Farming Is Becoming Trendy — But Should It Be?

Celebrities and the Farm Trend: A Glamorous Escape or a Growing Interest in Agrarian Life?

In recent years, a curious trend has emerged among celebrities, with figures like Donald Glover, Blake Griffin, and Adrian Grenier purchasing farms across the United States. These stars are not just seeking an idyllic escape from the hustle of Hollywood; they’re turning their new properties into places for creativity, personal growth, and even business ventures. Glover, for instance, bought a farm in Ojai, California, to serve as the headquarters for his new production company, Gilga. Griffin, meanwhile, teamed up with a group of fellow athletes to invest in a farm in Iowa. Grenier, known for his role in Entourage, has long been working on his Texas farm, where he plans to develop a "fruit forest" and wildlife sanctuary.

But what’s driving this shift toward farming among the rich and famous? Are more people becoming farmers, or is this just a glamorous trend?

Farming as a Trend vs. Farming as a Livelihood

While there’s certainly a growing interest in farming, it’s important to differentiate between farming as a trend and farming as a full-time livelihood. Celebrities may be able to afford to buy land and dabble in farm life without the financial pressures that many working farmers face. For them, farm life can become a hobby, a way to escape from the stress of their high-profile careers. But for the majority of people—especially those relying on agriculture to make a living—farming is a difficult and demanding profession. It’s not as glamorous as it may seem from the outside.

For most people, the desire to "live on a farm" is not about quitting their jobs and embracing full-scale farming. Instead, it’s about reconnecting with nature and seeking respite from the grind of daily life. It’s a yearning for a simpler, slower existence, where they can be more in tune with the earth, away from the stress of work and technology.

A Cultural Shift: The Appeal of the Simple Life

The current fascination with farm life can be seen as part of a broader cultural movement toward simplicity and self-sufficiency. Though the back-to-the-land movement has been part of American culture since the 1930s, it’s especially relevant today as people search for ways to unplug, reduce stress, and reconnect with nature. The idea of farming or living rurally holds a strong appeal to those tired of city life or the pressures of modern work.

This trend has even extended to mainstream interest in survivalism, homesteading, and the idea of going "off the grid." With the increasing stresses of urban living, high work demands, and social media overload, many people are seeking a quieter, more grounded lifestyle. Whether it's keeping a backyard garden, raising chickens, or planting a small herb garden, these activities offer a taste of the farming lifestyle without the burden of full-time agricultural work.

Farming’s Reality: Struggles and Mental Health

The contrast between the celebrity farm trend and the reality of farming life is stark. While celebs may have the financial means to embrace farm life without significant hardship, many farmers are struggling to make ends meet. Farming is one of the most dangerous and stressful professions. In 2019, farm debt reached an all-time high of $416 billion, and many farmers are finding it difficult to cope with the financial strain, especially as costs rise and crop yields are unpredictable.

Furthermore, farming can take a serious toll on mental health. Studies have shown that farmers are nearly twice as likely to die by suicide compared to other professions, and the pandemic only worsened mental health outcomes for those in the agricultural sector. A 2020 American Farm Bureau poll found that two-thirds of farmers reported the pandemic had negatively impacted their mental health. The pressures of debt, long hours, and the unpredictability of farming can leave farmers feeling isolated and overwhelmed.

Why Do Celebrities Buy Farms?

So, why do celebrities buy farms, especially when they can afford to live a life of luxury without the risks and struggles of farming? The answer may lie in the therapeutic effects of nature. Spending time outdoors, engaging with animals, and being away from work and screens can provide a much-needed escape from the relentless pace of modern life.

For many, owning a farm can be a way to slow down, reconnect with themselves, and explore a more peaceful, fulfilling lifestyle. It’s a way to escape the pressures of fame and rediscover a connection with the earth. This trend may not be about farming as a livelihood but rather as a form of personal well-being and escape from the pressures of their other lives.

For Those Who Dream of Farm Life

For those who aren’t quite ready to buy a farm but are still drawn to the idea of agrarian life, there are ways to experience it without going all-in. Visiting local farms, participating in community gardens, or even starting a small home garden can provide a fulfilling connection to agriculture. Spending time on a farm, learning about food systems, and understanding where our food comes from can be a rewarding experience for many.

Those serious about pursuing a farming lifestyle, though, can look to experienced farmers like Isabella Rossellini, who has turned her own farm into a sanctuary for both animals and herself. As Rossellini, who transitioned from actress to farmer, puts it, “Family and farm — that’s what home means to me.” For her, farming is not just a hobby, but a meaningful and fulfilling way of life.

Conclusion

The growing interest in farming, especially among celebrities, reflects a larger cultural shift toward simplicity, nature, and self-sufficiency. While many are drawn to the aesthetic of farm life, the reality of farming as a livelihood is far from glamorous. For most, the dream of farm life is more about reconnecting with the earth and escaping the pressures of modern work. Whether it’s through backyard gardening or spending time at a local farm, there are ways to experience the farm life without the heavy burdens that full-time farming can bring.