The first day of the year always fills one with optimism and good cheer. For farmers, the shortest day is behind us (December 21st) and although it is still winter one can start to plan now for longer warmer days.

This past year was a challenge, because of the realization that the world has fundamentally changed and business-as-usual will not do. Accepting that future energy and agricultural supply costs will inevitably rise, we feel that we are now heading in the right direction. That, and preserving the ability to make quick changes in direction, will serve us best.

We have always welcomed change and we must resist the tendency to feel that the future can be predicted based on past behavior. The most important thing we know is that if we stay relevant to our workers and to our community we will be moving in the right direction. Although the future is not clear, the fact that we are expecting an unpredictable future and have prepared ourselves to adapt is very comforting!

And that reminds me; I’ve been off my exercise program for a year now. I’ve started testing the exercise equipment and I’m looking forward to getting back on track. Nothing like being in a good frame of mind.