04/03/2014
Well, long-time, no blog! I apologize, we are slowly awakening from our Winter Hibernation and adjusting to the fact that it is April and Spring is upon us! We have some rather sobering news as Jeff and I have prayed, pondered, reflected, debriefed and come to some conclusions regarding the farm business. I will let Jeff tell it in his own words…it was his baby, his business, his passion…
Happy Spring to all! The news from the farm I'm afraid is a bit somber. We had a fun year last year, hiring all kinds of neat young people to enjoy the seasons with. It was such a blessing to laugh, cry, sweat and labor together to bring wonderful produce to friends at markets, shops, restaurants and through the CSA program. The problem for us is the financial side of this work. The added help allowed us to enjoy the journey more, but left no profit and little pay for ourselves! We have tried unsuccessfully so many ways to find a "sweet spot" for this business. I have searched high and low for a model of farming that provides both the quality of life we desire, and profitability---a true sustainable model---but have not been able to secure that for ourselves.
At this point we do not feel like we can continue with the farm business. We will take this year off, for sure. We are looking for creative options to have the farm cared for. I feel this generation needs a bold new way of farming. We will use this year as a Sabbatical and seek God's guidance. We gave everything we had to produce the best food we knew how to do. We have no regrets. We had the best, most passionate customers in the world and this circumstance is to no degree a reflection of that devotion!
We love and appreciate all who have been involved with our farm. You are precious family to us. As difficult as this decision has been for us, we are excited about our future and creating a lifestyle where we have more freedom to devote to other priorities in our lives.
Peace and God's richest blessings to all,
Jeff (for the Mott Family)
