In 2012 Lysbeth – Wapke’s cousin – knew for certain that she wanted to be a farmer. She decided to follow in the footsteps of grandfather Eerde, so she enrolled in a “green” school to take lessons in dairy farming. In Colorado the pictures of Lysbeth milking a horse made a deep impression on the Future Farmers of America group from Deer Trail High School. The idea for the Farmers & Ranchers project was born at a public meeting in 2012. Now, over twenty youngsters have photographed their own area for an online platform and some have even gone overseas to exchange knowledge and ideas. The aim is to visit farms and learn about land use. And shoot films at the same time. They want to know about water management, animal care, and how the cattle are fed. How much milk do you get from a horse? Or a good cow? Farmers & Ranchers is a project that presents portraits of young people in transit. Aged between fifteen and nineteen – working with machines and large animals, and thinking about setting up economically viable businesses. Getting ready to take wing and fly.
Film trailer Farmers & Ranchers