"Farmgirl" is one of the few nicknames that I've been given over the years that I happen to love. It's very fitting and reminds me of a time and place in my life that I remember fondly. I lived next door to my family’s farm, but for all intents and purposes, I was raised there. We raised just about anything that we could eat and would grow in eastern Ohio. We worked hard and studied harder. While hard work doesn't exactly sound like fun, there's just something about farming that is simply good for the soul.
"Farmers of Ohio" is a documentary project currently focusing on the farmers of Eastern Ohio. The purpose of this project is to highlight the work, knowledge, and tenacity required of farmers to survive. As my grandparents' generation of farmers ages, a treasure trove of knowledge is being lost. Younger generations are no longer farming and that way of life is disappearing. I hope I can capture some of the farming life through this documentary project before it's gone forever.
I thought it would be fitting to start with one of my very favorite images. The first photograph I'd like to share is one of my grandfather with his newly acquired International Harvester wagon. He was very proud of his find at a local auction and assured me that it was very rare to see one in such good condition. He downright insisted that I take the picture.
I sincerely hope that you will stick around and enjoy this project with me.
Cheers,
Erica
