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Illinois orchard owner starts farming awareness campaign amid COVID-19
An orchard owner in Illinois has started a farming awareness campaign as farmers work through COVID-19 to keep everyone fed.
Even before COVID-19 farmers struggled with a trade war, fumbling ag economy and one of the worst growing seasons in several years. Now as they continue working to produce the nation’s food supply Michelle Sirles with Rendleman Orchards in southern Illinois is helping everyone show their support.
“We need to let all farmers know how essential they are. Agriculture is necessary for everyday life.”
Sirles is selling shirts out of the orchard’s online store that say, “Farmers are my kinda people.” She tells Brownfield the proceeds are going to the American Farm Bureau Federation– a group that continues to guide them in times of need.
“We are feeling that right now as we worry about getting our workers here and worry about keeping our workers safe.”
Sirles says as more consumers by directly from US farmers during COVID-19 she hopes they will show their appreciation and remind farmers of their importance by wearing the shirts.
Interview with Michelle Sirles
