One of the funniest things people say to us after they find out that we’re livestock farmers is “ Wow, you must wake up really early then. Right?”
I think they’re mostly envisioning the farmers portrayed in old western movies and shows like Yellowstone (I’m obsessed!) who roll out of bed before sunrise, strap on those weathered denim overalls, and tend to the animals before all else.
This was what most of our mornings looked like up until a couple of years ago (well…except for the overalls part). The mornings were jam packed with animal chores. And when I think back, I have mixed emotions about this.
It was necessary. There are only so many hours in the day and the hustle of getting a small farm off the ground is real! But I honestly think that more than anything, what drove us to run outside and start moving animals and mowing fence lines at 6am was because we just thought this was how farming had to be done.
Eventually though, we realized that if we always put the animals first, we’d always come up last. It was a grim reality because living this way meant that more often than not, the things that kept us happy and healthy just didn’t happen at all.
I should mention here that we’re absolutely committed to this farm being around for the long haul. We want your kids and your grandkids (and your friends’ kids and grandkids!) to have the option of eating pasture raised organic meats just like you do.
To do that, one of the biggest challenges we’ll ever face is making this career sustainable for us so that in turn, it’ll be a desirable path for the next generation of farmers.
One of the ways that we’re doing that is by reclaiming our mornings. We keep the alarm set for 5am, but instead of getting bundled up to do work at that hour, we designate the first few precious hours of the day, to take care of ourselves and each other.
Now that my hip is in working order, this looks like holding hands and taking a walk together around the neighborhood (it’s so peaceful at this hour!). Next comes my exercise and my writing and for Greg, his meditation and yoga.
It’s been powerful for us to realize that the way it’s always been in the past doesn’t have to be the way it is going forward. We have the ability to make changes in our lives, and that has felt really good during this season of life.
Your Farmers,
Jenney & Greg
PS – YAY! We brought more of our big beautiful pigs to the butcher this week so we have an amazing supply our FRESH ORGANIC PORK in stock at the Farm Store again! Order ahead HERE.
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