New Beginnings

Stepping into 2025 with Hope and Curiosity

As we step into 2025, I find myself reflecting on the incredible highs and lows of the past year. Farming has always been a life of seasons—not just in the fields but in the spirit, too. And while 2024 brought its fair share of challenges, it’s also paved the way for what feels like a new beginning.

Last year tested me in ways I never could have imagined. It forced me to question my resilience, my resolve, and my ability to hold onto hope in the face of uncertainty. And yet, here I am, stepping into this new year with cautious optimism, a growing sense of curiosity, and—if I’m honest—a lingering fear of what’s to come.

Life in Limbo: Awaiting the Planning Hearing Outcome

Right now, we’re in limbo. The planning hearing outcome that will determine the future of our farm could come any day now. It’s hard to put into words the mix of emotions this waiting game brings. Fear. Hope. Uncertainty.

Our circumstances are far from ideal. We’re still squashed into a little caravan parked in the back of a pub car park, commuting to the farm every day. It’s cramped, it’s cold, and it’s a constant reminder of the fight we’ve been waging with our council, driven by pressure from our neighbours. The thought of losing the farm is gut-wrenching. Farming isn’t just what I do; it’s who I am.

What happens if we lose? Can I still call myself a farmer if there are no livestock to tend? Will I still have a story to tell, a passion to write about? These are the questions that keep me awake at night. But amid the fear, I try to hold onto the belief that no matter the outcome, this isn’t the end—it’s just the start of something different.

Looking Ahead: The Oxford Real Farming Conference

Next week, I’ll be attending the Oxford Real Farming Conference (ORFC) alongside the team at Farms Not Factories. For those unfamiliar, ORFC is a gathering of farmers, activists, and thinkers reimagining the future of food and farming. It’s a space to share ideas, celebrate small-scale agriculture, and challenge the systems that make life difficult for farmers like me.

This is my first time attending ORFC, and I’m looking forward to being inspired by the speakers, engaging in thought-provoking discussions, and connecting with others who share my passion for ethical, regenerative farming. These events remind me that, no matter how isolated farming can feel at times, we’re part of a much bigger movement.

A couple of days away from the farm is always welcome. As much as I love my family and our farm, stepping out into a new environment can be refreshing. I can’t wait to soak in everything the conference has to offer and bring back new insights to share with you.

The Smiling Coast of Africa

You might have seen a month or so ago that I put out a call for any writers currently in Gambia. Well, guess what? Later this month, my family and I are heading there! Known as the “smiling coast of Africa,” Gambia feels like the perfect place to step back from the daily grind, reconnect, and explore new possibilities.

With the uncertainty of the planning hearing hanging over us, this trip feels especially important. It’s a chance to recharge and find some positivity amidst the unknown. Leaving the farm is always a challenge, but after six years without a proper holiday, we’re making it happen. Two weeks of family time, sunshine, and exploring a different way of life—it feels like just what we need right now.

I’ll be soaking in the culture, stories, and lessons Gambia has to offer, and I look forward to sharing some of that experience with you here.

Resilience and Renewal

This new year feels like an invitation to embrace change. To step into the unknown with courage. To see the challenges of the past not as roadblocks but as stepping stones to something new.

But I won’t sugarcoat it—the fear of losing the farm looms large. Farming has shaped my identity in ways I never fully understood until it was threatened. If 2024 taught me anything, though, it’s that resilience is more than just endurance—it’s the ability to adapt, grow, and keep moving forward even when the path is unclear.

As I look ahead to 2025, I’m trying to focus on those lessons. No matter where this year takes us, I’m committed to finding a way to keep my passion for farming and storytelling alive.

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A Note to My Readers

As always, thank you for being here. Whether you’ve been with me since the beginning or have just joined, your support means the world. Sharing this journey with you makes everything feel a little less lonely.

I’ve been thinking about how I can offer more to my readers in the future. If you’d like to become a paid subscriber, I’d love to create more personal content—behind-the-scenes updates, reflections on advocacy work with Farms Not Factories, or perhaps deeper insights into my journey as we navigate these uncertain times. Let me know what you’d like to see!

Here’s to a year of growth, curiosity, and hope. Let’s see where 2025 takes us.