The Art of Saying Goodbye

The art of saying goodbye. When you think of saying goodbye you probably imagine a quick hand wave, a hug, or a few words and out the door you go. There’s tons of different ways you can say goodbye to someone after a visit, however when visiting with a farmer, saying goodbye is really a fascinating journey.

If they are visiting inside the house they will probably sit at the table for a long time talking about stories and this year's crop. Then when they eventually feel it’s time to leave, they will start heading to the door and saying goodbye. Once at the door they will again begin to share another story that leads to another and starts a whole new conversation. If they bring up the weather then you're really going to be there a long time because farmers can talk about the weather forever. Talking about this spring's weather, upcoming weather, remember the weather that year, imagine if the weather was like this instead. They can go on and on. Once you finally say goodbye again and reach the fresh air outside it might actually be goodbye unless it’s nice out and they follow you. Then you might end up telling more stories leaning against your truck until you officially say a final goodbye, start your vehicle and actually leave. Saying goodbye in the Midwest truly is an art. You can actually say the words many times, but until you are officially in your vehicle heading down the lane and onto the road, this process can take hours to accomplish.


Farmers are cooped up in the tractor all spring planting and doing tons of other things alone. They have been pretty busy and haven’t done a lot of chit chatting with neighbors. When the time does come when they meet up again, a lot of stories can be shared. It can take awhile for the final goodbye to be said. With that being said I am super excited to say goodbye to spring and hello to summer. Bring on the hay equipment, balers, tedders, and rakes. It’s going to be a great summer!


~ Kesley Holdgrafer