In the Thick of It
Aug 27, 2024
The Wildly Imperfect Farm
Things definitely go wrong here. All the time.With all the colorful videos we post online, photos of smiling faces and beautiful landscapes, people just assume we are some sort of well oiled machine of perfect planning and incredible good fortune. That things are so orderly and intricately crafted that they rarely go wrong.
Which couldn't be further from the truth.
Allow me to illustrate with just a few examples from recent weeks. *unfurls long scroll*
We've had three major attacks from coyotes on our nearly full grown summer turkeys, waking up to find the remains in all their bloody glory. There was a yet-to-be-explained vitamin D issue with our baby turkey flock causing a serious bout of rickets (weak bones). Our 20 year old van sprung an oil leak and ran out of oil (discovered before serious engine damage). Two crew members have significantly injured their backs and are slowly working through recovery. Another team member got a mild concussion and gory head wound after a blow to the head with a post pounder. I received a very large surprise bill for extra insurance costs assessed on 2023's "potential exposures". Another seasonal farm crew member decided mid harvest that the reality of farm work wasn't a good fit and we're choosing to limp through the remaining harvest season short staffed. Pink eye in the sheep, rat attacks, 6" of rain before pig loading day, busted equipment, lost tools...
*inhales*
But more things go well than not. Way more.
We're constantly putting ourselves out there, tackling difficult work every day. So the opportunity for breakdowns and mishaps and failures is enormous. But I expect things to go wrong. There are a certain amount of known unknowns that we plan for every year. Chances to take it on the chin, hopefully learn something, and get a tiny bit better. And in the grand scheme these mishaps are a drop in the bucket to the beautiful work that the team completes every day. The tending of plants, the care of animals, the crafting of food and drink. The dance of an ecosystem.
Without a doubt, we are incredibly fortunate to still be here. And I sincerely consider each season a gift. Another opportunity to dig deep and drink from the fountain. Many are not so lucky.
In this overly polished and editorialized world of media I want you to know that this work is messy. It's dirty and bloody and gritty and impossibly wonderful. Just like your life.
It's just turtles all the way down,
Garrett and the Cider House Crew
