Farmers and ranchers make up 1.3% of the employed U.S. population according to Market Insider: 9 mind-blowing facts about the U.S. Farming industry (Dec. 20, 2019), yet this small number of individuals take it upon themselves to get up every morning with the daunting task of feeding the U.S. and the world. That’s right, farmers and ranchers produce the inputs that make up all the food you buy in the grocery store.

“Americans enjoy a food supply that is abundant, affordable and among the world’s safest, thanks in large part to the efficiency and productivity of America’s farm and ranch families,” according to Fast Facts About Agriculture & Food – The Voice of Agriculture – American Farm Bureau Federation.

Fall is the season farmers are harvesting their crops that will go to make many of the foodstuffs you put on your table. What you don’t eat (or can’t eat) yourself is produced for feeding beef, pork, poultry, and other meats that provide protein and many other needed nutrients.

“Growing up in the 20th century, family farms dotted the landscape and created vibrant communities. Our family farms may have diminished, but the farmer/rancher’s ability to create low-cost foods and goods is still moving the local economy. There is little doubt that the farm or ranch is close to every family in North Dakota,” said Bomber Head Football Coach Paul Rudolph.

So, what does farming and ranching have to do with football? For the small communities of Berthold and Plaza, N.D., which make up the Lewis and Clark School District, agriculture is the lifeblood of their communities. Farming and ranching relates to the Bombers Football, as it is just us.

“Every one of the players and coaches has close or direct roots to the farm/ranch community. It’s a way of life for our football team,” said Coach Rudolph.

Last year the Bombers started a fundraiser by having a food truck at a game. They wanted to expand on that this year. As many of the students and players come from families that are involved in agriculture, the idea for the “Hay and Harvest Bowl” was created.

[Photo: submitted by Nici Meyer]

The goal is to create a community atmosphere, which showcases farming and ranching. If you look around the Berthold school, gym, and football field, you will note that many of the sponsors and donations are agriculturally related. Dedicating this game to our farmers and ranchers is one way that the Bombers can say thank you for all the support they have received from the agricultural community surrounding them.

If you are not from a small agricultural community, you are truly missing out on what the agriculture community is. One thing that we take as a given, is just the community. Last year with the extensive drought and then the horrific spring blizzards in the spring, everyone came together to help out their neighbors — giving what they could to see each other through the hardships.

You see this same community support for the school, football team, and other student activities. As many of the football games take place in small agricultural rooted towns, often the local convenience store or café is likely already closed following the game, leaving few options to feed the team before the long ride home.

So, the community of parents get together and take turns providing for their team and the kids with a meal, a sandwich, and snacks after the game. Or the opposing team’s community may provide supper for the visiting team after the game. This is a practice or tradition that is deeply rooted in the mindset of the family farmers and ranchers.

[Photo: submitted by Nici Meyer]

You see this coming to life at the “Hay and Harvest Bowl” — everyone is working together to make this a success. Farmers and ranchers are taking a break early on this night to eagerly bring in equipment and animals to help provide a connection back to the family farm and bring awareness to those who may not just understand what they do and where their food comes from.

August 26, the Friday night game was all about farmers, football, and food — representing what ‘community’ is!

Berthold, N.D., is a small community located 23 miles west of Minot, N.D., and plays 9-man, iron man football.