08/06/2026
Three weeks ago I text my husband that I’d be okay if we had to sell a good many of our momma cows. That’s how serious the drought had become.
Thankfully, we’ve received some rain and the grass has started growing again. We’re grateful for every drop, but we’re not out of the woods yet.
The truth is that decisions like selling cattle are never taken lightly. We spend years building genetics, managing land, and caring for these animals. But if there isn’t enough forage to feed them, keeping them isn’t what’s best for the cattle. My heart goes out to the generational dairies who decide the time has come to close - that’s all they’ve ever known to do.
Farming is full of hard decisions. Sometimes the plan you’ve worked toward for months—or years—has to change overnight.
We’ve talked with row crop farmers trying to decide which crop is worth the gamble. Corn planting windows were closing. Bean prices weren’t encouraging. Maybe cotton would pencil out.
We’ve talked with hay producers who have nearly doubled their input costs only to watch a crop amount to very little, or sit in the field waiting for the rain to stop while quality declines.
Agriculture is a constant balance of risk, faith, and adaptation.
Every farm is different, but one thing remains the same: when conditions change, farmers make the best decisions they can with the information they have.
Sometimes that’s pushing forward.
Sometimes that’s changing course.
And sometimes the hardest decision is the right one.
If you’ve ever chosen to shop at a farmers market, buy local beef, pork, chicken, lamb, produce, honey, or simply support a farm in your community, thank you.
Those choices matter more than you know.
You’re helping farm families weather the hard seasons, celebrate the good ones, and continue producing food close to home.
Your support helps keep local agriculture alive.
