It is important for farmers to tell their stories to each other and to share them with the public. There are some stories the public needs to hear, and that’s one of the goals of Farmer-ish. But there are some stories that are just for us–how we dealt with drought or how we dealt with squirrels in the corn.
With this in mind, we would like to encourage farmers to take up letter writing. To record our experiences and stories, if nothing else, for one another, but they can also become an important part of history–one that we lose without letters.
In 2021, Farmer-ish is launching the Farmers Write Project. The goal is for farmers to use social media or other outlets to find a farmer pen pal. All you have to do to become a part of this project is take up letter writing with farmers both inside and outside of your community. Write the letters. Tell your stories. Keep a record.
For the Winter Solstice 2021 issue, Farmer-ish will celebrate farmers and their writing. The issue will focus on sharing stories from farmers and their pen pal or writing experiences. The issue will also look at the historical significance of farmer writing.
More details will be forthcoming, but, right now, start writing letters to your farming friends and family. The records farmers keep are truly a part of history.
And if you are ready to share about your farm writing experience, please review our Submissions page.
photo credit: Mike Tinnion, Unsplash
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