Working Toward A Future

This Hoosier State couple is building a farm and a family.

- Erin Parsons Colfax, Indiana

Welcome to Parsons Farm, a first-generation farmstead that is owned by my husband, Michael, and me. A couple of years ago, we bought a few acres that included an early 1900s farmhouse that needed lots of love; an established apple, pear and walnut orchard; and plenty of space for growth. We bought several chicks to start our group of laying hens and built a coop. We have also tilled and planted a 1,000-squarefoot garden and have made our first big purchase for the farm—a John Deere tractor that has now become our little workhorse. We’ve been working hard to get everything as ready as we possibly can, and our goal is to bring heritage and rare livestock breeds to our farm soon.

Food Shopping and Wood Chopping

AUG. 1 Maybe it was the brand new sheets or the fact that it was Monday, but I didn’t want to get out of bed— especially at 5 a.m. But I did anyway, then packed food for Michael, who was facing another 24-hour shift as a firefighter. I waved as he drove off to the firehouse in West Lafayette, which is just about an hour from our farm. As for me, I grabbed another hour of fitful sleep before heading outside to tend to the animals.

How peaceful it was to see our pigs and chickens grazing on long blades of dew-covered grass. And to hear our three dogs crunching their breakfast kibble. And to feel our little barn cat, Mo, twisting around my boots as she meowed. This is my life, and what a dreamy life it is.