Radio Homemakers
Wednesday, December 23, 2009 at 03:28AM We all need inspiration. I'm hoping that I have found some in a podcast I recently heard with Evelyn Birkby. I don't know how Tim finds these hidden jewels, but he always seems to know what I need. I haven't blogged in over a month and lately I've tried, but just stared at a blank screen before closing it out and giving up. It's not because I don't have things to share, but it's because I haven't had the energy or patience to deal with the consequences of what I say. The overwhelming majority of people who read and comment on our blog are very supportive and encouraging, but every now and then we get some unsolicited criticism that sends me over the edge. Whether it be from vegetarians who call us evil or fellow farmers who say we are doing things all wrong, the intolerance I feel from some of their comments has been enough to make me want to hide!
Well, hearing Evelyn has reminded me of why we blog in the first place. We put our stories out there in order to share. When we started farming we wanted to share our adventures. We also wanted to share our passion with the hopes of inspiring others to follow their dreams. As our eyes opened to the industrial food system, we have also shared what we have learned and learned that sharing what we do is the only way to ensure complete transparency for our customers. So in the end...We farm the way we farm and live the way we live and it is not for anyone to judge. I would not seek out a vegetarian and criticize their choices nor would I confront a farmer who chooses to raise their animals in a way that I do not agree with. We will make the world a great place by building people up, not by breaking them down.
The podcast Sustainable Agriculture Spotlight with Evelyn Birkby attempts to see what lessons we might learn from and old time farmer that we could apply to sustainable agriculture today. It speaks about how over 2/3 of the small family farms have disappeared and with this, much of their homesteading and sustainable agricultural knowledge has gone with it. In this podcast, Evelyn, who was 90 years old, shares her stories of being a farm wife and a radio homemaker. You'll fall in love with her the minute
you hear her voice! She talks about how radio homemakers, during the 1940's, were basically farm wives who would share on the AM radio waves. When Evelyn first got married she admits that she had no idea how to be a farm wife and therefore solicited help from her neighbors. Her neighbors would call in to offer encouragement, advice, recipes, etc. Evelyn learned that during an era where farm wives did not get much credit, they were actually very powerful and knowledgeable people. It was the sharing and swapping of stories and experiences that built farm communities.
During the podcast I was enthralled with the nostalgia and entertained by Evelyn's memories, but I was also envious of what the radio homemakers had going. They had a community of people, loyal listeners and contributors, whose sole purpose was just to share and help. There have been many times that I have found the virtual sustainable agriculture and homesteading communities to be very supportive and to share tidbits of their experience with no strings attached. This is a wonderful thing that I want to see more of and so it's only right for me to continue contributing in ways that I can. I love hearing about how someone has made bacon for the first time or had a successful garden harvest. It's inspiring to hear when people have connected with their food and the land. And it's so helpful to hear advice from people who have tried some of the lost arts of food preservation or natural rearing of livestock. So please share!!
It's easy to write a comment on our blog, so give me your best homesteading or sustainable farming tip! Share what you've learned about raising animals, living on a farm, cooking, etc. Building a local food community, a farming community, or just a community of neighbors all starts with sharing. And listen to Evelyn if you need a little inspiration!
Here...I'll start...
One thing that I like to do is to make our own butter. I grew up on margarine and never knew how good butter tasted. Then, when we got a home milk cow I made butter and realized that I never knew how great home made butter tasted! It's easy to do and all you need is heavy cream and a food processor. Just put the cream in the processor and turn it on. In a few minutes you see the consistency change and the butter will separate out from the buttermilk. Pour off the buttermilk and use it to make some biscuits! Wash the butter by putting it in a jar, covering it with ice water, then give it a good shake. Pour off the milky water and repeat until the water runs clear. Now you've got butter! Try mixing the soft butter with different flavors like honey or garlic or add some herbs. It's a great way to learn about the qualities of milk and to get some gourmet butter suited just to your taste!
