Heat advisories blend into excessive heat warnings, and our animals think the same thing we do: it is simply uncomfortable outside!
In times of stress, like extreme heat, we aim to slow down to stay extremely present by listening and observing first. Our animals notice this slower, more intentional approach and become calmer as a result. We started our extremely warm Tuesday with this approach.
In the early morning, the animals ate, grazed, and drank to prepare for the warm day. During the afternoon’s intense heat, they rested in the shade and chewed their cud. They also went out to cooler grasses to avoid heat on their hooves, graze, and drink from the field waterers.
Our team’s schedule matched this approach. We spent the early morning hours in the field weeding and planting until the intensity of the sun was too much. We then headed into shady spots for washing and packing vegetables, preparing shares and loading our delivery vehicles. We ended the day early so the team could rest and trade only the essential tasks between all of us, watering plants and regular animal check responsibilities.
Farming with intention also helps us ward against what might be unintended consequences of moving too quickly (e.g., not noticing an animal becoming ill) or ignoring natural stressors (e.g., planting in the wrong conditions). We hope this intentional approach to managing stress will care for our bodies and spirits so that we can handle the next challenge.
We have taught this “slow down” life lesson to our children and now, we’re teaching this to students. Our goal is to demonstrate through our actions and real-life examples so that the students can internalize this care and take this lesson with them into the future.
Stay calm, cool and enjoy this week’s late summer harvest!
Your farmers,
Jeff, Jen, Gavin, Miguel, Anacleto, David and Cleto