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Agriculture and the Next Generation

by | Apr 1, 2021 | Freelance, Photo Essays, Photography, The ByLine, What I Learned

As Seen Through the Eyes of Photographer Jess Johnson

By Jess Johnson, AAEA Member, Photographer and Freelancer

In late 2019, I began building my photography business. I had little direction, I only knew I loved taking pictures and making people smile, so I worked to perfect my skills with any opportunity that was presented.

As time passed, my love for agriculture naturally led me to sharpen my photography focus in that direction. I’ve grown especially passionate about capturing organic moments that might otherwise go unnoticed.

For those of us who immerse ourselves in farming and ranching, it is sometimes easy to forget how blessed we are to share this unique lifestyle with our children. There is no need to explain how things are built or why things grow, our children witness that occurring every day. Talking about the “birds and bees” doesn’t have to be an awkward or an uncomfortable conversation, just take your kids to the breeding shed, involve them in A.I. work and include them during calving or foaling.

Farm and ranch life provide a natural classroom for teaching our children invaluable lessons. I hope these photos encourage you to take pause and recognize the unique gifts and opportunities that agriculture provides our children on a daily basis.

Max Fitterer daydreams as he watches building progress at a bin site on his family farm in New England, North Dakota.
Photo Courtesy: Jess Johnson
Three-year-old Holden Topp practices leading a young heifer calf in Grace City, North Dakota. The Topp family believes, “the love for cattle begins with a solid foundation.”
Photo Courtesy: Jess Johnson
Sisters, Henley, Coven and Everly Johnson, witness the miracle of life as a newborn calf enters the world at 21 Angus Ranch near New England, North Dakota. According to Jess Johnson, “farm and ranch life provide a natural classroom for our children.”
Photo Courtesy: Jess Johnson
Leon Kirschman, (far right), stands with his son Terry (far left) and his grandson Harrison (center) while admiring the fourth generation, and future family farmer, Layton.
Photo Courtesy: Jess Johnson

In addition to owning Rainy Butte photography, Jess Johnson, her husband and three girls raise racing quarter horses on a ranch in New England, North Dakota. Jess also freelances with Speedhorse magazine.