Good afternoon,
I love the period between Christmas and January. The days start to merge and after our morning farm chores there is time for leisurely walks, reading and the dark evenings have carved out enough space to enjoy the entire 8-hours of the Peter Jackson Beatles documentary. Dreamy stuff.
It is also helpful to have time to let the past 12 months sink in. As with most consuming occupations, oftentimes we only just manage to keep our heads above water and so the quieter winter months give space for reflection, planning and tea. Looking back on 2021, this year has been one of many firsts for us - it’s the first year we have had chickens on the farm, the first year we have balanced supplying both trade accounts and you, our online customers, and the first year we have managed to turn a humble profit with our farm business.
I’m not sure many newsletters would be so forthcoming after almost a decade of business, but I’m hoping it’s not news to anyone that making a profit in farming is tough, especially when first starting out. We’re at the mercy of things largely beyond our control (weather, pandemics, inflation to name but a few), but beyond that, how people and our government value food and food production.
It’s a complicated topic as I appreciate that parts of society have come to rely on accessible cheap food, but cheap food does not cover the true expense to our environment of its production. When commodity foods are priced less than they cost to produce (economically & environmentally), someone or something is left to bear the brunt of this discrepancy.
In order to move away from the dysfunctional and unsustainable system cheap food perpetuates, we need legislation to support better food production. We can also change how we consume at home.
Buying locally and directly from food producers and developing relationships with farmers has a big impact. Visiting farms (we’re delighted many of you have come to hang out with us at Trenchmore this year), talking to farmers at food markets, even asking your farm shop, pub or favourite restaurant where and how they source their produce can all make a difference. There is real value in being connected with the land and what it produces - the magic that happens beyond our towns and cities is the very thing that sustains us.
If you have ever bought beef, chicken or cider from us or other thoughtful farms then hopefully you will know how different food that has been grown well can taste to what you might find in the supermarkets. We’re lucky that the UK is one of the best places on earth to grow grass to feed livestock, so buying locally doesn’t only support a better food system but also ensures you get the best grub on your plate.
Thank you for sticking with us at Trenchmore this year. Your support has allowed us to look after our animals & soils properly, and to produce the most delicious food we can. We’re still learning, as I hope we always will be, and I look forward to 2022 bringing many more firsts and even more connection with this growing community.
Yard shop open hours:
Friday 31st Dec, 11am - 12pm
Saturday 8th, 15th, 22nd & 29th Jan, 11am - 12pm
Things to read…
English Pastoral, James Rebanks
Meat, A Benign Extravagance, Simon Fairlie
