Weblog Archive - 3/2/23
Market News
Greetings from Green Family Farms.
It seems my last weblog sent the message that our farm was “struggling” so, if you got that impression, let me be clear in relaying that is the opposite of where we are. Actually, post-Covid, many more people have started to recognize our farm and our aspirations. My message was mainly to verbalize how the “world” is struggling and how that has affects us, directly. And, I know we are not the only ones as I am often contacted (via texts, emails, etc.) about the waning state of our existence. I am being made aware of how farming is modernizing to the point where we will not need dirt or people to grow our food – it will be mostly automated by robots. And, about an ash that is dusting farm land and will eventually destroy the earth. Also, how plastics are being turned into food. And, the list goes on. “Why do they tell you this?” you might ask. Well, I think there is a hope that the small farms of America will help aid, or stop the demise of our future. But, from our position, we are just as vulnerable as the rest of the population. We actually feel more vulnerable because if an apocalypse does happen, we will be the first ones the public will try to overthrow out of desperation. Many people tell us if that time comes, they will head to our farm for “safety”. Historically, a better means to stay safe (when fighting for existence) is to be more of a Nomad. Someone on the constant move can hide better; so, it is my advice to befriend a hunter/survivalist and shadow them in that time as opposed to seeking out a farm/farmer (farmers stay in one place and farm the land / animals in their possession – they do not know how to survive on the go). Personally, my strategy for survival has always been to trust in the Lord – He will lead us, guide us and protect us in trying times. Even in these times, David and I continue to focus on farming and, now that we are empty nesters with less human mouths to feed, we simply see it as a means to keep our bodies moving and a common interest we can share, well into our old age. I still appreciate all of you who help keep us aware of the demise of the world as that keeps us connected to people. And, I still like people! [Side note: we went to a regenerative agriculture workshop last month and the presenter pointed out that the thing farmers hate the most is having to interact with the public. And, above that, they hate doing their books/accounting. Well, I am unique in both of those areas because I am a farmer who likes people and likes bookkeeping (I was an accountant before I was a farmer!).] Actually, my main focus these days is getting more people to the farm. That goal seems very far in the distance to me because when we moved our little Lucas farm to Commerce, TX, it was raw land and it took all we had to make it livable and farmable so, there is little left to realize my dream. But, I am still hopeful and have dreams of a community center (with a public restroom :-)) on the farm where people can come, visit, socialize and learn on the farm. I am not sure if I will see that day but, you are still welcome to come out and sit on the patio or on a bench or to walk with us on a farm tour. (And, we do have restrooms in our home or the upstairs unit of the Airbnb (when unoccupied) and even a sign!).
In the 20 years I have been farming, I have learned that there is something about the farm that draws people – they always leave with a good experience and some kind of connection – if not to our personal farm but, to farming in general and, it makes me smile. Spring is a nice time on the farm because the land and animals are all waking up and gaining more of a “spring” in their step. The chickens have already increased their production, the grasses are starting to grow and turn green, the pond is full again and, on warmer days, the turtles are coming back out to sun bathe. The spring lambs have all been born (19 total!) and are jumping about the pasture and the cattle are also enjoying the warmer days since it is in their nature to thrive in tropical weather. Feel free to come out to the farm on a sunny day when it is not too wet and before the summer heat sets in. And, if you haven’t heard, our cow is giving us up to 60 gals of milk a month – with all this milk, we are now giving away pints of home-made ice cream to visitors.
Otherwise, I will see you at one of our drop offs in a few weeks. Yes! – mark your calendars – we will start monthly distributions to the metroplex on Saturday, March 18th. You won’t see that date on our calendar as I just decided on it but, the rest of our 2023 season calendar and other items are located on [The Market] and [Q’s&A’s] links on this site. Right now, it is mainly herd shares (including milk) and eggs. Thank you all and we look forward to seeing you soon!
Sandra
