We've reached the last few days of August and it's hard to believe September is here already! As Brendan mentioned last week, fall is definitely in the air. From the change in weather this past weekend to harvesting all of the potatoes, it is coming and it is coming quickly. For me, I think this is the first year that I haven't been wishing for fall to come since the first week of July. Maybe that's due to a great crew we have working for us this summer or maybe it's due to some decent weather we've had; either way I can't really put my finger on it. Sure, I have had days that seem never ending this summer and I think of the stillness that winter brings, but I'm not quite ready for that time of year just yet.
A big part of it may be that we're finally getting a rhythm going year after year and we know (mostly) what to expect and how to manage it all. I remember in our second year, a customer said to me that most new businesses really take five years to get settled and "make it." Being six years in, I definitely agree with that advice. Last year was a big transition year for us, but we have a lot of tools, infrastructure and people in place now to make things run smoothly. I'm not saying it's a well-oiled machine, but we're getting there and it's definitely better than previous years. However, the investments haven't stopped for us just yet and we will be looking for new people for us next year as some of our employees move on to accomplish bigger things. All of this will play a big role for the face of the farm next year and lots of winter planning!
As I reflect on the summer and really think about all the questions that our customers have asked recently, like "How has the growing season been?" "Has it been a good summer?" "How's business?". I must say that it really has been a nice summer all around. Business has been good at the market and for our farm shares, the weather straightened out and we actually got rain in July, and a majority of the crops have performed really well. Brendan and I have kept our hours in check this year, trying not to overdo it every single day. Usually, we tend to be wrapped up by 6pm, but there have been a few times the work day went longer and that's okay. We've been able to enjoy some bonfires, get some take out, sleep in on Sundays and, Brendan's favorite, already start planning and investing for next year. I didn't know what to expect back in April when 2020 became the year of uncertainty, but now I know that our business is pretty darn stable and our customers are here to support us.
Now, after I write this, I think I can be ready for fall so I can actually do some baking, watch the leaves change color and enjoy even more relaxation. After all, fall is my favorite season! Unfortunately, I won't be able to enjoy one of my favorite things this year (watching Michigan football), but that'll leave more time to do some exploring in beautiful Northern Michigan. Here's to a few more warm days though!
Have a great week!
-Greta (Brendan insisted I write the happening this week ;-) )
