Sometimes, I forget....
...I forget what store-bought eggs taste like, how pale the yolk is.
...I forget that store-bought chicken doesn't have flavor, that the flesh is pale, the texture rubbery. Pastured poultry is superior to conventionally raised in every way.
...I forget that pasture raised pigs don't smell bad, the meat is tender, juicy, and the fat is beneficial.
...I forget that most families don't cook with lard. They've never tasted homemade pie crust or biscuits.
...I forget that walking out your front door to pick cherries, raspberries, gooseberries and apples, from the trees you've planted, is a luxury. It's a special benefit of arranging your life differently than most people choose to do.
...I forget that fresh garden produce is a choice. It's trading your time, planning, and labor in exchange for a plentiful harvest.
I forget that there's nothing sweeter than homegrown peaches or the sight of baby ducklings chasing after a bug.
I forget that most livestock producers don't believe in the restorative powers of MIG grazing. Instead of planning a grazing program they allow their animals to forage randomly. This creates a barren pasture, soil depleted of nutrients, and not enough organic matter or cover crop to control evaporation. These poor decisions, made by many farmers, are a choice. A choice that negatively impacts water quality, wildlife, and climate.
There have been several visitors to the farm recently who've enjoyed the beautiful views and learning about grass based farming. Many of them recall memories of their grandparents farms which were like ours in many ways.
Their grandparents had pigs in the pasture and chickens pecking in the yard. Small orchards provided fruit and cider. Large gardens fed the family and everyone worked together. Picnic tables were sheltered under shade trees where cool breezes relieved the heat of the day.
Sometimes I take for granted that each day is my own. I'm greeted by beautiful surroundings with the people I love and the life we've chosen. Our farming practices are intentionally organic.