"He used to be with the circus before he came to the farm."

   I talk a fair bit about how tough farming can be. I'm sympathetic that way. I can identify with the ups and downs, the adrenaline rushes, and - of course - the frenzied free-falls that come with being a farmer. But you know, there's more to rollercoaster rides than a bunch of frightened, excited riders. For instance, there's often a few carnies working behind these intense scenes. Operating rides, cleaning up puke... handing out luxurious prizes! You know... people like, well, people like - me...

   Now, I'm not asking for your sympathy in return. In fact, I like what I do! Especially when it comes to handing out prizes. To me, one of the most rewarding things is helping someone target the right price, handing them the biggest sledgehammer we've got, and then watching them strike with just enough force to ring the bell of success. "Step right up!" I can often be heard shouting at work. "Test your strength! ... Who are the men out of the boys!?" And most recently, "Show me the MONEY!!"
 

   Did I choose the carny life, you ask? Well, you might be surprised to hear this, but the carny life actually chose me. When I was a kid, I never dreamed that I'd be cleaning up metaphorical puke after a huge grain sell-off. Or that I'd get to strap people into grain pricing orders with enough G force to have them laughing involuntarily as I hang up the phone... It's not all fun and games though. My least favorite rides are the ones with a lot of airtime. You know that floating feeling of weightlessness you get in the pit of your stomach sometimes? -That's what I feel every time a farmer holds firm on their asking price when the market is coming off. -And I'm not supposed to be the one getting sick!
 

   ...Have another minute? I'd like to set the record straight when it comes to us marketing, circus folk. We may be a little scary, and maybe a little weird for what you're comfortable with. But we carnies care. And not only about the rides, but the riders too. Sure, we'll make you feel awkward at times, and we'll entice you to test your marketing prowess when you're busy with other things. -But it's how this grain selling circus works! And while some markets may be "rigged", ours most certainly aren't! We're open, we're honest, and we believe that we're all in it together. Through the shrieks, the queasiness and the euphoric fun of it all, we're here to help you test your chance, skill and strength. Now... when you're ready, we'll be waiting for you over at the corn toss.
...What's that? ...Oh, alright. One last time then... Show me the money!

Jared Seitz