Hey there,
I hope you're doing well. Let me tell you, it's been quite a rollercoaster ride here on the farm lately. I must admit, I tend to get a little wound up when things don't go as planned. Anxiety takes hold, and I become a bit bizarre in my behavior. It's not a pretty sight, and I'm sure my family can attest to that! But hey, I'm only human, right?
Last week, we faced an unexpected challenge when our processor for Lamb decided to part ways with us without warning. It hit us hard, especially considering how tough it has been to find processors in recent years. With labor shortages impacting availability, small farms like ours struggled to secure processing slots. It seemed like factory farm cattle were always getting priority, leaving us in a bind.
When we started direct-to-customer selling, finding a processor was a top priority, and we finally found one that worked well for us. So, when they fired us, you can imagine the distress I felt. We had over 60 orders from our fantastic customers to fulfill, and I was at a loss.
We made countless calls to various processors, Unfortunately, most were still not taking any new work. I started calculating the fuel costs for distant options, and it only added to my stress.
But sometimes, life has a way of surprising us. Just when I thought all hope was lost, I decided to give the shop down the road a call. And guess what? Contrary to there situation a few years back they were now excited to work with us! Though a bit more expensive, they are much closer, which is a great advantage for us. They've already done one order, and the results look fantastic.
Reflecting on this experience, I can't help but wonder if everything happens for a reason. Change can be a good thing, even if it's initially unsettling. Amid all this, we were also busy helping a neighbor with hay, harvesting our wheat, and welcoming eight new lambs into the world in just three days. Whew, talk about a whirlwind!
In the end, I'm learning to embrace the unexpected and go with the flow. I guess age doesn't always bring calmness, but I'm taking it one day at a time. And I must say, it's the support and understanding from our amazing customers like you that keep us going through these ups and downs. Your trust and loyalty mean the world to us.
So, here's to facing challenges head-on, learning from them, and embracing the twists and turns of life on the farm.
Take care, and until next time,
Your Farmer
Rod Ewing
Ewing Family Farm