Myth and Farming

Wendell Berry argues that myth is man's way of connecting to the land. Interacting with the natural world is inherently spiritual and equally mythical. The farmer then, must have a mythical relationship with nature in order to farm correctly. This is lived out by author and prominent figure of the sustainable agriculture movement Joel Salatin of Polyface Farms. Joel is a Christian, so he sees all things as created and having a divine purpose given to each by God. Thus, his farm operates on the principle of symbiosis. Using animals natural activities in conjunction with one another to increase productivity on their farm. He humorously calls this concept honoring the "pigness of the pig" or the "chickeness of the chicken." His perspective is that he does not own creation, and that his job is to leave it in better condition for the next generation. His reverence for God as a creator, lover, and sustainer of creation motivates him to act honorably in his farming techniques. Salatin's wisdom and efficient farming can only be attributed to his perspective in relation to the Christian myth.