Ensuring a Bright Future for Our Food System

It's easy to get discouraged while surveying today's US food and economic landscapes.

A large concern lately has been family-owned farms going out of business, and their land being purchased by corporations.

Times get tough, the little guys go out of business, and the big guys just get bigger.

Not the situation we'd choose, especially when some of those corporations are owned by foreign entities. 😬

But there's hope!

Despite losing so many farms in recent years, the 2022 Ag Census shows an increase in beginning farmers. 👏

Here at David's Pasture, we are doing our part to continue that trend, by bringing up the next generation of farmers.

Meet Cassidy and Clarity. These two hard-working gals may very well be your next farmers. They've been helping me move chickens this year and are getting quite good at it!

While little hands don't always make the work go faster, the extra time spent is a worthy investment in the future of our food. And, even if it takes them longer to help me, it frees up someone else.

And then, of course, there's our own son, Bo. He's not helping with chores just yet, but he loves tagging along.

Small, privately-owned family farms currently make up 88% of all farms in the US, and they are vital to our food system. Here is why:

+ Food security. When farms are de-centralized, there is a smaller impact on our food supply when disaster strikes.

+ Food safety. Most recalls and foodborne illness-related issues originate at large-scale plants, resulting in large-scale problems.

+ Food skills. Family farms are important for preserving and passing-on the timeless skills and knowledge required for growing, harvesting, and preserving food.

Thankfully, there are plenty of young adults and families looking to enter farming today. The problem is supporting themselves financially.

The 2022 Ag Census also revealed that OVER HALF of family farms in the US rely on off-farm income. 😢

This is largely due to the consumer shift from buying farm-direct to buying from the grocery stores. The centralization of our food system rewards large producers while penalizing those on a smaller scale.

If you want to ensure the preservation and comeback of privately-owned family farms in America, please continue buying directly from farms whenever possible. 

It's only thanks to people like you that David's Pasture has been able to produce and deliver nutrient-dense foods for the last 13 years. We appreciate you!!!

Click here to order truly pasture-raised meats for delivery to your door next week.

___

In good eating, 

Your farmer,
Remi Kesten