedness. Don’t judge anyone or anything too quickly. It’s not all fun and games, but it’s very fulfilling. If you’re patient, there is always a lot to appreciate, and a lot to talk about.
Tip #2 – Plans Change. So roll with it!
Because the work never ends, and farming requires a variety of tools and tricks of the trade, chances are that something is breaking down, getting stuck in the field, or getting sick pretty much every day. Just when you think it’s time to meet for a dinner date, someone may have to turn around and head back to the farm. So make the most of it. Pack up the food and wine and enjoy it in the barn later, if you have to. The good news is there is always a quiet nook, a romantic view of the sky, and the sound of mother nature around every corner. Expect the unexpected, and try to marvel at it.
Tip #3 – Roots and Root Cellars.
Farming is about family and roots. Most farmers are part of a family business. There will be moms, dads, aunts, brothers and sisters…you name it. So be warm and gracious to the family you meet, since you won’t just be seeing them at Christmas. Similarly, if your farm boy or farmgirl lives in the house that grandpa built, expect the farm to be full of family history. Be open to learning and even embracing the history that’s part of his/her life. If you approach family and family history with a sense of curiosity, you’re likely to learn a lot and have a great time.
#4 Tip – Be You or Be Through!
A lot of farmers are experts in bullsh*it. Remember, they either smell it often, sell it often, or do both! Similarly, many can sense shenanigans from a mile away, whether dating-related or otherwise. In other words, there’s no sense in pretending to be anything other than who you really are. Heck, get on out of your box, and be fearless and courageous about sharing your true quirks, colors, and charisma. That’s not only the best way to get a farmer’s attention. It’s the only way to keep it.
#5 Tip – Figure out where the wind blows.
Farmers are probably not adept at the conversation topics you might be used to. If you’re talking about the Northwest, you ought to be talking about a place on a map, and not Kanye and Kim’s daughter. Don’t assume that the farmer you’re dating knows a lot about or necessarily cares much for the kinds of pop culture topics we’re often consumed by on either coast of the country.
Want a great conversation with a farmer? FarmersOnly offers this easy tip: Learn about the weather! It’s not just polite small talk in a farmer’s life. It’s the difference between rags and riches, life and death. Everything hinges on just the right amount of rain (too much or too little can be disastrous), on just the right amount of heat and cold, and most importantly, on being prepared for whatever is coming your way.
