I am so blessed to be your farmer. It is a real privilege to get to work with my family as we heal the land and grow healthy food for friends like you. I know that I often take for granted the blessing of what I get to do every day.
In our country we need more farmers. On one hand technology enables farmers on a conventional scale to grow more crops per farmer and small scale farming is a micro-trend among some millennials. But on the other hand the average age of the farmer is over 60 and there is a suicide epidemic among farmers not only in the US but around the world. Because of the stress caused by the bondage and debt driven by large scale corporations many farmers are dependent on, the occupation of 'farmer' has the highest rate of suicide of any profession in America. So in general, we could say that we have a crisis of cultivating the next generation of farmers.
I don't have all the solutions for fixing this problem, but here at Rora Valley Farms we are trying to model a healthy, vibrant farm that is not only an example of profitable, sustainable farming, but is an attractive occupational lifestyle. We take time away from our farming activities on a regular basis to educate and support other farmers or wanna-be farmers. We address the issues many farmers are facing regarding burnout, stress, and unprofitability. And many people have expressed the encouragement they have gained from things we have shared and modeled.
As one of our core customers you play a big role in our ability to help encourage and raise up the next generation of farmers. The success of our farm as a model for others is dependent on educated customers like you being willing to go out of your way to support us and eat the food we grow. We are indebted to you, but many others are as well. So this week, when you get your bag of vegetables, take a moment to realize the significance of your act in purchasing food from a local farm. You are investing not only in the health of your family and community, but also in the health of our food and agricultural system as a whole. Thank you!
As a reminder, we want to show our appreciation of your support as a Farmship member by inviting you to our farm dinner on August 31st. Please let me know if you have any questions or would like to RSVP. You should have gotten an invite via text. Let me know if you need me to send that to you.
Thanks again and we look forward to serving you this week!
Your Farmer,
Noah Sanders
