The wind rushes by us as the hawks and vultures fly overhead. The farm rings with life, growing from the soil reaching towards the sun and bustling with conversation, gleaming with laughter. Our hands painted with the dirt and grit, darkened by the UV rays beating down on us relentlessly. Personally, I cannot help but hear the ensemble of the farm and feel a sense of satisfaction and accomplishment in the work we are doing.

Like an orchestra, the farm has so many moving parts that meld into one. Our salad greens are the main melody as our fruits and roots make up a supportive role. Each part can shine on its own but the whole picture will always outdo the individual effort. When in tune, the farm resonates in harmony. People and plants growing and providing for the local community, with motifs of culture and sociability.

Everyday I wake up and wonder what our orchestra will play next. I wonder who will eat the produce I am picking, how will it be prepared. I reflect on how my actions impact, and how life is not a constant solo. The farm provides me with comfort and purpose, strength that is not cultivated in a corporate kitchen or in a cubical. The sweet music that roars from Red Dog are the same tunes I hear when I lay my head down at night.  

I am proud to be doing this work and grateful that there is such a robust community around to support us and all the other local farms. And though I will not personally connect will everyone reading this, I want to say that I’m graciously thankful for your contribution to Red Dog and other local farms. It means the world to me to be able to do this kind of work and see the positive impact it has on those around me. Shout out to you for being part of our crazy band!

~Auster