Dating a Farmer: Pros, Cons & 8 Things To Know
by John Santana
Dating comes with challenges in any circumstances or profession but dating a farmer might take the cake. Romantic comedies might have you thinking it is all about rugged men in a cowboy hat and overalls. Still, the reality is much more complex than that. Farming is one of the oldest professions, and for a good reason. It is an admirable occupation, but with it come unique dating challenges.
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What To Know About Dating A Farmer
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They Work Hard
Farmers are hardworking because they must be. The demands of farm life are numerous and can rarely be neglected. Dating a farmer means you understand that you will not come first. A date can wait, but a bellowing cow that needs to be milked cannot.
Not to say that dating a farmer will result in you being ignored, but realistically you may not be high up in the pecking order of obligations. Tempering your expectations early in the dating process can save you from hurt feelings later on.
The same impeccable work ethic that keeps the farm running will also extend to other aspects of the relationship. Farmers are strong providers and value commitment. They might be busy, but it is all with the goal of building a good life.
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Early Bird Gets the Worm
Farmers rise before the sun because morning chores wait for no man. The only way to beat the heat and maximize daylight is to wake at dawn. If you are envisioning slow mornings in bed, think again. Rain, shine, sleet, or snow, a farmer must get up and take care of some basic chores.
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They Burn The Candle at Both Ends
It isn’t only early mornings that pull on a farmer’s attention. Evening chores are a very real thing, so don’t anticipate going out for happy hour. Figuring out how to schedule dates around farm obligations is a key to relationship success. Dinners might be later than you anticipated, but with some planning, it is very doable.
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What is That Smell?
Farmers spend their days working in the field and with animals, so don’t expect it to be all old spice and cologne. There will be interesting smells at times, but nothing a shower can’t fix. If you are sensitive to smells, you should consider this aspect as it will be a daily event.
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Change of Plans
Farming lacks the predictability of a standard 9-5, which can be frustrating when making plans. Farmers can’t just take off work, so prepare yourself for the constant readjusting of the sails. Even the most carefully planned dates can be derailed by a cow in labor.
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What Are Weekends?
Sadly, the weekends look the same as the weekdays for farmers. Hungry livestock doesn’t take off on Saturday and Sunday, so neither can farmers. Weekends are when many farmers sell their goods at various farmer’s markets, so it can be even busier than the weekdays.
It is possible to arrange for time away, but that is not the norm, and lots of preparation would go into the before and after. Check with your farmer before booking a weekend trip!
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Great Providers
Farming allows for a level of self-sufficiency that is very attractive. Farmers can provide for their families in terms of both food they produce and additional income from selling the goods. The average salary for a farmer is around $75,000 a year, so while you might not be rich, you will be taken care of.
Farmers also produce their own food, which is a desirable skill set considering the recent food shortages. Depending on what he farms, you could find yourself with access to fresh meat, eggs, milk, or produce.
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Life is an Adventure
No two days will be the same when you date a farmer, making for an exciting life. One day you are helping repair fencing, and the next, you are the calf birthing assistant. Going with the flow and maintaining a keen sense of adventure when unexpected events occur is crucial.
Even dates will feel adventurous. Anyone can go to the movies, but have you ridden on the back of a 4-wheeler to check on the far side of the farm? Restaurants will always be there, but a dinner date in the hayfield is the stuff of romantic novel dreams.
Do’s And Don’ts Of Dating A Farmer
If you are unfamiliar with the demands of farm life, it can be easy to make a dating misstep. Here are some do’s and don’ts to get you started.
The Do’s
- Eat like a horse, not a squirrel. Food is fuel, so choose protein-focused dishes. A salad will not impress your farmer date and be honest; it won’t fill you up!
- A family affair. Farming is often a family business, so be prepared to meet lots of parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins. Farmers also need to contribute to the future family business, so prepare yourself for the kid conversation.
- Harvest time. The harvest season can vary depending on your location, but the idea is the same. During the peak of harvest, the limited free time will reduce drastically.
- Learn about farming. Read up on basic farming terms and acronyms so you can understand what he is talking about.
- What is up with the weather? The weather forecast is a farmer’s bible, and they talk about the weather a lot. Be prepared to discuss rain patterns, almanacs, and even intuition!
The Don’ts
- Left on read. Don’t get upset if he isn’t constantly texting you back. Farming is physically demanding work, and there is little time for flirty texts throughout the day. Whether it is driving a tractor or not having cell service, there are many logical explanations why he might not respond for hours.
- Better late than never. Farm life is known for unexpected events, so don’t automatically assume the worst if he is late for a date. It is just par for the course of dating a farmer.
- Asleep at the wheel. If your farmer looks tired on the date, don’t take it as a sign of disinterest. Finding the energy to date after working for 12 hours can be tricky, but they are making an effort and showing up!
- Community is key. Not taking the time to get to know the other farmers in his community would not be looked on kindly. Farming is a close-knit community, and often they spend lots of time together at farmer’s markets and other events. Spend time talking to the people he will call to help him out in an emergency.
Perks Of Dating A Farmer
While there are many limitations the farming life places on dating, there are many pluses to help even the scales. Check out the perks of dating a farmer before you get too scared off after reading about some of the logistical realities.
- Farmers engage in physical work all day, so their bodies are usually in peak shape. They are strong and capable, which are great qualities in a dating partner. Not to mention easy on the eyes!
- Does something need fixing? Your farmer has your back. Extensively skilled in DIY fixing, they are great with their hands. Before spending a fortune on repairs, see if they can quickly sort it out.
- Farmers thrive off commitment. If you are looking to build something together, farmers are not one to get cold feet. Their entire way of life is based on creating and nurturing life.
- If you like waking up early, a farmer is an ideal partner. They also like going to sleep early after a long day of working outside.
- Without bosses telling them what to do, farmers are naturally self-motivated. The good ones anyway!
You get to be around cute farm animals-enough said - The majority of life will be spent outdoors, so you will be in luck if that is where you feel happiest.
- Silence is golden. Farmers spend a lot of time working alone, so they won’t talk your ear off.
- He can teach you how to drive large farm equipment. What is cooler than that?
- Talking about farm-to-table food might be trendy, but it could be your daily reality! The man who raised the cow is now grilling you a steak.
Final Thoughts
Farmers are the backbone of society. Without their hard work and dedication to their occupation, food and goods would not be produced. Part of that sacrifice is reflected in their ability to date in a conventional way.
An ideal partner would be someone who was raised on a farm, as many of the day-to-day obligations can come as a shock. If you have not had previous farm life exposure and want to say yes to the cute farmer who asked you out, do your research. It is important to have realistic expectations of the demands and limitations of dating a farmer.
Dating a farmer can be a rich and rewarding experience. If you are looking for a partner eager to build a future together and are not scared off by hard work, a farmer is a great dating choice.
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