DEKALB, Ill. — Talk to anyone who works in any area of agriculture, and they may say they wouldn’t trade their chosen career and lifestyle for any other. There is one exception, however: It’s often a lonely life.

Long hours and remote locations sometimes make socializing downright difficult. That’s the primary reason for the establishment of Singles in Agriculture (SIA), “where you’re only a stranger once … then you’re a friend forever,” according to the organization’s motto.

Several members talked with visitors in the SIA booth at the recent IDEAg Northern Illinois Farm Show, at the Northern Illinois University Convocation Center.

Carollynn Fink of Chadwick, Ill., president of the national organization, lost her husband in a farm accident in 1986 and joined the group in 1989. She has been president for six years. Fink said she still farms about 3,000 acres with her son.

“This group helps with a social problem farmers face,” she said. “It provides a group to socialize with and provides educational seminars. It’s open to anyone working in an ag-related job.”

Pat Specht of Sterling, Ill., has farming in her blood as well, as her father worked for many years as a veterinarian. She serves as the secretary of the Illinois chapter. She bubbled with enthusiasm when talking about a national convention in Kansas where one of the events included a salt mine tour.

The 2012 convention is set for March 22-25 in Springfield, Ill. Events include a number of organizational meetings; tours of a seed plant, a grain barge facility and a winery; great meals; music; dancing and a lot of socializing.

“Oh, and two of our board members are getting married. That’s not the primary purpose of the organization, but it’s a nice bonus,” Specht said, with a grin.

According to the organization’s website, “The purpose of SIA is to promote educational, recreational and social opportunities for singles who have an agriculture background, ag-related occupation or are actively farming ... to offer friendship, fellowship, travel, inexpensive events and a chance to get together with other, ‘country folk .’

“Even though we have had people meet and marry, that isn’t the main purpose of the group. At almost all of our get-togethers we end with a dance. We don’t promote smoking or drinking.”

Ginny Sollars of Dixon, Ill., learned of the organization through her 4-H kids. She has been a 4-H leader since 1978.

Linda Murray, also of Dixon, said she loves the diversity of the group. “The friends I’ve made are like family. It’s a great way to meet new friends. I have friends all over the country,” she said.

Murray farms with her father, raising pumpkins and chickens and selling the eggs. “A lot of our members are 50 or older. We need younger people, too,” she said.

For more information about Singles in Agriculture, visit http://singlesin agriculture.org