We’re attacked. Not only us, but you, too. And other farmers and food consumers like you and I. Accused! Blamed to be elitists for producing and/or consuming real food. Due to adhering to—and acting upon— the belief that food is a you-get-what-you-pay-for object like many other consumables we purchase. Woe is us! What a better-than-thou principle we hold to! But… Read More
This may be unusual to admit, especially for a man, but I have a burden for children who struggle with less-than-vibrant health. I find it saddening to know that some children are born with a toxin load that is not their fault, or of their own making. Many conditions from heavy metal poisoning to poor digestion to As a child… Read More
There’s a rising tide of on the shore of the food scene called “fake meat”. According to the primary sources of information—which, so far, originates from the manufacturers (and the news media, of course) it sounds very positive—and hip. But I question the credibility of those information sources. Fake meat is coming from two directions. The only one being very… Read More
In today’s industrialized food system, we Americans have almost forgotten about seasonality. In times past—especially before the existence of refrigeration, many foods were available on only a seasonal basis. Tomatoes—and many other vegetables—unless preservation measures were taken, were not to be had other than fresh from the garden or produce market during the summer. Perhaps even more astounding is the… Read More
Speaking of changing in increments, most of us learn in increments as well. Schools don’t teach first graders algebra or math equations for good reason. By the same token, as adults we usually accept certain ideas and truths more fully if they come incrementally. The first exposure to a new idea or occurrence may spark an interest—only to fade soon… Read More
What is “organic” and what does it mean? The Encarta dictionary on my computer defines it as; of living things; relating to, derived from, or characteristic of living things. Or as: developing naturally; occurring or developing gradually and naturally, without being forced or contrived. At the beginning of the organic food movement in the 1960’s—yes, it began as a fringe movement—these definitions were… Read More
While the ground is still mostly snow-covered in our “neck of the woods”, it looks as if spring may be “springing” with warmer temperatures predicted for this week. If anything’s exciting, it’s the promise of spring just around the corner. Don’t misread me, we like winter, and enjoy the incomparable scenes winter snow and ice bring to the landscape, but the life, vigor, and new awakening… Read More
Respect. What is it? My Thesaurus defines it as; to feel or show admiration and deference toward somebody or something. Another definition is; to pay due attention to and refrain from violating something. I like both of those and it is our foremost desire to portray these definitions of respect on our farm and in our interaction with the consumers of our… Read More
I have a deep appreciation for people who recognize that the modern illusion of human independence is just that – an illusion. Throughout history, humans have always been dependent on each other—community and kin—as well as the surrounding eco-system for survival. But as life became easier due to industrial and technological advancements, we became more independent—and many of us are… Read More
The lack of transparency in food and agriculture has allowed people to run corporations that adulterate our food, degrade our environment, mistreat animals, and profit from increasingly sick soils, sick food crops, sick animals, and sick people. It’s been said that if factory farms were built with glass walls so that the public could see in, this would change our food system overnight. In… Read More