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Summertime Goodness

May 29, 2020
Summer time is almost here, and it’s something to look forward to. Currently we are dealing with a global pandemic and are focused on the many challenges and concerns that this brings on. Now may be a good time to enjoy the beauty of creation to ease the tension and aid our mental health.
 
In our mind’s eye, we can picture the waves of wheat moving back and forth across our fields. We begin to envision the corn reaching for the blue sky and anticipate the tassels bursting out, indicating the beginning of cob development. Images of fruit trees filling with sweet tasting apples, peaches, pears and cherries make our mouths water for a taste of this goodness.
 
The 2020 spring season was on the cooler side, but we are well ahead of last year’s planting dates. So far, things have gone fairly well for the spring planting. Even though markets are struggling to show positive returns, we have reason to look forward to a good crop.
 
With the sudden burst of sunshine and warmth, strawberries will soon be ready for picking, along with some rhubarb and topped with whipped cream, we’ll have delicious pie. If you are like me, you enjoy cutting the yard when the grass is thick and growing quickly. There is just something special about seeing new growth. A vegetable garden is another example. This summer we see many more people interested in such a project for the first time while they are spending more time at home.
 
Soon families will begin making summer plans, if possible, for some rest and relaxation. Although different from other years, depending on physical distancing protocols, we anticipate some road trips with the kids and friends or viewing places we have not seen in previous years. We could be planning bike rides, road trips, walking trails, family time, or other opportunities. Due to a different set of rules, this summer will be unique, but that’s when we find things we never thought of before.
 
Farming has always faced challenges over the decades, but together farmers have overcome and continue to provide food. This year, there are new challenges ahead for food producers, but with cooperation we will get through them. Nature has a way of giving us hope. The growth that we view as we scan the country hills remind us that there is more to life than just the current issues we face.
 
Yes, the summer time goodness is buzzing around us: bees making honey, acorns and hazelnuts growing on the trees. So much goodness to look forward to. From the CFFO, to all those involved in producing food, have a wonderful summer.
 
Source: CFFO