A story about the challenges of a young farmer in times of climate changes by Darren Earley, 27 yr, Arigna, Ireland
I have lived my life bracing for impact. Growing up in Arigna, Co. Roscommon, I’ve always had to be prepared for the unexpected. As a young farmer, I’ve seen the effects of climate change firsthand. The summers have become wetter, and the winters colder. The fields that once thrived now struggle under the weight of extreme weather. This reality has shaped my involvement in the climate movement.
I grew up not fully understanding what climate change was, not realising that we were on the frontlines of this crisis. The first time I truly felt its impact was during a particularly wet summer. The fields were waterlogged, making it nearly impossible to harvest crops or provide adequate feed for the livestock. It was a wake-up call that this was not just a distant problem but one that was here, affecting my livelihood and my community.
The constant rain soaked everything, and the air was heavy with moisture. I could smell the damp earth and the musty scent of wet hay. The usual sounds of farm life were muffled by the relentless downpour, creating a sense of isolation. The cold seeped into my bones, making the usually vibrant landscape feel bleak and unwelcoming.
This experience filled me with a mix of frustration and determination. Frustration at the challenges that climate change brought to farming, but also a strong determination to find solutions. I felt a deep sense of responsibility to protect the land that had provided for my family for generations.
As a young farmer, I am deeply worried about the future of farming. The number of young farmers is declining, and I fear for the sustainability of traditional farming practices. I care deeply about protecting our environment, not only for the sake of tourism but also to ensure that climate change legislation does not prevent farmers from making a living through traditional forms of farming. In my role as a teacher, I believe we have a societal duty to educate people on the importance of protecting the beautiful countryside we live in.
These experiences have taught me the importance of resilience and adaptability. I have learned that small changes in our daily practices can make a significant difference. By embracing sustainable farming techniques and educating others, I hope to contribute to a more sustainable future. I reflect on the need for balance – protecting our environment while also supporting the livelihoods of farmers.
I have gained valuable knowledge about sustainable agriculture and the importance of biodiversity. I have also learned about the psychological impacts of climate change, such as climate anxiety, and the importance of community support in addressing these challenges. My dual roles as a farmer and a teacher allow me to share this knowledge with both my community and my students.
I hope for a future where communities come together to combat climate change and support one another. I envision a world where sustainable practices are the norm, and where we live in harmony with nature. My inspiration comes from the resilience of my community and the potential for positive change through collective action. I dream of a future where young farmers are supported and valued, and where our beautiful countryside is preserved for generations to come.
A Poem “Fields of Resilience”
In Arigna’s heart, where green hills rise, The summers now bring stormy skies. The fields once lush, now soaked and bare, A farmer’s burden, hard to bear.
The rain, it falls with heavy hand, Transforming earth to sodden land. The scent of damp, the chill of air, A silent struggle, everywhere.
Yet in this mire, a spark of hope, A farmer’s will, the strength to cope. With every drop, a lesson learned, In every storm, resilience earned.
The young grow scarce, the old remain, To till the soil, endure the rain. But in our hearts, a fire burns bright, To fight for fields, to stand and fight.
In classrooms, I share nature’s tale, Of verdant lands and winds that wail. To teach the young, to make them see, The beauty of our land, so free.
We balance laws with nature’s plea, To farm with care, sustainably. For tourism, for future’s sake, A stand we must, together, make.
I dream of days where sun and rain, In harmony, will ease the strain. Where farmers young, and old alike, Will thrive beneath the sky so bright.
With knowledge shared and hope in sight, Together, we can win this fight. For Arigna’s fields, for all we hold dear, A future bright, a world sincere.