It can be a challenge to make everything come together on the farm, especially when we add in media publishing deadlines. Like squash farmers, publishers think far ahead, as in 4-6 months out for their articles.  That means that they are often working on a harvest issue while the farmer is planting.  It is an exciting challenge to meet. There is a buzz of activity that throws us farmers out of our daily routine. Photography and styling replace weeding and shoveling. I find myself getting stuck thinking that the farm needs to be in full vining glory to be interesting, but I am wrong in doing so.  The no-till soil building is the foundation of not just the health of the plants, and the environment, but also key to my water management strategy. The field at rest is a sign of health too.  Young plants are a part of the continuum, as are compost and the flowers before the fruit.  Every stage has it’s worth, though its beauty more subtle.

I think many of us use traditional methods that are intriguing to the media.  We need to remember that the tools of our everyday: the jars of seeds, the old rusted wheelbarrow are all a part of the character that our farm has.  Be creative when you get those inquiries from the media.  Your farm and garden is much more interesting than you may think, even in off-season. So say yes, when someone offers you and your farm a moment in the spotlight.  It is a wonderful thing that farmers are now getting the opportunity to be acknowledged for all that they do.