Giving Thanks
During the season, when the harvest-plant-repeat routine is in full force, it’s easy to lose sight of all the things that had to come together to make our farm possible. And all the things that need to keep coming together to continue moving forward. It’s not the seeds, soil and sunlight that make a farm work. It’s the people.
This Thanksgiving, we certainly have a lot to be thankful for. First, and probably most obvious: our customers. It’s one thing to go to work knowing in your heart that what you’re doing is important and what you’re making adds quality to someone’s life. It’s a whole other thing for them to tell you that it does in an email, or social media post, or in person at the market.
We have the most supportive customers. They drive our business, not only by buying our products, but by being passionate about our work. When we started growing and selling produce just a few years ago we were struck by the fact that the need for what we were doing was equally matched by the excitement for it. It is the most encouraging customer base to work for and the most rewarding work to do because of it. We are truly grateful.
An extra special customer shout out to our CSA members! This was our first year trying a CSA model on our farm and we had a lot of people jump on board. Looking forward, I can see the CSA becoming a pillar in our farm business. Thank you for being a part of it and for being so motivating in our first steps.
Equally guiding the winds on our small farm sails are our families. When it comes to all-star cheerleaders, you couldn’t ask for a better team than Allie’s parents. They make our accomplishments seem bigger and Allie’s dad is always willing to taste test whichever weird variety of cabbage we decide to grow next.
And if you bought greens from us this past summer, it’s more than likely that my mom and dad were the ones who washed and bagged them. They’re always willing to lend a hand with the work. Even the worst jobs. I can’t thank them enough for all they do. If we didn’t have them, we wouldn’t be where we are today.
Thinking back on family on the farm this year, scenes of my sister and nephew harvesting garlic, and Allie’s brother transplanting cucumbers in the greenhouse, and my niece popping beet seeds into soil blocks come to mind. It seems like everyone in both our bloodlines pitched in at one point or another. Thank you.
And on the subject of our help, thank you also to Tim. Your inside jokes and willingness to man the busiest hours of the market are much appreciated. The days go by a little easier when you’re around. Thank you also to all our volunteers. I think we had over 20 people come through the farm to pitch in this season. That is truly awesome and you are all truly awesome.
I would also like to say a big thanks to our fellow farmers. The rising tide lifts all boats—farming is a proof of that. Whether it was Kingfisher Farm suggesting suppliers, or North Star Orchards offering us leftover equipment, or Clinton Tractor lending us tractor attachments, or my cousin giving us pumpkins to sell, this is a nurturing local industry. As the new kids on the block we were always supported and encouraged.
Thank you to our neighbors for putting up with our weird garden yard, our delivery people hauling all our packages and materials (and sometimes even helping unload them), our social media followers for liking and sharing, our friends near and far for not thinking we’re too crazy, for the sun and the soil for doing the real miracles… The list goes on and I’m probably forgetting people.
But, lastly, I want to say thank you to Allie. “Doing farming” is hard. Getting ready for the market, the way we do it, feels like the physical and mental equivalent of running the Boilermaker and cramming all night for a final exam. Allie is my backboard through it all, bouncing me back to sanity and positivity when I need it most. Thank you for your optimism, your organization and your ability to get your things done with enough time left over to help me with my things.
From our farm to your family, Happy Thanksgiving. Thank you!
—John
