15/01/2026
5 years of Yorkshire Pasture Poultry 🥳
I did a similar reel for Food Circle this month and realised how good I am at focusing on everything I haven’t done while not appreciating everything I have. In an effort to recognise some lessons and positives here my top 5 observations after 5 years.
1. My medical chicken knowledge knows no bounds. Any chicken problem, every chicken ailment, you name it I’ve had it and every year there are still new ones thrown my way. I’ve become an expert in recognising chicken related problems.
2. I am capable. For a long time I struggled with confidence in my abilities. I’d worked in a male dominated environment that was too often narrow minded and egotistical. I knew I was capable and took a leap of faith grown out of desperation. My confidence in my abilities has grown no end. Any new project I want to undertake, any task that needs doing or new skill that’s needs to be learnt, I no longer worry about being able to do it.
3. I need help. I used to try so hard to be independent, and it was very difficult to accept I needed help and to ask for it. It’s an ongoing battle but I’m trying to be more accepting of my limitations and not feel bad about not being able to do or achieve everything alone.
4. I need to defend what I have. Running the business I’ve met some really great likeminded people who are so supportive and have such a respectful kind nature but I’ve also met a lot of people who perceive the slightest success in others and try to take a slice for themselves, testing the limits of a good nature and trying to abuse it. I continue to not trust anyone until I know them well.
5. Every customer is not my customer. Not all customers are worth my time, effort and kindness. The majority find me because something I do or sell resonates with them. They understand what I do, how I do it and why I do it. Every now and again some customers come along and disappear very quickly when I don’t meet their expectations. I am one person doing my best with the resources, limitations and challenges I face. I cannot compete with big business and I won’t try to.
