|
Good morning from your Farmer(s),
Contents:
- 1. It's A Wonderful Life
- 2. Product Availability Update
It's A Wonderful Life – many families have the tradition of watching "It's A Wonderful Life" staring Jimmy Stewart & Donna Reed by author Philip Van Doren Stern from his 1938 Christmas Tale originally titled "The Greatest Gift." RKO Radio pictures purchased his property who later sold it to Liberty Films. Frank Capra, as producer & director, developed the property for a movie and retitled "It's A Wonderful Life" with its debut in 1946. According to a Paul Harvey - The Rest Of The Story, the movie did not become popular until the 1970's because someone at Liberty Films failed to renew their company's copyright, so the movie became public domain. Thus TV stations could air the movie for free, which they did. It is estimated annual proceeds are $26 million. The cost to file the copyright was only $4.
So, what does this movie have to do with our farm? Well, frankly, operating our farm provides us a wonderful life! I've had many different jobs in my life. All working for somebody else's business. Morning commutes (stressful) to be at work on time - last week one of Beth's cousins said his commute was an hour and twenty-six minutes to go only 26 miles. NO WAY I would do that.
One job we always had was to take inventory at the Mexico plants between Christmas and New Year. Do you know what that does to your family holiday time?
My last public job was very stressful - always major deadlines for new product launches and extensive air travel... mostly to China and other Asian countries. This was three to four times per year for two to three weeks at a time. Plus trips to Chicago and other US locations thrown in. And, there was always office drama, downsizing initiatives, cost cutting measures, etc. Today, I don't care if I ever get on another airplane (and have not since 2013).
Our particular method of farming offers a wonderful life especially compared to industrial farming where the farmer is basically a hired hand to the big industrial companies that buy the commodities they grow and/or raise. An industrial farmer's success is tied directly to the company that buys his products. And, he often lacks input to how he is allowed to raise his products these companies purchase. So, mostly he is only selling his labor and taking all the risk in production - in the end to only be paid what the companies are willing to pay. Christopher Leonard described this in detail in his book titled "The Meat Racket." I would not farm under those conditions!
Recently, a young man who works at Lowe's filled in for a day of beef slaughter for one of our guys, He could not get over how peaceful the work was. He said at Lowe's he has these older ladies who cuss him out for not having this and that available and regional managers who want to know why such-n-such has not been completed when THEY reduced the number of employees he had to do those tasks.
Yep, our farm offers a wonderful way of life. To be out to witness the sunrise and the amazing sunsets. To pause and observe the cows while grazing or just lounging under a shade tree chewing their cud. The opportunity to raise chickens in a healthy environment and process them humanely - knowing you are providing families healthy nutrient-dense food to nourish their families. To raise pigs where they are free to express their pigginess vs. on a filthy and cramped concrete floor.
We have the opportunity to network and build relationships with our suppliers, fellow farmers, and team members who we value greatly.
But, most of all, it's about meeting and knowing the families that buy our product. Very few skills out there let you raise or grow a product, process it into a salable item and then physically meet the consumer who purchases YOUR product to nourish their family. Yes, this is quite the honor and responsibility and I would not want it any other way.
Many people read our newsletters who will never be customers. Some are folks who are considering homesteading and/or starting their own farm. You can tell the interest is high based on the sales of Joel Salatin's latest book titled "Homestead Tsunami," Good for Country, Critters, and Kids. In this short video he offers six important considerations. Watch it here.
In closing, Beth & I wish you a Merry Christmas filled with Faith in Christ Jesus, Hope of His coming, and Love.
** Product Availability Update **
NOTE: Restocks are made about 6 PM on the dates indicated below!
Chicken -Restocked December 11th. Next Restock will be December 30th
Turkey - Restocked Ground Turkey, Wings, Legs, and Thighs November 22nd. It will be mid 2025 before the next restock.
Eggs - Restock each (NOW) TUESDAY PRIOR to YOUR delivery date.
Beef - Next restock will be December 22nd. Let me know if you want your name on the list for a half beef – I’m thinking our next offering will be February 2025.
Pork – Restocked FRESH items December 11th. Smoked items December 22nd
Lamb - Restocked October 8th
|
