Welcome to the inaugural issue of Farmer-ish!

It wasn’t until I became a farmer that I began to truly understand the importance of the seasons, of the solstices, of the light. Today, on the Summer Solstice, I am so proud to present to you Volume 1, Issue 1 of Farmer-ish.

I mean for Farmer-ish to be a unique journal. Last year, I set out to write an essay about something that happened to me related to hatching and raising baby chicks. Losing a batch of chicks triggered in me memories of a trauma. And while I had some interest in the story from a few publishers, the editors wanted to read less about the baby chicks and wanted me to focus on my trauma. But, in my heart, I knew the connection I had to the baby chicks was so important.

I soon began to wonder if there might be room in the publishing world for a journal that would focus on both the Nature and the human experience, because as a farmer, these are ineluctably connected for me.

In this first issue, you will find essays, reflections, how-tos, and poetry on topics related to animals, food, nature, pain, love, defiance, and hope. I hope you enjoy and help us by sharing what speaks to you.

Happy Summer Solstice!