I started Hathor Farm exactly two years ago. I couldn’t have done this without being able to use the land at Sacred Earth. I’m still a very small enterprise but I’ve really been able to to build something in those two years. I’m considering taking on more land, getting a farming partner and creating a new range of organic charcuterie.
The financial support I’ve received from the Community Benefit Society (CBS) has helped immensely. It’s given me time and space to make improvements whilst paying me a fair wage for my efforts. Without this I would have had to spend the time elsewhere, earning an income.
This has been a great example of how community-based organisations can support sustainable enterprises on the land. In the current climate of political fear, environmental threat and financial turmoil, this is something to be celebrated. I believe this represents a way forward for sustainable agriculture.
My apprentice, Charlie, has been a great help and I’ve actually been able to take a holiday for the first time in years. He has learned some useful skills, like chicken plucking/gutting and how to care for the sheep and pigs. I think the apprentice scheme is a very important part of what we do here as earth and enterprise stewards – hopefully inspiring others to go out and do similar things.
Our next litter of piglets is due in early January and the lambs should arrive in April. I want to get some alpacas this winter because they are so good at protecting the lambs from foxes and dogs.
Next year I’d also like to set up some kind of farm club for kids. We could do morning chores and afternoon games for children up to the age of 12. I’m still working on that idea, so watch this space…..