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Reader Comments (18)
I am so impressed with what you are doing, and don't let the naysayers discourage you. I grew up on a small family farm, but haven't lived on a farm for 40 years. I just bought half a hog from my son, and it tastes like the pork I remember from my childhood - delicious! My son moved onto a small (12 acre) farm in South Carolina a year ago, and is committed to raising pigs on pasture. His neighbors all think he is crazy, but he persists. One of his neighbors works at the slaughterhouse where the pig was butchered, and he couldn't believe how beautiful the meat looked. (It was a 400-lb board, not castrated.)
I read Barbara Kingsolver's "Animal, Vegetable, MIracle" a couple of years ago and it literally changed my life. I buy almost no processed food now, and try to buy direct from the farmer whenever possible. It should be mandatory reading for everyone.
Oh, Liz. I am sorry that the wackos of this world have pulled your spirits down. Just know that they are everywhere -- in the school world, business, at church -- whereever you go there will be people who offer unsolicited bad advice or mean criticism. Even family can do this. Let it go however you can and move on.
Okay, here is what I learned this year. I learned that a city born and raised girl can order baby turkeys, raise them to full size, kill them and nourish her 2 teenage boys with 'turkeys that taste like turkeys' on 3/4 of an acre in a Sandy Springs, GA subdivision house. I learned to care for a unique and definitely NOT stupid animal, what they like to eat and what makes them the happiest. I learned what it feels like to grow my own food. The person I was on Jan 1 of last year does not exist any more and my horizons are so much broader because of our Great Turkey Escapade.
Keep writing, Liz. Even if you have to share the hurt. I think it will make you feel better if your cyber friends can support you when the uglies bring you down.
Liz, great post. Please don't be discouraged by criticism. You guys are doing such neat things and I and many others I am sure really enjoy following the goings on at your farm. That may be selfish on my part, but following the spirit of your post I think what your blog helps to sustain is a community of like minded folks sharing information and encouragement in the pursuit of worthy objectives. That community would be worse off without your input. Plus, I bet it is good for your business as well. As far as criticism goes (if you want my unsolicited 2 cents), I always listen to the critic to see if there isn't something worth considering even if the manner of delivery was not very gracious. If so great, if it is just silly criticism then just ignore it (easier said than done I'm sure). There are plenty of idiots in the world who don't know what they are talking about who would prefer to tear down than build up. To internalize their criticism would be as silly as getting business advice from a four year old. They just don't know what they are talking about. However, folks are always going to have different opinions and not everyone is perfect. If everyone I knew thought everything I did was great I think I would be worried. Sorry for the long post, but for what it is worth I think you guys are doing a great job and can't wait to hear more about what's going on at Nature's Harmony. You guys have a Merry Christmas!
Your postings have been a great inspiration to our farm and given us the courage to pursue a natural and sustainable farm practice. I thought I would share with you a recent experience I had.
Last week I invited the head USDA inspector for Utah over to discuss chicken butchering regulations. As we were discussing the topic, I mentioned that we knew of a few farms in other states that were successfully processing under the farmer processing exemption. In mentioning this, I had Nature's Harmony and PolyFace in mind although I didn't mention it. Right away the inspector said yes I know of one in Georgia that is doing this. I asked if he was thinking of Nature's Harmony and he confirmed that he was. He then told me how he had heard you are processing under a carport without walls etc... I asked how he felt about that. He answered that he still personally preferred walls but wouldn't object to us doing it and understood the reasoning behind it. He was very supportive of our operation and genuinely seemed to want to help us be successful. He even helped explain small loop holes that could save us money or headache. I share this with you because I honestly believe that your efforts are literally helping change the way our food is grown. Somehow your farm has even influenced the USDA 2000 miles away in Utah! Thanks for trailblazing the way! Please keep sharing information! I read somewhere that you were going to post articles about profitability and such. This is something I would be very interested in seeing. Keep up the fantastic work! I really don't know how you are able to raise such a variety of animals and crops with so few people on the farm. You are a great example. Thank you!!!!
