A Farmer's Reflection: Why We Choose the Farm Life

Dear Friends,

It's 9:45 PM and nearing bedtime here on the farm, and I hear 2 voices come over the 2-way radio that fill my heart with a mix of love and questioning. "Good night Daddy," they say, and I reply, "Good night David, Good night Micah, Daddy loves you!" At that moment, surrounded by the sounds of the night and the soft rustling of chickens settling into their coops, I found myself wondering: Why do I do this? What on earth am I doing? Why am I out here pulling chickens from underneath the mobile coops and putting them inside? Why don’t I just go back to working my 6-to-4-day job like I have for the last 16 years and forget about all this. Does anyone even care where their food comes from anyway?

Let me fill you in on why I was out there at almost 10:00 PM anyway. Just a few days ago, we welcomed 800 new pullets (young hens) to our farm, hoping they would quickly learn the ropes. Instead, they stubbornly chose to huddle beneath their mobile homes as night fell, completely oblivious to the safety and practicality of roosting inside. It's moments like these that remind me of the challenges we face as farmers—teaching our animals the ways of the farm, protecting them from predators, and ensuring our products meet the high standards we set.

But amidst these challenges, there's a deep-seated purpose that keeps us going. It's about family, working side by side with loved ones, and being intimately connected with nature—every creature, every plant, every sunrise and sunset. It's about knowing that the food we produce isn't just sustenance, but a source of health and well-being for our community. There are some things that money can’t buy and a steady predictable job can’t compete with.

We didn't choose this life for its ease or glamor. We chose it because it resonates with who we are—a calling rooted in a love for the land and a commitment to something greater than ourselves. And though the days are long and the tasks sometimes overwhelming, there's a profound satisfaction in seeing our efforts bear fruit, quite literally.

So, dear friends, the next time you sit down to a meal, take a moment to think about where your food comes from. Consider the hands that tended the soil, cared for the animals, and worked tirelessly to bring nourishment to your table. We may not always hear your thanks, but knowing that our labor contributes to your well-being is reward enough.

Thank you for allowing us to share a glimpse of our life on the farm with you. We look forward to continuing to serve you and our community with the same dedication and passion that drives us every day.

Warmest regards,

Farmer Raymond
Hobby Ag