A Labor of Love

Farming in the winter is not for the faint of heart. The chill that seeps into every corner of the land, the shorter daylight hours, and the freezing temperatures create a challenging environment for those who make their living off the land. The winter months bring a set of obstacles that make farming a year-round commitment, and while the work may be tough, it’s also filled with moments that remind us of the beauty of life on the farm.

One of the first challenges we face in the winter is simply getting started. I remember being a nurse and running out to my car in the frigid mornings and starting it early enough to melt the layers of frost and ice and darting back into the house. With a quick shiver, I'd finish getting ready in the warmth. Then driving in my warm car to park in a garage, hike a quick 2 minutes into the hospital where a cup of hot coffee awaited, and the temperature was a balmy 70. It is almost comical to think back on moments I said out loud, "It is freezing in here!". Quite the change to my life now. The tools you depend on – tractors, loaders, mixers and other equipment – don’t exactly perform well when frozen. Frozen pipes, stubborn machinery, and engines that refuse to start can turn what should be a quick task into a nightmare. It’s like everything in nature is working against you, making the simplest things feel like insurmountable hurdles.

Let's not forget our reasons why, the animals. They require constant care. It's a 24/7 ordeal. Here at the farm, their well-being is always top of mind, but in the cold weather, their needs become even more urgent. Water, for example, can freeze in mere hours, and if you aren’t checking the waterers twice a day, your animals could go without. It’s a tedious job, breaking through the frozen layers to ensure that your livestock have access to water. But it’s a job that must be done, day in and day out, without fail. And while the days may feel shorter, the work never lets up.

Amidst all these challenges, it’s easy to feel exhausted and overwhelmed. But there are moments, small and precious, that offer a respite from the cold and the never-ending work. When the day winds down and you can finally head inside, there’s nothing quite like the warmth of home. Our family has been enjoying some slow prepared meals as of late. The aroma of a slow-cooked chuck roast simmering away all day – it’s the kind of meal that makes all the hard work feel worthwhile. Easy to prepare in the morning, this dish takes minimal effort but fills the house with its comfort. We love ours with a side of homemade sourdough and we share dinner as a family every night. For me, this makes the challenges of the day seem to vanish. This is the true spirit of farming in the winter: a labor of love, yes, but one that is made meaningful through the moments of rest and connection with the people you cherish.

It’s not easy – but nothing that’s worth doing ever is. The cold may make things difficult, the work may be endless, and the days may feel too short, but the rewards of life on the farm are immeasurable. So, the next time you’re enjoying a warm meal at the table, remember the farmers who are working through the cold, the dark, and the frost to feed their families and communities. Support your local farmers – they make it all possible, even when the going gets tough. 

Looking forward to the next one! Hopefully we are all thawed out by then.

With gratitude,
The Farmacy