The Farm Dream

 I'm taking a break from counting down the "reasons to farm" for a minute.

 All Grass Farms - West Dundee, Illinois
The chicken was light as a feather and let me scoop her up!

I'll be back to the count down soon but I wanted to share some insight about the farm dream. 

I'm a researcher, list writer and I read everything I can from successful farmer authors. Joel Salatin and John Seymour are two I believe I've mentioned in the past. 

I have taken numerous farm classes through the University of Illinois at various extension offices. I volunteered at farms and have attended learning field days for the past 12 years. I've watched the castration of a baby goat (boy do they scream), cleaned huge piles of celery and planted acres of garlic. 

I am currently in my second year of working on a real farm - Mayneland Farm as a farm hand. I thought I was ready for my own farm. Yea right! 

One of the most important things I've learned working on a farm is: "Gardening is NOT the same as Farming". I've been gardening on large and small plots of land for over 20 years. I've grown wonderful fruits, tomatoes and even enough wheat to mill flour. Oh boy! I thought I knew everything!

Nope. Not even close. I can't explain the stupidity I felt being a 'know it all' my first weeks at the farm last year. When a new employee is under qualified, the task they are assigned is collecting rocks. Heavy rocks. Toss in a wheel barrow and take to the pile. Then back again. I deserved it. Brutal! 

I hung in though. I never gave up and worked at ANY job required. I kept my mouth shut and learned instead of trying to teach. So slowly in the first year, more tasks were assigned and the rock collecting was saved for the new rookies and unqualified personnel.

So, I learned to keep my gardening opinions to myself and I listened and learned a lot. Working on an actual farm has humbled me and I am ever so grateful that I didn't rush into a farm without the work experience.

You all know what happened in 2020 and into 2021 so I'll keep my tears to myself. We ALL suffered and I'm not going to share my selfish sadness of not getting a farm last year! There is a reason for everything and I certainly wasn't ready. I might need one more year as a farm hand. I'll also keep at my 100 reasons, maybe go to 200 before I move. 

Oh - the rush! Turning 60 puts everything into perspective but there is nothing anyone can do about lost time. Moving forward.