A bit about me

As well as owning and running a farm, I am also a partner, a daughter and a mother. I have a 21 year old and a 7 year old. I have been running Five Serves for nearly 10 years, giving birth to my younger daughter just a couple of years into the business. It was tricky to say the least. But it takes a village to raise a child and I certainly have one. My younger one has four parents, who all play a role in her care and she has spent many days on the farm as a youngster being cared for by my parents, both before school started and now in school holidays. 

The biggest challenges

Because I am on the farm physically working most of the time, I do my admin at home. Keeping this to daytime hours and keeping weekends and evenings free for parenting and family time can be tricky. There are definitely times I have written this blog and the newsletter early on a Saturday morning before my kids are awake. 

Another challenge is having the physical energy after a week of farming to go out and be active on the weekends and after school. Keeping fit (outside of farming with yoga, weights, walking and swimming) means my body recovers more quickly from spreading compost or pulling weeds. Then the playground, a trip to the city or a walk into Springwood are much more possible. 

I'm sure many people can relate to balancing work, parenting, friendships and having some time for ourselves. The struggle is real but the rewards are great if you can make it work, and looking after ourselves first makes the biggest difference. 

Still to come

Next time I will talk about income and expenses on a market farm. 

This week's recipe links

Green Bean Salad from Love & Lemons. 

Trout & Sprout Salad from Aussie Sprouts. 

Pumpkin Scones from Women's Weekly Food. 

Warm Eggplant, Mushroom and Kale Salad from Lively Table. 

More info

To read more about what's happening on our local organic farm this week as we grow and care for veggies for our box delivery, check out this week's newsletter here.