Farm Journal
In subtle and blatant ways, farmers are professionally discounted and personally discouraged. I adamantly believe agriculture can be a rewarding, and healthy full time career. By writing about my work and sharing my progress, I hope to show how organic farms and farmers enrich and strengthen the communities they serve. ~April
Joyful Farming is:
aligning life, land, and community
believing in power and possibility
restoring health and home
nurturing relationships
honoring abundance and vocation
celebrating creativity and change
“I love your newsletter. The produce is so delicious, but the spirit of the farm lives in how you both communicate with us. So grateful for you all.”
— April Joy Farm CSA Member
Nourishing Bites | A Well Seasoned Pot Part I
I think of all the families across our community peeling garlic from our farm this day. I think of all the connections our food has brought to my life, and to the lives of those who eat it. I see things fresh for a moment-- a literal harvest of my work and of my time together with so many that I love.
Nourishing Bites | Stacking Benefits Part III
Imagine a sixth grader and a farmer, connected by a tenaciously determined plant. They are miles apart, holding an extraordinary gift from this plant. Sweet pepper seed from the same uncertain harvest- unique in all the world. Yes. Holding sweet pepper seed and a mutual conviction of hope.
Nourishing Bites | Stacking Benefits Part II
A few simple changes (donated funds to purchase farm surplus, access to cooking classes, a talented chef) result in a whole plethora of positive outcomes? We’re talking benefit after benefit piled up as high as the produce on the most abundant farm stand table you can imagine!
Nourishing Bites | Stacking Benefits Part I
I’ve written about my love for stacking benefits- the idea that at the farm, labor can be a scarce resource so I am always looking from a management perspective as to what changes I can make or what systems I can set up or what infrastructure needs to be in place so that one change can result in at least two but hopefully many more benefits.
Nourishing Bites | Defining Our Future
Farmers intuitively know their own well-being, and the well-being of their community depends on the well-being of the land and animals they care for. In my view, true agricultural stewards understand they do not own land, but rather borrow it from future generations.
Nourishing Bites | Scottish Homecoming
As I learn about and grow more attached to Archie our collie’s buoyant spirit, I see this farm and my work from a new perspective. Just like this beautiful smooth coated Collie, I feel as though I was made for diversified farm life.
Community Voices
“Your writing is superb, April! Profound, insightful, clear, honest and generous - like you. I always find some wisdom to share with the kids or illumination of my own journey. Thank you.”