03/27/2026
We were sent a message recently commending our support of other small farms, other "competitors".
(While I appreciate the message) To that I say, these businesses are not competitors, these are community. These farmers are not competitors, they are kin. These people are not competitors, they are friends.
When I meet a new farmer, my heart opens wider instead, instead of my mouth closing tighter. There are no secrets, only information, experiences, anecdotes. Their successes are my successes, and their failures are mine. I feel elated at their abundance and I feel grief at their loss.
The comraderie of farming in this community is unmatched. The farmers in this community give me strength and love and compassion and praise and support.
More than one has seen me cry, seen me hurt, seen me at my lowest point. And there have been many times where we come together to celebrate one and all.
We are not each other's competitors, we are one another's coaches, mentors, sounding boards, and protectors. Protectors of sanity and well-being and balance. Protectors of soft hearts and open minds and strong will.
We may sell at the same markets, to the same stores, to the same chefs, but to us it is an opportunity for collaboration and relationship-building. It is an opportunity to work smarter, not harder. It is an opportunity for discussion and decision-making.
I know not all farmers feel like this, but damn if 98% of the farmers Ive ever met at least try to.
For me, I didnt get into farming for the money (😅), I got into it for just this- tending to relationships. Relationships with plants and planet, with creatures small and large. But, also relationships with farmers and eaters. Relationship with community and Place.
We are not competitors really, we are kin.
