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Farm Post

written by

Daryn Pobanz

posted on

December 4, 2018

“Life moves pretty fast. If you don’t stop and look around once in awhile, you could miss it.”
– Ferris Bueller
It was during one of our famous Michigan blizzards this winter that I was able to introduce our teenagers to the great American film – Ferris Bueller’s Day Off. Luckily I didn’t have to deal with Dean Rooney last year, but I did spend quite a bit of time in Chicago and I have been called the Sausage King on multiple occasions…

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#havemeatwilltravel BestNineofInstagram
“Looking around” I thought I would try to quantify some of my experience in 2017.
67,000
The most eye catching number is the total miles traveled in 2017 – 67,000. Now I realize that is nothing compared to many others who travel for a living, but considering the furthest direct partner is less than 200 miles from the farm… that is a lot of trips.

229
229 trips to be exact. What constitutes a trip? I’m not sure, but that what Google Maps told me.

100,000
What else did Google Maps tell me – that my photos have been viewed 100,000 times.

What does that even mean?

What I think it means is that people are continuing to become more and more aware of the food they are consuming – where it comes from and how it was produced. This is why I am such a fan of our mission at Jake’s Country Meats –

Our mission is to supply people with high-quality foods and educate the public about the process and nutrition — developing a connection to bridge the gap between food production and consumption.

Highlights of 2017 were many and varied – from attending the New England Meat Conference with members of MSU Center for Regional Food Systems to having 1000# of leaf lard rendered for the first time.

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#jakescountrymeats BestNineofInstagram
Hours spent behind the wheel were passed enjoying a number of PodCasts including – The Tony Kornheiser Show, The Meat Block, and Under the Influence – in addition to some great music and topical talk shows. I’m always looking for new distractions, so please share some favorites with me!

As I look toward another year supporting the local food system and helping connect businesses and individuals with sustainable and healthy food choices what I am most excited about is all of the new stories I get to hear.

Some of my favorite images from 2017 – my kids say I take too many pictures….

More from the blog

The History of Meat Drops

During the winter months, we stay connected through our Meat Drops. What started with a notepad and a rotary phone looks a little different these days, but every order reminder still takes us back to the early days. This is a small look at how that winter rhythm began, and why, all these years later, it still matters to us.

Why We Choose A Different Way

For more than 25 years, our family has raised and sold meat directly to the families who cook it. What started as a simple decision to offer a different option has shaped how we farm today and how real food can quietly strengthen your year, one steady choice at a time.

CREATE & CONQUER

At the start of each year, Renee chooses one word to help set the tone for the months ahead. Last year, that word was CREATE. It wasn’t about chasing a goal or making a big change, but about paying attention to how often creating shows up in everyday life, especially on the farm. As this year wrapped up, choosing the next word took a little more time. With new projects ahead and a few challenges on the horizon, 2026 is already asking for a different kind of focus.