"In Discussion"provides a profound
delivery of information from around the globe. Broadcast through frank, positive and life-changing exchange, designed with
the sole purpose of leading to a re-birth of our world community.
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Crossing over the Bridge (Thirty-Second in Series) In Discussion with Farmer, Author & Naturalist Eric
Herm Life & Works - "Son of a Farmer Child of the Earth"
Radio Streaming Broadcast: July 25, 2012 (Original Broadcast January 2012)
Farmer, Author & Naturalist Eric Herm
Eric Herm was raised on a cotton farm near Ackerly,
Texas. Leaving the farm to pursue other interests, he graduated from Abilene Christian University with a degree in broadcast
journalism. After working in sports television broadcasting, Herm soon chose the life of a vagabond. He lived and worked
in Colorado and Alaska, writing about his own personal adventures along life’s highway. Traveling extensively through
America, Mexico, Europe and Northern Africa, he witnessed various lifestyles, personalities, and cultures. Throughout his
travels, these experiences helped open his mind to the endless possibilities of living life to the fullest. Satisfying his
restless spirit, Herm returned back to the land that has been in his family for almost 90 years. He started his life as
a farmer all over again. As a naturalist, he continues to seek a more balanced relationship between his family’s farm
and Mother Nature, and details the transformation of himself and his family farm in his new book Son of a Farmer, Child
of the Earth.
Being a fourth generation West Texas farmer, I’ve
heard and seen lots of things. But every year brings with it something different with new challenges. While I fled the family
farm many a year ago, something brought me back, and I’m glad I’m here again. All four of my great-grandfathers
were stewards of the land, along with both my grandfathers, and my dear ol’ Dad. Like I had a choice? That earth gets
into your fingernails enough years, it seeps into your blood.
There is a connection between
a farmer and the earth. We’re gatekeepers of sorts. Guardians of the land. The problem is there is not many of us
left. My generation is almost non-existent, and we’ve got to change those numbers soon. Prices of large corporations
and ignorance of politicians in Washington (who are in cahoots with the corporations) are doing nothing to save the family
farm, nothing to save the American farmer. Ask yourself, what will we do in this country without farmers, without ranchers? We’re learning more every day in agriculture. And the hardest fact most farmers have to swallow is we have to change
our ways, ideas, and methods…and fast. Like Charles Darwin said, “It’s not the smartest or strongest
who survive, it’s the ones willing to change.”
One thing is for certain around here – and
that is you can never be too certain. As a dryland cotton farmer here, you plant the seed and take your chances. You say
a little prayer and take a shot of tequila. Some years, more tequila is required than others.
Sands of Time (Soil Erosion & Drought in Texas w/ Eric
Herm)
Son of a Farmer - Child of the Earth
Son of a Farmer, Child of the Earth examines the strain
that commercial agriculture imposes on our natural resources and on the farmer. As a fourth-generation farmer, Herm
takes a firsthand look at the disturbing trends in the industry, inclidng the use of GMO crops, exploitation of
water supplies, excessive use of chemicals and soil degradation. Combining personal observation and careful research,
he offers clear solutions to each problem and provides ample resources aimed at facilitating am ore healthy and
self-sufficient life. Herm’s strong, direct message is not only for farmers, but humanity as a
whole, to embrace our role as flesh and bone guardian angels of the Earth before it is too late.
Official Website - Son of a
Farmer
“Everything is connected. That bond is what
keeps this Planet dancing round in poetic choreography. That connection is what keeps us all alive. What we do to the Earth,
we do to ourselves. If we are capable of destruction, we are most certainly capable of healing.” –
Eric Herm
