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October 21, 2005
Local Farmers
On Wednesday we went on a field trip to a farm about 40 minutes away in Hondo. One of the activities was a hay wagon ride around the farm.
We all climbed on the wagon, the farmer started up the tractor and took us out to the middle of a field. He then stopped the engine and jumped onto the wagon to give us a speech. Not that anyone would have gotten up and left, but we were trapped.
Okay, though we were literally a captive audience, it wasn't that bad. He just told us how he was the 5th generation to own and farm that land. As most of us already know, he described the struggles of the small family farmer in this day and age and explained some of the things he had to do differently to survive. Besides the maze that we were there to visit, he now raises natural beef and sells the eggs from his free range chickens to keep his farm going.
He also encouraged us to support our local farmers. I really, truly agree with this, but I often do fall into the convenience trap of just buying my produce from the local supermarket. I should visit the farmers market more. The growing season is so much lomger here, plus it's fun and educational for the kids. Having an actual face put to the food provides additional incentive.
By the way, I bought a ton of ground beef from him and I cannot wait until Eric gets the grill tank refilled.
Posted by Julee at October 21, 2005 05:10 PM
Comments
Julee--every where I go I try to get pictures of animals and have chicken/rooster pictures from Australis, Croaia, Switzerland and other places I can't recall at the moment. I especially like to get the ones that are the most colorful. But--your close up is better than any I have taken; great shooting. G
Posted by: Granny at October 21, 2005 09:06 PM
An actual face to the food? Hmmmm. That's what made me go vegetarian at age 15. Just food for thought, lol.
Posted by: Colleen at October 21, 2005 10:45 PM
That's actually pretty cool that the farmer "trapped" you guys for his little lecture, I think he made a good point. Though we have a lovely farm stand about a mile from our house, I, too, am too often guilty of simply buying my produce at the grocery store. With our busy lives, it is simply easier not to make that second stop. Yet it always amazes me that her in Florida during citrus season the oranges and grapefruit in our grocery store come from California, though there are groves all around us! You have inspired me to try to make that second stop at the farm stand more often!
Posted by: Lisa at October 22, 2005 07:05 PM
Good points about visiting local farmers, I do shop at a farmer's market but its an international one its not all local suppliers. Reading your blog is like a trip down memory lane- we used to play Hondo in football every year, I still remember my last trip there it seems so long ago.
Posted by: Yolanda at October 22, 2005 09:31 PM
There really is no comparison to a farmers' market for produce and buying beef right from the source. It's the best. Although, Whole Foods is a nice back-up if you can budget it... :-)
Posted by: Amy at October 23, 2005 09:57 PM
You've been tagged!
Posted by: Lisa at October 26, 2005 08:09 PM