by Sam Froelich
There's a subtle shift in the air. The sun still shines warmly, but the days grow shorter, and the evenings carry a whisper of fall. For many, August marks the bittersweet end of summer. But for farmers and ranchers across North Dakota and beyond, it signals something else entirely: the beginning of harvest, and a continuation of the year-round care that goes into raising livestock.
Growing up in North Dakota, my family wasn’t directly involved in crop farming. We raised cattle. Our days were filled with feeding, checking fences, and making sure the herd was healthy and well cared for. Even though our focus was on livestock, we were surrounded by fields and farmers whose lives revolved around planting, nurturing, and harvesting. Agriculture isn’t just one thing; it’s a community of people who care deeply about the land and the food it produces. Now, in my role as a credit analyst working closely with agricultural clients, I see that same dedication in every farmer and rancher I meet — whether they’re raising crops, cattle, or both.
What many people don’t see is the science and strategy behind it all. Just like crop farmers, ranchers take great care in their work. From managing grazing rotations to ensure pasture health, to monitoring herd genetics and nutrition, cattle producers are constantly making decisions that impact the quality of the beef that ends up on our tables. Animal welfare, environmental stewardship, and sustainability aren't just buzzwords, they’re daily responsibilities.
Farmers monitor soil health, track weather patterns, and use advanced technology to ensure their crops thrive. They make decisions that balance productivity with conservation, always thinking about the long-term health of their land and the people who depend on it.
Harvest is the culmination of months of hard work, planning, and hope. Farmers don’t just grow crops; they grow food that feeds families across the world. Every kernel of corn, every golden wheat stalk, every soybean pod, every calf represents a farmer or rancher’s commitment to quality, sustainability, and stewardship of the land. August is when the fruits of labor begin to show. It’s a reminder that food doesn’t come from a store—it comes from people who pour their lives into producing it.
August is a time of transition. Kids head back to school, vacations wind down, and routines return. But in the fields, it’s go-time. Balers and combines roar to life, grain bins fill, cattle are moved, and communities come together to support one another through long days and late nights.
So as you enjoy the last s’mores of summer or take one more dip in the lake, take a moment to think about the farmers who are just getting started on one of the most important parts of their year. Their work doesn’t just fill our table, it sustains our lives.
Here’s to the harvest, and to the hands and hearts that make it happen.
Sam Froelich is the chair of the NDFB Promotion and Education Committee. To learn about the committee, visit this page.