What is Farming Really Like?

with Paul Grieve

Have you ever wondered what life is really like on a farm? What does it take to run a farm? The romantic allure of fresh air, a slower pace, and ethically sustainable foods make farm life appealing, but it honestly takes a lot of hard work and sacrifice.

Today, Paul Grieve of Primal Pastures, a regenerative farm in Southern California, offers insights into the realities of running a farm and walks us through a day-in-the-life of a small farmer, sharing some of his early struggles and how he overcame them. Paul also explains why balance is key–how farms need to be not only economically and ecologically sustainable, but also socially sustainable for the communities they serve and the families that run them. If you haven’t visited a local farm yet, this conversation may inspire you to do just that!

Notes:

Highlights from the conversation include:

How chronic arthritis and inflammation led Paul to discovering the Weston A. Price Foundation & inspired his farming career
That farming can be an exhausting 24/7, 365 days per year job
How farming includes not just working the land and raising livestock, but also processing, slaughtering, marketing, and much more
How Paul almost went out of business when predators ate his over half of his chickens
How he found a natural way to solve the issue
The negative consequences of industrial farms’ prioritization of economics over the ecology and local communities
Why Primal Pastures is 100% committed to farming with integrity and transparency
Why Paul whole-heartedly supports famed regenerative farmer Joel Salatin’s decision to begin shipping his products after only delivering to a certain radius for years.
Why Primal Pastures also delivers its products
Why visiting a farm can be an emotional, transformative experience
Why plant-based diets are associated with animal deaths even though meat isn’t consumed
What we can learn from the Italians about slowing down and enjoying our food with friends and loved ones
Insights into Primal Pastures events including general tours, processing workshops, and community dinners
Why we should be concerned if a farm refuses to offer tours