Market Farming

["Adriana" <gutierrez-lagatta AT charter.net>]

> I have been here about 3 years working on it.  I have a herniated disk in 
> my lower back.  It will (hopefully) repair it's self without surgery in a 
> couple years if I allow it to.  Farming and gardening are pretty much out 
> of the question unless I opt for surgery.
>
> I really hate to consider selling my cows and sheep and just shutting 
> everything down.  I am weighing my options.
>
> Please let me know what you think.  Shall I try to rent it, find a 
> caretaker or just shut down for a couple of years??


Margaret, you've gotten some great advice.  Having just finished a 6 weeks 
stint of herniated cervical disk problems I can sympathize with you.    I 
would think finding a partner or taking on serious interns who can do the 
more physical end of the work would allow you to stay in business and not 
lose the momentum that has taken you so long to build.

Also, I would recommend that you look into transitioning to some of the less 
"back-breaking" modes of farming to plan for the future as this is an area 
that can give you trouble for life.  I had my first neck problems at 31 and 
have had at least 3 -4 serious occurrences  in the 20+ years since which 
have required me to totally stop until I am healed.  Growing specialty 
greens, herbs or flowers on raised benches in greenhouses is much less 
physical than in-ground production.

Adriana