Liz, I understand how discouraging negative comments can be. We are blessed and cursed by living in an area where we're near "city people" who are happy to pay top dollar for naturally raised produce and meat, and that's great for us. But, they are often woefully naive about how the job gets done or where their grocery store food comes from, and quick to judge how they think animals should live or be cared for.
Like you, we take great pride in what we're doing and work very hard at it, and it's hurtful when someone critiques it, often out of ignorance. But it has made me reflect on the reality of how far removed from food and the land most of our culture has become, and what an important role we play in reconnecting people with that- in all its glory, the miracles as well as the gross parts, and sometimes harsh realities of nature. But it's definitely not an easy path sometimes, I struggle with it too, an unkind comment will bother me for days! Have cheer, you're not alone; and I definitely enjoy your posts-keep writing!
Michelle
Liz,
I know you wont let the "negative nabobs" get you down and you will persevere. Sitting here in CT on my one acre of land (mostly trees) leaves me a long way from you and your life. My garden is smaller than one of your traveling chicken coops, but i am a devoted reader of you and Tim.
I seriously doubt if i will ever have anything to say that will help you, but the understanding that I get of your life more than makes up for my lack of contribution. I could never criticize because i know so little and enjoy learning more. I doubt if I will ever be a customer and for the most part have to settle for my local Whole Foods Supermarket. I believe there may be a farmer selling meat at our local weekly farm market next summer, but that is as close as I come to eating the food you so wonderfully produce.
There are many of us out there and judging by the crowds at Whole Foods, they are willing to buy even in this economy. So to all of you farmers out there, keep up the great work and please don't give up. The market is there, its making the connections that may be the hardest part.
Merry Christmas Tim and Liz and may you have a highly successful 2010!
Richard
Liz words can't express what you guys are doing have meant to me over the past year or so. I may not be able to duplicate what you are accomplishing but it is my dream. When ever you are down, discouraged, even mad...write about it. We, your faithful readers and supporters, will be here with a shoulder to lean on. I hate to break it to you but you guys are going to be the target of forces that don't want you to succeed! You know you are about a good and proper endeavor, don't let them steal your joy! So...buck up kiddo! we need you out there!
chuck
I have only commented once on your blog, but I have been reading it ever since the NY Times did a story on your farm. I am an American living in Europe, so while I can't enjoy the fruits of your labor, I certainly do appreciate what you are doing for yourselves, your customers, and for the art of farming. Remember that no matter what anyone tells you, you know you are doing what is best for you and for the land and animals you care for. Not many people can say that!
One of the things I've noticed since moving to Europe is that people have more concern about where their food comes from, how it was raised/grown, and they appreciate the farmer who took the time and effort to raise such wonderful food. Hopefully the States will continue moving in the same direction.
Happy holidays, and keep your chin up!
Liz---
All of my life I have heard stories about how my great-grandfather used a mule to plow the fields and do work all around the farm. Back then, times were tough and he only had one mule and he had a corn planter that had to have two mules to be pulled and he had to borrow another mule from a neighboring farm to plant corn. Recently I purchased two Belgian mares that have been trained to pull and I plan to use them, along with some of my great-grandfathers old equipment, to turn the fields this year for my gardens.
I am a HUGE fan of what you all do. I have been through most all of your site and blog and I have applied many aspects of what you do to what I plan to do with starting a CSA in the next few years. I know you want to raise your own feed for your animals and move sustainable there. But I was wondering if you plan to get away from the big machinery, like tractors and tillers, and move to draft animals?
thanks and Merry Christmas!!
-matt
Hey Liz,
I read your blog today and it saddened me that you are feeling down from criticism. I really enjoy your blog and your farm so I thought I would tell you that I'm, at this very moment, making lard from the fat back I bought from your farm and using the method you describe in your blog. I am so happy that there are people out there like you and really love how you've changed your life to suit your principles. I am trying to save enough to buy a small farmstead for my family and start raising most of our own food and you and Tim remind me that it is possible. Thank you very much for sharing.
