So You Want to Start a Farm...

The best part about the winter season is the opportunity to slow down, take some much needed rest, reflect on the past year, and plan for the year to come. This winter we did just that. Now that spring is just around the corner, we are once again getting excited for the growing season and eagerly anticipating the many changes coming this year.

A few months ago, I came across an article from Mother Earth News titled So You Want to Start a Farm (click here for the article). The article was a good reminder that farm life, though rewarding, is also equally as demanding. In the winter, we easily and quickly forget how demanding and tasking farm life really is, and start idealizing farm life again. We have lofty dreams and goals, and start talking about new projects, like what livestock to raise next and how we can expand our garden to become more sustainable. Though we would never dissuade anyone from taking upon themselves the “farm life,” many people are disillusioned about this kind of lifestyle. Working on a farm, whether it be growing produce, raising livestock or anything in between, requires time, patience, sweat, frustration, and of course, money. While some things do eventually get easier by trial and error, there are some things (like mucking out stalls) that will always be downright difficult and never change, and there is no way around that.

Farming is not a “get rich” scheme. Many farmers we have met along the way still have to work another full-time job, if not a part-time job, and we are no exception! Farming is also not without frustration or heartbreak. Farming is difficult, not always all its hyped up to be, yet it is absolutely crucial and integral to the livelihood and sustainability of the human race. There is nothing like harvesting produce from the garden, knowing that the insignificant seed that it came from can transform into something of nourishment and sustenance to ourselves and others, simply by means of our time and diligence. Likewise, every egg from our hens is a testament we were able to care for another living being in such a way that it in turn can care for us.

There is a beauty in the harmony and respect that can be achieved between mankind and nature; and for this reason, we farm.

So, if you think you want to start to farm, whether it be a small herb garden or just getting a few chickens, go for it (!!!), but be realistic. Take the time to visit a local farmer and make some connections. Learn from people who have experience and knowledge that you won’t find on youtube. And if you don’t ever want to farm, that’s ok too! Don’t underestimate the value of buying produce from a farm stand, frequenting farmers markets, or offering to volunteer at a local farm - these are invaluable ways to support small-scale farmers and continue the balance between mankind and nature.