There are a lot of important aspects to the farm, but if you were to ask either Joe or I what the most important one is, we would both say quickly and absolutely - family.

Family means everything to us, and it always has. Family can mean a lot of different things though. It means blood related, yes. We live two miles away from both our immediate families, and we like to see them constantly. If more than a couple days goes by without seeing some of our family members, something is wrong, or somebody is on vacation. We love being together.

Family also means people in our lives we’re close to. We have friends who I consider family. We’re so wrapped up in each other’s lives; we talk constantly and are always there to help one another.

And when you’re starting a new business, especially a new farm business, there is a lot to do that you simply cannot do without help. Boy are we blessed to have family and friends who not only volunteer their help, but do it with the most loving and generous hearts.

In an age when we’re all so busy and never have enough time for everything, this speaks volumes to me. I love pausing in the work and looking around at the faces surrounding us and letting that feeling fill me up. They never act like the ask is too big or the work too much of a burden. They’ll spend all day on the hottest day of summer helping Joe dig holes and plant posts in the ground for fencing. And help me cook and transport meals all weekend for the workers.

I’ve never met a group of people I admire more than our family and friends circle. I make a point of praying for them constantly that the time and energy they’re sowing into us will reap a bountiful harvest for them. I pray their time with us and on the farm fills them up in more than just the food I make filling their bellies.

As we start out on this journey, we always keep this value before our eyes:

Family: To create a legacy for our family, both present and future, and cultivate their talents and dreams through their connection to the farm.

The farm and all it encompasses is for our daughter, Charley. It’s for Joe and I. It’s for our family and friends. Everything we do and every new thing we try, we want to involve family in it. In a few years, I hope Charley can dream up a small business for herself that the farm can help her realize - whether it be a lemonade stand, selling her art, or whatever else. No idea is too big.

The same goes for the rest of our family and friends. We have such a talented and inspired group of people around us. Our prayer for the farm is for it to help the people in our circle find the creativity and freedom to try something new.