September 23, 2006. That was 4,235 days ago. That was 11 years, 7 months, and 5 days ago. That was a Saturday. That was the day that “The Beginning Farmer” blog began. And now, all of this time later, there are 1,002 blog posts (including this post). I don’t even have words for that …
On that fateful Saturday I was just about 2 years from actually farming on what would become Stoneyfield Farm (named for John Adams’ farm and not the yogurt folks), and then eventually Crooked Gap Farm. I began the blog by posing the questions that I hoped to answer for myself. Things like:
- How much capital will it take to get started?
- How much cash-flow will be needed, and where will it come from as we start?
- How much can I expect to make with certain crops or livestock?
- And, how and to whom will I do all of my marketing?
I also made crazy statements like this one, “I am not looking for a hobby, rather I’m looking at farming as a full-time job.” In case you don’t know what’s going on in my life right now let me just say that I am not a full-time job farmer … although I am a farmer with a job! In fact if you are scoring at home: In 2006 we had 2 children and now we have 6. In 2006 I was a youth pastor and now I’m the pastor of a different church in the same town. In 2006 I had a lot of questions, not many answers, and I thought I knew some stuff … now in 2018 I still have a lot of questions, I still have not many answers, and I know that I really don’t know that much!
All of that is to say this … 4,235 days later we are still here! I am still farming and I still consider myself a “Beginning Farmer”, and I’m okay with that!
April 28th, 2018. That is today, another Saturday, and that is the day when “The Beginning Farmer” begins Act II. In fact, I would say that this day is as good as any to declare “Act II” of Crooked Gap Farm! There is a transition happening on the farm. Not that I am moving from a “Beginning Farmer” to an “Experienced Farmer”. Not that we are making big shifts in what the farm is about. Really there is nothing major changing other than the continued refining that has been going on all along.
The reason I’m declaring Act II for “The Beginning Farmer” and Crooked Gap Farm is because it is time to refocus, reevaluate, redo, rejuvenate, re … everything! I would say the first seven or eight years of the farm were focused chaos. The last three or four years have been unfocus wild chaos! Now it is time for FOCUSED EFFICIENCY at Crooked Gap Farm (and by extension “The Beginning Farmer”)!!!
Do you want to come along for the ride? I’m going to try to bring anyone along that wants to come along. Then maybe there will be another blog post 4,235 days from now.
Bring it on! Love hearing your story and look forward to hearing more.
Glad to know someone is out there! 🙂 Thanks for following along and I hope all is going well in your farming world!
It was great seeing a blog from you!!! I have greatly missed your podcasts! My wife and I started a journey over 5 years ago to have a sustainable life with a farm. I listened to all your podcasts and learned a lot. I appreciate the update on where you are in life. To me it is like catching up with and old friend.
I agree with Michael, it’s almost like catching up with an old friend to read one of your blog posts.
I’ve followed your blog from the time you first bought the farm and it’s always been interesting to read about what you’re either currently doing or thinking about doing in the future on the farm.