Growing up on the Farm

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Imagine waking up to the sound of roosters crowing, the sun just beginning to peek over the horizon, painting the sky with streaks of pink and gold. That was my everyday reality as a kid growing up on the farm. From the moment I opened my eyes, I was immersed in a world of wonder and adventure.

One of the earliest lessons I learned on the farm was about responsibility. Even at a young age, I was expected to pitch in and help with chores. Whether it was feeding the chickens, mucking out the stalls, or gathering eggs, there was always something to be done. My parents taught me that taking care of the animals and the land was not just a duty, but a privilege. It instilled in me a sense of responsibility and work ethic that has stayed with me throughout my life.

“I do not particularly like the word ‘work.’ Human beings are the only animals who have to work, and I think that is the most ridiculous thing in the world. Other animals make their livings by living, but people work like crazy, thinking that they have to in order to stay alive. The bigger the job, the greater the challenge, the more wonderful they think it is. It would be good to give up that way of thinking and live an easy, comfortable life with plenty of free time. I think that the way animals live in the tropics, stepping outside in the morning and evening to see if there is something to eat, and taking a long nap in the afternoon, must be a wonderful life. For human beings, a life of such simplicity would be possible if one worked to produce directly his daily necessities. In such a life, work is not work as people generally think of it, but simply doing what needs to be done.”
― Masanobu Fukuoka, The One-Straw Revolution

But the farm wasn’t just about chickens and crops. We also had horses, magnificent creatures that captured my imagination from the moment I first laid eyes on them. My parents raised them for both work and pleasure. We’d spend hours grooming them, feeding them, and riding them across the fields and trails that crisscrossed our land. It was through caring for these beautiful animals that I learned the value of patience, trust, and respect.

Our horses weren’t just working animals; they were also beloved members of our family. We had a mare named Daisy who was gentle and patient, perfect for teaching young riders like me. Then there was Thunder, a spirited stallion with a mane as wild as his spirit. Riding Thunder was like flying; he had a boundless energy that filled me with exhilaration. And let’s not forget about Midnight, our old warhorse who had seen it all. He may have been retired from pulling plows, but he still enjoyed a leisurely ride through the countryside.

One of my fondest memories is the day we welcomed a new foal into the world. I remember sitting in the barn, watching in awe as the tiny colt took its first wobbly steps. It was a magical moment, one that filled me with a sense of wonder and joy. From that day on, I was determined to learn everything I could about horses, from grooming and tacking to riding and training. It was a journey that taught me patience, perseverance, and the importance of building a bond of trust with these magnificent animals.

Another important aspect of farm life was cheese-making. We had a small dairy operation where we milked our cows every morning. My mom was the master cheesemaker, and I loved helping her in the process. We’d gather the fresh milk and carefully heat it, adding rennet to coagulate it into curds. Then came the fun part: pressing the curds into molds and aging them until they were ready to be enjoyed. There was something incredibly satisfying about creating something delicious from scratch, and it taught me the importance of craftsmanship and attention to detail.

And then there was our vineyard, a recent addition to the farm that quickly became one of my favorite places to spend time. My parents had always dreamed of growing grapes and making their own wine, and they finally realized that dream when I was about five years old. We planted rows upon rows of vines, carefully tending to them as they grew. I loved helping out in the vineyard, from pruning the vines to harvesting the grapes when they were ripe. And when it came time to make the wine, I was right there beside my parents, stomping grapes and helping with the fermentation process. It was a labor of love, and the reward was well worth it: bottles of rich, flavourful wine that we could enjoy with our family and friends.

But the farm wasn’t just about work, it was also a place of endless adventure and exploration. I remember spending long summer days roaming the fields and forests, getting lost in my own imagination. I’d climb trees, build forts, and chase after butterflies until the sun dipped below the horizon. There was always something new to discover, whether it was a hidden animal burrow or a secret pond tucked away in the woods.

One of the most important lessons I learned during my time on the farm was about the cycle of life. I witnessed firsthand the miracle of birth as new calves were born and baby chicks hatched from their eggs. But I also experienced the sadness of loss when a beloved pet passed away or a crop failed due to bad weather. It taught me that life is precious and fragile, and that we must cherish every moment we have.

Another valuable lesson I learned was about the importance of hard work and perseverance. Farming is not for the faint of heart. It requires dedication, resilience, and a willingness to roll up your sleeves and get your hands dirty. I learned that even when things don’t go as planned, you have to keep pushing forward and never give up.

One of the most thrilling experiences on the farm was truffle hunting with our German pointers, Robi and Luna. Truffles were a prized delicacy, and our dogs were expert hunters. I remember waking up before dawn, the air crisp and cool as we set out into the woods. Robi and Luna would bound ahead, noses to the ground, eagerly sniffing out the earthy scent of truffles hidden beneath the soil.

It was a game of patience and anticipation as we followed our dogs through the forest, their tails wagging with excitement whenever they caught a whiff of truffle. Sometimes, they’d dig up the treasure themselves, their paws kicking up dirt as they unearthed the prized fungi. Other times, they’d signal to us with a bark or a wag of their tail, letting us know that they had found something special.

Truffle hunting was more than just a fun activity; it was a lesson in teamwork and trust. I learned to read the subtle cues of our dogs, to trust in their instincts and follow their lead. And when we found a truffle, it felt like a victory shared between human and canine, a testament to our bond and collaboration.

Those early morning truffle hunts are some of my fondest memories from my time on the farm. They taught me the value of patience, perseverance, and the joy of working together towards a common goal. And as I look back on those days, I can’t help but smile, grateful for the adventures and lessons that shaped my childhood.

But perhaps the greatest reward of all was the connection to nature that I experienced on the farm. Living in harmony with the land and animals taught me to appreciate the beauty and wonder of the natural world. I learned to recognize the signs of the changing seasons, from the first buds of spring to the golden hues of autumn. I marveled at the diversity of life around me, from the buzzing bees pollinating the flowers to the majestic hawks soaring overhead.

And then there were the simple pleasures of farm life, like the taste of a freshly picked apple or the smell of wildflowers blooming in the meadow. These small moments brought me so much joy and contentment, reminding me of the beauty and abundance that surrounds us every day.

Looking back on my childhood on the farm, I am filled with gratitude for the lessons I learned and the memories I made. It was a time of innocence and wonder, a time when the world seemed full of endless possibilities. And though I may no longer live on the farm, the lessons I learned there will always be a part of me, guiding me on my journey through life.

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