The business side of life

The business side

Hi there friends.  If you didn’t already know we own a Farm Business.  It’s a decent size one especially for all that we produce.  We raise and process our own chickens for sale in numerous restaurants in Pittsburgh PA as well as for individual customers all across the state of Pennsylvania.  In this business I have a busy role to fill.  Sundays I send out our weekly email to all our customers letting them know what’s available.  Monday I call the restaurants that are my duty to contact and get their weekly order.  Tuesdays we process chickens. Usually about 350 chickens each week.  Wednesdays I bake any baked goods orders and get the invoices drawn up and emailed out.  Thursday I pack Pete and his delivery partner lunch and get them sent off by 7:50am.  Then, while they’re in Pittsburgh I prep all the different things I’ll need for baking for Farmers Markets tomorrow.  Making sure all my wheat is ground up to make breads, I have plenty of oil and honey.  Pete won’t be home until at least 10pm.  It is a long day for him.  Friday rolls around and I bake from the time I finish breakfast till 5pm.  On a typical Friday I’ll make anywhere from 15-20 loaves of bread, 50-75 cinnamon rolls and other things for market.  Saturday I get my sons up early and we head out to Clarion Farmers Market from 8am until 12pm.  Saturday afternoons we try and make a more relaxed time of fun.  Facets of the farm I don’t have my hands in, yet are still very important are: moving the animals, feeding animals, care of the animals, keeping track of new babies being born, knowing when new chicks are arriving in the mail, watching for predators, building & maintaining fences, collecting, washing and packaging of eggs, organizing the freezer, and all the job associated with our orchard and vegetable operation.

 

Is my life busy?  Yes.  Is it overwhelming?  No.  God is my sustainer.  I am kept on my toes and I love every moment.  I am always doing something.  In addition to the farm things I do daily, Micah and Patrick keep me constantly on my toes and watching what they are getting into.  I love all that we do and knowing that it is done with the full intent of Glorifying God and stewarding what He has given us.  The side benefit is knowing where our food came from and knowing that it is as healthy for us as it possibly can be.  For those great benefits I’ll take a busy schedule.  I wouldn’t change a thing!

I’m off to go deliver some chicken backs to a customer and run to meet my Tupperware director.  Did I mention I’m a Tupperware consultant too?  Busy busy busy.  But loving every moment!

I’ll catch in with you all later.