WHY DO WE WANT TO BE FARMERS?

We have lots of reasons why we want become farmers, starting with because we can.

We can because we have spent most of our lives working in jobs that have provided pensions and benefits that give a safety net.  Our society does not encourage farming as an occupation and so farming has a well earned reputation for high debt and low income.  We will have a secure income to ensure that we can get by, and health benefits to take care of the unknown.  For us, our goals for farming include providing most of our own food and eventually adding a small income to cover farming expenses.  Don’t worry, no dreams of grandeur here!

We want to stop consuming and start producing.  For years we have been earning money so that we can buy stuff.  Now we want to make our stuff.  Recycle stuff, and reuse stuff.  Peak oil has got us thinking about how to live without all the stuff that the media says that we need.  We want to be able to take care of ourselves when times get tough, and feel good about being self sufficient.

The kids have spent many years on the move.  They have adjusted well considering, but we think that they need the stability of community in their lives, and more influence from extended family.  I have never felt like I had a “hometown” and I don’t want the kids to feel that way.  I think that feeling like you really belong somewhere is important.  I certainly appreciate that I can adapt to any new place to call home though, it makes me feel more worldly!

We want to get out of the city and the rat-race, high-speed, consumer culture. We want to work together as a family. To spend and enjoy our time together. To work for ourselves and to see the fruit (and vegetables, nuts and meat) of our labors. We will work to our own clock and manage our own lives. The more effort we put in, the more we will benefit. 

I want to know where my food comes from. I want to know that my meat was raised healthily, fed properly, killed humanely, and not pumped full of chemicals.

We want our kids to understand that food comes from plants, trees and animals, not from supermarkets wrapped in plastic. They will help to plant their own food from seed and raise their meat from birth. We think it is one of the best lessons we could possibly give them.

We want them to breathe clean air, swim in the river, play in the mud. We want them to know their neighbours and feel part of a community.

I don't think we need any more reason than that but I am sure I could come up with more.