With hot weather in the very early spring causing many trees and plants to bud out early, followed by a cold snap damaging, and even destroying, some crops before the season got started, I am reminded how farmers are on the frontlines of climate change as they try and adapt to a world where there is no more normal. This got me thinking about who will be the farmers of the future.

A few facts for your consideration:

Of the 900 million acres of cultivated farmland in the US, three crops (soybeans, corn, and wheat) are grown on more than ⅔’s of that land. The current system of farm subsidies perpetuates this lack of crop diversity as entrenched interests support the status quo making it all but impossible to stimulate innovation through subsidies. And yet, crop diversification is so important to soil health.
The average farmer in the U.S. is a 58 year-old white male.
Between 2012-2017 there was a 2% increase in the number of young farmers, but during that same period there was an 11% increase in the number of farmers over 65.
The average American spends only 8.6% of their disposable income on food and that number has been trending downward.
Americans have been conditioned to think low food prices are normal, but there is ample evidence that the hidden cost of our current food system is reduced nutritional content, environmental damage and a diminished standard of living for farm families.
The U.S. Dept. of Agriculture reported in 2020 that for 9 of the previous 10 years the income of the average farmer did not cover business and basic living expenses. The average debt per farm in the U.S. that year was $1.3 million.
U.S. farmland over the past decade has become a new investment vehicle for both domestic and international investors driving up the per acre value and making it even harder for young farmers to buy land.

With the growing seasons getting warmer (and weeds and pests thriving in these hotter, wetter conditions), more severe weather events a constant threat, the daunting economics, and the seven day work weeks, it is not surprising that by 2040 the number of farmers is forecast to be cut in half from 3 million today to 1.5 million. It is hard to imagine that fewer farmers cultivating the same amount of farmland can possibly be a positive development.

But at small farms like ours, the joy of working to nourish our land which in turn delivered to us this week’s beautiful scallions, beets, snow peas, carrots, squash, garlic scapes and delicate greens is undeniable. And the fact that Peter’s nearly daily harvest is served the next day in The Kitchen, allows us to serve the freshest possible, nutrient-rich meals.

Like I have advocated in this space before, if you are able, support the farmers who grow organically. They work hard doing the right thing.

The early summer has had highs and lows. The highs included our second coffeehouse with the wonderful Wickers Creek Band, the Summer Solstice dinner featuring veggies and meat from the farm, the unexpected birth of Lulu two weeks ago, and most surprising was one of our chickens emerged from the woods last week with seven tiny chicks trailing behind. (Each night we snap up all the eggs from the roosting boxes, but this enterprising mama likely conspired with a few of her friends to lay their eggs well out of sight, then she sat on them for the requisite 20 days. It is such a pleasure to see all the chicks in a bin with their mama and watch them instinctively burrow underneath her for shelter and warmth.)

As for the lows–there are two:

1. The groundhogs continue their destructive ways.

2. A huge proportion of the amazing creekside willow under which we set up cafe tables broke off in that wicked storm on the 4th of July. All that wonderful shade is now gone……

In the last newsletter I mentioned our being overwhelmed by our success the first four days of the 2023 season. I hope I did not scare anyone off. Every weekend last summer the weather was perfect, this summer it has been the opposite, but we would love to see you rain or shine. On hot days like today (writing this on July 7th), we had the glass doors onto the deck closed and the AC made it very comfortable for the few folks who ventured out in the heat. Also, we just ordered a full awning to cover the deck, so if you visit us next week there will be plenty of tables in the shade!

The setting for cocktails at the farm-to-table dinner.

Upcoming events:

Game night and movie. We hope to continue to build community with a game night in the cafe, and a movie night in the gallery barn in August. Please ask about either when you next visit the cafe and let us know if you are interested.

The sixth annual Farm-to-Table dinner on September 9th. This event is the highlight of our season. We open with champagne, premium wines, and a huge appetizer spread all served on the upper patio as the sun sets against the hillside. Once the sun has set, we all walk down past goats and chickens to the cafe that is lit up and set for our dinner. The evening ends with an aperitif as we light the bonfire. We would love to have you join us that evening. The event always sells out. Reserve your spot here.

Autumnal Dinner on October 13th. Reserve your spot here.

Please visit us and tell your friends.

Hope to see you soon,

Julie, Peter, Roby, and Matthew