The few, the strong... the farmer

As January is beginning to fade into February it's hard to believe 2009 is in full swing. You turn on the television, radio and even in daily discussion the theme of economy and the road ahead has many in a flurry. Businesses are going bust and stability seems to have faded somewhere along the line. But the reality is, we are a resilient country and shall persevere as we have in times past; it's just going to take a little time. 

We've walked many paths in our lives and I have to say farming has not only been educational, but insightful in more ways than we could have ever imagined. We believe strongly in our work and take pride in tending to the many small details that go into making our final product possible. It takes time, patience and a whole lot of faith.
In our hearts we want to be able to serve our customers for years to come. But what we've realized more than ever these past few weeks, is that we need you in order for that to be a reality. Sometimes convenience or weather can take precedent over doing what we're accustomed. But we're going full steam ahead and hope that you too will join us. Have a blessed week.  

Chill in the air

The recent tumbling of temps has made tending to the farm all the more interesting. With frozen ground and blistering cold you have to get creative in keeping warm while tending to the animals. Stock in Swiss Miss Hot Chocolate may rise due to residents of Faith Farm as well as thermals being  out in full swing. Our hope is within the week or two that there is a break in the cold and the digits rise, even if only slightly. 

There is nothing we can do to prevent the cold, but one of the most important things is to be able to have fun and enjoy the daily grind no matter what the circumstance. Paul tends to the pigs and Tristan will quickly yell, "push me Pop, push me." The pigs will just have to wait an extra ten minutes for the food until Tristan and Pop have a few laughs on the tire swing. Keeping the priorities in check are important. 

Here's a pic of Jess & Chrissy out at the market a few weekends ago when the sun was out and the jackets were left in the car. What a day it was! Even in the cold and chill, we're at the market : ) We hope to see you there. Have a blessed week. 

A view from the porch

Its funny how sometimes the ordinary can be so out of the ordinary for so many. Our daughter Erin brought that to our attention during her visit. As we walk the farm each day sometimes a little more reflective than others there is so much truly out of the norm. Paul pushing Tristan on the tire swing, feeding our cows their daily bales of hay with the tractor and scurrying turkeys and chickens that just seem to be everywhere. 

It's amazing how only a few years ago we sat on our porch watching the sun setting over the sound and now our view is of chickens, cows and the daily visiting humming birds. Pretty neat. In our life time we've had a number of different views from our front porch making life the farthest from predictable or boring. Right now, watching the view from the front porch isn't all that bad; and that's a good thing. 

Lovely weekend

This weekend brought a very welcomed break from winters expected chill.  With the change in temperature it seemed to bring out a flood of customers and our fields were littered with grazing animals basking in the suns warmth. We've had many new piglets born over the past month and they scampered through the fields, rolling in hay and snuggling with their mamas. What a little change in temps can do : ) 

The weather made for an ideal market for both our Lynchburg & Richmond customers. Erin & Jess headed to the 17th st. Market & Brenda made her way to Lynchburg. There were vendors with crates of fresh vegetables, fruits and breads bringing great smells and brilliant colors. It was a pleasure to see so many faces out and anxious to stock up on their meats, honey & jams. The sun and warmth made the day even more enjoyable & Tristan even had a few playmates to hang out with. What more could you ask for?

Tis the Season

One would think with winter approaching life here on Faith Farm would slow a bit. Over the past few weeks it seems to have become all the more demanding and with the arrival of Christmas we gladly welcomed a little down time. Erin, our daughter from New Jersey, and Tristan went out for the 2nd year and tracked down a tree from one of the far pastures and brought back a rather impressive Christmas tree. Tristan had a blast lugging the tree back on the four wheeler (with his auntie for supervision, of course). 

It was so nice having the family together for Christmas and celebrating the birth of our Savior without distractions. It was a delight to not only be together, but we got to enjoy our

very own  Heritage raised Turkey. Tristan had his knife and fork out even before the table was set. Although we're a little biased, the truth is there is really nothing like knowing where your food is coming from. It's a good feeling and it doesn't hurt that it tastes so very good. : ) 

This time of year is cold and often times funky. Even though spring is not in the air we ask you to remember to support your local farmers. Business and our animals still needs to keep rolling even in the midst of a little chill and clouds. We need you to keep Faith Farm a reality and around for many more winter, spring, summer and falls to come. To our loyal customers, thank you. Have a blessed New 

Years!   

WE'VE ADDED TO OUR FOLD.........

We found 30 new born piglets

wandering out of the woods this 

morning following their Mama's

to the feed bunk. They are a mix

of Tamworth/Duroc, Hampshire/

Duroc and straight Duroc pigs.

We let them nest in the woods 

with their Mama's for a hardier animal. They are bred for this

type of environment which allows for less grain supplement

and encourages wood lot foraging on acorns, roots and other

yummy natural stuff. The result is in the taste of the meat

and nutrient value.

Seneca Drug Squad

This weekend we opened our farm and home to 21 junior and high school students from Tabernacle, NJ. Random? Not really. Our daughter, Erin, is an addiction's counselor at the high school located in South Jersey. One of her roles is running a prevention program. Drug Squad, the only one in the nation, is designed to challenge students in how they are living their own lives, if they're making an impact within both school and community and conveying these powerful messages about substance free living to their peers. They are, in a matter of words, role models to the other 1,400 students that walk the halls of their high school each  day. 

These 21 kids spent 7 weeks training on social issues and substance abuse trends pertaining specifically to their school and community.  From there they participate in an annual retreat and this year they headed to Faith Farm. On 95 acres they were allowed to sort of hit the pause button in their own lives and just be kids and learn about themselves and their peers. One of the issues addressed was methods of communication. Erin was able to use communication via shifting the chickens roaming grounds. Twenty one kids working together with mind and physical strength to not only lend a hand, but gain a sense of accomplishment and realize there is power in numbers when communication is effective. 

It was really awesome seeing these young people discussing how they personally felt compelled to make an impact within their school and take on the responsibility of being held accountable for their own actions and the manner in which they live their own life. So often we hear of the negatives associated with teens, but this weekend totally blew those stereotypes out of the water. What a wonderful experience that these kids had and will now take the lessons learned here back home to their own community. Life is short, but if lived with open arms and heart it can be a beautiful journey.