Unlike many of the farmers in my state, I did not grow up on the farm. Farming is an occupation that is most often passed on instead of begun. Most of today's farmers that are my age are working along side of family or they are taking over for family. Those who begin farming without help from family are in a minority and face many challenges acquiring land, equipment, and skills. So, why are beginning farmers starting to pop up all over the country?
There are as many answers as there are farmers. Reasons range from a desire to be close to the land, a passion to provide high quality food for customers and friends, or even the satisfaction of growing a great crop or raising healthy livestock. For me it can be summed up in one word. Family!
I believe there is no equal for a life spent growing up on a farm (at least for me and my family). The interaction with the seasons, the soil, the animals, the crops, and of course each other provide timeless lessons that will follow my children and myself no matter where we end up later in life. The work ethic and caring that it takes to be a farmer is something that can bring a family together in a special way.
On top of that, we, as a family, are able to help provide healthy food for ourselves, our friends, and our customers (who will eventually become friends). Of course there are struggles just as with any occupation, but we enjoy the possibilities of connecting people to their food and the land where it is raised. That in a very small nutshell is why we farm.
In the coming weeks I hope to lay out some more about what we do and what some of our goals are. If you have any questions, feel free to ask!