Production Blog

Roosters crowing. Coffee brewing. A quick check of the weather forecast -- we all have our morning rituals. For the past few years, my wakeup call has included checking out Kevin Nelson's photo of the day on social media.

The Illinois-based agronomist and his camera lens made weeds look like friends. Old silos, corn cribs and barns were his love language. Whether it was "Windmill Wednesday" or "Fence Post Friday" or "Silo Sunday," Kevin encouraged us to see the extra in the ordinary each day.

Kevin had been ill during the past few months, so his daily photo postings had been sparse of late. Instead, we celebrated recovery victories by way of instant messages and texts. When he got a little better, there was general rejoicing as even photo reruns offered hope our inboxes would once again fill with optimism. When Kevin passed away on Nov. 4, his fans didn't just lose a friend, many of us lost our morning fix of courage to face the day.

You see, each of Kevin's photos were tagged with a reminder: "Today is a Gift." He took ordinary scenes and reminded us not to take one moment for granted. His words and photos were a refuge in a time when the world often seems askew. Kevin reminded us in a kind way that days aren't guaranteed. Each day can include bonus moments if we stop and appreciate the blessings that surround us.

Kevin was intentionally positive. I use that term intentionally because he worked at staying upbeat and the attitude was infectious at a time when we needed it more than we knew. As another friend noted, it's amazing that one man could bestow so much kindness and good will through a phone (or tablet or computer). Many of those he touched with his gentle gestures never met him.

Just weeks before his death, his own father, Walter Nelson, passed unexpectedly at the age of 89. Kevin proudly announced that he had found a home for his father's Allis Chalmers C tractor. It is headed to the Polo (Illinois) FFA to be restored. This gift is another I look forward to following.

Some of the last correspondence I had with Kevin included a piece he had written to be read at his father's funeral. The Nelson family has granted permission for it to be shared here. It says a lot about the rural life and agriculture he and his father held so dear.

**

Only a Farmer

By W. Kevin Nelson to honor his dad, Walter G. Nelson

He's only a farmer.

He started harvesting with his family long before he was 10 years old, and harvested crops for the next 75 years.

He's only a farmer.

He could look at two steers, that to anybody else would be exactly the same, and sort out the one that was better finished for market ... with no hesitation ... on the run.

He's only a farmer.

He would look at a litter of baby pigs and care for them like he would his own grandchildren and great-grandchildren. He loved working with livestock.

He's only a farmer.

He grew a diverse variety of crops and could plant a row straighter by hand than most people could plant using modern guidance technology.

He's only a farmer.

His word was his bond. He stood by what he said. People knew they could trust him.

He's only a farmer.

In one breath he could curse like a sailor and also come up with What A Friend We Have in Jesus. His faith was strong.

He's only a farmer.

Besides growing acres of crops and raising thousands of livestock, he and Mom would raise a sustainable family -- looking forward to the next generations.

He's only a farmer.

He was the best husband, dad, grandpa, great-Papa, brother, uncle and friend. He was so proud of the many gallons of blood he donated over the years.

He's only a farmer.

**

Kevin generously shared his agronomic expertise and photos with DTN and the rest of the world. He will be missed in so many ways, but his true gift was sharing his love for his family, for all things farming, and reminding us of the importance of celebrating life every day.

Pamela Smith can be reached at pamela.smith@dtn.com

Follow her on X, formerly known as Twitter, @PamSmithDTN

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