I look forward to Thanksgiving every year. As a kid, it was because I'd be seeing and playing with all my cousins at my Grandma & Papaw's house. As a young adult, I appreciated the big (free) home cooked meal that broke up the monotony of my typical TV dinner or bowl of cereal that my young, single self considered "adulting" when I first lived on my own. Now married with children, Thanksgiving has a whole new set of meanings, and probably a little more like what it should be. Now on Thanksgiving, after getting the kids ready and taking their picture all dressed and ready to go see family (of which at least one will be crying, because it happens every.single.year.)
I put my phone away for the day and just try to absorb everyone. Every conversation, every hug, every bad joke or awkward moment - everything. It's the people and the moments that God put in my life, and I don't want to dismiss any of it as less than important, because we never know what tomorrow may bring.
Thankful for You
When we embarked on the Co-op journey almost four years ago (wow, that's crazy to think about), we had no idea how it would go - we just knew we wanted to try. Thinking back to when we started, what we've learned along the way and how quickly we've grown - it's mind blowing and also humbling at the same time. Thanks to all of you who have supported us continually - either through repeat purchasing or referring your friends. We could not do it without your support and understanding of why it's so important to source locally - not only for the farmers, but also for you and your family.
Thankful for Our Co-op
Sometimes I wonder if we aren't a little crazy for trying to farm AND run the co-op - because it does get hectic and at times I wish the kids (A.K.A free help) were old enough to take on some of the responsibilities - but things always seem to work out and everything gets accomplished. The toughest days are when there is much to be done on the farm (which is kind of everyday), and also many deliveries to be made to customers. One day not long ago, Adam H. had to pick-up our beef at the processor near Dayton, deliver two whole loins to a restaurant in Columbus, run patties down to #LocalFoodConnection for a University customer, meet one of our bulk customers to get their 1/4 beef share and make a delivery in Mt. Orab, Ohio to our newest partner, True Taste of Country. Shew - I'm tired from just typing all of that! It's definitely not a complaint - it's so exciting to be growing our customer base and our brand awareness, but it also sheds some light on how much goes into a farm-to-table business. There are so many times I sing praises that we are working together as a cooperative! We are able to share the work load and take turns - to where it's not all on one farm all year long. Not to mention, our co-op folks are basically the best humans around. I am thankful that God blessed us with so many hard working, dedicated, honest, good people. I look forward to our monthly meetings - we try to make them quick and efficient, but usually we never adjourn in under 2 hours and I like to think it's because we all enjoy everyone's company so much that no one gets in a hurry to leave.
Looking Ahead
We ask for your blessings in the year to come as we hope to add more small family farms as we have acquired some new clients that share in our vision that there is no beef better than straight from one of Buckeye Valley's Co-op farms! I say that with pride, but also in the most humble way. We've worked really hard to perfect our product and I can honestly say that it's absolutely beautiful in our vacuum-sealed packaging!
Be sure to follow us on Facebook and Instagram as we gear up for a big social media campaign that Alli H. is coordinating! You'll be getting insight on everything from on the farm, at our co-op meetings, to what it looks like at our processor's! This is part of an advertising grant that Lori N. received for the cooperative from North Central SARE this year. When completed, we will report our findings and share the information with others like us to help them grow and utilize effective advertisement methods.
Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Buckeye Valley Beef! Today is the one day that we approve of eating poultry.
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