Casey O’Neill is a cultivator of cannabis and a producer of food in Mendocino County who regularly shares updates on his endeavors to offer sustainable crops and marijuana. His column is featured weekly.
In the midst of winter, a new cycle of life emerges. Seeds begin to sprout, the scenery transforms into lush greenery, and the gardens are taking form for the upcoming year. Yesterday marked the birth of four lambs, the first additions to our modest flock that came to us from Meadow and Paulo last summer. With one buck, two ewes, two yearling males, and now four female lambs, all appeared robust during our afternoon check-in. As I wrap up my writing and prepare to head to the ranch for morning tasks, a mix of hope and slight unease fills me.
The synchronicity of both ewes giving birth on the same day and nearly simultaneously feels like a stroke of luck; there were no lambs during the morning chores, but by the afternoon, all four had made their debut. Standing by the lambs in their shelter amidst the driving rain and gusty winds, we exchanged smiles of joy over the miracle of new life. In this moment of firsts, filled with uncertainty and optimism, we seek advice from Meadow and contemplate the best courses of action. The excitement of this new experience lingers, and my mind buzzes with thoughts about sheep, pastures, rotations, fencing, and overall management.
Moreover, I am relishing the interconnectedness among farms, the profound friendships forged, and the networks of mutual aid. Recently, Amber and I took a brief trip to the coast to visit our friends at Mist Farm in Mendocino, returning with two coolers brimming with the most exquisite Little Gem lettuces I have ever laid eyes on. While my salad production requires another week to catch up, the addition of Mist lettuces is a delightful surprise that I am eager to share!
Like an intricate spider’s web, these connections extend within our community and local food landscape. I am constantly attuned to what fellow farmers are cultivating, what produce is available, and the demands within our local sphere. I am swift to identify niches to fill and derive immense satisfaction from sourcing produce from various farms to distribute among family, friends, and the community. Food has evolved into a deep passion for me, and facilitating greater access to the bounty grown and raised in our region has become the cornerstone of my life’s work.
As we embark on our 14th year of Community-Supported Agriculture (CSA) and farmers market participation, my focus has shifted towards enhancing distribution and sales channels alongside the usual bed preparation, seed sowing, and crop planting. I’ve come to realize that the constraints of space and time limit the extent of my personal cultivation, but by fostering collaborations and connections with other farms, I enable a seamless flow of produce from farms to consumers.
The intricate tapestry of agriculture and human connection occupies my thoughts. Farming necessitates the patronage of customers to sustain our endeavors; without their support, the farm cannot endure. Eating involves a connection to farms, whether through personal cultivation or sourcing from others. We rely on our farmer comrades for produce beyond our own cultivation and for essentials like beef, while also depending on grocery stores for various provisions. This web of interdependence evokes a sense of both support and humility, acknowledging that while I cannot accomplish everything alone, I am not alone in this journey.
In the past week, we completed the repairs on the storm-damaged tunnels, notably reconstructing the farmstand tunnel that succumbed to the snow last winter. Securing new parts at a discounted rate due to the company’s storm repair incentives was pivotal in making the replacements feasible for us. Brother Lito and I swiftly dismantled and rebuilt the structure within a few hours, a testament to our seamless collaboration honed over years of shared work. With age comes a balance between gradually increasing physical limitations and a heightened proficiency for efficient work. Equipped with the right tools and expertise, tasks that once seemed daunting now feel manageable, fueling my excitement for the farm’s appearance and my spring plans.
Gazing out the window, I am greeted by a breathtaking sunrise illuminating the mackerel sky, the pink hues on the underside of the clouds a visual delight. Despite the looming heavy wind advisory and the forecasted rain, the current atmosphere exudes a sense of tranquility and mildness. Soon, I will bundle up and venture out for chores, hoping to encounter four lively and healthy little lambs. Wishing you abundant love and success on your own journey!