January 30, 2023

As January ends, we begin our Winter Preparations, or we should say, Spring Preparations – for the growing season.

First thing on the list is to make a list.

Second thing is to schedule it.

Here’s our January 2023 list:

Currently, because we both have full-time and part time jobs besides farming, planning, and scheduling is crucial.  We are working hard to lay the foundation for a successful and profitable orchard, which is why we are each working one and a half jobs.  Our goal is to be able to work full-time on the farm in the next three years.  Don’t tell our employers.

Looking at our list and the weather forecast, we determine what will be our focus this week and schedule out our different tasks.  For instance, snow and ice cold are forecast for this week.  So, we will tackle our inside projects such as ordering topsoil, sanitizing seed trays and even doing some meal prep.  Having meals planned and even made in advance saves us a lot of time and reduces anxiety.  It’s difficult to come home from a full day of work and try to make dinner when we still have farm work to do.  Every morning or night, and especially on the weekends, we chip away at our to do list.

We also look at each item on the list and decide if we should divide and conquer or work together on a project.  Often, we will work together on a project even if it is a one-person project simply because teaming up just feels better.  We call it, holding the screwdriver.  For example, while John is changing the oil on the tractor, Katie just stands there next to him to help him if he needs or just keep him company.  It may not sound efficient, but it actually is because it is more enjoyable.  In this case, Katie is holding the proverbial screwdriver.  At other times we divide and conquer like when Katie is sanitizing seed trays and John is working on meal prep or setting up bee frames.

As is normal in life, things happen and our lists change.  We continually add to the list and rearrange our priorities.  It doesn’t do us any good to get upset at things out of our control, like this current ice storm.

This is farm life.