I grew up in Concord grape country. We also had a lot of apples, and dairy cows back then. From age 8-10 we lived by a dairy. My husband grew up on a dairy in TX and when I asked what his holiday traditions were he said “milked cows.”
Now with the severe drought in Texas his family, who now raises beef cattle because one man (his dad) can’t keep up with 150 dairy cattle alone; sold off 75% of the herd because the grass and water were drying up.
The Farm
There are people who don’t have sons and daughters dying in a war we never needed to fight. There are people who don’t understand that the bread and butter, milk and meat, that are put on our tables are still somewhat provided by family farms who embody quality over quantity.
I urge you to grow your own food or buy locally. Years ago I was shocked when my sister called to get a turkey for thanksgiving. Now, well, Nanny does Thanksgiving every year but I’d think nothing of buying a local turkey. My problem is capon, as no-one has it and I’ll have to have one delivered for Christmas.
The sole family farm I could find went out of business last year. No info yet as to sourcing new product but I’m on the case and will let you know.
One of the first times, perhaps just after we were married, we went “home” to Jim’s folks I asked for milk because I was making individual omelets for everyone. She said she had some powdered milk in the pantry. I asked “don’t you have 150 cows out there that were just milked this morning?” And she answered that she no longer has two growing boys at home so doesn’t need to keep two gallons of milk in the frig at all times.
A valid point, from a savvy and thrifty woman that I love. Back home, you “make do.” If you don’t have a lemon for the vinaigrette you want to make, punt with whatever’s there because it’s not worth a 45-minute trip to the grocery store.
I once asked my m-i-l what she does when Joe doesn’t want to eat leftovers. Nothing. Jim, my husband always says “let’s go out.” That’s the difference between city dwellers and family farmers. Jim’s mom has a chest freezer that would feed them for at least a month. She has to buy everything on sale and freeze it, and when we visit, we eat well.
All I can say is that farm subsidies are not geared to the right people, the family farmers, and that they’re hurting this year especially due to drought. Everyone swoops in for a hurricane (except FEMA) or tornado but a slow death isn’t news-worthy. Willy Nelson cares. That’s a start.
These are proud people. Be careful how you try to help out. But try, nonetheless.
Cooking with Dee 