The Fourth of July to me always has been a mile marker in the crop year. It’s always a nice goal to have all of the initial herbicide spraying finished and put permanent water back on the rice by the holiday and prepare for the push through the rest of the summer (although in this delayed year, that was pretty unattainable).

Traditionally, this time of year marks a point where the fever pitch of planting and stand establishment can slow, and you can enjoy the day and know that you’re switching gears to the middle part of the growing process.

Growing up, we always had the holiday BBQ at the farm, where our cousins from out of town got to see the fields, ride the quads and tractors - basically enjoying the family farm that we all have a vested interest in.

Of course, as everyone gets older and goes off to school, the annual get-togethers that seemed as annual as the crops we grow start to slim down, sometimes even disappear. I do enjoy the fact that myself, my wife Caitlin and our son Eamon are heading out to the farm this coming July fourth. In tow will be the in-laws, friends, and of course, all of their kids as well, including the younger generations.

Despite the hectic pace of life, our family is trying to keep the traditions alive and thriving. Much like the way my grandfather, my father, and I have tried to keep, and of course improve the farm that first came into our family, thanks to my great grandfather back in the 1940’s.

It’s an opportunity that is very special to me to be able to have, and an opportunity that seems idyllically American.

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More about Tom: Tom Butler farms rice with his father, Steve, in Sutter and Yolo Counties. Tom is the fourth generation of his family to farm.

When he’s not on the job, the University of Nebraska graduate enjoys swimming, water polo, hunting and spending time with his family.

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