Some people who support our first-rate academics meets outdoor engagement model of education still wonder about our focus on agriculture. It could be that they want their sons to be doctors. Or maybe they’re so far removed from their primeval agricultural roots that they have no context for the draw and romance of “the land”. Or, it could be something else entirely. Whatever the reason, you can see the confusion behind their polite smiles when we say we’re building a working farm.
And so, they and maybe you ask, why agriculture? Well, friends, let’s get stuck in.
First, a basic understanding of herd health and management, animal husbandry, soil health, and planting and harvesting build the self-sufficiency skills that we want our boys to acquire during their time with us. Whether they become gentleman farmers or simply grow zucchini and keep a half a dozen chickens in their suburban backyards, the information can be scaled to provide critical food security for their families.
Second, the average age of the American farmer is 57.5 years. Yep, you read that correctly: FIFTY-SEVEN years old. And that’s based on five year old data, so we can only assume that the current number is north of that now. Imagine the negative impact that will have on all of us in the next decade or two. Accelerated farm consolidation and the wholesale loss of the family farm (Big Ag, anyone?). The financial hit to manufacturers of durable farm goods and all people who make a living in the farm service sector (manufacturers, dealers, suppliers, even large animal vets and seed salesmen). And, perhaps most concerning, increased dependence on foreign producers and unreliable global supply chains.
Some old friends from New Hampshire
Finally, our third reason: We’re in Missouri for Pete’s sake! While the USDA ranks Big Mo 13th nationally in overall farm receipts, we rank THIRD in beef production. That’s right, we’re behind Texas (4.3m head) and nipping at the heels of second-place Oklahoma (2m head). Missouri at 1.9m head of cattle (watch your back, Oklahoma!) produces more beef than Kansas, the Dakotas, and even Montana.
We’re not trying to prepare our boys to farm 5,000 acres of Indiana corn, but trends indicate a rise in homesteading and small holdings. If our boys want to homestead — either full-time or part-time while they pursue other careers — we want them to be well versed in the basics before they leave us.
We’re actively trying to develop relationships with local farmers and tradesmen to mentor our boys in the challenges and rewards of farming. By the grace of God, they’ll all benefit from the program in some capacity. But, in truth, we do hope that at least a handful of them will fall in love with the land and become joyful cooperators with the Lord’s providential care for His creation.
We need your help to do this. Please pray for us and toss in a generous donation to help us build.
