The inspiration for the name of our farm came directly from a letter written by John Adams to his wife, Abigail, in February 1793:

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My dearest Friend,

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...I am weary of reading Newspapers. The Times are so full of Events, the whole Drama of the World is such a Tragedy that I am weary of the Spectacle. Oh my Sweet little farm, what would I not give to enjoy thee without Interruption? …

 

I am, my dear, most tenderly your

 John Adams

 

I'm Kevin and in 2017 my wife and I bought a farm. This farm. 

 

I'm not exactly sure when my interest in growing things solidified into a full-on desire to farm. I grew up as a city kid with no connection to farming but always admired people who could produce their own food. I've always thought a well-managed farm with rows of crops and well-cared for animals were the most beautiful things to look at. Similar to a chef who can put together an amazing meal that pleases and nourishes people he cares about, a farm who can bring healthy food to the home inevitably feels great satisfaction.

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I believe it was in Kuwait, looking across the sand, that the idea started to form. Nothing like a hot dry desert to make a person appreciate a green New England farm. After that initial decision, I used my deployments and travel to carefully observe and learn anything I could about farming. In Georgia, the steep valleys that were farmed almost despite it all with sharp terraces and deep protected pastures. In Ukraine, endless plains that went on forever, inviting people to farm and sadly also to invade. I heard the stories of the old villages and farm families. Tough, proud people with almost endless optimism.

 

My time in the military taught me or reinforced so many skills that are relevant to farming: planing, training, observation, conditioning, maintaining/cleaning critical equipment, teamwork, improvisation, being decisive, and the ability to go it alone if necessary. While I'm retired from the military, I'm currently enrolled at the Stockbridge School of Agriculture at UMass Amherst. Despite the never ending homework, I enjoy being around my younger fellow classmates and learning what it means to be a successful farmer. I plan on keeping this as an important part of my farm, working with young people, even after I’ve completed my studies.

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Farmers and military members have a similar ethos: We support each other, keep our focus on the broader mission, and carry on. It's good to be in such company.