Back to Basics: Homesteading and Home Schooling on an American Farm
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Photo Credit Robyn Ivy Photography
Visiting my brothers farm this past weekend I realized as I do every time I spend time with them how amazing and different his family's lifestyle is from mine. Joe Grady has joined a growing community of Americans who are passionate about making a living through hard work and the simplicity of a farming life. They live with a sense of integrity purpose that I find incredibly admirable and inspiring.
Farm Adirondack Overlooking Two Coves: Photo Credit Robyn Ivy Photography
Take for instance the fact that the families three children (ages 10, 8, and 4) wake each morning the crow of roosters and start the day by completing the household chores. Everyone has to pull their weight with the farm chores: collecting eggs, feeding and watering the animals and then rotating the cows and sheep to pasture.
Sunflower: Photo Credit Robyn Ivy Photography
The family's vision for the farm has been one of unity with their surrounding community and they work the land with many benefits to the general public. Two Coves Farm sits on top of a luscious country side at the very top of the ocean coves of Brunswick, Maine, and is open to the general public each day for the sale of eggs, vegetables, flowers, grass-fed beef, turkeys, chicken, and lamb. In addition they hold open houses to demonstrate the skills and techniques they use to farm in cooperation with their working dogs, Border Collies Johnny and Lilly.
Johnny Rests: Photo Credit Monica Rodgers
I’m often in complete amazement as I watch my nieces and nephew interact with the general public. In addition to making change in the farm store for the tourists and locals who make their purchases they also have a vast knowledge of animal husbandry, and answer questions posed to them and demonstrate many skills. At their tender ages they too are teachers to the many visitors and have so much to offer those of us who have very little knowledge about the art of farming.
Chicken Love: Photo Credit Monica Rodgers
I learned this past trip that my ten year old niece has started her own business and is offering flower arrangement and bouquets for sale. She planted her own beautiful flower garden this spring, and offers beautiful arrangements in ball glass jars for between $3-6 dollars. A recent order from a neighbor down the street required her filling the back of her wagon and attaching it to her bike for her very first flower delivery. Now- I know this is not my child but my heart bursts with pride when I think of her sense of accomplishment!
Flower Delivery: Photo Credit Joe Grady
The most recent and exciting addition to TCF offerings to the public is that this summer they launched their first annual farm camp for kids that combines a half day learning session of farm activities, and the latter half of the day spent learning about environmental/outdoor art projects. The floating installation in the cove was a huge hit, and check out the garden scarecrow art in the photo's below.
Art Scare Crow: Photo Credit Robyn Ivy Photography
Floating Art In The Cove: Photo Credit Joe Grady
If you are interested in tasting some of the best grass fed beef in the country or pre-ordering your Thanksgiving Turkeys check out their website and blog or stay tuned to their page on Facebook. Do you know any American Farmers? What do you think of their work? Would you ever consider it?
Rooster Walk: Photo Credit Robyn Ivy Photography
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