Farm-Fresh Confidence

Nothing makes you appreciate farm life quite like seeing it through a child's eyes. This Thanksgiving, two of my brothers brought their families to visit our farm. Watching my city-dwelling nephews and nieces discover this way of life hit me differently this time. 

You should have seen my oldest nephew, Jack. City kid or not, he was up at the crack of dawn every morning, bundled up like the kid from A Christmas Story, waiting at the back door to help Andrea with chores. No alarm clock needed – just pure excitement about being first to the barn.

Then there was my 10-year-old nephew, Charlie, learning to split wood. Now, I know what some folks might think – "Isn't that too young?" But here's what I saw: a kid making real decisions, solving physical problems, and building confidence with every successful split. No screens, no schedules, no structured activities – just the satisfying thwack of wood splitting and the pride of accomplishment lighting up his face.

 Meanwhile, six-year-old Rex had his own ideas about farm work – he ditched the wood-hauling party to go hunting for crawdads in the creek. Sometimes the best farm lessons come with wet socks and muddy hands.

The spoils of a hard day's work on the farm.

Growing up in the country, I spent my days playing in creeks, helping my grandma in the garden, and hunting with my grandpa. These weren't just activities – they were lessons in problem-solving, responsibility, and connection to the natural world. In a time when kids are so overscheduled they never learn to manage their own time, these simple farm tasks offer something precious: the chance to make real decisions and see their direct impact.

By day three, Andrea was ready to put Jack on the payroll. Every farm task, from feeding the horses to chopping wood, required these kids to think critically and understand the consequences of their choices. No apps, no alerts, no notifications – just real work with real results.

What I witnessed wasn't just children having fun on the farm – it was young people discovering their own capabilities. These kids might head back to their city homes with a few splinters and a little poop on their boots, but they're also taking with them something precious: some farm-fresh confidence!

At Grass Roots, we're not just raising better food – we're trying to preserve these kinds of experiences for future generations. When you choose our products, you're helping keep alive a way of life where kids can learn by doing. Thank you for standing with small, family farms and investing in the future of the next generation of hands-on learners.

Your farmer,

Cody