Officially Farmer John

As you know, I've been calling John "Farmer John" since the beginning of this blog. Which was true, he was a farmer, and he was also a teacher. In May, his resignation from his teaching job became official. At the end of this school year, which is tomorrow, he will truly become Farmer John.

Below is what John has to say about all of this:

Since the rumors began, and since the official word spread, we've both been dealing with lots of different reactions. MANY people have been supportive and excited for me and my big shift to full-time farming. Others have been shocked or surprised that I am quitting  a "good job" for a "hobby". I don't think that farming has ever been just a hobby to me, it's a lot of work, but work that I enjoy. We've been slowly growing the gardens, pastures, and acquiring more livestock. The farm has got to the breaking point where if it is to grow any larger, I need to devote more time to it.

Over the past few years of success and failures I have found inspiration from many people who are farming small acreages for a full-time income. No one sugar-coats it, the days are long and the work is physically demanding, but the joys of the job far outweigh any negatives. I understand that it may take a couple of years to get there, but the hope is one day it can be my sole occupation. For right now I will be farming full-time in the summer, fall, and spring and substitute teaching during the winter months.

We're excited and a little nervous about what the future holds. Thanks for following along on the blog for our new big adventure and always offering us tremendous support. Finally, just to prove that it's official, here is a picture of my resignation letter on the fridge.