deidler
3T WIS
| Joined: | Fri Dec 16th, 2005 |
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| Posts: | 302 |
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I posted this on my blog because I learned about it today. It is also about a retired military man. So I know alot of you can appreciate that. I am posting it here because some of you don't visit my blog but, I think it is a worthy message. Thank you guys for such great place to converse and contribute.
I don't know where to start. Do you ever think about the person who has grown any of the food you eat? Probably not. Until recently, I never did. There is generally no connection between you and the food you buy at a local grocery store. Much like anything we buy. If you are lucky, one day you will receive or purchase something handcrafted. Something that the craftsmanship draws you to the maker of that item. You may become a collector or just always have such an appreciation for that one piece. You can find the same skill and love in the food you eat. Here in Missouri we found a farmer whose love and passion for nature and earth shown in his food. Unfortunately that farmer's life came to a tragic end this last Tuesday. I first learned of Ron Hale through my fairshares newsletter. It was a small article on how he used a migrating bird as a signal to plant his crop. That migrating bird is a purple martin. It can't survive in the cold and makes its way to this area in the spring. As you know (especially if you live in Missouri) the weather is unpredictable. At least to us humans. It doesn't seem that way to those birds. As farmers planted their crops, Ron Hale would wait to see his flying friends and that would be the signal that spring was here. Turns out, other farmers should have waited to see the birds. Although we had a warm spell, Spring was not here and many farmers lost their crops. Not Ron. What a great use of nature. What a great lesson. I had the opportunity to taste spinach from his farm. That stuff you buy in plastic bags and plastic boxes, yeah, that ain't spinach. This was spinach. I only wish I took a picture so you could see the difference. You wouldn't even know you were looking at the same vegetable. You definitely would not be able to taste any similarity. Truly shocking. It was our first introduction into a local and natural farm. You couldn't ask for a nicer welcome. Our sympathies go out to his family. Not only was Ron an amazing farmer but, he was a retired USN Commander. A true American hero in so many ways. He will be missed by many people. Most, like me, he has never even met.
I don't know what the future holds for his farm. I hope someone will be able to carry on his tradition of fine food. You can read about his methods on his website.
Next time you find yourself shopping, I urge you to try a CSA or at the very least, shop at a local farmers market. It is a wonderful experience and a healthy one. If you're lucky you will find a farmer with such dedication and love. You will see, feel, and taste the difference.
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