queenlua | (Reply)

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Aww sheep are a critter I've weirdly had little interest in but I love these specific kind of nose dives into their livelihoods. Super interesting observation about the farming for joy vs income and what part of the spectrum the author falls on here. When I lived in Idaho, there were plenty of neighbors that raised black angus for income (selling them later and/or trading with neighbors or businesses for what they wanted/needed) but the work was literally non-stop, especially hay season, and it blew my mind that they were able to do it while also working full time (one set of neighbors were both doctors and the other guy was a pilot, so I imagine any loss of money from the farming was made up for // when it's something you love the sacrifice needed for commitment feels more achievable, right?). But definitely goes to show where farming as a pursuit does tend to stay local/among those with the same reach unless it's done in mass.

I too am curious now as to how other farmers make ends meet. It seems like its less that one profits rather than the goal may be just to break even!