Summer Solstice 2020

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!
In This Issue

“Sharing the Bounty in a Neighborhood Co-op” by Cecilia Hae-Jin Lee

“Rebellious Gardening with a Side of Lime” by Katharyn Privett-Duren

“Asparagus = Hope” by DK Crawford

“Resistance” by James Sands

“How to Make a Hen Saddle” by Andrea J. Mahoney

“I’m Home: Narrative of an Urban Farmer” by Kimi Hardesty

“Making an Old Maine Flag Quilt” by Crystal Sands

“Ratatouille” (poetry) by Jesse Curran

“Ode to My Wife’s Raspberry Jam” (poetry) by James Sands

“How to Repair a Leaking Chicken Watering Fount” by Randy Graham

“How to Make Raspberry Jam” by Crystal Sands

“The Pros and Cons of Roosters, Simply” by Crystal Sands