Whilst we have been using a lot of our time in isolation to get some work done around the Rock Farm, it has also been a wonderful opportunity to take a few moments to feed our souls.  I was super excited when Jo suggested a movie@home for a date night a couple of weeks ago.  And it wasn’t just any movie – it was all about a little farm a bit like ours…

The movie is The Biggest Little Farm.  It is the inspirational story of John and Molly Chester, and their quest to create a holistic  farm from a run down orchid in California.  John, a film maker by trade, documented their journey, their struggles and their triumphs in a heart warming honest and open story.

In 2011, John and Molly bought Apricot Lane Farm, near Los Angeles with a vision of creating an well-balanced ecosystem that creates sustainable, organic farm produce.  The farm they purchased was none of these things.  The soil was dead, the trees were sick and the farm was not profitable.

The movie tracks their progress and set-backs as they attempt to restore health to the soil, establish orchids and farm animals.  It isn’t always an easy journey – but I found the movie inspirational in showing what can be achieved with a strong vision, a comprehensive plan and a willingness to go out on a limb.

The movie has caused me to pause and look at what is going on here on the Rock Farm.  I am taking more efforts to try to understand the role each plant is playing in my paddocks – even the weeds (especially the weeds).  We have a very different farm model, and different goals for our property – but there are elements I have taken that will help shape the way we manage the Rock Farm.

I encourage anyone who cares about the future of agriculture to check out the trailer – or even better, download the movie.  It is the start of a wonderful night in.  More information on John and Molly’s farm, and a link to the movie, can be found here: https://www.apricotlanefarms.com/