Farmers are always talking about the weather. We’re talking about it because we are completely dependant on it. I often tell my kids: “Farmers work hard to prepare the land, but God is the one who provides the sun and the rain, and it is He alone that makes the plants grow.” This past week was an incredible reminder of how dependant we are. On Friday evening, both our Bella Vista and Grandview farms got hit with an intense hail storm that came through the valley. We stood in our doorway as the storm rolled in and my heart sank as the rain turned to hail, then back to rain, and then again, another, heavier, round of hail. It was incredibly humbling; a reminder of how small and dependant we are. I was saddened, and yet amazed, as the Bible tells us that our God is both aware and in control of all things. Not only that, but He is able to take what we would consider ‘bad circumstances’ and use them for good.
The Grandview hail nets collecting hail that would have damaged this apple crop.
We as a family are at peace with that truth as we walk through this season with its twists and turns. We will see the effects of the hail in the days and weeks to come, and we’ll do our best to keep you posted on how the crops fair. As I write this I’m pretty confident that the damage to all the tree fruits and strawberries will be extensive, but we will see more clearly as time goes on. It is amazing how plants just want to grow, and we are always surprised at how they are able to recover from extreme weather events.
Lance cultivating the fields with the 1950 International Super A tractor at the Grandview farm!
By the end of May we are finished planting the vegetables and trees for the season. During the month of June my brother, Lance, is working hard leading the field crew in weeding, watering and thinning the crops. While some of this is done with equipment, most of this work is still done by hand. There is one specific tractor Lance uses every year to weed the corn and strawberries. He claims that there is no ‘modern’ replacement for this relic. I can’t help but smile every time I see him on it!
Thank you for being interested in our farm. We are thankful for the privilege of farming and growing food for our community. It is certainly not always easy, and this season is no exception to that. We appreciate, now more than ever, your interest and support in the daily joys and hardships of life on the farm.
Laura Shaw,
For the Davison Family
Learn to make this no cook + light sugar strawberry freezer jam with Laura!
PS: I wrote this newsletter on Saturday morning after the storm. Today I’m already feeling more encouraged! Our Cannery crew was able to salvage the strawberries for preserves, so that beautiful crop won’t got to waste. Talk about zero food miles! We are hopeful that another round of strawberries will be here for the market in a few days time.
This Friday - Sunday we will be featuring a special To-Go menu for your Father's Day Lunch!
We will have homemade potato salad, pulled pork buns, and apple cider sausage available for purchase.
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