Day 105, August 31, 2010

One-hundred-and-five days. That's nearly four months. What did I do? I found a farm. I borrowed some land, planted plants, and sowed seeds. At times, it rained. We also had weeks of dry sunshine. I remember, in the beginning, watering my tomato seedlings with gallons of bottled spring water, just to keep them sturdy. I met real farmers, came to admire many, and harvested, enjoyed eating, and sold crops to restaurants, Innes and spas. And now, with the beans and cucumbers fading, the pumpkins maturing, and autumn stirring, I have decided to continue this blog. Yes, I should have started farming years ago, but there is a reason I have followed the path I have taken, and perhaps it is why I see so much of a future on the land.

From this point forward, Some Country for Old Ben will be a discussion of my dreams, concepts and thoughts born out of the time I have spent as a guest of George and Anne Brown at Wychwood Farm. The dialogue will be both emotional and practical. It will invite debate and action on my belief that a farm can become a working agricultural community. It can become a place to raise a family, or retire. A place to work, and grow the prominence of Connecticut-grown agricultural products... a place to flourish and a concept to be replicated as often as possible.

Over the past few weeks, I have discussed my initial vision with professionals in Real Estate, Planning and Zoning, Land Use Law, Clergy, and several others. The people I have spoken with are unanimous in their enthusiasm and have offered to help where possible. Although there is likely several years of hard work even before we clear our first road, including finding and optioning a candidate farm, I believe this concept is feasible... simply because it makes so much sense. Simply because it has the potential to help people who deserve to be helped. Simply because it takes us back to a time and place where neighbors were valued over privacy.

I know that there are lots of interesting, intelligent people who have been following this blog. I invite each and every one of you to spread the word about the blog, its important new direction, and about my need to have feedback about this farm community concept. In return, I promise to provide a lively forum, as well as real time discussion of the efforts going into it.

Please show your support by becoming more visible, sharing your interest, experiences, and passion.