The Care of the Earth

“The care of the Earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all, our most pleasing responsibility.”

Last week, Wendell Berry passed away at the age of 92.

He was a writer, poet, essayist, environmentalist, and thinker whose work influenced generations of people.

But first and foremost, he was a farmer.

And I think that matters.

His connection to farming gave him a grounded perspective on rural life, our relationship with the land, and the potential of the American spirit.

His writing challenged many of our modern assumptions about prosperity and happiness. He advocated for a simpler, more sustainable way of life rooted in community, meaningful work, the work of one’s own hands, and a close relationship with the land.

And while I never had the opportunity to meet him, I recognize something of his philosophy in many of the farmers and homesteaders I’ve been fortunate enough to know.

That rugged individualism.

That willingness to work hard.

That understanding that caring for the land is not simply something we do to make a living. It is a responsibility we inherit, carry for a while, and eventually pass on to someone else.

It’s a standard I strive to meet here at Howling Flats too.

There is another Wendell Berry quote that has always felt especially relevant to the way we raise animals:

“I dislike the thought that some animal has been made miserable to feed me.

If I am going to eat meat, I want it to be from an animal that has lived a pleasant, uncrowded life outdoors, on bountiful pasture, with good water nearby and trees for shade.”

Wendell Berry, What Are People For?

That pretty much says it all.

If we are going to raise animals for food, then the life that comes before that food matters.

Pasture matters.

Fresh water matters.

Shade matters.

Space matters.

Good husbandry matters.

And the responsibility we have to the animals, the soil, and the land matters.

Wendell Berry spent much of his life reminding us that agriculture is about more than producing food.

It is also about how we choose to care for the living world entrusted to us.

That feels like a legacy worth remembering.

Rest well, Mr. Berry. And thank you for reminding generations of farmers why this work matters.