Life on the Farm

Farming is one of the earliest known occupations. Among ancient peoples, the landowners were regarded, along with the warrior, as the most respected and honored men.

Beginning with our Founding Fathers, we have been an agricultural society. But is farming a good way of life? Oh yes!

Since we began our homesteading journey, we have learned some valuable reasons as why we love our lifestyle.

Farm work, especially for adults, provides great exercise, fresh air, and satisfaction in one's work. Simply stated, it's what I like to call, natural therapy.

Levi helping Grammy water the garden.

Whether we are working in garden, feeding the chickens, milking the cows, or working in the field, we are busy with many tasks and skills. We are running equipment, doing repair jobs around the farm, clearing brush, and even chopping wood. We have found truth in the old saying. "The farmer's day is never done." But we enjoy our work! With all the physical work we have lost weight, increased our muscle strength, and over-all feel younger than we have in years.

Sociologists suggest that the farmers tend to have a happier life than the city man with a stronger sense of family. As a family forging our way through this homesteading lifestyle I have witnessed the powerful benefits of our family working together. We are no longer running from activity to activity, but rather spending time together. The city may offer more opportunities for entertainment, but we are finding peace in the stillness of our mountains. Living on a farm has caused our roots to go deep and is producing a strong sense of stability and unity.

Farming and caring for our livestock has taught our children responsibility. Peyton completely cares for the Chick Inn, our house of hens. Working on his daily chores has instilled in him a good work ethic and opportunities to learn many life skills.

Research has shown that working on a farm improves cognitive ability, let's one understand the cycles of life, and gives people the ability to deal with anxiety and stress. I am finding relaxation in the simple things such as hanging clothes on the clothesline, feeding the animals, and sitting on the porch listening to the sounds of nature.

Have you ever walked barefoot in the cool evening grass, or smelled fresh hay? Farm life has taught me to slow down and enjoy the little things that our God created. I love opening the windows to feel a cool breeze, watching my laundry swaying on the line, and hearing the cows "talking" to each other. Overall, farming is hard work but has taught me that life is simple. It's not as complicated as everyone makes it out. Life is about family working together, praying together, and supporting one another. It's about having peace with God and yourself. It's about keeping the main thing the main thing.

Life on a farm, even with all the hard work it requires, is the best life!