Freedom, Farming & Family

Hello Skyview Friends,

As Derrick and I settle into life on the farm, we’re discovering that every day brings a new challenge to solve. Farming has a funny way of humbling you. Just when you think you’ve figured one thing out, another pops up asking for your attention.

Then again, if we’re being honest, we’ve always had a habit of biting off a little more than we can chew and figuring it out along the way. Sometimes the best opportunities come before you feel completely ready, and you simply have to say “yes” and trust that you’ll figure it out.

This week, as our country celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, I’ve found myself reflecting on what it really means for something to be “hard.”

Yes, farming is hard. If it weren’t, more people would do it. But when you stop to think about the sacrifices made by those who came before us to build this country and preserve the freedoms we enjoy today, it puts our daily challenges into perspective. It reminds me to be grateful—not only for the opportunity to farm, but for the privilege of living in a place where we can.

On a much lighter note… we’re excited for the Fourth of July!

As I’ve been thinking about the holiday, I’ve found myself remembering Fourth of Julys spent at my aunt and uncle’s farm near Atchison—eating watermelon, shooting fireworks, chasing barn cats around the yard until well after dark. Funny enough, that’s now the same community the Noffkes call home. Those simple moments are some of my favorite childhood memories, and I hope many of you are making memories just like that with your own families this week.

We’re stocking the farm store with plenty of dairy favorites for your holiday celebrations. We’ve made fresh batches of yogurt and buttermilk, have extra fresh cream available if homemade ice cream is on your menu, and we just received another shipment of cheese from the Noffkes. It was wonderful to catch up with Bill, and they’re making great progress toward opening Skyview Creamery in Atchison.

Thank you for allowing us to be part of your family’s table and traditions. We wish you a safe, joyful, and meaningful Independence Day with those you love.

With gratitude,

— Jessica