Rye with his sons Waylon (right) and Oakley —
There is a contagious kinetic energy more alive than ever before on the farm this spring. A mix of feelings; most of which are new, some of which are renewed. The sense of duty and pride we all feel, now more than ever, that our collective toil is essential. Our oath as farmers to you, through good times and bad. Our bond strengthens with our devotion to each other. That we may continue to sow the seed against all uncertainty. Behind the masks, gloves, hand sanitizer and our individual incertitudes, our work is how we serve our community.
We’ve been swept into the current pandemic quite quickly. An early spring that usually flows as quickly past as the creek at high water, now has felt like a whole season. With a little more time to ourselves this spring, we all may be beginning to dig deeper and to ask ourselves a few questions. Just today while harrowing beds in preparation for planting peppers, I managed to get myself tied up in thought. Here are a few fleeting questions from a farmer…
Where did all our rain drops fall this year and why weren’t we under them? What words did we not wish? Blessings we forgot? What droughts breathe winds and reign the clouds from darkening our day? Where do rivers run high?
Will the frost come again? What will it take into its bitter cold clutch and keep for a season? How many nuts and fruits fell victim to the last? Are we headed for a warmer climate? Should I plant some bananas?
Where will we sell our crop? What hands will bear the harvest? Should we plant more food this summer, or less? How many of our seasonal crew will be able to make their trip?
How many machines can break down on the same day? How do you pop the same tire twice in one day? Why is that motor smoking? Why is that motor on fire? How much does a new motor cost? Does our equipment break down faster than at other farms?
How many times will my son Oakley yell ‘tractor’ every time he sees one? Why does my son Waylon want to play hockey every minute of every day? Is our third child going to like broccoli as much as our first and second?
Why is it so warm already? Would anyone care if I “fell” into the creek during work just to cool off? Why is chard in season longer than watermelons?
Our first melon field, just transplanted into the ground.
How many of our new CSA members will continue to subscribe after things return to ‘normal’? Are we having a Hoes Down this fall?
Why did flour get so popular AFTER we planted the wheat?
Where are we planting the corn? Why didn’t we plant more carrots? How many apricots could I eat in one minute?
What wild animal is jumping over our electrified fencing during the night and eating our lambs? What do mountain lion tracks look like?
When can I visit my grandpa again? When can I hug my mom again?
I realize this sounds like the rant of a three year old, which is thanks to the inquisitive nature of my oldest son, who has rubbed off on me lately I suppose. I thought I would share a little about what’s on my mind as I daydream on the tractor preparing for another summer that is rapidly approaching. Please enjoy the box, stay healthy and have a great week. It’s not a bad time to ask yourself a few questions…
Rye Muller, Director of Nuts, Bolts, and Logistics of all Sorts
