Working in Weather

Today was one of the worst weather days we have had on the farm since I started here, almost six months ago. Rain, high winds, and an omnipresent cold combined to form inescapable, unpleasant conditions in the fields. Our roads have turned into muddy rivers, our fields into lakes. As we harvest, we are pelted by rain, we slip in the mud, and we feel the water soak through our outer layers into our inner ones. Yet, through it all, my friends keep their spirits high.

Perhaps the joviality I notice comes from the relief of knowing that, after the day is done, we will strip ourselves of our wet shells and allow ourselves to dry and relax. Perhaps it is caused by a slight streak of masochism which must certainly be in all of those who have decided to continue working through the winter. Or, perhaps my friends, like myself, feel a certain thrill in the adversity of nature. Our job is not an easy one, and on days like this Nature itself decides to make it more difficult for us. I cannot speak for others, but I know I for one get a thrill knowing that I will be fighting against Nature itself for the day.

As we continue to rush to bulk out vegetables from fields which will soon be lakes, as we rededicate ourselves to bringing our CSA delicious vegetables every week, as we transform the farm to be prepared for winter, we also fight against the elements. Today was the worst day so far, but I am not naïve enough to believe it will be the worst day of the year. As winter sets in, the weather is only going to continue to get worse. But, looking at my friends as they pick bunches of kales or crates of carrots, I can’t help but think, “So what?” Because I know, as long as we work together, we will get through this, just like we have today.

~Jake