Down, but not out… on the farm

So, it’s been a bit since I’ve posted anything, but as the 2020 farm season begins – I wanted to add a post.  While, I never want my blog to be pollical – it saddens me that one of the presidential candidates felt the need to insult EVERYONE in farming…  and it also made me angry.  The anger stemmed from the simple fact of how much the agricultural industry contributes to every, single person, every single day and the overall lack of respect that some people have for folks whose jobs require manual labor.  No farmer, no food, no clothing.  It also served as a reminder of why I farm and why I walked away from a six-figure salary to make significantly LESS ….  To grow things and feed people.  Something more important than collecting money and fancy things…  even at my age.

So, now that I have that off my chest.  😊  2020.  It’s year #3 of being a farmer.  I’m still trying to work out just how to making a living doing this. I still have my part-time jobs off the farm that ensure I’m able to pay my bills in the winter – when farm income drops to revenue from one farmers market per month and direct sales with loyal customers who can’t live without Addie’s products between October and April.  So…. Things I know about 2020:

1.  I have things in place that will increase the likelihood of 2020 being the year I’m able to turn a profit in my farm business.  I’ve increased my opportunities for sales and am taking steps to operating a manufacturing facility.  I also have taken the necessary steps to extend my grow season (almost).
2.  Part-time jobs can be dangerous to a farmer’s health.  Last September I had an accident at my job that resulted in 2 tears to my rotator cuff and damage to my bicep. The surgery to repair this damage didn’t happen until last Thursday.  Workers comp insurance companies suck!  Part-time job that was supposed to help with off season bills is now forcing me to learn how to do a LOT of things one handed/armed…  and of course, it had to be my dominant hand.
3.  Building a 96’ high tunnel requires me to put my faith in God, believing it will get built within the time frame the Department of Ag stipulates so I don’t lose the grant I’ve been approved for.  I was fortunate to be approved for the high tunnel through a grant.  The high tunnel is what will allow me to extend my grow seasons on both ends of the season.   
4.  This year, I intend to offer more plants for sale.  Mostly flowers, but there may be veggies starts too.  With all this growing, I’m also being smarter about addressing weed/pest control without changing my opinion on doing this organically. 
5.  This year I will be doing 4 farmer’s markets a week…. So more people are going to become addicted to Addies Pepper Patch products and will learn that little nibble hole in the kale is a ton healthier than ingesting the chemicals that some folks want to spray on their (your) veggies.  Think about it – ever wonder why they suit up in haz-mat gear before they spray?  If they don’t want to come in contact with the chemicals; why do you want to eat them? 
6.  And…  finally…  what I know about 2020.  I LOVE GROWING THINGS… and feeding people.  Seedling are up.  Planting and watering can be done with one hand and seeing them grow makes this little inconvenience seem a ton more tolerable. 

​So…  those are things I know about 2020.   I know this is going to be my most challenging years EVER.  I’m fine with challenges…  I have some tremendous support.  Customers who track me down because they LOVE what I make.  Family that helps me every step of the way.  A special person who encourages me to reach for the stars…  how can I not feel blessed and know for certain ANYTHING is possible.