This is MY Farmer

Saturday was our return to the Bosque Farmers Market and Clifton Farmers Market. As I mentioned in the last "Our Week in Review" blog, I was not enthusiastic about starting up the markets again.

However, I had a great time catching up with other vendors and talking with our customers. I remembered how unique it is these days for customers to meet the farmers growing their food and how encouraging it can be to get feedback from our customers.

The highlight of the day was getting introduced by one of our faithful customers to a friend she brought along:

"I want you to meet my farmer. This is my farmer, John."

That has to be the greatest compliment I've received as a farmer! It's one thing for people to say nice things about our farm and our products, but there is a whole different level of commitment when someone claims you as their farmer.

I'll often identify myself with people because I believe in their cause. Other times their service and product quality flat out exceeds the competition.

"Go see my guy, he'll take care of you."

Some of us have Mechanics, Hair Stylists, Instructors, Doctors, Lawyers, Contractors, Lawn Care Company's, etc. that we claim as "my guy" or "my lady". I'll pay more and wait longer to get service from these people because I trust them to deliver.

So, it was awesome to have someone say that about me. As a farmer who is just starting out, and who has made a ton of mistakes already, it's good to know there are people in my corner.

And why don't more people have their own farmer? Of all the things in our lives that are important, I would argue knowing what goes in our bodies should be pretty high up there. And how will we really know about our food unless we can meet with the farmers and visit the farms where it is grown?

If you go down to the local grocery store you'd have a hard time finding out who grew those apples. Who is going to tell you how they were grown and when they were picked? If you had a question or concern you'll be pretty hard pressed to get in touch with the farmer.

And even worse...what if you loved those apples?

That farmer will never hear you say "Those apples in that pie right there...my farmer grew those. My farmer grows the best apples!"

I often hear people talk about how community is formed around the dinner table, but when the farmer is left out, the community is not complete. I enjoy hearing stories of how customers prepared our chicken and who they invited to eat with them and how much their kids love the food. It encourages me to continue in times of difficulty and to improve our skills so we can provide the best product possible.

I'd encourage you to get out there and find your own farmer and continue to strengthen our communities around food. Even if it's one farmer who only can provide one product, I think there would be an immense benefit for both you and the farmer.

"Shake the hand that grows your food."