Liz,
I think it speaks wonders that your post has been up for less than 36 hours (did I see 3:28AM...ouch!) after an 8-day hiatus, and there are already 9 (make it 10) people rushing to support and encourage you in NHF's efforts. Please allow me to add my voice to the masses!
Your farm is the centerpiece of my thoughts and dreams for my future farm. While I might choose to do a few things differently than you have, in almost every way "I want to be like you" someday. Sounds a little creepy doesn't it?! Since I have started reading your blog (which took me approximately 9 months starting from the beginning), I have lived in South Carolina, Texas, and soon Mississippi. I've never met you nor set foot in Elberton, but can discuss you, your farm, your past decisions and your future plans at length with my wife, which we do often. Why? Only through your blogging, transparency and desire to help others with the same dream. Over the past couple years, thanks to people like you, Ethan Book, Kelli Miller and Lynsey Kramer, I have been gathering ideas, lessons, direction and motivation for my future endeavor.
While you don't know me from Adam, your farm and your blog are important in my life, and I am clearly not the only one! So, there you have it...a little motivation when things get discouraging (I hope). Keep up the good work, and keep the updates coming! Sorry I pretty much ignored the "farming tips" part of this blog, but I've said more than my fair share for now. Merry Christmas, Christ is born!
Keep up the good work! Don't let them win! :)
How wonderful to read all the responses to Liz's post. It made for an especially good Christmas to hear so many kind comments. We're very grateful to have found a way to connect with so many of you.
There are things to "get you down" in any endeavor. There are many of you who pour everything you have into farming (or whatever) the way we do, and when people don't understand all the effort that goes into it, it's occasionally discouraging. But only occasionally, as our customers are always so kind and encouraging to us. We had a great Christmas today, even though the cows insisted that nothing was different and, therefore, demanded to be milked twice, as usual. We obliged, but between milkings we enjoying the beauty of nature, the company of friends and family and lots and lots of food.
Happy holidays to all and here's wishing everyone a wonderfully happy 2010.
Industrial agriculture is in full assault mode against sustainable agriculture. This a war of ideas, and they have the money to wage it. Every day I encounter a new lie spewed by their propaganda machines. It is inevitable that gullible people are going to parrot their stuff and attack.
It is important that pioneers like you press on getting out the good information, inspiration, and products. That is the only way we can repel their attacks. Keep on keepin' on. Keep up with your blogging.
Enjoyed the linked podcast. I too found it very encouraging.
Wow! I can't believe it! I don't even know what to say. THANK YOU! THANK YOU! This just goes to show that you never really know what you are contributing. I'm inspired once again thanks to all of your great comments! Let's get farming!
I grew up and was educated in the ways of industrial agriculture. Your farm has made me rethink many of my ideas and I am now in the process of going sustainable. We need more like you. Keep it up.
Hi Liz,
Thank you for you effort at sharing. I want you to know that you are an inspiration to me, in starting our small farm in Vermont. I started to blog about it in the very early days, but have abandoned that. I hope to get back to it, when things are more manageable. I hope that day comes! Our first couple of years raising goats and poultry have been much less than outstanding. Reading your blog and the blogs of others keeps me thinking, keeps me inspired, keeps me dreaming and planning when I might otherwise just throw in the towel. We have had so many losses this year, it is disheartening, and while I have things to tell, I am actually ashamed of our trials. So I will keep reading about your successes and write again when I have some of my own.
All the best in 2010.
Thank you for posting. I read this blog regularly and rarely comment but wanted you to know that I really appreciate what you and Tim and everyone who works on Nature's Harmony farm has done to reawaken, and in some ways create, this style of farming. While lots of it comes from the farming past, you seem to be doing a great job of creating or re-finding solutions to creating a modern-traditional family farm.
When I read Barbara Kingsolver and Michael Pollan in 2007, they rocked my world and I wanted to find a way to put my new outlook into practice. I was so thrilled to find a farm in Georgia that made ethically and sustainably raised meat available. I think your work is amazing and hope to be able to cheer you on in its pursuit for a long time to come.