Shay Foulk: The Importance of Community in Rural America
In a normal day I see five people consistently — my wife and daughter, and our farm team. Of course, I see people in passing at the post office, stores, and waving at neighbors on the road. I often place/take 50-100 phone calls a day for business purposes. However, it’s not often that I take the time to just stop and talk to people.
No agenda, no purpose, no business — just talk.
Don't Be Lonely
It can get lonely in rural America. Not in a depressive, down-and-out kind of way for me, but I can easily see how and why others struggle with this.
We tell ourselves we are so damn busy all the time, but what are we busy with and how important is it? Is it more important than our mental health and happiness? Absolutely not.
I stopped and talked with some neighbors the other day — admittedly the initial purpose of the visit was business. But then we just talked for almost an hour. It was so refreshing. We laughed, cussed our worries and troubles, and had sincere conversations. It was … real. Lively. Invigorating.
It made my whole day, actually. Sure, I could have drilled another 40 acres of cover crops in that time, but productivity does not equal happiness. This is a lesson I have learned over the last several years.
I have strayed from a sense of community outside of church. I love my family so dearly and having a young child can be all-encompassing. I am happy and whole with my family, and I am ok seeing the same five people day in and day out. However, I will be making a conscious effort to talk with people more and slow down a bit, because it is so rewarding.
What do we always tell ourselves and our friends when we get ready to leave them or get off the phone after not talking in a while? ‘We should do this more often! Let’s not let it go this long before we talk again.’ We feel this way because the breath of fresh air we experience after these visits! Why not just take time more often to do this?
It is Veteran’s Day today, at the time of writing, and I often find myself thinking about the men I know you have served, lost their lives, or ended their lives when they couldn’t beat the demons they were facing. Their memory, and love for them, inspires me to live my life fully and intentionally.
How much would we give to stop and talk with them for another 30 minutes? Just a passing conversation about normal things would be a memory we could cherish forever. We never know when our conversation with someone might be the last.
Be Present
I challenge you to make a conscious effort today and moving into the holiday season to reach out to people you know and love and just be present with them. Live in the moment, laugh and enjoy them, and let them know you care for or love them. Enjoy the rush of dopamine in your brain that tells you this interaction and sense of community is a good thing.
We are more than productivity, the hours we work, and the services we provide. We are people, friends, family, and community. You are important, you are loved, and you are worthy of conversation, caring, and love.
Enjoy the day, and I hope you have a great conversation with someone today and in the weeks ahead.
Read Shay's columns for Top Producer.
Shay Foulk grew up in northeast Iowa, working on a row crop and livestock operation with his father, uncles, and grandfathers. He attended Iowa State University where he majored in Agronomy. After graduating, Shay enlisted in the United States Army, and served with the 75th Ranger Regiment. Shay now farms and runs Monier Seed with his father-in-law near Sparland, IL, and also works as a consultant with Chris Barron at Ag View Solutions. Today, Shay works with farm operations locally and globally to improve profitability and efficiency, manage risk in many forms, and develop farm businesses through coaching and consulting.
