02/10/2026
I didn’t post this video right away.
A few weeks ago, a news crew came out to the farm and shared a story about what we’re dealing with this year. Before posting it, I read the comments elsewhere — and honestly, they were hard to take.
There were assumptions about farmers getting bailouts or grants (small farms like ours do not). Comments about how we should have “planned better,” as if anyone could predict record-breaking cold. Even questions about what we could possibly be growing this time of year — which was explained in the video.
Yes, we are growing food this time of year. Winter growing matters because it allows local food to remain available year-round, reduces reliance on long-distance shipping, and helps farms stay viable beyond a short growing season. It also keeps soil in production and supports food security in our local community.
It felt like a lot of hate directed at farmers simply for having a really tough year. And when you’re already exhausted, stressed, and carrying the weight of a bad season, that kind of negativity piles on fast.
I’ll be honest — it made me question everything. Why put in the time, money, and energy? Why not take a job with steady pay, insurance, paid vacations, better hours, and weekends off? Instead, we take on the risk and sometimes the criticism from people who don’t know us or our farm at all.
After sitting with it, I decided to share the video here anyway. Not for the critics — but for our customers and community. And maybe for their friends who still believe in small farms, local food, and the people behind it.
Thank you to those who support small farms, especially in the hard seasons. It truly matters more than you know. 🤍
https://www.wcpo.com/news/local-news/butler-county/oxford/farmer-says-costs-to-keep-crops-growing-in-bitter-cold-could-put-her-small-farm-at-risk