Happy Birthday, Harry
March 20th was a special day on our farm. It happened to be the first day of spring after a winter that challenged us all. It happened to be a welcome day for those of us that work outside – the weather cooperated and we were beginning to see signs of growth and warmth.
It also happened to be Todd’s grandfather’s birthday.
Harry was born 101 years ago on our farm. He grew up on the St. Paul Road (that would be the current FM 2307 for those of you that rely on official road numbers rather than local nomenclature). He bravely fought in WWII, and perhaps just as bravely, raised 6 children while maintaining a successful farm along with his wife, Erna Mae.
I never got to meet Harry, but I love to hear about him. I have some very specific questions about our farm that I wish I could ask him! Todd’s aunts and uncles tell stories of him that paint an authentic and respectful picture of his life. Our farm land initially was purchased in 1909 by Harry’s grandfather, FJ Neumann. We bought the land almost 101 years to the day of FJ’s purchase (had we known we were so close, we would have scheduled our closing date differently!). Acknowledging Harry’s 101st birthday on the first day of spring felt significant for that reason.
Todd and I often ask ourselves what Harry might think of us farming. I know Todd especially wonders if Harry would be proud or happy that we are making a go of creating a farm business. We wonder what he would think of some of our methods, because I am certain we don’t do things the same way!
But as often as we wonder what Harry might have thought, we have a more constant question in our heads.
What will our children think?
And that, friends, is our big “why”. Every big goal, every seemingly impossible undertaking – they are successful because of two factors. One – you become comfortable with discomfort, because growth and change aren’t easy. And two – you have a big “why” that motivates you through the discomfort.
As much as we wonder what the people before us would think, we are determined to create a farm and business that not only makes our children proud, but helps solve problems they will face. We want to raise, eat, and provide nutrient-dense proteins. We want to build soil health in a natural way. We want to have quality top soil on our farm. We want to have deep roots – the literal kind. We want to capture excess carbon in the air and put it back in the soil where it belongs. Sure, we want our kids to have that “farm lifestyle”, but in the sense that they learn how to use their hands and their brains, how to problem solve and enjoy challenges even in the face of setbacks, and to develop a deep connection with the land and nature. We want that for you and your children, too.
Simply put, we want healthy land and healthy families that sit down and eat together and form strong bonds with people and places. And I think Harry definitely would be proud of us for that.
