Getting Ready For Winter

On a farm, time is not only measured in hours, minutes, and days. It is also measured in seasons. Winter is a time of slowing down. There are no new animals being born, the chickens start slowing or stopping egg production, cows do not graze as much. Everything becomes still.

As a farmer, this is a time for us to reflect on the past year- what went well, and what we need to improve on. What are some projects we need to start in the spring? What do we want to try differently next year?

For us, this past year was a HUGE learning curve! It was the first time we started selling products to customers. We have provided food for our family for a few years now. But providing food for just our family is different than providing food for other families too.

We have come to appreciate our community on a completely new level. To feel the warmth and support of a small town is incomparable to anything else. Since we first started this venture, we have felt the support of people in our community. We have met new friends, have helped nourish children, been there for the sick. We have been able to deliver fresh meat to people who normally would not have access to this due to a disability.

When we first started this venture, I thought we could sell the meat. That was not a big surprise. What was a big surprise is relationships we have built with the community- relationships that would not have been built otherwise. We are so grateful for our customers and all they have done for us.