Farming Through Adversity: The Resilience of Replanting and Supporting Local Agriculture

Last week, we had a freeze, dropping temperatures to 28°F. Despite careful preparation and the help of our grandchildren covering tender plants, some crops did not survive the cold. This setback reminded us that farming demands both careful planning and relentless persistence. This week, we replanted as the soil warmed again. The experience reinforced the reality that farming is a continuous cycle of challenges and recovery.

At the same time, we are grateful for the support from our family and families like Samantha and Michael. They subscribe to The Meat Club, our monthly beef subscription, receiving five pounds of ground beef and a wagyu variety pack each month. Their appreciation for locally raised beef, born and raised by Tim and me, highlights the importance of community connections in sustaining small farms. Their monthly orders do more than feed their family; they help fund pasture improvements and keep our farm working through every season.

The Challenge of Unexpected Weather in Farming

Weather is one of the most unpredictable factors in farming. A sudden hard freeze can damage or kill young plants, setting back months of work. Last week’s freeze was a harsh reminder of this reality. Even with protective covers and careful monitoring, temperatures fell low enough to harm some of our tender plants which included:

• Tomatoes

• Peppers

• Green beans

• Corn

  
  

These vegetables are sensitive, and a temperature of 28°F is enough to cause damage. Replanting is the only answer.

Replanting as a Sign of Resilience

Replanting after a freeze is not just about replacing lost plants. It is a demonstration of resilience and commitment to the land. Once the soil temperature rose, we prepared the beds again and planted fresh seeds and seedlings. This process requires:

• Pulling out the old plants

• Preparing the soil for new plants

• Protecting new plants until they get established

  
  

We continue to pray for God's perfect amount of rain. Enough to nourish the plants, but not so much that it drowns them out.

Replanting tomatoes after a freeze and watering the parched drought-stricken ground.

Replanting tomato seedlings in warmed soil after a damaging freeze

The Role of Local Support in Sustaining Farms

Farming is not just about growing crops or raising cows; it is about building relationships with the community. This week we heard from Samantha and Michael - examples of customers who support Weise Farms through their monthly beef subscription. They receive a steady supply of high-quality beef raised on our farm, which fits their lifestyle since they do not have a large freezer. And it fits their budget! They subscribe to both bundles and their beef bill is $155 per month, feeding their family all month long. Subscriptions start at $55. Give one or both options a try! You can cancel at anytime.

Their subscription includes:

• Five pounds of ground beef monthly

• A wagyu variety pack

  • Either Subscription Offers Bonuses

    • Add-On orders whenever they have need

    • First dibs for eggs, vegetables, noodles, tallow and more

      
      

They appreciate knowing their beef is locally born and raised, which they say tastes better than grocery-store beef. We love the relationships we have with all of our customers.

How Monthly Subscriptions Help Farms Thrive

Monthly subscriptions provide farmers with predictable income, which is crucial for managing expenses and planning improvements. For our farm, these orders help fund:

• Pasture improvements

• Equipment maintenance

• Hay purchases

• Fence Repair

• Animal Care

This steady support allows us to maintain the farm through changing seasons and unexpected events. It also helps us invest in sustainable practices that improve animal wellbeing.

Join The Meat Club

When you join The Meat Club monthly wagyu beef subscription, it provides steady support that allows us to maintain the farm through changing seasons and unexpected events, and helps with animal care.

Farming Is About More Than Raising and Growing Food

Farming involves adapting to nature’s unpredictability and building lasting relationships. The hard freeze and replanting cycle remind us that success comes from persistence and community support. Families like Samantha and Michael show how consumers can make a real difference by choosing local products.

Their monthly orders do more than fill their freezer. They sustain our working farm, fund improvements, and keep our farm going. If you want to experience the benefits of local beef and support our family farm, consider joining The Meat Club today at www.weisefarms.com. You can cancel anytime, making it easy to try. It's healthy. It's convenient. It's affordable. And it's delicious!