We all face deep fears that can hinder our plans, whether it’s about farming or any other endeavor.

It can grip you like nothing else.

Farming is often seen as a peaceful coexistence with nature, where one reaps what one sows. At the same time, farmers can also face a constant battle against nature’s unpredictable forces, such as droughts, floods, pests, and diseases.

Balancing these truths is a challenge.

This story is about a season on a small family farm, where every season brings new challenges. It’s about learning valuable lessons about God’s perfect timing while working with the elements. It’s about grappling with the fear of making the wrong decision and feeling like everything might be lost.

We started the year with a plan to plant a new hay/pasture field, hoping to avoid the blizzards and freezing conditions we’d faced in the past. It felt harmonious until the snowfall, on which we depended for spring planting and pasture, didn’t come. The lack of snow raised concerns about drought, but abundant snowfall in March and April alleviated those worries.

The sudden change in weather brought its own challenges.

Excessive rain in May and June made it impossible to plant the 16-acre hay/pasture field as originally planned as we trudged around in ponds in our pasture. By the time the fields dried in mid-June, it was too risky to plant, and we were advised to wait by an agronomist, an expert in soil management and crop development.

We had over $2,000 in seeds, which felt like it might as well have been $200,000 for a small family farm. Priceless to us, needless to say.

As a pastured-based farm, having suitable pasture was crucial for us. Sadly, the window for planting had passed by the time the weather permitted, and the field was overrun by pigweed and unwanted vegetation. There were days I just shook my head and wondered why.

Despite these setbacks, we remained determined and aimed to try again in August, hoping to avoid more rainy weather.

Miraculously, we were granted a four-day window to plant the 16 acres in August. With God’s grace, we tackled the overgrown weeds without chemicals and planted our cover crop and forage mix using a rented no-till drill.

The battle between man and nature is ongoing, but we learned to depend on God and understand there are things beyond our control. Our story is a testament to the resilience and adaptability of the human spirit. By embracing nature’s challenges, we developed a deeper understanding of the delicate balance required to sustain life on our farm.

In farming and life, the struggle between man and nature continues.

However, with perseverance, innovation, and a willingness to adapt, it’s possible to turn even the harshest conditions into opportunities for growth and renewal. I hope this story inspires others who find themselves in a similar battle, reminding us that while nature can be a formidable adversary, it can also be a partner in our quest to live sustainably and harmoniously in this world.

This experience served as a valuable reminder that even when circumstances seem adverse, with patience and faith, things can still come together in the end.

Thank you for being here,

Tessa

How it began…

How it’s going to today with…

August 2024