If some kind of agriculture lives near the heart of human communities, some version of the ‘Harvest Festival’ is basically ubiquitous. Pongal (India), Samhain (Ancient Celtic), New Yam Festival (Nigeria), Sukkot (Jewish), and the Mooncake Festival (East Asia) all revolve around the gratitude, rest, and shared bounty brought by a successful growing season. The Harvest Festival is about relief; on some level, it asks us to slow down and consider the fruits of our labor, the people we love, and the land we live/work with, and revel in the fact that we’re all here. 

I’m thinking and feeling about these things a lot right now. Red Dog is still busy. There are plenty of fresh vegetable left in our fields; the hardy stuff that keeps a backbone in the cold and rain. But our work now is more about sustainability and preparation than the summer’s preoccupation with a fast, agile harvest. There are endless winter carrots to wash. Greenhouses to maintain. Next year’s garlic and tulips to plant. Our coolers are full. These are good things. 

It’s my second Fall on the farm. Last year, I experienced this season differently. I was concerned by the idea of a restful winter after months of go go go. It’s a cultural thing, I think. Other lines of work see too much downtime as a resume gap. And, especially in an increasingly digital economy, I think a lot of people feel disconnected from the results of their labor (no shade). I think it encourages a suspicion of rest, almost like too much of it might mean the end of accomplishment or movement. True restlessness, if you will.

Farming has its challenges, but not seeing the results of our work is not one of them. Our crew is small this time of year, but being able to sit around our breakroom table, look at each other and say, “remember in June when we…” is profoundly rewarding. And now, as our crew makes its Thanksgiving plans—together and otherwise—relief and pride move across our little valley like November rain. This year, it feels easier to connect with the seasonality. My body knows this is a turning of the wheel rather than an ending. 

I hope your mind is wandering too, dear reader. That’s what this time of year is for; as well as mashed German Butterball potatoes, of course. We’re grateful that you’re part of our community, and that we can celebrate this harvest together. 

~Solomon