Introduction

In this blog I plan to talk about the various aspects of farm life, and what they mean to me, to other individuals, to the family, and to the country. I will share experiences of my life on the three farms where I have lived, mostly the one in Alaska.

One might think a farm in Alaska is an oxymoron. It might be, but for sure, anyone who tries to farm in Alaska either is a character, or has character, or will develop it over time. Climate is the problem.... both weather climate and political climate. Non farm friendly weather climate include short growing season, cold temperatures, and non farm friendly political climate includes regulations, taxes, prices, and slaughter facilities.

Still, anyone who tries to farm will reap some benefits in satisfaction of self worth, exercise, fresh food, appreciation of sources, family cohesiveness, and healthy child rearing environment. As I say, The family that hays together stays together.

Farmers look happy in the pictures of various magazines devoted to farming by comparison to the pictures of other life styles.

Threats to traditional farming:

• NAIS
• globalization
• subsidies
• regulations
• corporate mega-farms
• breakup of small family farms

The perks of farm life outweigh the frustrations, as long as one continues to appreciate values rather than dollars.

Till next time,
Haylady