How We Cope With Corona - A Farmer's Perspective

Good morning, Folks. 

We hope you were able to make the best of this busy weekend of news and chaos, and that you were able to get some rest, find some peace, and do some inventorying and gathering of supplies to help you feel more confident in what's coming our way soon. 

People keep asking me what I think about what's happening around the world right now. It's been tricky to respond in just the way that's needed. The truth is, we are entering un-chartered territory. We don't know how this pandemic will play out, and neither do the experts.

One thing is certain. This will significantly affect our community, our farm business, and our members. Some basic planning will help keep us on track as we move forward. And as we do that planning, keep in mind it is hard to be prepared for what we do not know. Mark Twain said it well when he stated: "I've had a lot of worries in my life, most of which never happened." And we hope this doesn't happen either, but the truth is that something is happening right now and we need to plan for the changes going on all around us. It's going to continue for awhile, whether we like it or not. And the impacts are and will be real.

I feel strongly that our main objective is to keep everyone healthy, both physically and mentally. 

So, let's go over what we actually know. The virus behaves like a cold or a flu. It's in the family of viruses that cause half of all human colds. Unfortunately, it's more aggressive than a typical cold or flu because it goes deeper into the throat and lungs. There is no treatment other than rest and ample fluids because it's a virus that will only retreat when our bodies have created enough antibodies to invade the bad guys. And many will recover from this. Some will succumb to pneumonia. It will likely subside in Summer and could potentially return in the Fall and Winter. This is how the Spanish Flu of 1918 behaved.

As the outbreak gathers steam, folks will less likely be going out into public places, except for necessities. That has already begun to happen. Our farm business does home deliveries, which I think will help with this situation. And unless our government disallows delivery service, it will continue through these difficult times. Please plan ahead and make arrangements with us if you'd like delivery service. We are here to help.

It is possible we could go into a recession, where travel and entertainment will be affected. This has already started. Food is a necessity, and we will continue to produce it and deliver it. And we will keep planting so there will continue to be food. You can count on that. You can also count on us for some flexibility on payments should you need that. 

We also want you to know that we have a plan for maintaining cleanliness and we will keep good health our priority for all farm workers and helpers. And our Farm Stand is disinfected twice per day.

We also understand that while schools are shut down, public places are closed, and we are all doing what we can to keep sane, cabin fever could set in. We are working on a plan for folks to come out with their families, walk our farm trails in the woods, skip through our fields, and picnic if you'd like. Fresh air is good for the body and for the mind. We may go ahead and follow the 6-foot distance rule to avoid the spread of germs, but we are happy to welcome you for an outdoor experience for some essential Vitamin D. And Summer is coming soon. This will help all of us. 

In the meantime, take good care of yourselves and those around you. Call your friends, especially older friends, get creative, and find fun ways to keep your souls burning bright. Make the best of this unique time we're living in. 

Love and Hugs to All of You,

Jess