20 Quotes From IL Farmers

September 19, 2022
A poster that says we live our lives by the seeds of our plants

We know how many hats farmers wear but do you? Agronomist, mechanic, economist, teacher, communicator, advocator, supervisor, environmentalist, veterinarian, entrepreneur are just some (and that doesn’t include farmers with other outside jobs). Today we are adding another to the list: Quotemaster. Here are 20 sayings we grabbed from farmers in Illinois.

  1. Wow, that’s so early the chickens aren’t even up yet
  2. You could tear up a bulldozer
  3. We’re burning daylight 
  4. That pig went through there like a dose of epsom salts through the hired boy
  5. Plant in the dust and your bins will bust
  6. Rain makes grain
  7. Those beans are popping
  8. Looking for the bats
  9. Farming is not all cows, sows and plows
  10. Ma is callin, dinner is ready
  11. I’ve done more this morning than you’ll do all week
  12. That dog’ll hunt
  13. Back when it rained for 40 days and 40 nights, we only got one inch
  14. Pray for rain, but pay for crop insurance
  15. When someone slept in, “What happened? Your bed break down?”
  16. Complaint department’s on the roof and the elevator’s broke
  17. Ain’t nothin but a wheat whacker
  18. Ofcourse I talk to myself. Sometimes I need expert advice
  19. You can’t get finished what you don’t get started
  20. We live our lives by the seeds of our plants

< Older Post

 Newer Post >
farm rescue

Volunteers Keep Family Farms Running Through Hard Times

By Tara Desmond • October 10, 2025
When Crisis Strikes, Farm Rescue Steps Up for Farm Families in Illinois
Outline of Illinois; surrounded by a green background with vegetables.

From Cornfields to Capitol: How SNAP Supports Farmers and Consumers

By Lyndi Allen • October 10, 2025
The Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) is the largest nutrition provision in the Farm Bill, linking food policy and farm policy.
Cliff Lane with Tara

Meet Illinois Farmer Cliff Lane

By Tara Desmond • October 2, 2025
While harvesting Cliff talks about his operation and conservation practices
Maren outside Franklin, IL

From Norway to Illinois: How the Thompson Family Showcases the Heart of Illinois Agriculture

By Tara Desmond • October 2, 2025
Maren, from Norway, tells her story about becoming an exchange student to a Franklin, Illinois family - the Thompsons
farmers in dc

How IL Corn’s GROW Program Gave Lance a Seat at the Table

By Tara Desmond • October 2, 2025
An Illinois farmer - Lance -- tells the story of his experience in IL Corn's GROW Program.
U.S. Capitol Building with cloudy sky overhead.

What a Government Shutdown Means for Farmers

By Lyndi Allen • October 1, 2025
When the federal government shuts down, farmers feel the effects in their fields, finances, and futures. Government programs through the USDA can hurt farmers when not operating.
Show More