November 6, 2022
Hello!
Around here it's harvest time for field corn. Massive combines surround us, harvesting, threshing and cleaning kernels to be used for livestock feed and ethanol production with a small percentage accounting for human consumption (food ingredients) and other manufactured goods. In the U.S. there are 90 million acres of corn planted each year. The majority of the corn is conventionally farmed here in the Midwest. After harvest, farmers decide to either sell corn right away or store it and wait for the best price. Regardless of my criticisms and concerns about conventional farming and its impact on our environment and health, our country is the largest producer, consumer and exporter of corn in the world, so for U.S. farmers (my neighbors) the harvest's return is valuable.
A friend sent this verse to me this week: Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up." Galatians 6:9
I have a clearer understanding of life-truths when communicated through farming principles. They often emphasize the value of patience - a virtue we must allow to grow in our lives. Farming teaches me that there is a time for everything and if I don't wait or I wait too long, the harvest can spoil. In my life there are seeds I've planted that produced a bumper crop, providing more than I intended. I've planted seeds for another to harvest and I have many seeds planted that are very slow to emerge. The key with them all is to not give up.
Back to corn: it's planted in April and May and honestly after field corn is in the ground, there's not much to do until harvest - unlike the tedious attention required for the fresh, fussy veggies we consume. That's the thing about waiting: waiting for some may require hands-on participation while for others, waiting requires you to stand your post and be still. Regardless, waiting requires you to not give up if you want the return from the harvest.
I listened to an interview this week with John Krasinski. When he told his mom he wanted to go to New York and become an actor, she asked that if after two/three years, he didn't have any nibbles, he'd return home and pursue something entirely different. After two-and-a-half years, he called her up and wanted her to come get him. He was weary. She suggested he give it two more months. Three weeks later he landed his role as Jim in The Office.
There are so many stories like this. Stories of patience and grit. We love them all. I'm sure you'll be inspired by your own story in the end, if you just hold on too and don't give up.
Until next week, wait a bit longer!
Mrs. Farmer Jones
A DOCUMENTARY
We are excited to announce that we will be featured in a four-part documentary, capturing the lives and work of Locavore Farm in winter, spring, summer and fall. This is such an incredible opportunity. We are excited to share our story. Stay tuned.
HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES
We hosted our last Fireside Friday of the season. Thanks for a great series of Fridays to all who came out.
We have a few seats AVAILABLE for our Friendsgiving Feast this Saturday, November 19 from 6-9 PM. This is our 7th Annual Friendsgiving Feast. Purchase tickets here.
Christmas on the Farm is SOLD OUT. On Friday, December 23, we look forward to an incredible experience with guests bringing in their family and out-of-town friends for a festive celebration throughout the farm.
GIFT CERTIFICATES & HOLIDAY SHOPPING EVENT
In celebration of Small Business Saturday, we will be open, featuring our favorite things and our favorite farmers and makers to offer you a one-of-a-kind holiday shopping experience. We'll be serving a farm fresh breakfast all day!
Admission is $5 and will be reimbursed for any Locavore purchase over $30. Vendor and maker purchases excluded.
We will have e-gift cards and physical gift cards available in the shop, which can be applied for any experience, event, educational program or farm offering.
