A Farmer's Season: Cultivating Hope Amidst the Harvest

The changing seasons bring a relentless cycle of work to the Peace Tree Farm, where farmer Won Hye-deok chronicles the demanding yet fulfilling month of June. The farm's operations are carefully managed to balance family labor with economic viability, integrating labor-intensive crops like tomatoes and peppers with less demanding grains such as wheat, oats, and barley. This diversification ensures a steady flow of produce and work throughout the year.

June was a whirlwind of activity, including hosting students for agricultural internships, visitors from India interested in organic farming, and a request from the Daesan Rural Foundation to prepare meals using the farm's produce. Beyond these events, the farm's daily tasks filled the month. Early spring planting of seedlings in February and April, followed by direct sowing of root vegetables like radishes and carrots, set the stage for the summer harvest.

The first harvests of the season included napa cabbage and broccoli, followed by onions and cabbage. The farmer describes the meticulous process of harvesting, drying, and packing onions for farm members, emphasizing a flexible approach where the quantity shared is based on the harvest rather than a pre-set amount. This method fosters a sense of shared experience and appreciation among the farm's community.

As the season progresses, the farm anticipates harvesting potatoes and water spinach. The cultivation of peppers and tomatoes, known for their high labor demands, requires constant attention, including pruning and staking. The cyclical nature of farming, from sowing and tending to harvesting and replanting, is a constant reminder of the farmer's connection to the earth and the wider community. Despite the world's complexities, the act of farming provides a sense of purpose, contributing a small but vital part to the world's functioning and nurturing a hope for a better future.