Perusing the news recently through an agricultural lens, I came across a commentary about how dry the weather is. This writer painted a descriptive picture of what all of us are facing on a daily basis and as I read it, I felt myself melting into a puddle of depression. I kept waiting for the paragraph that would lift me out and give me the bright side to the story – but it never came.

I thought about commenting, but then decided if that was the kind of stuff people in agriculture looked forward to every morning as they read their daily news, they would need a courage transplant sooner or later.

The weather is the first topic in most conversations, but with the drought it seems to be the only topic of conversation among farmers. I stood at a recent media event and listened to industry people discuss how bad it is from coast to coast, but the consensus is that it’s way better than 1988.

They contended that low-interest rates and high commodity prices were going to be the savior of this drought, but all I could think was: If there is no corn crop anywhere, where is the silage going to come from for the large dairies?

And, while there was a great first cutting, hay will be less than scarce. What exactly are dairy farmers going to feed their cows? And that’s just one sector of the livestock industry. What kind of La-La Land are these people living in?

Regardless of out-of-touch professionals and depressing news, reality is reality and we all know it’s hot and dry. We all have a choice: We can hop on the negative train and keep going until we derail or we can start honing in on a solution.

A solution for you is going to be different than a solution for me, but the only way we are going to come up with one is if we take a deep breath and start acting and making forward motion.

I had a phone call from a woman the other day looking for ideas for extra income. I gave her everything I could think of and when I got off the phone, I was the one on the receiving end of encouragement and was energized by her enthusiasm and tenacity.

Although it’s easier to shut the world out and dwell on our troubles, now is not the time for that. Now is the time for a visit with someone positive or a vent with a friend who cares enough to listen, but directs you to a positive path.

Though the road may look long and difficult for some of us in agriculture, we mustn’t give up now. You’re on this path for a reason and you will get through it … you will. Don’t live your life as a pauper; live above it.

I can tell you with confidence that no matter what the weather does, the sun will come up tomorrow morning in the east, your family will still love you and you are a person with incomparable great worth!

The views expressed are those of the author and not necessarily those of Farm World. Readers with comments for Melissa Hart may write to this publication.