Agrarian Virtues

By no means are we affluent, but we fully recognize the non-monetary bounty of riches that our little farm provides.

Abundant water from a mountain spring, fresh air, lush green landscapes from every angle, healthy livestock – we are truly lucky for the life we’ve carved out here in the Adirondacks.

And our stock grows exponentially in value whenever we get to share it with others in our community.

In a culture and media complex that promotes the “grind,” hyper-ambition, and perpetual discontent as a national pastime, is it too bold a stand to say that I’m satisfied with enough?

I always loved the “News from Lake Wobegon” stories from Garrison Keillor and that core philosophy of “Enough.”

Gratitude over desire. Simple progress over shiny, superfluous perfection.

Enough to cover our bills, enough wonderful customers, enough land to steward and enough funds to put back into the farm to keep it sustainable.

Most importantly, enough work and enough play.

Being grateful for what we have and not striving for what we think we want is part and parcel of that healthy “work/life balance” so many of us are seeking.

I’m happy to report that all of our sheep are now sheared (thanks to a tip from Christa G.) and the handy clippers of Yankee Rock Farm.

Kimmy’s got 5 bags full of fleeces to skirt and is learning all about the scouring (washing/cleaning) process.

We had a recent visit from Boquet Valley Veterinarian Services, and Martha and Emma said the flock was in good health and offered us lots of sound advice for the upcoming breeding season.

Every season there is something new to learn and the farm keeps proving to be a virtuous teacher.