When I was a kid, my sister and I used to always joke about "saving the farm" as we ran about wildly in some imaginary hurry. Little did I know that in my adult years, saving farms would be a contemporary and serious issue. The average age of an American farmer is 58 years old and many of their children are not continuing the trade. Farmers feed 98% of us and yet there is a huge disproportion between farmers and civilians. Recently we heard the pleas of the United Nations and various countries. They have estimated we have roughly 60-100 growing seasons left on Earth with our current agricultural practices. We're destroying the soil through degrading practices. Aluminum levels are rising. We're deficient in many nutrients such as selenium and magnesium; our health is declining. We have the unhealthiest generation of children with 54% suffering from a chronic disease. We bathe our crops in neurotoxic and mutagenic (cancer-causing) pesticides and insecticides. Forests are being demolished to make way for cattle. Honeybee populations are plummeting. I could go on and on about why there is a very real concern for "saving the farm" now. And saving ourselves. The cost of agricultural land is skyrocketing as its being sold at "development" pricing. It's almost impossible to start a farm unless you're lucky enough to inherit such an asset. With the rocky incomes and debts to BigAg, it's understandable why farmers are selling their land. But when does it stop? I'm deciding to take a calculated risk (despite family thinking I'm nuts, ha!) by starting an agribusiness farm but it's where my heart and faith have led me. I left behind my profitable vacation rental and made the choice to help the environment instead of easy money. I am so excited to begin this new journey and I hope that you'll be alongside as I dive into the wonderful world of farming!
During 2011-2014 I started a "mini-farm" at my house outside of East Lansing. I milked my dairy goats twice a day, collected farm-fresh eggs, grew monstrous vegetables and I loved every moment of it. Was it hard work and never ended? Absolutely. Was it worth it? 100%. It is something I have deeply missed, feeling connected to the land and food, and I cannot wait to start our farming journey as a legitimate farm. I'm closing on the farm property on February 28th, 2020. They say "hindsight is 2020" and this is the year that I'm going to step through a new door with faith and open arms. Stay tuned with our blog and Instagram as we reveal our exciting plans!
-Samantha
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