Small family farms growing ancient and heritage wheat and grains for healthier lifestyle; preserving ancient grains.
01/04/2025
$250,000 an acre—that’s the price developers are dangling for my farm. It’s not just a tempting number; it’s a sign of the mounting pressure facing farms like mine. Nestled in a so-called “land shortage” area, where open space is vanishing to meet the demand for housing and commercial development, my 313-year-old farm finds itself at a crossroads.
For over 92 years, my family has worked this land, continuing the legacy of just three families before us. We’ve toiled through good seasons and bad, relying on the resilience of this soil to grow crops that nourish our community. Developers approach often, offering to buy the land for subdivisions. They see only numbers, not the heritage, the hard work, or the connection to the community that this farm represents.
Farming is not an easy life. It tests your body, your mind, and your spirit. But it’s a life I cherish. There’s something deeply rewarding about cultivating food that feeds both my family and my neighbors. Even in difficult years when Mother Nature deals a harsh blow, farmers lace up their boots and prepare for the next season, holding on to hope.
As we look ahead to the New Year, I ask you to add something special to your resolutions: Support Local Farms.
Here’s how you can help:
Cook at Home More: Let farm stands inspire your meals.
Buy a Farm Share: Invest in your local farm through a CSA.
Choose Local Milk: Support nearby dairies.
Visit Farmers Markets: Shop fresh produce near your work or home.
Visit Farms: Meet the farmers who grow your food.
Land once developed is lost forever. Farms stand strong against development only when their neighbors stand with them. Every dollar you spend is a vote for the future you want to see—a future that values green spaces, fresh food, and the people who work tirelessly to provide them.
Let’s work together to keep our farms thriving. Choose local. Eat local. Support the caretakers of our working landscapes.
Credit to the rightful owner ~
