This article is one in a series of articles about what life looks like in Butler County ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary on July 4, 2026. Stories in this series aim to showcase what it’s like to live, work, play and serve in Butler County during this moment in history.

There is a saying which goes, “If you ate today, thank a farmer.”

Of course, those working in agriculture provide more than food. The cotton and wool they farm are used for textiles. Farmers also provide invaluable services, such as soil conservation and the creation of pollinator habitats.

Meat and dairy farmers are among the most prominent in the agriculture industry, and there is no shortage of those in Butler County. Their work in fields and barns across local communities continues and regularly evolves, several area farmers shared in recent interviews.

Ahead of the nation’s 250th anniversary, William Thiele of Thiele Dairy Farm talked about the importance of supporting local agriculture at this moment in history.

“Since COVID-19, people have been buying more locally produced agricultural products, and it’s a great trend,” he said. “I hope that keeps increasing.”

Thiele said most farmers are in their 50s, but it’s great to see many young people growing in agriculture.

“It all seems to be about growing and nurturing. Farming is a 24/7 job. We treat our livelihoods like members of our families. People are able to look at farms and see a part of themselves.”

The Thieles use technology more and more in their farms, too, William has told the Eagle. The family has been a part of workshops that teach others how to use technology like drones to spread seeds.

As the agriculture industry evolves, what’s important is that support remains, he said.

“Keep supporting local agriculture, and have respect for farmers,” he said. “We are the backbone of the skeletal structure of the nation.”

Brittany Speer, of Har-Lo Farms Inc., said she engages with local consumers about the farm’s potato harvest and upcoming Memory Patch Sunflower Field Experience happening during peak bloom season — July 24-26 and July 31- August 2 — for the farm, alongside husband, Zach Speer.

Their main products include corn, soybeans, and wheat.

Brittany Speer finds its important to use social media to interact with local consumers and promote their lifestyle.

Brittany Speer also spoke about the financial challenges facing the agricultural community in Butler County and beyond.

“The financial challenges facing the agricultural community are increasingly receiving national attention, particularly in relation to the U.S. Farm Bill,” she said.

Those policies play a critical role in supporting farmers and shaping the future of agriculture, she added.

“Programs, such as the Agricultural Innovation Grant, provide important opportunities for farmers, and we hope to see continued participation in those initiatives,” Speer said.

However, according to Brittany Speer, a major barrier remains. Farmers often juggle multiple roles and responsibilities, limiting the time and the expertise available to complete complex grant applications.

Speer also spends time advocating for the mental health of farmers. Farmers face unique stressors, including isolation, unpredictable weather, and market volatility, she said.

At the national level, initiatives such as Farm State of Mind have emerged as valuable resources. The platform provides a digital, anonymous community where farmers can connect and receive support from licensed mental health professionals.

On July 17, 2026, Butler County will host a stop on the Barnstorming Tour of America, an initiative aimed at raising awareness and funds for farmer and rural mental health.

“The event will promote open conversations around mental health, provide a sense of community and shared experience, and offer an opportunity for individuals to connect and support one another,” she said.

According to Alan Davis, of Davis Farms in Chicora, the only way to really begin farming is to get started.

“Our farm is a third-generation farm. People say we do hard work,” he said. “It’s never-ending, but I wouldn’t call it hard.

“I would take my job over most others any day of the week,” he continued.

In March, farmers with plans for what and where they’re planting might have the seed already purchased, he said.

“We are primarily dairy farmers, so the focus is mainly on calves and brood herds. My brother and I are OK milking 130 cows full-time,” he said.

There’s no days off for dairy famers, who must tend to the needs of the cows consistently day-in and day-out.

Davis said he sells his milk to Marburger and other local dairies. Regional processors are really good for the business, and he said he encourages people to buy local.

“Milking is a breaking even point. Dairy is one of the best areas in agriculture where people can work full-time because that area is justified,” he said.

Late May is when farmers finish planting their corn, he said.

“We grow 400 acres of corn, and I just passed 100 acres, where I have only the 100 acres left.”

As the farm grows, it can sustain more people to get all the work done.

“That provides better opportunities for the security, and the third generations who have benefited from the first two,” he said. “That was the case with me, and I got to become a full-time farmer.”

Otherwise, it’s tough to hop into the job full-time, he said about the environment today. Part-timers often have other jobs that complement their agriculture business, he said.

“I like to raise my two boys on a farm, and it is a good environment for them,” he said. “I encourage people to get back on the land and see what they can do.”